Luxury Train Tours in Italy: A Journey Through Slow Travel Elegance

Imagine the golden light of Tuscany streaming through Art Deco windows as the countryside glides by at a gentle, unhurried pace. Picture the clink of champagne glasses in a restored 1920s dining car, a prelude to a Michelin-starred meal. This is the art of slow travel, a world away from rushed tourism—about savoring the journey with the same passion as the destination.

This renaissance of railway elegance offers a portal to an Italy of romance and reflection. While these experiences are undeniably captivating, choosing the right train and weaving it gracefully into a larger Italian journey requires a thoughtful, insider’s touch.

This is your guide to understanding luxury train tours in Italy and how to make them the heart of an unforgettable adventure.

Table of Contents

• The Renaissance of Luxury Train Travel in Italy
• Italy’s Premier Luxury Trains: La Dolce Vita vs. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
• Signature Routes & Itineraries
• What to Expect Onboard: The Experience
• Integrating Luxury Train Travel Into Your Italy Journey
• Practical Considerations & Insider Tips
• A Journey Through Slow Travel Elegance

The Renaissance of Luxury Train Travel in Italy

A beautiful counterpoint to the rush of modern life, luxury train travel is experiencing a magnificent revival in Italy. For discerning travelers, the appeal is clear: it is the ultimate expression of “slow travel,” a philosophy that prioritizes connection, experience, and presence over speed and efficiency. These journeys are the antidote to the chaos of airports and the anonymity of highways.

This is a world apart from Italy’s efficient high-speed trains like Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa or Italo. While those are excellent for connecting cities quickly, luxury trains are destinations in themselves. They are:

• Floating boutique hotels
• Rolling gourmet restaurants
• Beautifully curated windows onto the soul of Italy

Drawing on the romantic legacy of the original Orient Express, these modern voyages recapture an era when travel was an elegant and immersive art form. They invite you to disconnect from the world and reconnect with your senses, allowing the landscape, the cuisine, and the unhurried rhythm of the rails to tell the story.

Italy’s Premier Luxury Trains: La Dolce Vita vs. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Italy is now home to two of the world’s most spectacular luxury trains. While both offer extraordinary experiences, they cater to different travel styles and dreams.

La Dolce Vita Orient Express

The Vibe: 1960s Italian glamour—Italy’s first homegrown luxury train

Launched: April 2025, this train pays homage to the golden age of Italian design with interiors by Dimorestudio, celebrating mid-century masters like Gio Ponti and Gae Aulenti. Think geometric patterns, sensual modernism, and the spirit of La Dolce Vita.

Routes: Rome-based journeys through 14 Italian regions

• Tuscany: Montalcino wine country
• Liguria: Portofino’s coastal glamour
• Sicily: Ancient wonders and Baroque splendor
• Basilicata: Matera’s timeless stone city
• Veneto: Venice’s floating elegance

Dining Experience: 3-Michelin-star Chef Heinz Beck creates Italian-inspired menus using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from the regions you traverse. Every meal reflects the landscape outside your window.

Accommodations:

• 18 suites
• 12 deluxe cabins
• 1 signature La Dolce Vita Suite
• Maximum 62 passengers (intimate experience guaranteed)

Journey Duration: 1-5 nights

Price Point: From $2,100 per person, per night

Best For: Wine and food enthusiasts, Italian culture lovers, couples seeking authentic luxury without leaving Italy’s borders.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Belmond)

The Vibe: Classic 1920s-30s Art Deco elegance

Design Philosophy: Original 1920s and 1930s carriages meticulously restored to their former glory. Polished wood paneling, gleaming brass fixtures, and authentic period details transport you to the golden age of European travel. Stepping aboard is like entering a 1920s film.

Routes: Grand international journeys

• Paris to Venice (classic route)
• London to Venice (via the Channel)
• NEW 2026: Paris to Amalfi Coast

Dining Experience: Michelin-starred Chef Jean Imbert leads the culinary program, serving sophisticated multi-course meals in ornate dining cars with white-gloved service.

Accommodations: Elegant private cabins with period furnishings, en-suite facilities in suites, and observation cars for panoramic views.

Best For: Lovers of classic European grandeur, history buffs, and those combining Italy with visits to Paris or London.

Signature Routes & Itineraries

Each luxury train journey reveals a different facet of Italy’s soul. Here are the routes that captivate most deeply:

For the Wine Lover: Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards

Train: La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Route: Rome to Montalcino
Duration: Overnight journey

This route winds through the iconic Val d’Orcia, arriving in the heart of Brunello wine country. The experience centers around an exclusive visit to a prestigious winery, where you’ll:

• Tour centuries-old cellars
• Meet winemaking families who’ve perfected their craft over generations
• Taste rare vintages paired with local cheeses and cured meats
• Learn the art of Brunello from master sommeliers

Why It Works: The journey itself becomes a wine education, with Chef Heinz Beck’s menu showcasing Tuscan ingredients that complement the wines you’ll encounter.

