La Dolce Vita Orient Express is expanding its 2027 Italian programme with four journeys built around coastal towns, historic cities, vineyards and truffles. The collection puts Portofino, Venice, Florence, Bolgheri, Verona and Alba within reach of an overnight rail holiday starting in Rome.
Three itineraries return to the capital after two nights aboard. A shorter, one-night option finishes in Venice, making it easier to combine the train with a separate city stay. The main decision is which part of Italy you want to spend your time exploring.
Portofino, Venice and Florence in One Journey
The three-day itinerary links Rome with the Ligurian coast, Venice and Florence before returning to Rome. On the first day, passengers arrive at Santa Margherita Ligure and transfer to Portofino. Venice follows on day two, with Florence completing the route on the final day.
Meals and overnight travel connect the stops, so passengers keep the same cabin throughout. This is a compact introduction to several places, rather than an extended stay in each. Travellers hoping to spend days in Florence’s museums or explore the Riviera beyond Portofino should allow extra time outside the rail itinerary.
Wine Country and Piedmont’s Truffles
The Wine Route runs from Rome through Bolgheri and Verona before returning to the capital, over three days and two nights. Bolgheri brings the vineyards and cypress-lined roads of coastal Tuscany into the journey; Verona adds a city stop and access to Veneto’s wine country. Optional experiences include a Bolgheri winery visit and an outing to Valpolicella focused on Amarone.
The Truffle Route follows a different direction, travelling from Rome to Alba and back over the same duration. Its focus is the Langhe and Piedmont’s food traditions. The operator lists an optional experience combining a truffle hunt, a visit connected to the Ceretto estate and a truffle-focused lunch with wine pairings.
The food theme makes the excursion choices especially important. A route named for wine or truffles does not automatically include every tasting or activity shown on its itinerary page. Check the selected experience and its price alongside the cabin booking.
A Shorter Route From Rome to Venice
The one-way Venice journey takes two days and one night, with a stop in Bolgheri before continuing north. Passengers depart from Roma Ostiense and finish at Venezia Santa Lucia, where the railway station opens directly onto the city’s waterways.
For someone already planning time in both cities, this is the most straightforward fit. It makes the journey between them part of the holiday and leaves the following nights free for Venice. We previously explored the train’s longer Rome–Istanbul route; this collection offers a more compact way to travel within Italy.
Cabins, Dining and What the Fare Covers
Developed by Arsenale with Accor’s Orient Express brand, the train combines Dimorestudio interiors with onboard menus by Heinz Beck. Its 2025 debut established the design and dining experience now underpinning the expanded programme.
The operator’s cabin guide lists Deluxe cabins at seven square metres and Suite cabins at 11 square metres, both with ensuite bathrooms. Deluxe seating converts into a bed at night; suites provide a bedroom-style layout with additional seating. The photographs in our gallery show the train’s accommodation and shared spaces.
According to the booking FAQ, fares include accommodation, the transfer to the departure station, meals specified in the itinerary, selected drinks and onboard entertainment. Optional offboard experiences cost extra. Premium drinks and certain à la carte dishes may also attract supplements, while insurance and gratuities are excluded.
A separate early-booking offer includes one complimentary experience on selected 2027 departures for bookings made from September 21 to October 18, 2026. Eligibility depends on the chosen departure, so confirm which experience is included in the quotation.
Before committing, compare the departure date, cabin type, time at each stop and total cost after excursions. Allow time in Rome before boarding, and plan onward accommodation around the route’s finishing city. That keeps the emphasis on enjoying the journey, with the practical details settled before the train leaves.
Disclaimer: TravelCapybara is an independent media brand owned and operated by NuvexMedia LLC, publishing travel news, destination guides, research, and insights. NuvexMedia LLC may invest in or collaborate with companies across the travel, hospitality, technology, and digital media sectors. These relationships do not influence TravelCapybara’s editorial coverage. While we strive for accuracy, travel requirements, prices, schedules, availability, and local conditions may change without notice. Readers should independently verify information before making travel or purchasing decisions. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. © 2026 NuvexMedia LLC. All rights reserved.
