Portofino, Venice and Florence. Three of the most photographed places in Italy, linked by a train that is a destination in itself.
The operator calls this journey Italian Icons, and it is easy to see why. La Dolce Vita Orient Express leaves Rome for the Ligurian coast and an afternoon in Portofino, crosses northern Italy overnight to Venice, then spends the final day in Florence.
It is the most complete northern route on the train, and a fine choice for a first visit to Italy or a special celebration.
We arrange it as a tailor made holiday, with flights, private transfers and as many nights in Rome as you like.
Portofino on the first afternoon
Journey Highlights
Portofino
An afternoon in the pastel harbour, with an optional curated experience.
A Day in Venice
Canals, palaces and quiet squares, explored at your own pace.
Florence
The Duomo, the Arno and the Accademia on the final day.
Live Music Nightly
A trio of musicians in the Bar Car each 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.
Rome to the Riviera
A private transfer brings you to the La Dolce Vita Lounge at Roma Ostiense. Lunch by Heinz Beck is served as the scenery shifts from Rome to the Tuscan hills and on to the Ligurian coast.
In the afternoon you arrive at Santa Margherita Ligure, and a private transfer takes you to Portofino. Enjoy the harbour and its quiet corners, or choose an experience such as A Portofino Love Affair.
Return to Santa Margherita in the evening. Dinner is followed by live music from a trio of musicians as the train travels through the night.
First night on board. Lunch and dinner.
La Serenissima
Breakfast is served as the train crosses northern Italy to Venice. At Santa Lucia the city opens straight onto the Grand Canal. Spend the day exploring, or choose a curated experience such as the Scala Contarini del Bovolo.
Venice is built on 118 small islands linked by more than four hundred bridges. For a thousand years it was an independent republic, and the wealth of that trading empire still shows in every palazzo.
Later in the day you return on board for dinner and music.
Second night on board. Breakfast and dinner.
Florence on the final day
Florence and Home to Rome
Breakfast is served as the train travels through Tuscany to Florence. Local guides welcome you to the city of Brunelleschi, Botticelli and Michelangelo. Explore at your own pace or choose a private walk with the Accademia.
Later in the afternoon you rejoin the train for the journey south to Rome, where the experience 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: Selected dates through the year. Ask us for the current calendar.
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
An afternoon in Portofino, a day in Venice and a day in Florence, round trip from Rome with two nights on board.
Yes. This route adds Florence and visits Portofino on the first day. Rome, Venice and Portofino is sold as a package with flights and two nights in Rome.
Transfers and time in each place are included. Curated experiences are optional extras.
We arrange this journey as a tailor made holiday with flights and hotels. Call us on 0333 405 0192 for a price.
It is one of the most romantic journeys on the train. Ask us about a Suite or the La Dolce Vita Suite.