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 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.

Great Rail Journeys · Luxury Train

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

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.

Price history

Across 3 checks, this price has held at £7,095 every time.

Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. Hollow points are values shown when the trip was first listed here and never confirmed with the operator.

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.

Day by day

Day 1railovernight: Rome
Rome
Fly from London to Rome (or take an alternative two-day rail journey via Paris and Lyon), with a private transfer to your chosen 4-star or 5-star hotel.
Day 2overnight: Rome
Exploring Rome
A free day to explore Rome at leisure, with the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Vatican Museums among the highlights, plus optional excursions available at a supplement.
Day 3overnight: Rome
Rome
Another free day to discover the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Trastevere neighbourhood, with optional excursions such as a wine tasting or cooking class available at a supplement.
Day 4railovernight: La Dolce Vita Orient Express
La Dolce Vita
In the afternoon, board La Dolce Vita Orient Express as it departs from Rome Ostiense, with an evening dinner crafted by 3-Michelin starred Chef Heinz Beck using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Day 5railovernight: La Dolce Vita Orient Express
La Dolce Vita & Matera
Breakfast onboard as the train reaches Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient Sassi cave dwellings, with optional excursions and lunch in a cave restaurant, before an evening Aperitivo and the 'Le Grand Soir' gala dinner with live music.
Day 6railovernight: Rome
La Dolce Vita to Rome
Arrive in Sulmona and board a historic train to the medieval town of Pescocostanzo for free time among its artisan workshops and lunch, then reboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express for the return to Rome Ostiense.
Day 7rail
Rome to the UK
A private transfer to Rome airport for the flight back to London (or an alternative two-day rail journey via Turin and Paris).

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
Private transfers in Rome
Return flights between London and Rome

Not included

Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour

Also sold by

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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 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.