La Dolce Vita Orient Express · 5 days · 4 nights
The Grand Tour
Rome · Venice · Bari · Taormina · Palermo
La Dolce Vita Orient Express · 5 days, 4 nights
From Istanbul to Rome
Istanbul to Rome in five days via Plovdiv, Sofia, Timișoara, imperial Vienna and a final morning in Venice.
- IstanbulDay 1
- PlovdivDay 2
- SofiaDay 2
- TimișoaraDay 3
- ViennaDay 4
- VeniceDay 5
- RomeDay 5
Train stopExcursion by road
Duration5 days
Nights4
RouteIstanbul → Rome
Places visited7
From, per personEUR 15,760
Overview
The La Dolce Vita Orient Express leaves Istanbul at sunset and heads west through Bulgaria for guided visits to Plovdiv and Sofia. Days in Timișoara and Vienna follow, and a last morning in Venice precedes the run south to Rome Ostiense, arriving late in the evening.
- Evening departure from Istanbul
- Plovdiv's Old Town and Roman theatre on a private tour
- A guided tour and private concert in Sofia
- Timișoara, the 'Little Vienna' of Romania
- A day in Vienna, with optional Schönbrunn Palace visits
- A final morning in Venice
Day by day
Day 1IstanbulOn board
A private transfer brings you to Istanbul's station, and the train departs in the evening as the city's minarets fade from view. An aperitif in the Bar Car leads into dinner in the Restaurant Car. A pianist and vocalist round off the first night.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2Plovdiv and SofiaOn board
After breakfast the train crosses the Bulgarian countryside to Plovdiv, where a private tour explores the Old Town, Byzantine churches and Roman theatre. In the afternoon you continue to Sofia for a guided visit, including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and a private concert. Entertainment in the Bar Car closes the day.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3TimișoaraOn board
Breakfast is served as the train approaches Timișoara, known for its Baroque architecture and tree-lined boulevards. A local guide shows you the city's cultural highlights. In the evening you return for a night on board with live music.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4ViennaOn board
Enjoy breakfast as the train enters Austria. Explore Vienna's Ringstrasse, cafés and palaces independently, or choose an optional experience such as a private Schönbrunn Palace visit. Dinner is served on board, followed by music in the Bar Car as the train heads for Venice.
Meals: Breakfast · Dinner
Day 5Venice → Rome
A private water taxi takes you to St Mark's Square for a morning in Venice, free or with an optional experience. Back on board there is a final lunch, an aperitif in the Bar Car and a last dinner. The train arrives at Rome Ostiense late in the evening.
Meals: Lunch · Dinner
Where you spend each night
- Night 1On board
- Night 2On board
- Night 3On board
- Night 4On board
The map is schematic. Dashed lines are excursions by road.
Entry level
Deluxe Cabin
12 cabins · 7 m²
- Sofa converts to a 140 × 190 cm double bed
- Mirrored back wall and wood-slat ceiling
- Ensuite bathroom with shower
- Ottomans double as tables and stools
- In-room safe
Most popular
Suite
18 suites · 11 m²
- Set up as a master bedroom with a 140 × 190 cm bed
- Sofa plus table and two armchairs
- Ensuite bathroom with shower
- Larger luggage space
- Double or twin arrangement
One of a kind
La Dolce Vita Suite
1 suite · 30 m²
- Living and dining area, bedroom and walk-in wardrobe
- Bedroom bathtub plus a marble bathroom with double sinks
- Windows on both sides of the train
- Personal suite conductor and dedicated menu
- Private car transfers to and from the train
One Suite is specially adapted for guests with reduced mobility and is located close to the shared cars.
- Private transfer to the departure station
- Accommodation in your chosen Deluxe Cabin or Suite
- All meals on board as set out in the itinerary
- Selected wines and spirits, mineral water, soft drinks, tea and coffee
- Onboard entertainment, including live music in the Bar Car
- Transfers between the train and the town centre at each stop
- Private tour of Plovdiv
- Guided visit and private concert in Sofia
- Guided visit of Timișoara
- Private water taxi to St Mark's Square in Venice
- Deposit
- 30% of the total at booking
- Final payment
- 125 days before departure
Dates and prices
Live availability. Choose a cabin type, then select Book Now to reserve online, or Join waitlist on sold-out dates.
Cabin Suite
October 30, 2026
EUR 22,960.00 pp dbl
October 28, 2027
EUR 24,640.00 pp dbl
October 30, 2026
EUR 39,032.00 pp sgl
October 28, 2027
EUR 41,888.00 pp sgl
Deluxe Cabin
October 30, 2026
EUR 15,760.00 pp dbl
October 28, 2027
EUR 17,760.00 pp dbl
October 30, 2026
EUR 26,792.00 pp sgl
October 28, 2027
EUR 31,968.00 pp sgl
Join the waitlist
This departure is currently sold out. Leave your details and we will contact you the moment a cabin becomes available.
Questions about this journey
When does the train leave Istanbul?
The train departs Istanbul in the evening on the first day, after a private transfer from your hotel or the airport to the station. An aperitif in the Bar Car and dinner on board follow as the city fades from view.
What is included in Plovdiv and Sofia?
In Plovdiv a private tour explores the UNESCO-listed Old Town and Roman theatre. In Sofia you have a guided tour and a private concert before returning to the train.
How long do we spend in Vienna?
The train arrives on the fourth day and you spend the afternoon exploring. You can wander the Ringstrasse on your own or book an optional experience such as a private visit to Schönbrunn Palace.
What time does the journey end in Rome?
After a morning in Venice on the fifth day, the train continues south and arrives at Rome Ostiense late in the evening. It is wise to book a hotel in Rome for that night.
Do I need visas for this journey?
The route crosses several borders between Türkiye, Bulgaria, Romania, Austria and Italy, so you need a passport with at least six months' validity and any visas your nationality requires. Please check the entry rules for each country well before you travel.
How do I check prices and dates?
Fares depend on the departure and the cabin category you choose. Live dates and fares are shown on this page, and our reservations team can help on (866) 484-7882.
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