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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

2026 Departures - The Orient Express La Dolce Vita - Coast to Coast - Rome - Venice - Portofino - Rome - by air

Five-day Rome to Portofino journey on the Orient Express La Dolce Vita

Illustration of 2026 Departures - The Orient Express La Dolce Vita - Coast to Coast - Rome - Venice - Portofino - Rome - by air

Planet Rail offers a 5-day tailor-made holiday that combines the cultural immersion of Rome with the glamour of travel aboard the Orient Express La Dolce Vita, a 1960s-inspired luxury train. The journey begins with a British Airways flight from London Heathrow to Rome, followed by two nights at the boutique 4-star Hotel dei Mellini in the elegant Prati district, where you explore the city's landmarks at your own pace. On day three, you board the Orient Express at Roma Ostiense station and travel northward through Italian countryside to Venice, where a private artisan tour awaits. The fourth day carries you to the picturesque coastal town of Portofino via Santa Margherita Ligure before returning to the train for dinner and your second night on board. All meals, drinks, and curated local experiences are included, along with 24-hour onboard service. The itinerary suits couples seeking luxury travel and those drawn to Italy's history, gastronomy, and coastal beauty.

What to know before you look closer

  • Transfer from Rome Fiumicino airport to Hotel dei Mellini is not included and must be arranged and paid locally.
  • Some premium drinks on board are available at an additional cost beyond the included beverages.
  • The package price is based on two people travelling together; single occupancy pricing may differ significantly.

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 morning 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. Enjoy lunch on board before arriving in the unique city of Venice, where you enjoy a private art experience, artisans and historic palace experience and dinner in Venice. Once back on board the Orient Express, perhaps make your way to the bar car for a nightcap 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 Portofino

    This morning, enjoy breakfast on board as you travel through the Italian countryside before arriving in Santa Margherita Ligure, where you transfer to Portofino and enjoy a curated experience of the town. Upon returning to the Orient Express, perhaps take an Italian aperitivo before enjoying 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 your second morning on board before arriving back in 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 2Full day to explore Rome independently: visit the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, see the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps, or relax with gelato on Piazza Navona.
  • Day 3Depart Roma Ostiense station aboard the Orient Express La Dolce Vita and travel north through Italian countryside to Venice, where you enjoy a private artisan tour.
  • Day 4Travel to Santa Margherita Ligure and transfer to Portofino for a curated local experience before returning to the train for dinner and your second night on board.

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 & Portofino 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
  • Cultural experience of Portofino

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 the train travel included?
Yes. The price includes a double deluxe ensuite cabin on the Orient Express La Dolce Vita from Rome to Venice and Portofino and return, with all meals, drinks, and off-board experiences.
Is this escorted or independent?
It is a tailor-made independent holiday with 24-hour onboard service and exclusive destination experiences curated by local specialists. You explore Rome at your own pace over two days.
Which trains are used?
The Orient Express La Dolce Vita, a 1960s-inspired luxury train, departs Rome Ostiense and travels to Venice and Portofino, then returns to Rome.
What accommodation is included?
Two nights in a superior twin or double room at the 4-star Hotel dei Mellini in Rome's Prati district, plus two nights in a deluxe cabin on the Orient Express.
What meals are included?
All table d'hote meals on board the train with seasonal and local products, a selection of beverages throughout the journey, and food and beverages during off-board experiences in Venice and Portofino.
When does this trip run?
The pack specifies 2026 departures; contact Planet Rail for the full 2026 departure schedule.

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