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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

2026 Departures - The Orient Express La Dolce Vita - Bella Italia - Rome - Venice - Siena - Rome - by air

Five-day luxury train journey Rome to Venice and Siena aboard Orient Express

Illustration of 2026 Departures - The Orient Express La Dolce Vita - Bella Italia - Rome - Venice - Siena - Rome - by air

Planet Rail's five-day Orient Express La Dolce Vita journey blends a leisurely Roman city break with luxury train travel through northern Italy. The holiday begins with two nights at the four-star Hotel dei Mellini in Rome's elegant Prati district, where day two is yours to explore the Vatican, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps at your own pace. On day three, you board the Orient Express La Dolce Vita at Roma Ostiense station, a 1960s-inspired luxury train that captures the glamour of classic European rail travel. The train carries you northward through the Italian countryside to Venice, where day four includes an artisan tour and lunch before an evening return on board. Day five takes you to Siena for a city tour and lunch, then back to Rome for your flight home to London. All onboard meals feature seasonal and local Italian products, and your deluxe cabin includes ensuite facilities and all beverages. This journey suits luxury-seeking travellers, couples, first-time rail passengers seeking a gentler introduction to train holidays, and food-and-wine enthusiasts.

What to know before you look closer

  • Airport transfer from Rome Fiumicino to Hotel dei Mellini is not included and must be arranged and paid for locally.
  • Some premium drinks on board are available at additional cost; the included beverages selection is not specified in detail.
  • No current departure dates are listed; Planet Rail describes this as a tailor-made holiday, so confirm availability and your preferred travel dates directly with the operator.
  • The itinerary names specific sites in Rome (Vatican, Trevi Fountain, Colosseum) but day 2 is unguided; you choose activities independently.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    London to Rome

    This morning your holiday begins as you fly with British Airways from London Heathrow to the eternal city of Rome. On arrival at Rome's Fiumicino airport make your own way (payable locally) to your stylish hotel for the next two nights, the highly-rated Hotel dei Mellini (4 star), set in a quiet location in the elegant Prati district, close to the River Tiber, 10 minutes on foot from the Spanish Steps and 15 minutes from the Vatican.

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Exploring Rome

    There is something to tantalise all tastes around every corner of this most magical of cities. Choose among the stunning array of sights from the Vatican City to the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum to the Spanish Steps. Relax with a gelato on Piazza Navona or shop on Via del Corso. See Michelangelo's masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel and the view from the top of St. Peter's Cathedral over the seven hills of Rome.

  3. Day 3railovernight: On board the Orient Express La Dolce Vita

    Board The Orient Express - La Dolce Vita

    This afternoon excitement builds as you prepare to depart from Roma Ostiense station on board the unique 1960's inspired Orient Express La Dolce Vita Luxury Train. Sit back and relax in your deluxe cabin watching the Italian scenery as you leisurely wend your way northwards towards Venice. At your leisure, make your way to the bar car for an aperitif in anticipation of a sumptuous evening meal with musical entertainment, before retiring to your deluxe cabin for a restful night's sleep.

  4. Day 4railovernight: On board the Orient Express La Dolce Vita

    The Orient Express to Venice

    This morning, as you travel through the Italian countryside, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take in the unique atmosphere and charm of this luxury rail experience. Cross the shimmering waters of the lagoon and arrive in Venice, where you enjoy an intriguing city visit and lunch. Upon returning to the Orient Express, enjoy an Italian aperitivo before dinner on board and your second night sleeping in Orient Express luxury.

  5. Day 5rail

    Siena and Rome, then Homeward Bound

    Enjoy a delicious breakfast on board before arriving in Siena. Discover more about the region with a city tour and lunch. Then board the Orient Express for your journey back to Rome. The train pulls into Roma Ostiense station, where you bid farewell to your luxury train and head back to Roma Termini station before your return flight to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Free day in Rome to visit the Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, and Sistine Chapel.
  • Day 3Depart Roma Ostiense station on the Orient Express La Dolce Vita, watching Italian scenery unfold from your deluxe cabin while an evening meal is served.
  • Day 4Cross the Venetian lagoon and enjoy an artisan tour of Venice, followed by lunch and an Italian aperitivo before dinner on board.
  • Day 5A city tour and lunch in Siena, then the return journey to Roma Ostiense station before heading to Roma Termini for your flight home.

Included

  • Return British Airways economy class flights from London to Rome
  • 2 nights' B&B in a superior twin/double room at the boutique Hotel dei Mellini (4 star) in Rome
  • Double deluxe ensuite cabin on the Orient Express La Dolce Vita from Rome to Venice & Siena and return, with all meals and drinks included
  • All table d'hote meals on board, with seasonal and local products
  • A selection of beverages throughout the journey
  • Exclusive experiences in each destination, curated by the best local specialists
  • Food and beverage during the offboard experiences
  • 24-hour onboard service and entertainment
  • An artisan tour of Venice
  • Siena city tour and a journey into traditions

Not included

  • Some premium drinks on board (at an additional cost)
  • Transfer from Rome Fiumicino airport to your hotel (payable locally)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The price from GBP 6,995 per person includes the double deluxe ensuite cabin on the Orient Express La Dolce Vita from Rome to Venice and Siena and back to Rome, with all meals and drinks included, plus a two-night stay at Hotel dei Mellini in Rome and return British Airways flights from London.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
It is an independent, tailor-made holiday. You make your own way from Rome Fiumicino airport to the hotel on day 1 (transfer not included). Day 2 in Rome is free to explore at your own pace. Days 3 to 5 aboard the train include curated off-train excursions (an artisan tour of Venice and a Siena city tour) led by local specialists.
What is the cabin accommodation like?
The Deluxe cabin features cool colours, mirrored back walls, and wooden slat ceilings. The sofa unfolds to a double bed at night. All cabins have ensuite facilities. A Suite upgrade is available from GBP 2,000 per person, offering more space with sofa, table, and two armchairs in warm orange, terracotta, and purple with brass finishes.
What meals are included?
All table d'hote meals on board are included, prepared with seasonal and local Italian products. Beverages throughout the journey are included; some premium drinks are available at additional cost. The Siena city tour and Venice artisan tour include lunch as part of the curated experiences.
How much walking is involved?
Day 2 in Rome involves unguided sightseeing on foot. Days 4 and 5 include guided city tours in Venice and Siena respectively, which typically involve moderate walking through historic town centres and stairs in older buildings.
When does this holiday run?
Planet Rail does not publish specific departure dates in their listing; this is offered as a tailor-made holiday. Contact the operator to confirm available travel dates.

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