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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Luxury Train, Independent

La Dolce Vita, Rome, Abruzzo, and Matera; Italy's Magical City of Stone

Seven-day luxury train journey from Rome through Matera and Abruzzo on La Dolce Vita

Illustration of La Dolce Vita, Rome, Abruzzo, and Matera; Italy's Magical City of Stone

Vacations By Rail presents a seven-day independent journey that blends leisurely Roman exploration with two luxurious nights aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express. You begin with four nights in a central Rome 4-5 star hotel of your choice, enjoying a guided panoramic tour of major monuments and free time to wander the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Trastevere on your own schedule. On Day 4, the afternoon departure from Rome Ostiense marks the start of your train adventure. The following morning you arrive in Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site where ancient Sassi cave dwellings cling to cliffsides, and you dine within one of those cave restaurants before reboarding for an evening featuring 3-Michelin starred chef Heinz Beck's Italian cuisine and live entertainment. Day 6 brings a scenic heritage train ride through Abruzzo to Pescocostanzo, a medieval hilltop town where you can browse artisan workshops and enjoy a traditional lunch before returning by train and private transfer to Rome. The itinerary suits travellers seeking culinary excellence and cultural immersion without the pace of a fully guided group tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • The final destination listed is Palena, but the itinerary and route show return to Rome on Day 6; confirm this endpoint with Vacations By Rail before booking
  • Hotel in Rome is guest choice among three options (Marcella, Rose Garden Palace, or Inn at the Spanish Steps), so your specific accommodation depends on availability and selection
  • Optional excursions (cooking class, wine tastings, vintage car tour) carry additional fees beyond the package price

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Arrival in Rome

    A private transfer takes you to your chosen hotel, selected from a range of 4-star and 5-star accommodations, to begin exploring Rome's history and culture.

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Exploring Rome

    A Private Half Day Roman Panoramic Tour by chauffeur-driven car, taking in St. Peter's Square, the Colosseum, the Forum, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain, with an English-speaking guide and free time at each stop.

  3. Day 3overnight: Rome

    Rome

    A leisurely day exploring the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Trastevere neighborhood independently, or a choice of optional excursions bookable for an additional fee.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Train

    La Dolce Vita

    The La Dolce Vita Orient Express departs from Rome Ostiense in the afternoon, with an evening dinner of dishes crafted by 3-Michelin starred chef Heinz Beck, using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

    Meals: Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Train

    La Dolce Vita & Matera

    An Italian breakfast onboard before the train arrives in Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Sassi cave dwellings, for a guided tour and a dining experience in a cave restaurant. Return to the train for an Italian Aperitivo and "Le Grand Soir" dinner with live music.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Rome

    La Dolce Vita to Rome

    The train arrives in Sulmona, where you board a historic train for a scenic ride with drinks and entertainment to the medieval city of Pescocostanzo, with free time to explore artisan workshops and a traditional lunch. Reboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express back to Rome Ostiense, then a private transfer to your hotel.

    Meals: Lunch

  7. Day 7

    Homeward bound

    A private transfer takes you to the airport for your onward travel or journey home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Private panoramic tour of Rome by chauffeur-driven car, passing St. Peter's Square, the Colosseum, the Forum, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain with an English-speaking guide
  • Day 4La Dolce Vita Orient Express departs Rome Ostiense in the afternoon; evening dinner prepared by 3-Michelin starred chef Heinz Beck using seasonal, locally sourced Italian ingredients
  • Day 5Guided tour of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient Sassi cave dwellings, followed by dining in a cave restaurant; return to the train for live music and Le Grand Soir dinner
  • Day 6Historic heritage train ride from Sulmona to Pescocostanzo in the Abruzzo mountains with drinks and entertainment; explore medieval Pescocostanzo's artisan workshops and enjoy a traditional lunch

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

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Arrival and departure flights

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 in the price?
Yes. Two nights in a Deluxe cabin aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express and a scenic ride on a historic heritage train from Sulmona to Pescocostanzo are included. Departures and transfers are not included.
Is this an escorted or independent trip?
It is independent. You travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary. Rome includes a guided half-day panoramic tour and a guided tour of Matera; otherwise you explore at your own pace.
What meals are included?
Four nights of bed and breakfast at your Rome hotel, plus dinner on Day 4 (Michelin-starred), breakfast and lunch on Day 5 (in Matera and on train), and lunch on Day 6 in Pescocostanzo. Dinners on Days 5 and 6 aboard the train are included.
How many nights on the train?
Two nights in a Deluxe cabin: Night 4 (Rome to Matera) and Night 5 (Matera to Rome).
What hotels are used in Rome?
You choose one of three 4-5 star options: Hotel Marcella, Rose Garden Palace, or Inn at the Spanish Steps. You stay at your chosen hotel for four nights.
What is not included?
Arrival and departure flights, cancellation and travel insurance, and optional excursions (cooking classes, wine tastings, evening sightseeing tours) are not included.

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