Naples is loud, beautiful and utterly Italian. This journey gives you an afternoon there before the train heads south to Sicily.
This one way route on La Dolce Vita Orient Express swaps the Maratea stop of the classic Rome to Sicily journey for an afternoon in Naples. The train then crosses the Strait of Messina by ferry and reaches Taormina for an afternoon and evening, before arriving in Palermo.
Naples is one of the oldest cities in Europe, founded by Greek settlers almost three thousand years ago. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with baroque churches, underground passages and the pizzerias that gave the world its favourite food. Vesuvius looms across the bay.
We arrange it as a tailor made holiday, with flights, transfers and hotel nights in Rome and Palermo to suit you.
Taormina and Isola Bella
Journey Highlights
An Afternoon in Naples
Explore the historic centre, or choose a curated experience with music and street food.
The Train Ferry
The whole train crosses the Strait of Messina, with views of Sicily and Calabria.
Evening in Taormina
Free time in Taormina until late, with the Ionian coast below.
Sfogliatella and More
Optional experiences include learning the art of the Neapolitan sfogliatella.
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.
Lazio and Naples
A private transfer brings you to the La Dolce Vita Lounge inside Rome Ostiense. The train leaves in the early afternoon, gliding through the hills of Lazio with glimpses of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Lunch is an elegant tasting menu by Heinz Beck.
At Napoli Centrale a private transfer takes you into the city. Stroll its storied streets, or choose a curated experience such as music and tastings in the old centre, the hidden heart of Naples, or the art of the sfogliatella pastry.
Return to the train for a multi course dinner with paired wines, then live music in the Bar Car.
First night on board. Lunch and dinner.
Lunch on board on the way to Naples
Crossing to Sicily
Breakfast is served in your cabin or the Restaurant Car. In the morning the train crosses the Strait of Messina. The Strait of Messina crossing is one of the great curiosities of European rail travel. There is no bridge, so the carriages are uncoupled, shunted onto a train ferry and carried across the water. It takes about half an hour, and you can step out to watch Sicily and Calabria drift past.
Lunch celebrates Sicilian flavours, and in the afternoon you reach Taormina. Local hosts take you into town, and the rest of the afternoon and evening are yours. Choose an experience such as a jeep excursion on Mount Etna or the hilltop village of Castelmola with its almond wine.
Later, return to the station for a late dinner on board and music in the Bar Car.
Second night on board. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Arrival in Palermo
A rich breakfast of fresh pastries, fruit, cheeses and good coffee is served as the train arrives in Palermo, Sicily's vibrant capital.
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 Palermo, 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
This route calls at Naples instead of Maratea, and spends the afternoon and evening in Taormina. See From Rome to Sicily for the packaged version.
From early afternoon until the evening, enough to explore the historic centre.
An Etna jeep excursion is offered as an optional experience during the Taormina stop.
We arrange this journey as a tailor made holiday with flights and hotels. Call us on 0333 405 0192 for a price.
Yes. See Sicily to Rome via Naples.