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lernidee.de · Luxury rail cruise

Orient Express La Dolce Vita: Von Rom zum UNESCO-Welterbe Matera

Three-day luxury train journey Rome to Matera on the Orient Express La Dolce Vita.

Illustration of Orient Express La Dolce Vita: Von Rom zum UNESCO-Welterbe Matera

Lernidee's Orient Express La Dolce Vita is a three-day luxury train journey through Italy, departing Rome in the late afternoon and returning three days later. Passengers spend two nights aboard the restoration train, which evokes the glamour of the 1960s, traveling south through the Apennine foothills to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Matera, a medieval town of honey-colored stone dwellings (sassi) carved into tufa cliffs. The itinerary includes stops in Sulmona and Pescocostanzo, with optional excursions such as a guided tour of Matera and a heritage narrow-gauge railway ride. All meals are gourmet, prepared on board: multi-course dinners and breakfasts in the dining car, plus a lunch option with the Matera excursion. Cabins are appointed with private bathrooms and high service standards. This trip suits luxury-seekers, couples, food travelers, and history enthusiasts who prize comfort, fine dining, and rail travel as the centerpiece of their holiday.

What to know before you look closer

  • The operator notes this journey is not suitable for persons with restricted mobility; stairs and city walking are involved.
  • Tips and optional excursions beyond the listed packages are not included in the from-price.
  • The optional excursion to Pescocostanzo on the historic Trans-Siberian of Italy train is not included; it must be booked separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Orient Express La Dolce Vita

    Die Ewige Stadt

    Am Spätnachmittag beginnt in Rom Ihr Zug-Erlebnis der ganz besonderen Art. Beim Gourmet-Abendessen im Speisewagen lassen Sie la città eterna hinter sich und rollen durch Latiums Hügelland und die ersten Ausläufer der Abruzzen. Die kommenden zwei Nächte logieren Sie an Bord.

    Meals: A

  2. Day 2overnight: Orient Express La Dolce Vita

    UNESCO-Welterbe Matera

    Das Städtchen Matera thront auf einem Karstplateau oberhalb der Schlucht Gravina di Matera, mit Wohnhöhlen (sassi) im Tuffstein, seit 1993 UNESCO-Welterbe. Zeit zur freien Verfügung oder Ausflugspaket mit Stadtrundfahrt und Mittagessen. Später ein Dinner-Erlebnis mit Live-Musik an Bord.

    Meals: F, A

  3. Day 3

    Arrivederci Roma!

    Nach dem letzten Schlemmerfrühstück an Bord erreichen Sie die pittoreske Stadt Sulmona, von wo aus Sie optional mit dem historischen Zug The Trans-Siberian of Italy nach Pescocostanzo fahren können. Am Nachmittag kehren Sie zum Zug zurück und rollen zum Zielbahnhof in Rom.

    Meals: F, A

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart Rome in late afternoon for a gourmet dinner in the dining car as the train rolls through the Latium hills and into the Apennines.
  • Day 2Arrive in Matera, perched on a karst plateau above the Gravina di Matera gorge, to explore the sassi, centuries-old stone dwellings carved into tufa; optional guided city tour and lunch included.
  • Day 3After breakfast on board, visit Sulmona with the option to ride the Trans-Siberian of Italy historic narrow-gauge railway to Pescocostanzo before returning to the main train for the afternoon return to Rome.

Included

  • Fahrt mit dem Orient Express La Dolce Vita inkl. 2 Übernachtungen im gebuchten Zweibett-Abteil
  • Ausflugs- und Besichtigungsprogramm inkl. Eintrittsgeldern laut Reiseverlauf
  • Mahlzeiten laut Reiseverlauf (F = Frühstück, M = Mittagessen, A = Abendessen)

Not included

  • Trinkgelder
  • Wunsch-Ausflüge

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included in the price?
Yes. The price includes two nights aboard the Orient Express La Dolce Vita from Rome through Matera, Sulmona, and back to Rome. The optional ride on the Trans-Siberian of Italy heritage railway is separate.
What meals are included?
Gourmet dinners are included on Days 1 and 2, with breakfast and dinner on Day 3. Day 2 breakfast is included. An optional guided tour of Matera includes lunch; the Taormina wine excursion includes dinner at a traditional estate.
Which cabin types are available?
The base category is the Deluxe Double Cabin starting at €7,440. A Cabin Suite upgrade is available for an additional €2,400.
When do departures run?
Lernidee offers four departures in 2026: July, August, September, and October.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
The itinerary offers free time in Matera (Day 2) with optional guided sightseeing. Most days are spent on the train with included dining and programming.
What is the physical activity level?
The operator notes this journey is generally not suitable for persons with restricted mobility. Walking, stairs, and the exploration of hillside towns are involved.

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