Rail & Sail: Splendours of Sicily and the Adriatic Coast

This journey begins on July 11th 2027

Day 1 | Palermo & Taormina | A Journey Through Sicily

Your journey begins in Palermo, where a private transfer brings you to the station to board La Dolce Vita Orient Express. As the train sets off, settle into your private cabin and watch Sicily's landscapes unfold beyond the window.

At midday, take your seat in the Restaurant Car for a gourmet lunch created by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck, celebrating Italy's finest seasonal ingredients. Arriving in Taormina in the afternoon, step ashore to discover one of Sicily's most enchanting hilltop towns. Wander its historic streets, take in sweeping views across the Ionian Sea or choose a curated experience revealing the island's rich culture and culinary traditions.

As evening falls, return to the train for dinner, followed by live music in the Bar Car as La Dolce Vita Orient Express continues north through the night.

Day 2 | Maratea | Sicily to Basilicata

Wake to the gentle rhythm of the rails and enjoy a leisurely Italian breakfast in your cabin or the Restaurant Car. The morning is yours to savour the journey, with the changing landscapes of southern Italy providing a constantly evolving view beyond your window. Then comes one of the most memorable moments of the journey. As the train reaches the Messina Strait, La Dolce Vita Orient Express is carefully decoupled and loaded onto a ferry, carrying both train and travellers across the water towards mainland Italy. It's a remarkable meeting of rail and sea, and a fitting expression of the spirit behind your Rail & Sail journey.

Arriving in Maratea, known as the 'Pearl of Basilicata', explore its winding streets and dramatic coastal setting or choose a curated experience to uncover its history and local flavours. Back on board, enjoy dinner and live music as the train continues north through the evening.

Day 3 | Rome | From Rail to the Eternal City

Your final morning aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express begins with breakfast as the train travels through the landscapes of southern and central Italy towards Rome.

As the journey draws to a close, disembark in Rome with memories of Sicily's sun-drenched landscapes, Taormina's timeless beauty and Maratea's rugged charm. The train journey may end here, but your Italian adventure continues.

Day 4 | Rome | The Eternal City

Settle into Hotel de la Ville, Rocco Forte, for two nights in the heart of Rome. With a day at leisure, embrace the city at your own pace, whether exploring ancient landmarks, seeking out Renaissance masterpieces or simply lingering over a long lunch in a sun-filled piazza.

After the rhythm of the railway, Rome offers the perfect opportunity to slow down further before your journey takes to the water.

This voyage departs on July 15th 2027

Day 5 | Rome | From Rail to Sea

Enjoy a final morning in Rome before making your way to Civitavecchia to board Ilma, the intimate yacht of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. With just a fraction of the guests found aboard a traditional cruise ship, life on board feels closer to a private yacht than a conventional cruise.

Settle into your spacious suite, complete with a private terrace, before exploring the yacht's elegant spaces. As Rome fades into the distance, the second chapter of your journey begins: a voyage through the Adriatic where days unfold at an altogether slower pace.

Day 6 | Amalfi | Italy's Iconic Coast

Wake to the spectacular scenery of the Amalfi Coast, where sheer cliffs tumble towards the sparkling Mediterranean and colourful villages cling dramatically to the mountainside.

Explore the winding lanes of Amalfi, venture towards Ravello for extraordinary coastal views or discover the region's culinary traditions through a private experience. Back on board, return to the tranquillity of Ilma, where an afternoon on deck offers a different perspective of this legendary coastline.

As the sun sets, dine beneath the stars and watch Italy's western shores slowly disappear beyond the horizon.

Day 7 | At Sea | The Luxury of Time 

Today, there is nowhere you need to be. Embrace the freedom of life at sea and allow the journey itself to take centre stage.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, unwind beside the pool, indulge in a treatment at the Ritz-Carlton Spa or retreat to your private terrace with nothing more demanding than the view. With the Adriatic ahead, this is time to simply relax, recharge and savour the rare luxury of having nowhere else to go.

Day 8 | Kotor | Montenegro's Dramatic Coast

Cruise into the extraordinary Bay of Kotor, where steep mountains plunge into deep blue waters and medieval settlements appear around every bend.

Explore the UNESCO-listed old town of Kotor, wandering through narrow lanes and atmospheric squares, or venture further into the surrounding mountains for spectacular views across the bay. The region's blend of Venetian architecture, dramatic scenery and centuries-old traditions makes it one of the Adriatic's most captivating destinations.

Return to Ilma as the sun begins to soften, with the yacht providing a serene setting from which to watch Montenegro's rugged coastline recede.

Day 9 | Dubrovnik | The Pearl of the Adriatic

Today brings you to Dubrovnik, where terracotta rooftops, ancient stone walls and shimmering Adriatic waters create one of Europe's most beautiful coastal cities.

Walk the historic city walls for panoramic views, explore the maze of medieval streets within the Old Town or venture beyond the city to discover the quieter side of southern Croatia. Later, return to the yacht for an evening of relaxed dining and impeccable service as your journey continues north.

Day 10 | Split | Ancient Meets Adriatic

Arrive in Split, a city where Roman history and contemporary Mediterranean life exist side by side. At its heart lies the remarkable Palace of Diocletian, now woven into the fabric of the modern city.

Wander through ancient courtyards and atmospheric lanes before pausing at a waterfront café for a taste of local life. Alternatively, venture into the surrounding Dalmatian landscape to discover secluded bays, traditional villages and the region's celebrated wines.

Day 11 | Rovinj | Istria's Venetian Soul

Your final port of call is Rovinj, a romantic fishing town on Croatia's Istrian coast. Pastel façades tumble towards the water while narrow cobbled streets wind uphill towards the Church of St Euphemia.

Spend the day exploring the old town, discovering local galleries and boutiques or venturing into the Istrian countryside in search of truffles, olive oil and acclaimed local wines. As your time in Croatia draws to a close, savour one final taste of the region's distinctive blend of Italian influence and Adriatic charm.

Day 12 | Venice | Journey's End

Wake as Ilma approaches Venice, bringing your Rail & Sail journey to its final destination.

Disembark in the floating city and reflect on a journey that has taken you from Sicily's sun-soaked shores to the dramatic Adriatic coast, travelling not simply from one destination to another, but experiencing Italy and the Adriatic through two entirely different and equally