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2026 Departures - The Orient Express La Dolce Vita - Rome to the Vineyards of Tuscany - by air

Four-day Rome to Tuscany on the La Dolce Vita Orient Express with hotel

Illustration of 2026 Departures - The Orient Express La Dolce Vita - Rome to the Vineyards of Tuscany - by air

Planet Rail's La Dolce Vita Orient Express journey combines the best of a European city break with luxury overnight rail travel. This four-day, independent holiday departs from London, with return British Airways flights included. You spend the first two nights at the four-star Hotel dei Mellini in central Rome, where Day 2 is entirely free to explore the Eternal City on your own terms, choosing among the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, or Spanish Steps. On Day 3 you board the 1960s-inspired La Dolce Vita Orient Express at Roma Ostiense station and travel north into Tuscany, sleeping in a deluxe cabin with ensuite facilities. The journey includes a sophisticated lunch in the restaurant car, a dinner stop at a winery near Montalcino, and curated local experiences at each destination. All table d'hôte meals on the train feature seasonal and local products. Day 4 returns you through the Italian countryside to Rome for your flight home. This package suits couples and luxury-seekers who want independence rather than a guided tour, as well as food-and-wine enthusiasts drawn to the Tuscan wine region.

What to know before you look closer

  • Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 4 are payable locally; you must arrange your own transport between Fiumicino airport and the Hotel dei Mellini.
  • Entry fees to Rome attractions (Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain) are not included and must be paid separately.
  • Some premium drinks on board the Orient Express are at an additional cost beyond the package price.
  • No 2026 departure dates are listed; confirm availability with Planet Rail before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome (Hotel dei Mellini)

    London to Rome

    Fly with British Airways from London Heathrow to Rome. On arrival at Fiumicino airport, make your own way (payable locally) to the 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 the Vatican, your hotel for the next two nights.

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome (Hotel dei Mellini)

    Exploring Rome

    A magical city with something to tantalise all tastes: choose among the Vatican City, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum and the Spanish Steps. Relax with a gelato in Piazza Navona or shop on Via del Corso. See Michelangelo's masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel, and take in 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

    Depart from Roma Ostiense station aboard the 1960s-inspired Orient Express La Dolce Vita. Relax in your deluxe cabin as you wend northwards to Tuscany, taking a sophisticated lunch in the restaurant car and sampling the on-board beverages before continuing to Torrenieri-Montalcino Winery for a local dining experience. Back on board, enjoy an aperitif in the bar car ahead of a sumptuous evening meal with musical entertainment, before retiring to your deluxe cabin for the night.

  4. Day 4rail

    The Orient Express to Rome and Homeward Bound

    Travel through the Italian countryside enjoying a leisurely breakfast and the unique atmosphere of this luxury rail experience. On arrival back in Rome, transfer to Fiumicino airport (payable locally) for your return flight to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Explore Rome independently, choosing from the Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps, or relax with gelato in Piazza Navona.
  • Day 3Board the La Dolce Vita Orient Express at Roma Ostiense, take a sophisticated lunch in the restaurant car, and visit a Tuscan winery for a local dining experience before returning aboard.
  • Day 4Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train travels through Italian countryside back to Rome before departing for the UK.

Included

  • Return British Airways economy class flights from London to Rome
  • 2 nights' B&B in a twin/double room at the Hotel dei Mellini (4 star) in Rome
  • A deluxe double cabin on the Orient Express from Rome to Montalcino and return, with ensuite facilities
  • All table d'hôte meals on board, with seasonal and local products, and a selection of beverages throughout the journey
  • Exclusive off-train experiences in each destination, curated by local specialists, including food and beverage
  • Torrenieri-Montalcino Winery visit and local dining experience
  • 24-hour onboard service and entertainment

Not included

  • Some premium drinks on board may be at an additional cost
  • Entry to Rome sights: Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Vatican City, Sistine Chapel (payable locally)
  • Transfer between Fiumicino airport and the Rome hotel (payable locally)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes a deluxe cabin on the La Dolce Vita Orient Express from Rome to Montalcino and return, with all meals and beverages on board (some premium drinks excepted).
Is this an escorted or independent trip?
This is an independent, tailor-made holiday. You have no tour guide. Planet Rail curates exclusive local experiences at each destination, but you arrange your own airport transfers and choose how to spend free time in Rome on Day 2.
What is included in the price from £3,995?
Return British Airways economy flights from London to Rome, two nights at the four-star Hotel dei Mellini on a bed-and-breakfast basis, a deluxe cabin on the Orient Express with all table d'hôte meals, a winery visit and local dining near Montalcino, and 24-hour onboard service.
What is not included?
Airport transfers (payable locally), entry to Rome sights such as the Vatican and Colosseum (payable locally), and some premium on-board beverages.
How much walking is involved?
Day 2 includes city walking in Rome, with stairs to the top of St Peter's Cathedral. The train journey itself involves minimal walking beyond boarding.
Can I upgrade my flight?
Yes. Business Class flights are available for a supplement of £475 per person.

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