Planet Rail
The Orient Express La Dolce Vita - Rome to the Vineyards of Tuscany - by rail
6 daysfrom $6,003
Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday
London to Rome including the Venice Simplon Orient Express
Journey from London to historic Rome in exquisite style, enjoying gourmet dining and Art Deco luxury aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Travel to Paris & board the Venice Simplon Orient Express
Your adventure begins at London St. Pancras, where you travel by First Class rail to Paris before boarding the world-famous Venice Simplon Orient Express, with its distinctive blue and gold carriages. Your own personal steward is on hand to attend to you throughout your Venice Simplon Orient Express holiday. Take the time to settle in to your comfortable private compartment, relax and admire the elaborate flourishes and spectacular marquetry of this elegant train, before dressing for dinner. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail before making your way to one of the magnificent restaurant cars, where you will be served a delicious four-course dinner, prepared by skilled French chefs. Following dinner you may wish to enjoy a drink in the bar car, listening to the sound of the baby grand piano. By now your compartment has been transformed into a cosy bedroom, which you can retire to whenever you are ready.
- Day 2overnight: Rome
Through Switzerland to Milan and onwards to Rome
Breakfast is served in your compartment this morning at a time to suit you; be sure to admire the stunning views of the Swiss Alps as you start the day. You may wish to continue gazing out at the incredible scenery from your compartment, or perhaps spend the morning chatting to fellow guests over coffee. Later you enjoy a leisurely three-course lunch served in another of the beautiful restaurant cars. Perhaps visit the on-board boutique to purchase souvenirs, while away the hours in conversation or take it easy in your compartment and admire the superb views of Lake Lucerne and Lake Como. Afternoon tea is served in your compartment during the journey, then sit back and watch the world go by as you journey south to Rome and into Roma Termini station. Enter the Eternal city and make your way to your base for the next three nights, the well-located Boutique Hotel Liberty (4 star).
- Day 3overnight: Rome
At leisure in Rome
Rome is truly one of the most thrilling and seductive cities in the world. Discover a feast of architectural wonders, fine art and indulgent dining seemingly around each corner on your two full days in the Eternal city. With an array of world renowned attractions including the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Coliseum and Vatican city you will find your days filled with glorious sights before perhaps having a break with a ‘gelato’ in Piazza Navona or enjoying some time shopping on Via del Corso.
- Day 4overnight: Rome
At leisure in Rome
A second full day in the Eternal city. An attraction not to be missed is Michelangelo’s masterpiece, located in the Sistine Chapel. Alternatively, if you would like to sample some spectacular panoramic cityscape scenery, then make sure you take a trip to the top of St. Peter’s Cathedral.
- Day 5railovernight: Zurich
Through Switzerland and on to Zurich
This morning head to the Roma Termini station. Here you are re-united with the rest of the world as you join the Eurostar Italia service for the First Class rail journey to Milan. In Milan you change trains and bid farewell to Italy as you connect with the Euro City service for the journey into Switzerland. You travel through the undulating Swiss countryside to attractive lakeside city of Zurich. It is a short walk (600 yards) to your overnight hotel, the comfortable, welcoming and highly-rated Hotel Glockenhof (4 star).
- Day 6rail
Zurich to London - Homeward bound
After breakfast why not make a whistle-stop tour of Zurich. Most of the city’s sights lie within the compact area on either side of the River Limmat, between the main station (Hauptbahnhof) and Lake Zurich. Then make your way back to Zurich station to board the TGV towards Paris where you board the Eurostar for the comfortable journey in Standard Premier Class from Paris back to London. Let the train take the strain as you stretch out and savour the light meal and drinks included in your Standard Premier service. At 186mph the landscape is a blur at times, though memories abide as you return to London St.Pancras International and the final leg of your journey home.
Included
- Eurostar (Standard Premier Class) from London to Paris
- A twin/double compartment on the Orient Express from Paris to Rome
- 3 nights’ B&B in a twin/double room at the Boutique Hotel Liberty (4 star) in Rome
- 1 night B&B in a twin/double room at the Hotel Glockenhof (4 star) in Zurich
- First Class rail for the return journey via Zurich and Paris
