Italy has redefined slow travel. The new La Dolce Vita Orient Express is offering an extraordinary three-day journey to one of Europe’s most historic spectacles — the Palio di Siena.
Blending old-world glamour with modern refinement, this experience connects Rome to the medieval city of Siena — delivering guests directly into the heart of a centuries-old tradition in unmatched luxury.
A Front-Row Seat to History
Dating back to the 13th century, the Palio is the world’s oldest horse race. Held twice each summer in Siena’s iconic Piazza del Campo, ten of the city’s seventeen contrade (districts) compete in a bareback race that lasts less than 90 electrifying seconds.
But this is far more than a race — it is ritual, rivalry, and Renaissance pageantry woven together in one unforgettable moment.
Guests aboard La Dolce Vita enjoy exclusive access to Palazzo Chigi Zondadari, an 18th-century Baroque palace overlooking the square. From its private balconies, travelers witness the spectacle unfold from one of the most privileged vantage points in Siena.
The Journey: Rome to Tuscany in Refined Glamour
The experience begins at Rome Ostiense Station in the La Dolce Vita Lounge. As dusk settles over the Eternal City, the train departs for Tuscany.
Onboard highlights include:
- Dinner curated by three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck
- Live piano performances in the Bar Car
- Signature Italian cocktails
- Scenic passage through the rolling Tuscan hills
With just 12 carriages and a maximum of 62 passengers, the train offers an intimate atmosphere reminiscent of the golden age of rail travel.
Accommodation options include:
- 12 deluxe cabins
- 18 suites
- The exclusive La Dolce Vita Suite
Each space channels cinematic Italian elegance while incorporating contemporary comforts.
Siena’s Palio: A Tradition of Passion and Prestige
The July race honors the Madonna di Provenzano, while the August edition celebrates the Assumption of Mary. Both events transform Siena into a city alive with color, tension, and celebration.
Following the race, guests return to the palace courtyard for a private Tuscan dinner before continuing festivities back aboard the train.
It is not simply travel. It is theatre, gastronomy, and history intertwined.
Why La Dolce Vita Orient Express Is Redefining Luxury Rail
While Europe has long celebrated luxury train journeys, La Dolce Vita represents Italy’s first true entry into the ultra-luxury rail category — pairing heritage destinations with Michelin-level dining and curated cultural immersion.
For discerning travelers seeking exclusivity, narrative-driven itineraries, and elevated access to iconic events, the La Dolce Vita Orient Express Siena Palio experience is among the most refined offerings of summer 2026.
The Dates
The journey operates twice in summer 2026:
- July 1–3
- August 15–17
With limited capacity and high seasonal demand, these departures are expected to sell out quickly.
The Verdict
From sipping cocktails in Rome to watching medieval rivalries unfold from a Baroque balcony, this journey captures the essence of Italian grandeur.
If luxury is about access, atmosphere, and authenticity — La Dolce Vita delivers all three.