Italy at Christmas is all twinkling lights, markets and long lunches. This festive journey adds a private party in a Venetian palace and a day in Florence.
The Jingle Route is the festive season journey of La Dolce Vita Orient Express. It runs from Rome to Venice and Florence and back, with lunch and dinner on board by Heinz Beck.
The highlight is an exclusive evening at Orient Express Venezia, the brand's new hotel in Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Cannaregio. For one night it opens its doors to guests of the train for live music and a festive multi course dinner.
The next day brings Florence, its streets dressed for the holidays and its Christmas market in full swing. We arrange hotels and flights either side.
Venice in winter
Journey Highlights
Orient Express Venezia
A festive dinner and live music in a restored palazzo, the brand's newest hotel.
Florence at Christmas
Decorated piazzas, a Christmas market and Renaissance landmarks.
Festive Entertainment
A magician, a DJ and live saxophone on the second evening.
Lunch and Dinner by Heinz Beck
Seasonal menus by the three Michelin star chef.
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 Evening at Orient Express Venezia
A private transfer brings you to the La Dolce Vita Lounge at Rome Ostiense, open three hours before departure. Lunch is served as the train runs north through Italy's winter landscapes.
In the early evening you arrive in Venice, where local hosts escort you by private boat to Orient Express Venezia. The palace was once home to Venetian nobility, and tonight it hosts a festive celebration with live music and a multi course dinner.
Later you return by boat to Santa Lucia, and shortly after midnight the train leaves Venice as the celebrations continue on board.
First night on board. Lunch and festive dinner.
Florence for the Holidays
Wake to breakfast in your cabin. The morning is for relaxing or a special festive activity on board, before lunch by Heinz Beck.
In the afternoon you arrive in Florence. Explore its festive streets and markets at your own pace, or join a guided walk through the historic centre to the Christmas market in Piazza Santa Croce, with its wooden chalets and seasonal treats.
Back on board, dinner is followed by a magician, a DJ and live saxophone as the train heads back towards Rome.
Second night on board. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Evening entertainment.
Florence, dressed for the festive season
Return to Rome
Enjoy a peaceful breakfast as the train carries you back to Rome, where your festive journey ends.
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 or Florence, 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 festive season in December. Ask us for this year's dates.
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 festive season in December. Please call us for this year's dates.
It is the new Orient Express hotel in Venice, in the restored Palazzo Donà Giovannelli. On this journey it hosts a private festive dinner for guests of the train.
Time in Florence is included. The guided festive walk to the Christmas market is an optional experience.
We sell this journey as a tailor made holiday with flights and hotels. Call us on 0333 405 0192.
Yes. Many guests combine the Jingle Route with Whispers at Midnight and a stay in Rome between.