Luxury Train Travel in Italy
made for you
Relive the golden age of rail on an opulent Italy train tour
There is no better way to discover Italy than onboard an iconic train. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the Orient Express La Dolce Vita represent the pinnacle of luxury Italy rail tours, where the journey becomes as unforgettable as the destination. Check into your meticulously restored private cabin, adorned with polished wood panelling and sumptuous upholstery, and step into the golden age of travel.
The splendour of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express carriages – dating back to the 1920s and 1930s – creates an atmosphere of timeless elegance that perfectly complements Italy’s rich cultural heritage. In ornate dining cars, white-gloved stewards attend to your every need. Savour caviar, lobster and handmade pasta – as well as decadent breakfasts and midnight brunches – created by Michelin-star Chef Jean Imbert and served on fine china.
Onboard Orient Express La Dolce Vita – an homage to 1960s Italian design – or the Art Deco Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, you weave through Italy’s most breathtaking landscapes, from the mist-shrouded Dolomites to the sun-drenched countryside of Tuscany. Your Italy train tour connects grand cities like Paris, Rome and Venice, and even links to Sicily, as you can cross the Strait of Messina on the unique train-ferry.
These luxury Italy train tours work brilliantly alongside longer trips around Europe. Get in touch with your travel designer to plan a bespoke journey, designed to suit your personal tastes and preferences.
Highlights
Discover ancient towns tucked between mountains, like Matera and Palena
Follow the ‘Truffle Route’ from Rome to Monferrato
Depart for Sicily by crossing the Strait of Messina on one of Europe’s last remaining train ferries
Take the traditional London to Venice route on the Art Deco Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Visit Tuscany and its world-renowned vineyards from La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Luxury rail travel in Italy is a one-of-a-kind trip where world-renowned chefs, sommeliers, mixologists and stewards cater to your every whim – while the lounge car pianist plays the soundtrack. The sumptuous carriages and dining cars are truly like nothing else I’ve experienced; Italy by rail is an opulent adventure.
Kate Herz
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Italy
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Where to go
The Dolomites and the Alps
Whether shrouded in mist or glowing at sunset, the rugged peaks of the Dolomites offer a different view at every hour. From hiking and skiing to simply soaking in the Alpine charm, this is a haven for nature lovers.
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Florence
Encircled by Tuscan hills, Florence is a jewel of art and history. The compact historic centre brims with Renaissance masterpieces, each street a gallery in itself. At its heart is the Piazza della Signoria, flanked by the Palazzo Vecchio.
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Matera
Matera is the crown jewel of the Basilicata region. Its ancient cave dwellings – once humble homes carved into stone – now house boutique hotels, bars and restaurants. Beneath the town lies a labyrinth of grottoes and hidden churches.
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Portofino and Cinque Terre
The dramatic shores of the Ligurian Coast, once the haunt of Byron and Keats, and later a playground for Hollywood icons, is a place where glamour endures. Portofino, with its pastel harbour and sleek yachts, remains the Riviera’s chic heart.
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Rome
From ancient ruins to Renaissance splendour, the city of Rome is a living museum of grand palaces, chic boulevards and tucked-away churches, where the ancient and modern seamlessly collide.
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Sicily
Off Italy’s southern tip, Sicily is a rugged island shaped by centuries of Mediterranean influence. Greeks, in particular, left an indelible mark – evident in the grand ruins of Syracuse, Agrigento and Selinunte.
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Tuscany
Between the Apennines and the sea, Tuscany’s rolling hills, stone farmhouses and cypress-lined roads form one of Italy’s most iconic landscapes. Discover Renaissance heritage, world-class wine and a deep sense of history.
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Venice
A dreamscape of canals and bridges, Venice was built on 118 islands. The city is a World Heritage masterpiece, slowly sinking and gloriously fading. For a truly unforgettable arrival, travel in vintage style aboard the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
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Verona
Set along the winding Adige River, Verona blends ancient charm with modern ease and is forever linked to the tale of Romeo and Juliet. Less crowded than nearby Venice, it’s a relaxed, elegant city.
Discover moreMeet your Europe team
When to visit
Italy is a year-round destination. Summers can get very hot and crowds do swell, so spring and early autumn are great times to visit. The sun is still shining and it’s much more pleasant to explore the cities once the intense summer heat has subsided. In winter, there’s snow and a ski season in the Alps and Dolomites, and in December, the main cities of Rome, Florence and Venice have a gorgeous festive atmosphere.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express typically operates between mid-March and December, while La Dolce Vita Orient Express operates some of its itineraries year-round.
Hiking in the Dolomites
May–October
Beach break
June–August
Carnevale di Venezia (Venice Carnival)
January–February
Grape harvest
September–October
Italy Travel Guides
Plan your trip to Italy
Whatever you want from your Italy train trip, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Plan with peace of mind
When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.
