Search

Railbookers · Luxury train vacation

La Dolce Vita Orient Express - Eternal Stones of Matera and the Gems of Italy

Ten-day Venice, Florence and Rome tour with Orient Express to Matera

Illustration of La Dolce Vita Orient Express - Eternal Stones of Matera and the Gems of Italy

Railbookers operates this 10-day, 9-night luxury train vacation that opens with two nights each in Venice and Florence before moving on to Rome and two nights aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Deluxe class. Days in Venice include a guided tour of the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica, followed by a stroll through quieter lanes; in Florence, a walking tour takes in the Uffizi and Accademia galleries along with a private sunset gondola ride on the Arno. After two nights in Rome that include the Colosseum and Roman Forum, travelers board the train at Rome Ostiense Station for an overnight journey to Matera, where a guided tour explores the UNESCO-listed Sassi cave dwellings, before the train continues through Palena in the Majella National Park back to Rome. This suits travelers who want several major Italian cities layered around a shorter Orient Express rail segment.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels for Venice, Florence and Rome are each chosen from several listed accommodation options (for example, Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli and Gran Canal or Hotel Metropole Venice in Venice, and the Anglo American Hotel Florence or Cellai Boutique Hotel in Florence), so the exact hotel in each city depends on availability.
  • The evidence does not list specific current departure dates for this itinerary; confirm live availability and pricing directly with Railbookers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Overnight in Venice

    Your Journey Begins in Venice

    Welcome to Venice! On arrival, meet your private transfer and driver and ride across lagoon to your hotel. You will quickly realize just how wonderful this corner of world is. Settle in at your hotel then step out and start discovering sprawling canals and local charms on your own.

  2. Day 2overnight: Overnight in Venice

    Venice

    This morning, make your way to St Mark's Square for start of your small group tour to Doges Palace, and mesmerizing Golden Basilica. Following this, it is a guided walking tour through quieter lanes and alleys, where you will see some architectural gems and historical buildings that are often overlooked by crowds.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Overnight in Florence

    Venice to Florence

    After breakfast, make your way to Venice Santa Lucia station and board a direct high-speed train to Florence, city of Renaissance Art! Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel and check-in for a two-night stay. rest of afternoon is yours at leisure, why not take a stroll over to Ponte Vecchio bridge and visit boutique jewelry stores, followed by a visit to Pitti Palace? In evening, enjoy an included sunset gondola ride along river Arno perfect way to end first night in city of art.

  4. Day 4overnight: Overnight in Florence

    Florence

    After breakfast, make your way to your walking tour and visit world-famous Uffizi and Accademia galleries. Uffizi Gallery, one of most renowned art museums n world. Inside, you will encounter a stunning collection of Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Titian. Accademia Gallery, home to one of most iconic sculptures in world, Michelangelo's David. Absorb all Florence has to offer as you walk cobbled streets and admire cathedrals.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Overnight in Rome

    Florence to Rome

    After breakfast, make your way to Florence Santa Maria Novella station and board a direct train to Rome! Make your way to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. rest of day is yours at leisure €“ perfect opportunity to stroll through city and visit some of key spots! Why not head over to Trevi Fountain at a chance for some good luck, followed by a walk around Pantheon and across to Spanish Steps. End your first day with a taste of one of Rome's specialties, Cacio E Pepe!

  6. Day 6overnight: Overnight in Rome

    Rome

    After breakfast, make your way over to Colosseum for a guided tour of famous amphitheater, then walk in footsteps of ancient Romans once more with a guided stroll around Roman Forum. These amazing ruins were for centuries center of day-to-day life in Rome.

  7. Day 7rail

    Overnight Onboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express

    Begin your day with a delightful breakfast and Italian coffee at your hotel, before a scheduled transfer takes you through city to Rome Ostiense Station. Here, you will board luxurious carriages of La Dolce Vita Orient Express. After a swift check-in, your steward will escort you to your elegantly appointed cabin. Admire timeless design, plush carpeting, and exquisite decor that masterfully blend opulence with comfort. Once settled, enjoy a gourmet Italian dinner in Dining Car, savoring peaceful views of countryside through your window. evening will culminate with live musical entertainment and cocktails in Bar Car. (Overnight onboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express) B,

  8. Day 8rail

    Overnight Onboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express

    Awaken to stunning vistas of Italy's countryside as you near picturesque Matera. Following breakfast, La Dolce Vita Orient Express pulls into Matera station, where you will step off train ready to explore wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage City. On a guided tour, you will delve into city's well-preserved medieval allure, experiencing its local traditions, crafts, cuisine, and architecture, culminating in a traditional lunch at a remarkable cave restaurant. Later, you will reboard train, journeying through expansive vineyards and charming villages. day ends with a delightful dinner in Dining Car, accompanied by cocktails, Italian wines, music, and a few surprises, enhancing enchanting atmosphere. (Overnight onboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express) B,L,

  9. Day 9railovernight: Overnight in Rome

    Rome

    Begin your day with a delightful breakfast, followed by a leisurely morning as you admire picturesque Italian countryside from train. Soon, you will reach Palena, a charming commune nestled in heart of Abruzzo region. Set against backdrop of lush green hills and located within Majella National Park, Palena offers a serene mountain atmosphere and rich historical heritage to explore. Take opportunity to wander through town, immerse yourself in surrounding natural beauty, and indulge in a typical lunch. Then, it is time to rejoin train for your final journey back to Rome, where enchantment of your Italian adventure continues. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and check-in in for a final overnight stay, perfect opportunity to check off any final bucket list attractions you may not yet have had a chance to visit. In evening, enjoy a tour of Rome by night, perfect way to end your trip by soaking up all authentic Italian delicacies of ancient city.

  10. Day 10rail

    Your Journey Ends in Rome

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you would like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided tour of Venice's Doge's Palace and St Mark's (Golden) Basilica, followed by a walk through quieter lanes
  • Day 4Walking tour of the Uffizi Gallery's Renaissance masterpieces and the Accademia Gallery's Michelangelo's David in Florence
  • Day 7Board La Dolce Vita Orient Express at Rome Ostiense Station and settle into a Deluxe cabin
  • Day 8The train arrives at Matera station for a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Sassi cave dwellings
  • Day 9The train passes through Palena in the Majella National Park before returning to Rome

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Florence
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome
  • 2 nights of all-inclusive accommodation onboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Deluxe class including: All table meals of innovative Italian cuisine on board All selected beverages during the whole journey Breakfasts and afternoon tea service in your cabin All excursions mentioned in the programs All meals and offered beverages during the excursions 24-hour onboard service and entertainment Multi-day Vaporetto pass in Venice Small-group walking tour of Venice with the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica Private Sunset Florence Boat Ride Small-group walking tour of Florence with the Uffizi and Accademia Gallery Small-group walking tour of Rome with the Roman Forum and Colosseum Culinary Food Tour in Rome at Night Private Transfer from Venice Airport to Venice Hotel Private Transfer from Rome Hotel to Rome Station Private Transfer from Rome Station to Rome Hotel

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, plus 2 nights of all-inclusive accommodation onboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Deluxe class.
Which cities does the route visit?
Venice, Florence and Rome by hotel stays, with the Orient Express carrying travelers on to Matera and Palena.
What hotels are used?
Several accommodation options are listed for Venice, Florence and Rome, including Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli and Gran Canal, the Anglo American Hotel Florence and the Kolbe Hotel Rome.
How much walking is involved?
Guided walking tours are included in each city, including Matera's cave-dwelling Sassi district.
How much does this trip cost?
Railbookers prices this trip from $15,099 per person for the 10-day, 9-night package.

Similar journeys