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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale.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, Venice & Portofino

Seven-day luxury train journey through Italy: Rome, Venice, Portofino.

Illustration of La Dolce Vita, Rome, Venice & Portofino

La Dolce Vita by Vacations By Rail is a seven-day independent luxury package blending three nights of hotel stays and guided exploration in Rome with two nights aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express. The journey unfolds over seven days across Italy, starting in Rome where a private transfer brings you to a choice of 4-star hotels and a guided half-day tour takes in the Colosseum, Forum, St. Peter's Square, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain. On Day 4, you board the luxury train at Rome Ostiense for a late-morning departure, enjoying lunch prepared by Michelin 3-star chef Heinz Beck as you travel to Venice. That evening, a limousine boat tour glides through the Grand Canal, followed by a private dinner with live music in a historic Palazzo. The train continues overnight to Santa Margherita Ligure on the Ligurian coast, arriving at Portofino for leisure exploration and a scenic Mediterranean journey before the onboard "Le Grand Soir" dinner. On Day 6, breakfast aboard precedes your return to Rome. The package suits luxury-seeking couples and history enthusiasts who value fine dining and curated private experiences over packed daily schedules.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price covers the package (hotels, rail, transfers, and some meals); arrival and departure flights are not included and must be booked separately.
  • The package is independent travel: no dedicated group guide accompanies you between the guided Rome tour and onboard experiences. You follow a planned itinerary but arrange your own activities.
  • Hotels in Rome are available by guest choice from three options (Hotel Marcella, Rose Garden Palace, or Inn at the Spanish Steps); the final accommodation depends on your selection.

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 Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, and enjoying regional pasta at one of Rome's renowned restaurants, or a choice of optional excursions bookable for an additional fee.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Train

    La Dolce Vita to Venice

    A late-morning departure from Rome Ostiense aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express, with a Restaurant Car lunch by 3-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck. Arrival in Venice for a 1-hour limousine boat tour of the Grand Canal, a welcome cocktail and private art collection visit at a historic Palazzo, then a private dinner in an ancient Palazzo with live music. The train departs for Portofino near midnight.

    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Train

    La Dolce Vita to Portofino

    An Italian breakfast onboard before arriving in Santa Margherita Ligure on the Ligurian coast, with a short transfer to Portofino for leisure time and a scenic afternoon journey along the Mediterranean Sea. The evening features the onboard "Le Grand Soir" dinner with live music.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Rome

    Arrive Back in Rome

    A final Italian breakfast onboard as the train arrives at Rome Ostiense, concluding the rail journey. A private transfer takes you to your chosen hotel in Rome.

    Meals: Breakfast

  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 2Half-day Roman Panoramic Tour by chauffeur-driven car visiting St. Peter's Square, the Colosseum, the Forum, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain with an English-speaking guide.
  • Day 4Depart Rome Ostiense on La Dolce Vita Orient Express in late morning, lunch by Michelin 3-star chef Heinz Beck in the Restaurant Car, then a limousine boat tour of Venice's Grand Canal and a private dinner in a historic Palazzo with live music.
  • Day 5Arrive at Santa Margherita Ligure on the Ligurian coast, transfer to Portofino for leisure time, and enjoy a scenic afternoon journey along the Mediterranean Sea before the onboard "Le Grand Soir" dinner with live music.
  • Day 6Final Italian breakfast onboard as La Dolce Vita arrives at 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

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. The package includes two nights in a Deluxe cabin aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express from Rome to Venice to Portofino and back to Rome. Arrival and departure flights are not included.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is independent. You travel on your own following a planned itinerary. A guide accompanies you on a half-day Rome tour (Day 2), and the train journey includes onboard services and dining, but you are not assigned a daily group guide.
Which trains are used?
La Dolce Vita Orient Express, a luxury train. You travel in a Deluxe cabin from Rome Ostiense through Venice to Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, then back to Rome Ostiense.
What meals are included?
Hotel breakfasts in Rome (Days 1-3), onboard meals aboard La Dolce Vita including lunch by Michelin 3-star chef Heinz Beck (Day 4), breakfast and dinner aboard (Days 4-5), and breakfast on arrival back in Rome (Day 6). Private dinners in Venetian Palazzos are also included.
How much walking is involved?
The guided Rome tour includes walking to major sites (Colosseum, Forum, St. Peter's Square, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain). Day 3 offers leisure time in Rome with optional exploration. Day 5 includes leisure time in Portofino. Most travel between cities is by train or private transfer.
Can I add optional activities?
Yes. Optional extras available at additional cost include an evening sightseeing tour of illuminated Rome by vintage car, an afternoon cooking class with dinner and wine, and a wine tasting at Enoteca l'Angelo Divino.

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