Climbing aboard one of the world’s most beautiful historic trains to journey through the heart of Tuscany and witness the famous Palio di Siena offers emotions that are truly unique and irreplaceable. The Dolce Vita Orient Express, the elegant Italian luxury train, has chosen to celebrate this medieval horse race by inaugurating an exclusive itinerary dedicated to culture, hospitality, and haute cuisine.
When does the train depart
The voyage aboard the wonderful carriages of the Dolce Vita Orient Express lasts three days and two nights and features two dates that align with the two Palio di Siena events, as tradition dictates, namely on July 2 (Madonna di Provenzano) and August 16 (Madonna Assunta).
The two outbound and return itineraries are therefore scheduled on the following dates: from July 1 to 3, 2026 and from August 15 to 17, 2026.
The itinerary from Rome to Siena
We depart from Roma Ostiense at sunset, after being welcomed in the Dolce Vita Lounge, and head toward Tuscany. On board, dinner is prepared by three-Michelin-star Chef Heinz Beck, and afterward, the evening continues with Italian live music accompanied by piano in the Carrozza Bar.
The carriage continues its journey through the gentle hills of Tuscany, finally reaching Siena. Here, the following morning, the Palio is experienced from a special and exclusive perspective: from the private balconies of Palazzo Chigi Zondadari, a splendid noble residence overlooking the famous Piazza del Campo.
Once the race is over, at sunset, guests are pampered with a refined Tuscan dinner in the palace courtyard, savoring exquisite regional wines and seasonal dishes. Later, they reboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, but the fun doesn’t end there: an elegant after-party awaits guests in the Carrozza Bar, with piano melodies, cocktails and pleasant conversations.
The following morning you return to Roma Ostiense, after breakfast on board as the landscapes glide slowly past the windows. It is a sweet awakening, characterized by soft lighting, flawless service, and that suspended atmosphere that only a luxury train journey can offer. The final hours thus become the perfect moment to relive the emotions of the previous evening, between the roar of the run in Piazza del Campo and the magic of a night spent aboard one of Europe’s and the world’s most captivating trains.
A journey that is not merely a means of getting somewhere, but a celebration of the Italian art of living, where elegance, design, and beauty join timeless cultural traditions of the Bel Paese.
How to book the trip
To participate in this exclusive Tuscan experience, you must contact directly the reservations office of La Dolce Vita Orient Express, which will provide all information on availability, cabin types, prices, and services included in this special package. We therefore recommend visiting the official site Orient-express.com for any further details.
