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Travel enthusiasts, rejoice! The enchanting cities of Venice and Rome are about to offer an unparalleled luxury experience as the famed Orient Express unveils its Grand Italian Tours in 2026. This exciting journey is set to combine stays in exquisite palaces, travel aboard the elegant La Dolce Vita train, and sailing on the magnificent Orient Express Corinthian yacht. Now adventurers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Italy’s culture and coastline, weaving together a holistic travel experience rather than separate vacations.
Drawing inspiration from the classic 19th-century Grand Tour, these curated journeys embrace a slower pace of exploration while providing all the modern comforts that luxury travelers expect. Orient Express envisions this concept as “luxury in motion,” encouraging guests to enjoy Italy through not just iconic destinations like Capri, Portofino, and the French Riviera but also through the delightful shifts of tempo found aboard trains, yachts, and hotels.
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The centerpiece of the Grand Italian Tours is the beautifully designed La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, which pays tribute to Italy’s cinematic golden age and the glamour of vintage rail travel. These exclusive rail journeys will begin or conclude in either Rome or Venice, seamlessly paired with stays in Orient Express’ top-tier accommodations, including the luxurious La Minerva in Rome and an exquisite palazzo in Venice. This combination allows guests to extend their explorations in these spectacular cities before or after their rail adventure.
Completing the trio of experiences is the stunning Orient Express Corinthian, a 220-meter sailing yacht newly introduced, which is set to set a gold standard for elegance at sea. This flagship vessel marries traditional French craftsmanship with state-of-the-art naval engineering, and select Grand Italian Tours will feature journeys that incorporate segments aboard this luxurious yacht, transforming the trip into a comprehensive experience of rail and sail along the extraordinary Italian and Mediterranean coastlines.
From July 19 through September 20, 2026, Orient Express will run six distinctive Grand Italian Tours, each ranging from seven to twelve nights. These itineraries are thoughtfully crafted to blend multiple modes of travel and include a well-chosen selection of breathtaking destinations. Transfers will be organized seamlessly between each leg of the journey, allowing guests to focus solely on enjoyment rather than logistics.
Highlighted itineraries include:
These itineraries are carefully designed to alternate between travel and longer stays in key locations, enriching the overall experience reminiscent of a true Grand Tour.
Each Grand Italian Tour is tied to unique destination experiences that turn layovers into memorable highlights. Guests might indulge in private visits to exclusive palazzi in Siena, savor meals at the breathtaking Gardens of Augustus overlooking Capri, or join local experts for truffle hunts in Istria’s lush forests. Other options may include evenings at the spectacular Palais Bulles near Cannes or curated cultural and culinary activities that resonate with the character of each region. Personalized experiences can also be arranged upon request, allowing travelers to indulge in their passions, be it wine, art, or sailing.
La Minerva in Rome and the Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice (featured on the Orient Express site under the Venezia banner) are central to the luxury accommodations for these itineraries. Both hotels are designed with the essence of a theatrical backdrop, blending historic architecture with contemporary style and local culture. Staying in these properties helps ensure that the hotel experience is just as integral to the journey as time spent in the train or yacht.
In Rome, guests will have the pleasure of stepping out from La Minerva into the vibrant historic streets, before boarding the La Dolce Vita Orient Express at the exclusive Ostiense Lounge for their onward journey. Similarly, Venice’s palatial charm and canalscape will provide a dreamy starting point for either embarking on the train, joining the yacht adventure, or seamlessly transitioning towards the enchanting landscapes of Provence and the French Riviera.
What truly sets the Grand Italian Tours apart is how Orient Express transforms movement into an enriching experience rather than simply a means of getting from one place to another. This brand-new journey embodies the essence of “rare freedom,” where guests can glide along sparkling coastlines, leisurely traverse the Italian peninsula by train, and pause in charming palazzi, all while adhering to a unified travel philosophy. A dedicated team manages all planning and reservations, inviting travelers to articulate their dreams and ultimately crafting a personalized travel route to suit their preferences. Inquiries can be directed through the official Orient Express platform, where the Grand Italian Tours represent the pinnacle of the company’s ethos of “luxury in motion.”
Image Credit: Orient Express
Source: The post Venice and Rome Grand Italian Tours: Orient Express Unveils Luxury Rail, Yacht and Hotel Odysseys! first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
