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Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday

The Orient Express La Dolce Vita - Eternal Stones of Matera - Rome - Matera - Palena - Rome - by air

Luxury train journey Rome to Matera and Palena aboard Orient Express La Dolce Vita

Illustration of The Orient Express La Dolce Vita - Eternal Stones of Matera - Rome - Matera - Palena - Rome - by air

Planet Rail combines a cultural city break in Rome with a luxury train journey aboard the Orient Express La Dolce Vita on this five-day Italian itinerary. The trip begins with two nights in Rome, staying at the four-star Hotel dei Mellini in the Prati district, leaving days free to explore the Coliseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and other landmarks at your own pace. On day three, you board the 1960s-inspired luxury train at Roma Ostiense station and depart northwards through the Italian countryside and Tuscany. Day four takes you to Matera, where a local specialist guides a city visit and lunch in a traditional cave restaurant carved into the ancient stone dwellings. The final full day reaches Palena, with time to explore the surrounding region and enjoy a typical regional lunch before the return journey to Rome. All meals and drinks are included on board, plus British Airways economy flights from London. The pace is relaxed, with two-night stays in Rome and a two-night overnight stay on the train.

What to know before you look closer

  • Airport transfer from Rome Fiumicino to the hotel is not included and must be arranged and paid locally.
  • Some premium drinks on board the train are not included in the package price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Rome

    London to Rome

    This morning your holiday begins as you fly with British Airways from London Heathrow to the eternal city of Rome. On arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino airport make your own way (payable locally) to your stylish hotel for the next two nights, the highly-rated Hotel dei Mellini (4 star) set in a quiet location in the elegant Prati district, close to the River Tiber, 10 minutes on foot from the Spanish Steps and 15 minutes from the Vatican.

  2. Day 2overnight: Rome

    Exploring Rome

    There is something to tantalise all tastes seemingly round every corner of this most magical of cities. Whilst in Rome choose among the stunning array of sights from the Vatican City to the Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum to the Spanish Steps. Relax with a ‘gelato’ on Piazza Navona or while away the hours shopping on Via del Corso. Make sure you take the time to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistene Chapel. The view from the top of St.Peter’s Cathedral over the seven hills of Rome will provide abiding memories of this wonderful city.

  3. Day 3railovernight: On board the Orient Express La Dolce Vita

    Board The Orient Express - La Dolce Vita

    This morning excitement builds as you prepare to depart from Roma Ostiense station on board the unique 1960’s inspired Orient Express La Dolce Vita Luxury Train. Sit back and relax in your deluxe cabin watching the Italian scenery as you leisurely wend your way northwards to the famous Tuscan region of the country. Take your seat in the restaurant car to enjoy a sophisticated lunch and take time to sample the on-board beverages as you travel onwards towards the city of Matera. Take time to prepare for dinner in your comfortable surroundings. At your leisure, make your way to the bar car for an aperitif in anticipation of a sumptuous evening meal with musical entertainment, before retiring to you deluxe cabin for a restful night’s sleep.

  4. Day 4railovernight: On board the Orient Express La Dolce Vita

    The Orient Express to Matera

    This morning, as you travel through the Italian countryside, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and pass the time taking in the unique atmosphere and charm of this luxury rail experience. All too soon you will arrive in Matera, where you can enjoy an intriguing city visit and lunch in cave restaurant. Upon returning to the Orient Express, enjoy an Italian aperitivo before enjoying dinner on board and your second night sleeping in Orient Express luxury.

  5. Day 5rail

    The Orient Express to Palena, Rome & Homeward Bound

    This morning enjoy your second morning on board enjoying a delicious breakfast before arriving in Palena. Discover more about the region and enjoy a typical regional lunch, as well as an opportunity to discover the nature in abundance in this charming region of Italy. After lunch, you board the Orient Express for a final time as you journey back towards Rome and onwards, giving you an opportunity to remember the experiences and memories the iconic Orient Express will have left you with before your return flights to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Depart Roma Ostiense station aboard the Orient Express La Dolce Vita, watching Italian countryside from your deluxe cabin as the train travels through Tuscany towards Matera.
  • Day 4Arrive in Matera and visit the ancient cave city, then lunch in a traditional cave restaurant before returning to the train for an Italian aperitivo and dinner on board.
  • Day 5Journey to Palena, explore the region, enjoy a typical regional lunch, then travel by train back to Rome.

Included

  • Return British Airways economy class flights from London to Rome
  • 2 nights’ B&B in a twin/double room at the Hotel dei Mellini (4 star) in Rome
  • A double deluxe cabin on the Orient Express from Rome to Matera & Palena and return with all meals & drinks included
  • Matera City visit and lunch in a cave restaurant
  • Palena city visit and the surrounding area, and typical lunch

Not included

  • Transfer from Rome Fiumicino airport to your hotel (make your own way, payable locally)
  • Some premium drinks on board

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The price includes a double deluxe cabin on the Orient Express La Dolce Vita with all meals, drinks, and off-train excursions. Flights from London to Rome are also included.
What trains does this journey use?
The Orient Express La Dolce Vita, which travels Rome (Ostiense) to Matera, Palena, and back to Rome with 1960s-inspired luxury accommodation.
Is it escorted or independent?
Mostly independent, except for curated off-train excursions with local specialists in Matera and Palena. Rome days are entirely unguided; you choose your own sights.
Where do you stay in Rome?
Hotel dei Mellini, a four-star hotel in the elegant Prati district, close to the River Tiber and 10 minutes on foot from the Spanish Steps, for two nights bed and breakfast.
What is not included?
Airport transfer from Rome Fiumicino to your hotel (payable locally), and some premium drinks on board.
What cabin options are available?
Deluxe Cabin (lead price from £5,395) or Suite (from £7,395, a £2,000 supplement per person).

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