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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted Luxury Rail Tour

La Dolce Vita, Rome, Venice & Portofino

Luxury rail journey from Rome through Venice to Portofino on La Dolce Vita Orient

Illustration of La Dolce Vita, Rome, Venice & Portofino

La Dolce Vita, Rome, Venice and Portofino is a 7-day escorted luxury rail journey operated by Great Rail Journeys that departs from London and returns there, allowing you to experience Italy's most storied destinations in high style. The trip opens with three nights of free-roaming time in Rome, where you stay in a carefully chosen 4-star or 5-star hotel and can explore the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and neighbourhood restaurants and cafes at your leisure. On Day 4, you board the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, a luxury sleeper train, for an overnight journey toward Venice. During this leg, you enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared by Michelin 3-star Chef Heinz Beck using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients as the train passes through Tuscany. Day 5 takes you from Santa Margherita Ligure on the Ligurian coast to the picturesque port town of Portofino, followed by a scenic Mediterranean cruise and Le Grand Soir dinner with live music as the train returns you to Rome. The package suits luxury-seekers, couples, food-and-wine enthusiasts, and repeat rail travellers who value sumptuous on-board dining and the romance of sleeper-train travel.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package price covers the escorted tour, hotels, and flights from London; confirm whether any rail supplements apply with Great Rail Journeys.
  • Days 2 and 3 in Rome are unguided; optional excursions including a Roman Panoramic Tour, wine tasting, and cooking class are available at additional cost.
  • Venice time is not structured; Great Rail Journeys offers optional guided tours and dining experiences, or you may explore independently.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    Arrival in Rome

    Upon arrival in Rome, enjoy the convenience of a private transfer to your carefully selected hotel. Select from curated 4-star or 5-star accommodations, each offering a comfortable retreat and delectable breakfast options. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Rome.

    Meals: Breakfast

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Exploring Rome

    Embrace the freedom to explore Rome at your own pace. Wander through the city's enchanting narrow streets, lined with quaint boutiques, lively bars, and inviting souvenir shops. Treat yourself to authentic pizza, find a picturesque square to relax with a rich Italian coffee. Optional excursions available at supplement.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Delight in another leisurely day to delve deeper into the treasures of Rome. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, explore the awe-inspiring Colosseum, and savour regional pasta at one of Rome's renowned restaurants. Optional excursions available at supplement.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: La Dolce Vita Orient Express (en route to Portofino)

    La Dolce Vita to Venice

    Embark on a late morning journey from Rome Ostiense aboard the luxurious La Dolce Vita Orient Express. Savour a sumptuous lunch in the Restaurant Car, where 3-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck presents a menu of Italian-inspired dishes crafted from seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. As the sun sets, arrive in Venice. Choose to explore and dine at leisure or select optional tour and dining experiences. As midnight nears, the La Dolce Vita Orient Express departs for Portofino.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  5. Day 5overnight: La Dolce Vita Orient Express (en route to Rome)

    La Dolce Vita & Portofino

    Start with an authentic Italian breakfast on board. Arrive in Santa Margherita Ligure on the Ligurian coast, then transfer to picturesque Portofino for leisure time. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic journey along the Mediterranean Sea. As evening falls, enjoy 'Le Grand Soir' onboard dinner with live music serenading you through the night. Optional experiences available in Portofino.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Rome

    Arrive back in Rome

    Cherish the final moments aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express with a sumptuous Italian breakfast. The train gracefully arrives at Rome Ostiense, concluding your voyage. Disembark with cherished memories of elegant dining, breathtaking scenic vistas, and unparalleled experiences.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7

    Rome to the UK

    Today marks the conclusion of your remarkable journey. You are privately transferred to Rome airport for your flight back home. Savour the sights and sounds of Italy one last time before boarding your flight back to London.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrival in Rome and private transfer to a curated 4-star or 5-star hotel in the heart of the city.
  • Day 4Late morning departure from Rome Ostiense aboard the luxurious La Dolce Vita Orient Express with a sumptuous lunch prepared by Michelin 3-star Chef Heinz Beck as the train glides through Tuscany toward Venice.
  • Day 5Arrival at Santa Margherita Ligure on the Ligurian coast, followed by a scenic journey along the Mediterranean Sea and Le Grand Soir dinner with live music aboard the train returning to Rome.

Included

  • 4 nights hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast) in 4-star hotels in Rome
  • 2 nights in a Deluxe cabin on La Dolce Vita Orient Express
  • Private transfers in Rome
  • Return flights between London and Rome
  • Gourmet lunch by Michelin 3-star Chef Heinz Beck on the train
  • Italian breakfast on board the train
  • Le Grand Soir dinner on board the train

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Optional excursions (available at supplement)
  • Meals not specified in itinerary

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. The package includes 2 nights in a Deluxe cabin on the La Dolce Vita Orient Express from Rome to Portofino and back to Rome, plus gourmet meals aboard. Return flights between London and Rome are also included.
What trains does this trip use?
The La Dolce Vita Orient Express, a luxury sleeper train. The itinerary also includes return flights between London and Rome (not a train).
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Great Rail Journeys runs this as an escorted luxury tour. Rome days are free to explore at your own pace, with optional guided excursions available. Venice and Portofino include leisure time plus optional activities.
Which hotels are included in Rome?
Great Rail Journeys offers a choice of three 4-star or 5-star hotels: Marcella Royal (4-star, 1967 boutique hotel with breakfast), Rose Garden Palace (4-star modern boutique with wellness centre), or Inn at the Spanish Steps (5-star, central location near attractions).
What meals are included?
Breakfast daily in Rome and on the train. Lunch by Michelin 3-star Chef Heinz Beck on Day 4 as the train travels to Venice. Le Grand Soir dinner with live music on Day 5 aboard the train.
How much walking is involved?
Days in Rome feature walking through narrow streets and visiting attractions like the Trevi Fountain and Colosseum at your own pace. Portofino involves leisure exploration of the town. No strenuous hikes are required.

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