La Dolce Vita Orient Express offers a three-day New Year’s escape from Rome to Venice – but exclusivity comes at a price
Still at a loss for how to spend New Year’s? Italy’s offering an answer that unfolds entirely on rails.
The La Dolce Vita Orient Express’ ‘Whispers at Midnight’ itinerary departs Rome on 30 December for a three-day journey to Venice and back, designed for travellers seeking something special without committing to a single destination or battling crowded celebrations. The journey begins at Rome’s Ostiense Station before heading to medieval Montalcino for wine tastings at the 14th-century fortress and exclusive access to Antinori’s Pian delle Vigne estate.
From Tuscany, the train continues to Venice where guests explore via private boat, attend a concert in a former church, and try their hand at glassblowing. New Year’s Eve itself takes place aboard, with dinner created by Heinz Beck of three-Michelin-starred La Pergola, followed by performances and DJ sets in the bar car.
The ultra-luxury train accommodates just 62 guests across 31 cabins, including the signature La Dolce Vita Suite with expanded living space and ensuite bathroom. Unlike the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express which runs longer European routes, La Dolce Vita focuses exclusively on Italian culture through shorter, destination-rich itineraries.
This mobile celebration doesn’t come cheap, starting at €8,880 per passenger, and you’ll need to be quick: similar luxury options such as Vacations By Rail Switzerland New Year journey and Belmond’s London New Year’s Eve dinner both quickly sold out.
