Curator’s statement
This elegant 17-day journey through Italy has been one of my most rewarding and refined travel experiences. From the cinematic cliffs of Taormina to the ancient heart of Rome and the rustic charm of Puglia, every stop was carefully chosen to combine culture, scenery, and luxury. Traveling by plane, car, and train—including the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express—allowed me to experience Italy in both comfort and style. Whether it’s sipping cocktails at a palace-turned-hotel or exploring sun-drenched coastal villages, this itinerary is for travelers who love slow travel, exquisite hotels, and beautiful details.
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Day 1: Fly to Sicily, drive to Palermo
We took a morning flight from London Gatwick to Catania (CTA), collected our Avis rental car, and drove across Sicily to Palermo. Many other flight options are available, or you could get a direct train from Rome. Check in to the glamorous Villa Igiea, A Rocco Forte Hotel, for a two-night stay. The hotel’s terraced gardens and grand interiors make it a destination in itself.
Day 2: Discover Palermo
Explore the fascinating mix of Arab, Norman, and Italian heritage in Palermo. Stroll through vibrant markets like Ballarò and visit landmarks such as the Palatine Chapel and Norman Palace. As a hotel guest, take advantage of their Postcards of Palermo rate for complimentary museum access.
Day 3: Drive to Taormina
Take the scenic drive across Sicily to the eastern coast. Check in to the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, a former monastery perched above the Ionian Sea and famously featured in the second season of The White Lotus. A three-night stay offers time to unwind and soak up the views.
Day 4: Taormina & ancient history
Spend your day at leisure. Don’t miss the Greek Theatre and lunch with views of Mount Etna. For dinner, try Principe Cerami for a Michelin-starred experience on-site.
Day 5: More time to explore Taormina
Whether it’s a visit to Isola Bella or a cooking class in town, today is about relaxation and personal discovery. The hotel’s infinity pool is one of the most beautiful in Italy.
Day 6: Overnight train to Rome
Board the Trenitalia Intercity Notte sleeper train from Taormina-Giardini to Rome Termini—an efficient and nostalgic way to travel. Book a private sleeper with an en-suite shower room and WC for comfort.
Day 7: Arrive in Rome
Wake up in Rome and check in to the tranquil Six Senses Rome. With its eco-conscious design and rooftop garden, it’s a peaceful base for discovering the city.
Day 8: Rome in depth
Explore the Vatican, Colosseum, or simply wander through Rome’s timeless piazzas. Start with a rooftop breakfast and end with a golden-hour walk along the Tiber.
Day 9: La dolce vita begins
Board the brand-new La Dolce Vita Orient Express at Rome Ostiense Station for a luxury rail experience through Italy. Expect timeless interiors, gourmet meals, and curated stops.
Day 10: Explore Sassi & Matera underground
Indulge in the elegance of slow travel. Whether passing olive groves or sipping local wines in the dining car, the journey is the destination.
Day 11: Return to Rome
Disembark and spend your final Roman night in style at the newly opened Orient Express La Minerva. Set within a historic 17th-century palazzo in the heart of Rome, this reimagined icon blends Belle Époque glamor with contemporary elegance. Just steps from the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, it’s the perfect sanctuary for a refined post-train retreat.
Day 12: Travel to Puglia
Catch a fast train to Bari, then transfer to Masseria Torre Maizza, in the heart of the Puglian countryside. This former farmhouse has been transformed into a luxurious escape.
Days 13–16: Explore Puglia at leisure
Spend your days relaxing by the pool, visiting whitewashed villages like Ostuni and Alberobello, or heading to the coast. Don’t miss a visit to Polignano a Mare, one of Italy’s most photogenic seaside towns. Enjoy traditional cuisine at Carosello, the hotel’s signature restaurant.
Day 17: Return home
We drove to Brindisi Airport for the return British Airways flight to Edinburgh via London Heathrow. Leave with memories of coastlines, cities, countryside—and Italy at its most luxurious. Many other flight options are available from a city nearest to you
Need to know
This itinerary is a true celebration of Italy’s regional diversity—from the coastal grandeur of Sicily and the ancient ruins of Rome, to the serene olive groves and whitewashed towns of Puglia. Each stop offers a completely different flavor of Italian life, culture, and cuisine—and staying at some of the country’s most iconic hotels only elevates the experience further.
Every hotel in this itinerary is bookable through The Private Traveller with Fora, unlocking exclusive VIP perks, including:
Daily breakfast for two
$100 resort or dining credit
Room upgrades (subject to availability)
Early check-in and late check-out
I’ll personally handle every detail of your journey—from train bookings and private transfers to restaurant reservations and tailored local experiences. All you need to do is relax and enjoy the art of slow travel through Italy.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Italy page.
Travel Advisor
Dave Gillan
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