How do you plan to start 2026? In a bar? At home on the sofa? If you’re still on the hunt for something special to do this New Year’s Eve – and have a lot of spare cash – we may have just the activity for you.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express is a super-swish train service, as you might expect from the name. It’s a ‘love letter to Italy’, influenced by the classical grandeur of the most iconic train of all time, the Orient Express, and taking it through the very best bits of the country – through vineyards, past shimmering waters and into the heart of historical cities.
Now, the operator has announced a brand-new route, ‘Whispers at Midnight’, designed to give you the perfect start to the new year. The journey begins and ends in Rome, bringing passengers through Tuscany to Venice and into 2026. The trip takes three days and two nights in total, departing on December 30 and returning to Rome for January 1.
RECOMMENDED: I’ve spent New Year’s Eve in 10 European cities – these are the ones worth travelling for.
So, what exactly can passengers expect for a cool €11,280 per person? Obviously, the food will be excellent – there’ll be a sumptuous spread from 3-Michelin-star chef Heinz Beck every evening and breakfast served directly to your cabin.
You’ll also be able to book culinary experiences at Montalcino, the Tuscan town on the route, and Venice. If food isn’t your thing, you can look forward to a canal boat trip, or a range of other ‘curated experiences’.
The New Year festivities take place on the return trip to Rome, and involve a gourmet New Year’s Eve dinner, a DJ, live burlesque performances, snacks and, obvs, a bar to ring in the new year. An early breakfast will be available just before it reaches Rome station the next morning.
The very steep price will cover your food, your cabin and your ticket for travel. Fancy it? Book your place on the Orient Express’ website here.
If that’s a bit above your pay grade, there are some much more affordable Christmas train routes in Europe – number one even goes through Italy.
These are the best new things to do in Europe in 2026 – from immersive art to festivals, food and nature trails.
Revealed: the world’s most visited cities by international arrivals in 2025.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.