For Coastal Beauty: Rome to Sicily via Matera

Train: La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Route: Multi-day journey through Southern Italy
Highlight: Crossing the Strait of Messina by train-ferry

This remarkable journey includes one of Europe’s last remaining train-ferries—the carriages are loaded directly onto a boat to cross the strait. Beyond this engineering marvel, you’ll experience:

• Matera: The third-oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, carved into limestone cliffs
• Taormina: Sicily’s crown jewel, perched above the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna as backdrop
• Palermo: Baroque architecture, Arab-Norman heritage, and vibrant street markets

Why It Works: Each morning you wake in a new region, yet return to the same luxurious suite—no packing and unpacking, just seamless discovery.

For Cultural Deep-Dive: Paris to Amalfi Coast (NEW 2026)

Train: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Route: Paris → French Riviera → Portofino → Amalfi Coast
Duration: 3 nights on train + 2 nights at Belmond property

What Makes It Special: This new route combines the romance of classic rail travel with an extended stay at a 5-star Belmond hotel on the Amalfi Coast. You’ll traverse:

• The elegance of Paris
• The glamour of the French Riviera
• Portofino’s exclusive charm
• The dramatic beauty of the Amalfi coastline

For Complete Italy Immersion: The Grand Tour

Train: La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Route: Rome → Palermo → Venice (5 days/4 nights)
Distance: Covers multiple Italian regions in one epic journey

Experience Italy’s geographic and cultural diversity without ever leaving your suite. From ancient Roman ruins to Baroque Sicilian churches to Venetian canals—this is Italy in motion.

What to Expect Onboard: The Experience

Life aboard one of Italy’s luxury trains is a sensory journey, crafted with meticulous attention to every detail.

Accommodations: Suites on Rails

By Day: Your cabin is an elegant private lounge with comfortable seating, a table for breakfast or afternoon tea, and large windows that frame the passing landscapes like living paintings.

By Night: Dedicated stewards transform the space into a cozy bedroom. Depending on your accommodation level, you’ll find:

• Full-size double beds (in suites) or twin beds that convert
• Private en-suite bathrooms with rainfall showers (suites)
• Plush robes and slippers
• Fine Italian linens with high thread counts
• Premium toiletries
• Climate control for perfect sleeping conditions

The Observation Car: The train’s social heart features panoramic windows for 180-degree views, comfortable lounge seating, a well-stocked bar, and often a live pianist playing softly in the evening.

Dining: Michelin-Starred Journeys

Dining is arguably the highlight of any luxury train tour in Italy. In opulent restaurant cars restored to Art Deco or 1960s splendor, you’ll enjoy:

Multi-Course Regional Menus: Each meal reflects the region the train passes through. If you’re traversing Tuscany, expect:

• Pici pasta with wild boar ragù
• Bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak)
• Cantucci (almond biscuits) with Vin Santo for dessert

Wine Pairings: Sommeliers curate exceptional pairings featuring wines from the very vineyards visible from your window.

Dining Flexibility:

• Continental breakfast can be served in your suite
• Full breakfast available in the dining car
• Multi-course lunch as landscapes unfold
• Formal dinner with fellow guests and live music
• After-dinner cocktails in the bar car

The Atmosphere: Slow Luxury in Motion

There’s something profoundly civilizing about luxury train travel. The pace is unhurried, the service intuitive, and the atmosphere one of shared discovery among a small group of discerning travelers.

A Typical Evening:

1. Return to your suite to dress for dinner
2. Pre-dinner aperitivo in the lounge car (Negroni? Prosecco?)
3. Multi-course dinner with wine pairings and conversation
4. Live piano music in the bar car
5. Nightcap as the Italian countryside glides by under moonlight
6. Retire to your suite as the gentle rocking lulls you to sleep

Fellow Travelers: You’ll likely meet international guests—couples celebrating anniversaries, solo travelers with a passion for trains, multigenerational families creating memories. The intimate setting naturally fosters connection without ever feeling forced.

Integrating Luxury Train Travel Into Your Italy Journey

The key to a truly exceptional experience is not just the train journey itself, but how it’s woven into your overall Italy itinerary. This is where expertise becomes invaluable.

Strategic Positioning: The Centerpiece Approach

We recommend positioning a 1-3 night train journey as the magnificent centerpiece of a 10-14 day Italy trip. Here’s the strategic framework:

Pre-Train (Days 1-4): Spend 3-4 days thoroughly exploring your departure city.

Example: Departing from Rome

• Day 1-2: Ancient Rome (Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill) + Trastevere evenings
• Day 3: Vatican Museums + St. Peter’s (book skip-the-line)
• Day 4: Day trip to Ostia Antica or leisurely neighborhood exploration
• Evening Day 4: Board the train at Roma Ostiense

Why This Works: You’re not rushing to catch the train. You’ve settled into Italian rhythm, adjusted to time zone, and built anticipation for the journey ahead.

During Train (Days 5-7): 2-3 nights aboard the train, exploring regions along your route with expert-guided excursions.

