tween them have joined forces to offer Orient-Express guests five weekends designed to celebrate Italian food.

Running from March to November, ten chefs will produce menus designed exclusively for the hotels’ guests in Venice, Portofino, Taormina, Ravello, and Florence.

Dining?with the Stars packages include two gourmet dinners, an excursion to a local site of importance and accommodation in luxury suites.

The first takes place at the Hotel Cipriani in Venice from March 17 to 19 with Filippo Chiappini Dattilo, owner of Michelin starred restaurant Antica Osteria del Teatro in Piacenza, and three Michelin-starred Chef Massimo Bottura in residence.

Guests will stay in a Junior Suite with daily breakfast and will visit the Fortuny atelier on Giudecca Island - the only atelier in the world still producing the fabrics designed by Mariano Fortuny.

They will also be treated to a visit to the ancient Bevilacqua weaving mill, which uses the same hand operated antique looms and techniques employed during the Renaissance.

Rates for the Dining with the Stars weekends start from €3,910 (approximately £3,294) per couple, and include two nights accommodation in a Junior Suite, daily breakfast, two gourmet dinners cooked by two Michelin starred chefs, and an exclusive local excursion.

diningwitht