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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

La Dolce Vita, Rome, Abruzzo and Matera; Italy's magical city of stone

Seven-day luxury train journey through Rome, Matera, and Abruzzo by La Dolce Vita Orient

Illustration of La Dolce Vita, Rome, Abruzzo and Matera; Italy's magical city of stone

Great Rail Journeys' seven-day La Dolce Vita tour combines three days of independent exploration in Rome with a two-night luxury journey aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express. The tour opens with arrival in Rome and two days to visit at your own pace the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain, with optional guided excursions available. On Day 4, you board the train at Rome Ostiense for an afternoon departure into Abruzzo and south to Matera. Day 5 brings you to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its Sassi, ancient cave dwellings carved into stone hillsides; you have options to explore further and dine in a traditional cave restaurant. Day 6 features a scenic ride aboard a historic train from Sulmona to the medieval town of Pescocostanzo, where you can browse local artisan craft workshops before returning by train to Rome. Meals aboard the Orient Express are prepared by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck using seasonal Italian ingredients, and the final evening includes live music. The tour suits luxury-focused travellers, history enthusiasts, and food lovers seeking a blend of cultural immersion and refined rail travel.

What to know before you look closer

  • Single supplement pricing is not provided in the operator's description; confirm solo-traveller costs before booking.
  • Day 2 and Day 3 are largely unguided in Rome; optional paid excursions to major sites are available at additional cost.
  • The from-price starts at £7,095 GBP (USD $9,475); final cost depends on hotel selection and optional experiences chosen.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Upon landing, a private transfer will whisk you to your chosen hotel, selected from our range of 4-star and 5-star accommodations. Dive into the rich tapestry of Rome's history and vibrant culture, where every corner has a story to tell.

    Meals: Breakfast

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Exploring Rome

    Explore Rome at your leisure today. Visit the iconic Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, and the Vatican Museums including the Sistine Chapel. Optional tours available at a supplement.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Another leisurely day to delve deeper into the treasures of Rome. Marvel at the Pantheon, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and explore the vibrant Trastevere neighbourhood. Optional excursions available.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: La Dolce Vita Orient Express

    La Dolce Vita

    This afternoon, the La Dolce Vita Orient Express departs from Rome Ostiense. Enjoy a culinary adventure with dishes crafted by 3-Michelin starred Chef Heinz Beck, celebrating Italy's rich culinary traditions with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: La Dolce Vita Orient Express

    La Dolce Vita & Matera

    Begin the morning with an Italian breakfast aboard the train. The train arrives at the ancient city of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its iconic Sassi cave dwellings. Optional curated experiences available including a cave restaurant lunch. In the evening, enjoy an Italian Aperitivo followed by 'Le Grand Soir' dinner with live music.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Rome

    La Dolce Vita to Rome

    The train arrives in Sulmona. Board a historic train with drinks and entertainment for a scenic ride to the medieval city of Pescocostanzo. Enjoy free time to explore local artisan workshops and a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, reboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express and return to Rome Ostiense.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  7. Day 7

    Rome to the UK

    Today marks the end of your journey. You are privately transferred to Rome airport for your flight back home to London.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Day 4: La Dolce Vita Orient Express departs Rome Ostiense in the afternoon, beginning a culinary journey with dishes by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck.
  • Day 5Day 5: Arrive at Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient cave dwellings; evening Italian Aperitivo and 'Le Grand Soir' dinner with live music aboard the train.
  • Day 6Day 6: Board a historic train from Sulmona to the medieval city of Pescocostanzo to explore local artisan workshops before returning to Rome Ostiense.

Included

  • 4 nights hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast) in 4-star hotels
  • 2 nights in a Deluxe cabin on La Dolce Vita Orient Express
  • Private transfers in Rome
  • Return flights between London and Rome

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Two nights aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express in a Deluxe cabin are included, as well as a scenic historic train ride from Sulmona to Pescocostanzo.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes, Great Rail Journeys operates this as an escorted tour. Days 2 and 3 in Rome are free time, and Days 5 and 6 include curated optional experiences.
What is included in the price?
Four nights in four-star hotels in Rome (bed and breakfast), two nights aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express, private transfers in Rome, and return flights between London and Rome.
What meals are provided?
Breakfast is included daily. Dinners aboard the train feature cuisine by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck. A lunch is included on Day 6 in Pescocostanzo.
What are the main highlights?
Luxury travel aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express, Michelin-starred dining, exploration of Matera's UNESCO World Heritage Sassi cave dwellings, a scenic historic train ride to Pescocostanzo, and three days of free time in Rome to visit landmarks such as the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain.

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