Tailor Made Rail
Lake Maggiore by Rail
7 daysfrom $1,735
Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday
The Orient Express La Dolce Vita - La Transiberiana Italiana - Rome - Matera - Palena - Rome - by rail
Discover Italy’s most breathtaking landscapes, from Rome to Matera and Palena, on this timeless Orient Express journey.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Zurich
by Rail to Switzerland
Your holiday begins as you stroll into beautifully restored London St. Pancras station. Take your time to appreciate the splendour of magnificent glass roof, then sit back, relax and watch the countryside swish past as you travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph. Enjoy the light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class (formerly 1st class). On arrival at the Gare du Nord your private taxi transfers you across Paris to the Gare de Lyon to continue your journey by TGV through France into Switzerland. You travel through the undulating Swiss countryside to attractive lakeside city of Zurich. It is a short walk (700 metres) to your overnight hotel, the comfortable, welcoming and highly-rated Hotel Helmhaus (4 star).
- Day 2railovernight: Rome
Free-time in Zurich - Through the Swiss Alps to Rome
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. As you return to Zurich station, prepare yourselves for the scenic journey along the impressive Gotthard route across the Swiss Alps. The line transports you across picturesque scenery, climbing to the foot of the snow-capped Alps and through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world’s longest tunnel. You soon emerge and continue past soaring mountain peaks across the Swiss border and through the outstanding Italian Lakes before arriving in Milan. On arrival at Milan’s imposing art-deco station change trains and join the flagship Eurostar Italia Frecciarossa (Red Arrow) service to Rome. On arrival at Roma Termini station make your way to your hotel for the next two nights, the stylish, well-regarded and very highly-rated Hotel dei Mellini (4 star) in a quiet location in the elegant Prati district.
- Day 3overnight: 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.
- Day 4railovernight: 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.
- Day 5railovernight: 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.
- Day 6railovernight: Montreux
Farewell to La Dolce Vita - Rome through the Alps to Lake Geneva
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. Then all too soon the train pulls into Roma Ostiense station and the end of your journey back in time. Here you bid farewell to your luxury train as you head back to Roma Termini station for the journey north to Milan aboard Eurostar Italia. Here you join the comfortable Euro City service as you head in to the Alps for the spectacular journey up the Rhône Valley and through the Simplon Pass. From here you continue to the pretty lakeside town of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. On arrival in Montreux your overnight hotel is the belle époque Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4 star superior) located right next to the station.
- Day 7rail
Montreux to London
Stretch your legs this morning or board the trolley bus for the short journey to the stunning medieval Château de Chillon (payable locally). As you marvel at the spectacular setting, twixt sparkling lake and breathtaking mountains, spare a thought for the prisoners of this 13th century castle, considered to be one of the best-preserved in Europe. Then make your way back to Montreux station. From here you join the Inter Regio train to Lausanne where you change trains and board the TGV to whisk you back to Paris. Your private taxi transfer takes you to the Gare du Nord and the last leg of your journey. Here you join the Eurostar and let the train take the strain as you stretch out and savour the 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
- First Class rail travel from London to Rome and return via Zurich and Montreux (Standard Premier service on Eurostar)
- 4 nights’ hotel accommodation in 4 star hotels with breakfast each day, including 2 nights in twin/double rooms in Rome, plus overnight stays in twin/double rooms in Zurich and Montreux
- 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
- Château de Chillon entry at Montreux (payable locally)
- Some premium drinks on board
