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The Gems of Italy and La Dolce Vita Orient Express - Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards

Luxury Italy trip with a night on La Dolce Vita Orient Express

Illustration of The Gems of Italy and La Dolce Vita Orient Express - Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards

Railbookers operates this independent 9-day, 8-night rail vacation through Italy, pairing Venice, Florence and Rome with a night aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express. The trip opens with two nights in Venice, including a small-group tour of the Doge's Palace and Golden Basilica, then a direct high-speed train to Florence for the Uffizi and Accademia galleries, and on to Rome for a guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. From Rome, travelers board the Orient Express for an overnight in a cabin evoking the golden era of travel, waking in Montalcino for a tour of a Brunello di Montalcino winery before the train returns to Rome. The onboard night is all-inclusive, with table d'hote meals and beverages, a different standard from the hotel-only nights elsewhere in the trip. It suits travelers who want Italy's classic cities alongside one luxury train night in wine country, rather than a budget itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence gives conflicting endpoints: the route summary lists Montalcino as the final stop, but the day-by-day itinerary ends in Rome on day 9.
  • The evidence for this trip does not list specific hotel names, only the city and number of nights for each stop.
  • The evidence for this trip does not include current departure dates; confirm availability and current pricing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Venice

    Your Journey Begins in Venice

    Welcome to Venice! On arrival, meet your private transfer and driver and ride across the lagoon to your hotel. You will quickly realize just how wonderful this corner of the world is. Settle in at your hotel then step out and start discovering the sprawling canals and local charms on your own.

  2. Day 2overnight: Venice

    Venice

    This morning, make your way to St Mark's Square for the start of your small group tour to the Doges Palace, and mesmerizing Golden Basilica. Following this, it is a guided walking tour through the quieter lanes and alleys, where you will see some architectural gems and historical buildings that are often overlooked by the crowds.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Florence

    Venice to Florence

    After breakfast, make your way to Venice Santa Lucia station and board a direct high-speed train to Florence – the city of Renaissance Art! Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. The rest of the afternoon is yours at leisure – why not take a stroll over to Ponte Vecchio bridge and visit the boutique jewelry stores, followed by a visit to the Pitti Palace. In the evening, enjoy an included sunset gondola ride along the river Arno.

  4. Day 4overnight: Florence

    Florence

    After breakfast, make your way to your walking tour and visit the world-famous Uffizi and Accademia galleries. The Uffizi Gallery, one of the most renowned art museums in the world. Inside, you will encounter a stunning collection of Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Titian. The Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's David.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Rome

    Florence to Rome

    After breakfast, make your way to Florence Santa Maria Novella station and board a direct train to Rome! Make your way to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. The rest of the day is yours at leisure – the perfect opportunity to stroll through the city and visit some of the key spots! Why not head over to Trevi Fountain at a chance for some good luck, followed by a walk around the Pantheon and across to the Spanish Steps. End your first day with a taste of one of Rome's specialties – Cacio E Pepe!

  6. Day 6overnight: Rome

    Rome

    After breakfast, make your way over to the Colosseum for a guided tour of the famous amphitheater, then walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans once more with a guided stroll around the Roman Forum. These amazing ruins were for centuries the center of day-to-day life in Rome.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Onboard Orient Express

    Overnight Onboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express

    Your adventure begins in Rome, where you will board the glamorous La Dolce Vita Orient Express. As the train pulls out of the station, settle into your sumptuously appointed cabin, adorned with elegant furnishings that evoke the golden era of travel. As you travel through the picturesque Italian countryside, enjoy the luxurious amenities aboard the train. Spend your time relaxing in the beautifully designed lounge car, sipping on fine Italian wines, and engaging in conversation with fellow passengers.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Rome

    Rome

    Wake to the stunning views of rolling hills and lush vineyards as you arrive in Montalcino, the heart of Tuscany's wine country. Known for producing some of Italy's most esteemed wines, including the famous Brunello di Montalcino, this charming town offers a blend of rustic beauty and aristocratic traditions. Disembark for a tour of a prestigious local winery. Learn about the intricate winemaking process, from grape cultivation to barrel aging, and enjoy a tasting session where you can savor the complex flavors of Brunello and other local varietals. Board the train for your return journey to Rome. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and check-in for a final overnight stay. In the evening, enjoy a tour of Rome by night.

  9. Day 9rail

    Your Journey Ends in Rome

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you would like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A small-group tour visits St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace and the Golden Basilica, followed by a guided walk through Venice's quieter lanes.
  • Day 3A direct high-speed train carries travelers from Venice to Florence, the city of Renaissance art.
  • Day 6A guided tour visits the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, once the center of day-to-day life in ancient Rome.
  • Day 7Travelers board La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Rome and settle into a cabin with furnishings evoking the golden era of train travel.
  • Day 8The train arrives in Montalcino, the heart of Tuscany's wine country, for a tour of a prestigious local winery producing Brunello di Montalcino.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Florence
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome
  • 1 night of all-inclusive accommodation onboard The La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Deluxe class including: All table d'hôte meals of innovative Italian cuisine on board, All selected beverages during the whole journey, Breakfasts and afternoon tea service in your cabin
  • All excursions mentioned in the programs
  • All meals and offered beverages during the excursions
  • 24-hour onboard service and entertainment
  • Small-group walking tour of Venice with the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica
  • Private Sunset Florence Boat Ride
  • Small-group walking tour of Florence with the Uffizi and Accademia Gallery
  • Small-group walking tour of Rome with the Roman Forum and Colosseum
  • Culinary Food Tour in Rome at Night
  • Private Transfer from Venice Airport to Venice Hotel
  • Private Transfer from Rome Hotel to Rome Station
  • Private Transfer from Rome Station to Rome Hotel

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, rail travel throughout, including one all-inclusive night onboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Deluxe class from Rome to Montalcino and back.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent trip; the evidence does not describe a tour leader accompanying travelers on non-train days, though several small-group walking tours are included.
Is there an overnight train?
Yes, one night onboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express, with all meals, beverages and cabin service included.
What happens in Montalcino?
A tour of a prestigious local winery, learning about the winemaking process behind Brunello di Montalcino.
What is included with the hotels?
Breakfast is included with every stay: 2 nights in Venice, 2 in Florence and 3 in Rome, plus 1 all-inclusive night onboard the train.
Where does the trip end?
The day-by-day itinerary ends in Rome on day 9, though the evidence's route summary separately lists Montalcino as the final stop.

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