Paris to Portofino on Belmond Venice-Simplon Orient Express
It’s hard to imagine a more iconic Italian journey than this special itinerary from Belmond that combines a night on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express with a two-night stay at Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino. The train departs Paris in the afternoon and passes by charming cities in Burgundy before winding its way along the French Riviera past dazzling resort towns like Cannes and Nice. The route then dips down into Italy, through the port town of Genoa, and along the blue shores of the Ligurian coast to its terminus in Portofino. Aboard the VSOE, crew will pull out all the stops, including Champagne and afternoon tea service after boarding, a multi-course dinner and sommelier-selected wines in the historic restaurant cars, live music and artisanal cocktails in the Art Deco Bar Car 3674, and the Midnight Brunch with lobster rolls and truffled club sandwiches. Travelers then check in to the newly refreshed Splendido, overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio. Here, guests can enjoy the redesigned pool club, take a tennis clinic, or hike to a local lighthouse. The journey ends on a high note: cocktails and a private gala dinner at Splendido’s terrace restaurant overlooking the gulf. Because the journey takes place from October 15-18, 2026, travelers can expect comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds in Portofino. Fares start at about $23,500.
Milan to Alba on FS Treini Touristi
With FS Treini Touristi’s new “Truffle and Wine” route, travelers can hop aboard a stylish vintage train car and learn about authentic Italian cuisine while the green hills of Piedmont roll by the windows. The route glides through Italy’s Langhe region from Milan to Alba, known for its white truffles and well-balanced Barberas. Passengers board meticulously restored Gran Confort carriages, which date back to the 1970s and are emblems of Modern Italian design, with velvet-upholstered seats and panoramic windows. Travelers will see hillside vineyards and medieval villages trundle by, but there’s more than just scenic views to enjoy on board. During the 3.5-hour ride, passengers can sample the region’s flavors with tastings of local products, learn about Alba’s traditions, culture, and landscapes. Once in Alba, travelers are free to explore on their own, and there are plenty of culinary adventures to embark upon, from browsing seasonal markets, to sipping local wine in historic bars, and visiting artisanal chocolate shops. Best of all, the route is timed to coincide with the International Alba White Truffle Fair, which runs from October 10 to December 6, 2026. Here, visitors can celebrate all forms of this beloved regional ingredient, including cooking demonstrations, sampling local delicacies, and purchasing white truffles directly from the trifulao, or truffle hunters, themselves. The roundtrip route operates every Sunday from October 11 through December 6, 2026. One-way fares are about $80.