Winter is Italy's secret season. Venice is misty and calm, Florence's galleries are blissfully quiet, and the Tuscan coast glows in low winter sun.
This winter version of the classic Venice and Tuscany route visits three places in three days. You leave Rome for Bolgheri, spend the second day in Venice and finish with Florence before returning to Rome.
It is a La Dolce Vita Orient Express journey we arrange on a tailor made basis, with flights and hotels to suit you. For the packaged version via Venice and Siena, see Venice and Tuscany.
Winter brings its own pleasures on board too. Few things beat a warm cabin, a glass of Brunello and a pianist in the Bar Car as the frosty countryside slips past.
Venice in the quiet season
Journey Highlights
Bolgheri
Cypress lined lanes and Super Tuscan wines on the Tuscan coast.
Venice
An afternoon to explore the city at its most peaceful.
Florence
The Duomo, the Uffizi and the Accademia without the summer crowds.
Cosy Evenings
Dinner by Heinz Beck and live music in the Bar Car.
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.
The Tuscan Coast
After a private transfer to the La Dolce Vita Lounge at Roma Ostiense, the train leaves in the late morning. Lunch by Heinz Beck draws on the flavours of the region.
In the early afternoon you arrive in Bolgheri. Explore at your own pace, or choose a curated experience such as a vintage car drive and a wine tasting.
Bolgheri sits on the Tuscan coast between Livorno and Piombino. It is famous for the Viale dei Cipressi, a five kilometre avenue of cypress trees immortalised by the poet Giosuè Carducci, and for the Super Tuscan wines first made here in the 1970s, including Sassicaia and Ornellaia.
Dinner is served as the landscape fades into night, followed by singers and musicians in the Bar Car.
First night on board. Lunch and dinner.
La Serenissima
Breakfast is served as the train approaches Venice. At Venezia Santa Lucia a private transfer takes you into the city for an afternoon of exploring, or a curated experience such as the spiral staircase of the Scala Contarini del Bovolo.
In winter the acqua alta tides sometimes flood St Mark's Square, and walkways appear overnight. It is part of the city's charm, and the reason Venetians keep wellingtons by the door.
In the evening you board again for dinner and live piano and vocals.
Second night on board. Breakfast and dinner.
Florence, Then Home to Rome
Wake to the Tuscan landscape and breakfast in your cabin. In Florence local guides welcome you to the city. Explore independently or choose a private walk with the Accademia Gallery and Michelangelo's David.
In the late afternoon you return on board and continue south to Rome, where the journey ends.
Breakfast.
Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance
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 winter months. Ask us for this season'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
This winter route visits Bolgheri, Venice and Florence. The packaged Venice and Tuscany holiday visits Venice and Siena.
Yes. The cities are quieter, the light is lovely and hotels are often better value. Pack layers and a warm coat.
Transfers and time in each place are included. Curated experiences are optional and carry a supplement.
We arrange this journey as a tailor made holiday with flights and hotels. Call us on 0333 405 0192 for a price.
The train starts and ends in Rome. We can add nights in Venice or Florence before or after.