Europe · Italy · Mediterranean
Rome to Venice to Portofino to Amalfi Coast to Sicily to Valletta — a seamless Mediterranean passage shaped by rail, heritage and sea.
About This Expedition
“An ode to Italy — experienced not as a destination, but as a continuous unfolding of culture, cuisine and coastline.”
This journey brings together three distinct ways of travel — rail, city and sea — into a single, fluid experience across Italy and the Mediterranean. From Rome's historic grandeur to the quiet elegance of Venice, the Riviera charm of Portofino and the dramatic coastline of the Amalfi, each stage reveals a different rhythm of Italian life.
Travel begins aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, where time slows to the pace of the rails. It continues through a refined Roman interlude before opening into the Mediterranean aboard a private sailing yacht — moving between coastal towns, islands and ancient sites rarely experienced in a single journey.
From Michelin-led dining to private villa evenings in Capri and cultural encounters across Sicily, every detail is curated to balance heritage, landscape and effortless movement.
What Is Included
Day by Day
Every day has been sequenced to create a natural rhythm — arriving rested, departing enriched, and never once conscious of the machinery moving beneath you.
“The best journeys are felt in the body before they are understood by the mind.”
Venice & Portofino — La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Your journey begins in Rome, where you board the La Dolce Vita Orient Express — a reimagining of classic rail travel, where design, cuisine and atmosphere are considered in equal measure. As the train moves north, lunch is served under the direction of three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck. By late afternoon, Venice reveals itself — canals, quiet alleys and golden reflections at dusk. Overnight, the journey continues toward the Ligurian coast. Morning arrives in Portofino, where colourful harbours and Mediterranean elegance define the day, before returning onboard for a final evening on the rails.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Venice at dusk — the La Dolce Vita Orient Express arrives as golden reflections shimmer across the canals and the city begins to soften
Rome — Orient Express La Minerva
Back in Rome, the pace shifts. Your stay at Orient Express La Minerva places you at the heart of the city, within a restored 17th-century palace overlooking Piazza della Minerva. Days are left intentionally open — explore the city privately with your guide, from historic landmarks to hidden ateliers and galleries. Evenings may be reserved at refined tables such as La Pergola, or enjoyed within the quiet elegance of your residence.
Orient Express La Minerva, Rome
From the sea, the Amalfi Coast reveals what no road can show — villages suspended between cliff and water, vivid against the blue of the Mediterranean
Amalfi Coast & Sicily — Orient Express Sailing Yacht
From Civitavecchia, your journey continues by sea. Boarding your private sailing yacht, the Mediterranean opens into a series of carefully curated stops. Naples introduces a vibrant cultural contrast, with optional private exploration of Pompeii. From there, Capri offers a more intimate experience, including a private villa dinner overlooking the sea. The Amalfi Coast unfolds slowly — villages carved into cliffs, terraces suspended above the water, and quiet anchorages accessible only by sea. Further south, Stromboli rises dramatically from the horizon, guiding your passage toward Sicily. In Giardini Naxos and Syracuse, ancient histories re-emerge — Greek theatres, baroque streets and a private recital set within a historic setting. The journey concludes in Valletta, Malta.
Orient Express Sailing YachtWhere You Will Stay
Orient Express · Rail
Italy
A reimagined classic, where design, gastronomy and slow travel define the journey.
Orient Express · Rome
Rome, Italy
A historic 17th-century palace in the heart of Rome, blending classical architecture with refined contemporary interiors.
Orient Express · Sea
Mediterranean
A private sailing experience along Italy's most iconic coastline, combining freedom, privacy and curated exploration.
Private Enquiry
This itinerary is a point of departure, not a fixed schedule. We will adapt every element to your preferences, your travel party, and the season of travel. Submit your details and a Martins Travel advisor will respond personally within 24 hours.