- The 2027 collection highlights Florence, Portofino, Venice, Bolgheri, Verona, and Alba.
- Dedicated Wine and Truffle routes explore the culinary traditions of Tuscany, Veneto, and Piedmont.
- Journeys range from a two-day Rome-to-Venice trip to three-day itineraries returning to Rome, with onboard menus curated by Heinz Beck.
Italy’s pleasures often reveal themselves between the major sights: vineyards beyond a village, a harbor coming into view, or a meal that introduces the flavors of a particular region. La Dolce Vita Orient Express is making those moments the focus of a new collection of journeys for 2027, connecting celebrated cities with wine country, coastal landscapes, and the culinary traditions of northern Italy.
Announced on October 8, the collection includes four itineraries: Rome, Portofino, Venice and Tuscany; The Italian Wine Route; The Truffle Route; and Rome to Venice via Bolgheri. Together, they offer several ways to build a short rail journey around a particular interest, from Renaissance art to the wines of Tuscany and Veneto.
The appeal is as much in the time aboard as in the stops along the way. With interiors inspired by 1960s Italian design and dining overseen by chef Heinz Beck, La Dolce Vita Orient Express turns the passage through Italy into a substantial part of the vacation.
The New Journeys at a Glance
| Journey | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Rome, Portofino, Venice and Tuscany | Rome – Portofino – Venice – Florence – Rome | 3 days, 2 nights |
| The Italian Wine Route | Rome – Bolgheri – Verona – Rome | 3 days, 2 nights |
| The Truffle Route | Rome – Alba – Rome | 3 days, 2 nights |
| Rome to Venice | Rome – Bolgheri – Venice | 2 days, 1 night |
These are the itinerary formats currently published by La Dolce Vita Orient Express. Travelers should confirm departure dates and available experiences for their chosen 2027 journey.
Rome, Portofino, Venice and Tuscany
For travelers drawn to Italy’s variety, this round-trip itinerary brings together the Ligurian coast, the Venetian lagoon, and Florence in three days.
The journey begins in Rome and travels north through Tuscany toward Santa Margherita Ligure, the gateway for the visit to Portofino. From there, guests transfer to the coastal village, where pastel buildings, the harbor, and views over the water set the scene for an afternoon ashore.
Venice follows on the second day, before the train continues overnight toward Florence. The final day introduces the Tuscan capital’s Renaissance architecture, piazzas, and views along the Arno, then concludes with the return to Rome.
The operator offers opportunities to explore independently or select curated experiences at the destinations. Evenings return the focus to the train, with dinner and live music providing a relaxed transition between places. This route will appeal most to travelers who want a sampling of several Italian settings within one short journey.
The Italian Wine Route Through Bolgheri and Verona
The Italian Wine Route connects two distinct wine landscapes on a three-day round trip from Rome, with visits to Bolgheri and Verona.
On Tuscany’s coast, Bolgheri brings together vineyards, a medieval village, and its celebrated cypress-lined approach. The surrounding landscape gives the stop a particular character: this is a part of Tuscany where wine country meets the Mediterranean.
Verona introduces Veneto’s traditions, alongside a cityscape shaped by Roman history, medieval buildings, and Renaissance architecture. The pairing gives the itinerary a useful contrast, moving from a small Tuscan village and its vineyards to a historic city connected to another of Italy’s important wine regions.
For wine enthusiasts, the attraction is the opportunity to place regional flavors in context. The landscapes and towns become part of the experience, giving the journey a geographical focus that continues beyond the glass.
The Truffle Route to Alba and the Langhe
The Truffle Route heads to Alba, one of Piedmont’s best-known culinary destinations, on a three-day, two-night journey from Rome and back.
White truffles provide the central theme, but the setting has a broader food and wine story. Alba lies within the Langhe landscape, where hills, vineyards, and historic villages are closely associated with the region’s cuisine. Barolo and Barbaresco are part of that identity, placing the area’s wines alongside its celebrated truffles.
The published itinerary begins with an evening departure from Rome Ostiense and dinner aboard. Guests arrive in Alba the following day, before rejoining the train for the return journey and another evening of dining. Arrival in Rome follows the next morning.
This is the most directly food-focused option in the collection. Travelers particularly interested in white truffles should discuss seasonal availability and the planned experiences for their departure with the operator.
Rome to Venice via Bolgheri
For those combining a rail journey with a longer Italian vacation, the two-day, one-night Rome-to-Venice itinerary offers a convenient one-way format.
The route departs Rome, pauses in Bolgheri, and continues overnight to Venice. Its compact length leaves room to spend additional days in either city while making Tuscany part of the journey between them.
Bolgheri provides the countryside interlude, with time to explore the village or choose an optional experience. Dinner and live music follow aboard, before breakfast and arrival at Venezia Santa Lucia the next day.
Travelers extending their stay can find inspiration in DRIFT’s Venice Reconsidered feature, which explores making room for a slower visit to the floating city.
Italian Design and Dining Onboard
La Dolce Vita Orient Express began operating in 2025. Its interiors, created by Milan-based Dimorestudio, draw on the creativity and glamour of 1960s Italy, giving the train a distinctly Italian design identity.
Accommodation comprises 31 cabins: 12 Deluxe cabins, 18 Suites, and the signature La Dolce Vita Suite. The small scale allows the onboard experience to remain an important part of the itinerary, with guests returning to their own accommodation after each day’s discoveries.
Heinz Beck curates the culinary offering, drawing on Italian traditions while bringing a contemporary approach to the menus. With dedicated Wine and Truffle routes now part of the 2027 collection, dining and destination are closely connected throughout the program.
For a stay before or after a Rome departure, DRIFT’s introduction to Orient Express La Minerva in Rome offers a related hotel option to explore.
Full itinerary information and departure availability can be found on the La Dolce Vita Orient Express website. When choosing a journey, confirm which destination experiences are included and which are offered separately, particularly if a specific winery visit or guided excursion is central to your plans.
