Carnival begins on the rails. Put on your mask for a masquerade evening on board, then step off the train into Venice at its most theatrical.
The Venice Carnival dates back at least to 1162 and reached its height in the eighteenth century, when masks let nobles and commoners mingle freely. Today it fills the city for about two weeks before Lent with costumes, balls and processions.
The Carnival Party on La Dolce Vita Orient Express is a one way journey from Rome to Venice. It includes an afternoon in Bolgheri and an exclusive masquerade evening on board, with a themed Carnival game.
We arrange it as a tailor made holiday. Venice hotels fill up fast at Carnival, so book early and we will secure the best rooms.
Venice, the home of Carnival
Journey Highlights
A Masquerade on Board
Masks, music, fine dining and a Carnival game as the train runs north.
Bolgheri
An afternoon among cypress trees and Super Tuscan vineyards.
Arrive for Carnival
Step off the train into the colour and costumes of Venice.
Live Music
A pianist and singer in the Bar Car all evening.
Day by Day Itinerary
Timings are a guide only. The train operator confirms exact times with your travel documents, and they can change with rail and weather conditions.
An Exclusive Masquerade
A private transfer brings you to the La Dolce Vita Lounge at Rome Ostiense. The train leaves in the late morning for Tuscany, with lunch by Heinz Beck.
In the afternoon, discover Bolgheri's cypress lined roads and wine country, or choose a curated experience such as the vintage car drive and tasting.
Back on board, an exclusive dinner is followed by the Carnival masquerade. Don your mask as a pianist and singer fill the Bar Car, and join a themed Carnival game that turns every guest into part of the story.
Night on board. Lunch and dinner. Masquerade evening.
The Bar Car becomes a ballroom for the night
Venice at Carnival
Wake as dawn light filters through the windows. Breakfast is served in your cabin or the Restaurant Car.
By mid morning the train arrives at Venezia Santa Lucia, and you step into the festive spirit of Carnival. Lose yourself in the calli, watch the costumed crowds in St Mark's Square, or join one of the city's grand masked balls.
Breakfast.
Prices and Booking
Tailor made, price on application
This journey is not available as a ready made package, so we build the holiday around you. We reserve your cabin on the train, then add flights, private transfers and hotel nights in Rome and Venice, and quote one all inclusive price.
Call us on 0333 405 0192 or send an enquiry with your preferred month and cabin, and we will come back with dates and a price.
When it runs: During the Venice Carnival in February. Ask us for the next date.
What the train fare includes
- Your private cabin or suite with en suite shower room
- All meals on board, with menus created by three Michelin star chef Heinz Beck
- Selected wines, spirits, soft drinks, tea and coffee
- Live music and entertainment in the Bar Car
- Transfer to the departure station and use of the La Dolce Vita Lounge where available
- Local host assistance at each stop, plus all taxes
Frequently Asked Questions
During the Venice Carnival, usually in February. Please call us for the next departure.
Yes, masks are part of the fun. We can suggest where to buy a traditional Venetian mask, or you can bring your own.
We arrange hotels in Rome and Venice as part of your tailor made holiday. Carnival is very busy, so book early.
Yes. We can help you find tickets for one of the Carnival balls. Some require full period costume.
Call us on 0333 405 0192 for dates and a price.