Post-Train (Days 8-14): 4-5 days in your arrival destination or a nearby region.

Example: Train ends in Venice

• Days 8-9: Venice proper (canals, St. Mark’s, Doge’s Palace, gondola at sunset)
• Days 10-12: Transfer to the Dolomites for mountain scenery, hiking, and alpine luxury
• Days 13-14: Lake Como for a relaxed finale before flying home from Milan

Why This Works: The trip feels like a story in three acts—city immersion, luxury train journey, mountain/lake denouement. Each phase has a distinct pace and flavor, yet flows seamlessly.

Practical Coordination: The Details That Matter

Restaurant Reservations: Don’t book elaborate dinners the night before boarding or the night after disembarking—you’ll have Michelin-starred meals on the train. Instead, plan:

• Casual, authentic trattorias pre-train (save your appetite for the journey)
• Regional specialties post-train that complement but don’t compete with train dining

Hotel Selection: Balance the train’s luxury with smart choices elsewhere:

• Pre-train: Centrally located 4-star boutique hotel (walkability matters)
• Post-train: Relaxed countryside retreat or lakeside property (time to unwind)

This approach keeps your budget balanced while ensuring luxury where it matters most.

Luggage Management: Train porters handle luggage between hotels and the train. Pack:

• One large suitcase (stored in luggage car)
• One carry-on with overnight essentials and elegant dinner attire
• Day bag for excursions

Practical Considerations & Insider Tips

A little insider knowledge makes all the difference in planning these unique journeys.

When to Book

Booking Window: For popular routes in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), we recommend booking 9-12 months in advance. These are intimate experiences with limited capacity—routes often sell out, particularly:

• La Dolce Vita’s inaugural season routes
• Venice Simplon-Orient-Express during Venice Biennale or Carnevale
• Any holiday period routes (Christmas, New Year’s)

How to Book:

• La Dolce Vita: Direct through Orient Express website or via luxury tour operator
• VSOE: Through Belmond directly or specialized luxury travel agencies

Best Seasons

Spring (April-May): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Blooming landscapes (Tuscany’s poppies, Umbria’s wildflowers)
• Pleasant temperatures (15-22°C / 59-72°F)
• Fewer crowds than summer
• Ideal for wine country routes (bud break season)

Fall (September-October): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Harvest season in wine regions
• Golden autumn light perfect for photography
• Still warm but comfortable
• Truffle season in Piedmont

Summer (June-August): ⭐⭐⭐

• Peak season = higher prices, more tourists
• Can be hot (especially August in Sicily)
• Beautiful coastal routes (Amalfi, Portofino)
• Most Italians vacation in August (some services limited)

Winter (November-March): ⭐⭐

• Limited routes available
• Some regions (Alps, Dolomites) stunningly beautiful in snow
• Christmas/New Year’s specialty routes are magical but book 12+ months ahead
• Short daylight hours mean less scenic viewing time

What They Don’t Tell You

Occasional Delays: These trains run on regular Italian tracks shared with commuter trains. Occasional delays happen. Our advice? Embrace them. Order another glass of wine, enjoy the piano player, get to know your fellow travelers.

Gratuities: Usually included in your fare, but small additional tips for exceptional service are appreciated (and expected). Bring €5-10 notes for porters and stewards.

Air Conditioning: Modern but not Arctic. Trains are comfortable but if you run hot, bring layers. Vintage carriages prioritize authenticity over freezing temperatures.

Is It Worth It?

You’ll love it if you:

• Value the journey as much as the destination
• Appreciate craftsmanship, history, and attention to detail
• Enjoy meeting interesting people in intimate settings
• Want to disconnect from devices and reconnect with experiences
• See travel as experiential luxury, not just sight-checking

Skip it if you:

• Just need transportation from A to B (high-speed trains are faster and cheaper)
• Prefer ultra-modern over vintage charm
• Don’t enjoy extended meals with multiple courses
• Need constant connectivity for work
• Are on a strict budget (this is a splurge experience)

A Journey Through Slow Travel Elegance

Luxury train travel in Italy is more than just transportation—it’s a portal to an era when the journey itself was the greatest adventure. Whether you choose the modern Italian glamour of the La Dolce Vita Orient Express or the timeless elegance of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, these voyages offer something increasingly rare in our rushed world: permission to slow down, to savor, and to truly see Italy unfold at the pace it deserves.

The key to unlocking the full potential of these experiences is intelligent planning. Weaving them into a larger Italian journey that feels seamless, balanced, and authentically you is an art form—and one we’ve spent decades perfecting.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, reconnecting with heritage, or simply seeking the Italy of your dreams, a luxury train journey can be the magnificent centerpiece of an unforgettable adventure.

Your journey through Italy’s soul awaits—one elegant mile at a time.

Please note: Prices, routes, and availability mentioned in this guide are subject to change. Train schedules and itineraries may vary by season and operator policies. We recommend contacting us for current pricing, availability, and booking conditions.