There are few more glamorous places to be at midnight on 31 December. Spend New Year's Eve day in Venice, then celebrate on board with a gala dinner, a show and a DJ.
Whispers at Midnight is the New Year journey of La Dolce Vita Orient Express. It leaves Rome on 30 December, calls at Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast and spends New Year's Eve in Venice before the celebration begins on board.
The evening starts with a burlesque performance in the spirit of vintage glamour. Then comes a gourmet New Year's Eve dinner by Heinz Beck, a final show and live music, and at midnight a DJ turns the train into a party.
On New Year's Day you arrive back in Rome at about 11am. We arrange the flights and hotels around it, so you can stay on in Rome or spend extra nights in Venice first.
Celebrations in the Bar Car
Journey Highlights
A Gala Night on Rails
Burlesque, a gourmet dinner, toasts at midnight and a DJ set.
New Year's Eve in Venice
A boat transfer into the city and a day to explore in festive light.
Bolgheri by Vintage Car
A drive along the Cypress Road to a private estate for a tasting.
Two Nights of Music
Pianist, singer and musicians on both evenings.
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.
Into Tuscany
After a refined welcome in the La Dolce Vita Lounge, the train leaves Rome in the morning for the Tuscan coast. In the afternoon a fleet of vintage cars waits at the station to take you down the Viale dei Cipressi to Bolgheri.
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.
At a private estate you tour the cellars and taste selected wines before the cars bring you back. Dinner by Heinz Beck is followed by a pianist and singer in the Bar Car.
First night on board. Lunch and dinner. Vintage car drive and wine tasting.
New Year's Eve
Start the last day of the year with breakfast in your cabin. In the morning the train arrives at Venezia Santa Lucia, and a boat carries you through the canals into the heart of Venice.
Spend the day at your own pace, or choose a festive experience. Options have included a private visit to Palazzo Erizzo Ligabue with a concert at the Museum of Music, the Tintoretto ceilings of the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, or the glass workshops of Murano.
In the afternoon you return to the train. A burlesque show opens the evening, followed by a gourmet New Year's Eve dinner with toasts as midnight approaches. Then the Bar Car hosts a final show, live music and a DJ to welcome the New Year.
Second night on board. Breakfast, lunch and gala dinner. Evening entertainment.
Venice on the last day of the year
New Year's Day
The first day of the year begins slowly, with breakfast in your cabin as the train approaches Rome. You arrive at Roma Ostiense at about 11am and can relax in the La Dolce Vita Lounge before continuing your holiday.
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, 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: Once a year, departing Rome on 30 December and returning on 1 January.
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
Once a year over New Year. It leaves Rome on 30 December and returns on 1 January.
You spend the day in Venice, then return to the train for a burlesque show, a gourmet gala dinner, toasts at midnight, a final show, live music and a DJ.
New Year's Eve is a black tie or glamorous evening wear occasion. Smart daywear is fine at other times.
We sell this journey as a tailor made holiday with flights and hotels. Call us on 0333 405 0192 for a price.
Yes, quickly. We recommend booking as early as possible.