Great Rail Journeys
First-Class Swiss Mountains & Italian Lakes
First-Class escorted rail tour of Swiss lakes, mountains and Italy's Lake Como
10 daysfrom $5,608
80% rail
Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday
2026 Departures - The Orient Express La Dolce Vita - Bella Italia - Rome - Venice - Siena - Rome - by rail
Indulge in classic Italian elegance aboard the Orient Express La Dolce Vita, journeying from Rome to Venice and Siena in pure luxury.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Zurich
By Rail to Switzerland
Your holiday begins at beautifully restored London St. Pancras station. Travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph, with a light meal and drinks served in Standard Premier Class. On arrival at the Gare du Nord your private taxi transfers you across Paris to the Gare de Lyon to continue by TGV through France into Switzerland, through the undulating Swiss countryside to the attractive lakeside city of Zurich. It is a short walk (700 metres) to your overnight hotel, the comfortable, welcoming and highly-rated Hotel Helmhaus (4 star).
- Day 2railovernight: Rome
Free-time in Zurich - Through the Swiss Alps to Rome
After breakfast make a whistle-stop tour of Zurich, whose sights cluster either side of the River Limmat. Then return to the station for the scenic journey along the impressive Gotthard route across the Swiss Alps, climbing to the foot of the snow-capped peaks and through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world's longest tunnel, before continuing past the outstanding Italian Lakes to Milan. At Milan's imposing art-deco station change trains and join the flagship Eurostar Italia Frecciarossa (Red Arrow) service to Rome. From Roma Termini make your way to your hotel for the next two nights, the stylish and very highly-rated Hotel dei Mellini (4 star) in the elegant Prati district, close to the River Tiber, 10 minutes on foot from the Spanish Steps and 15 minutes from St. Peter's Cathedral.
- Day 3overnight: Rome
Exploring Rome
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.
- Day 4railovernight: 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.
- Day 5railovernight: 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.
- Day 6railovernight: Montreux
Siena and Rome, then through the Alps to Lake Geneva
Enjoy your second morning on board with a delicious breakfast before arriving in Siena, with a city tour and lunch. Then board the Orient Express back to Rome; the train pulls into Roma Ostiense station where you bid farewell to your luxury train. Head back to Roma Termini for the journey north to Milan aboard Eurostar Italia, then join the comfortable EuroCity service into the Alps for the spectacular journey up the Rhone Valley and through the Simplon Pass, continuing to the pretty lakeside town of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. Your overnight hotel is the belle epoque Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star superior) located right next to the station.
- Day 7rail
Montreux to London
Stretch your legs this morning or board the trolley bus to the stunning medieval Chateau de Chillon (payable locally), one of the best-preserved castles in Europe. Then join the InterRegio train to Lausanne, change to the TGV to Paris, and take your private taxi transfer to the Gare du Nord where you join the Eurostar back to London St. Pancras International, with the meal and drinks included in your Standard Premier service.
Included
- First Class rail travel from London to Rome and return via Zurich and Montreux (Standard Premier service on Eurostar)
- 4 nights' hotel accommodation in 4 star hotels with breakfast each day: 2 nights in Rome plus overnight stays in Zurich and Montreux
- 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
- Private taxi transfers across Paris
Not included
- Some premium drinks on board (at an additional cost)
- Chateau de Chillon, Montreux (payable locally)
