Istanbul is where the Orient Express legend began. In 1889 the first through trains reached Constantinople from Paris. This journey brings that spirit to La Dolce Vita, from Rome.
Rome to Istanbul is the longest journey of La Dolce Vita Orient Express and its first beyond Italy. Over five days and four nights it crosses Central Europe and the Balkans, through Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, to reach the Bosphorus.
Along the way you spend a day in Venice, a day in Budapest and a day among the castles of Transylvania, including Bran, the fortress linked to the Dracula legend, and the fairy tale Peles Castle at Sinaia.
We arrange it as a tailor made holiday, with flights, transfers and hotel nights in Rome and Istanbul. Ask us about pairing it with a stay at a historic Istanbul hotel.
Budapest on the third day
Journey Highlights
A Day in Venice
A private water taxi into the city and a day to explore.
Budapest
The grand boulevards and bridges of the Hungarian capital.
Bran and Peles Castles
A private guided day in Transylvania from Brasov.
Arrive in Istanbul
A final lunch on board, then the domes and minarets of Istanbul.
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 Departure
A private transfer brings you to the La Dolce Vita Lounge at Rome Ostiense, open three hours before departure. The train leaves in the evening, and dinner by Heinz Beck is followed by a pianist and vocalist.
First night on board. Dinner.
A Day in Venice
The train arrives in Venice in the morning. Local assistants take you by private water taxi into the city. Spend the day freely or choose an experience: Venice through Casanova's eyes at the Doge's Palace, the islands of Murano and Burano, or the Orsoni mosaic furnace, the last of its kind.
In the late afternoon you rejoin the train for dinner as Venice drifts behind you.
Second night on board. Breakfast and dinner.
The Pearl of the Danube
Wake to Budapest. A private transfer takes you into the city to explore its boulevards, bridges and squares, or choose a curated experience. Options include a tour of Buda Castle with a rare visit to the restored Saint Stephen's Hall, or art and Hungarian wines in a private villa.
Budapest was formed in 1873 when Buda, Obuda and Pest were united. The Parliament on the Danube is one of the largest in the world, and the thermal baths have been used since Roman times.
Dinner is served on board as the train continues east.
Third night on board. Breakfast and dinner.
The Carpathians
The train winds through the Carpathians to Brasov, a medieval town of Saxon churches and painted squares. A private guide and luxury transfer take you into the heart of Transylvania.
Your first stop is Bran Castle, perched on a rock above the pass and forever linked to Dracula. Then on to Sinaia and Peles Castle, built for King Carol I in the late nineteenth century in a riot of Neo Renaissance style.
After lunch, return to the train for an aperitif and dinner as it heads east towards Istanbul.
Fourth night on board. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guided Transylvania day.
Bran Castle in the Carpathians
Journey's End
On the final day a last lunch by Heinz Beck is served as the train approaches Istanbul, a city of domes and minarets on two continents. Local hosts welcome you on arrival.
Breakfast and lunch.
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 Istanbul, 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: A small number of departures each 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
In Venice, Budapest, Brasov in Transylvania and finally Istanbul. On the way it passes through several other countries, including Bulgaria.
UK passport holders do not currently need a visa for Turkey for short stays, but rules can change. Your passport needs six months' validity. We will advise when you book.
The guided day to Bran and Peles castles forms part of the published itinerary. We confirm all inclusions in your quote.
We arrange this journey as a tailor made holiday with flights and hotels. Call us on 0333 405 0192.
Yes. See Istanbul to Rome, via Plovdiv, Sofia, Timisoara, Vienna and Venice.