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Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday

The Orient Express La Dolce Vita - La Transiberiana Italiana - Rome - Matera - Palena - Rome - by rail

Luxury sleeper train from Rome through southern Italy on the Orient Express La Dolce

Illustration of The Orient Express La Dolce Vita - La Transiberiana Italiana - Rome - Matera - Palena - Rome - by rail

Planet Rail's seven-day luxury rail journey departs from London and arrives in Lausanne, combining famous European First Class rail with Italy's newest luxury train experience. The Orient Express La Dolce Vita operates a three-day round trip from Rome, visiting Matera and Palena in southern Italy, with all meals, drinks, and guided local excursions included in the deluxe cabin. Before boarding the luxury train on day four, you spend two days in Rome, free to explore the Vatican, Trevi Fountain, or the Spanish Steps. The Gotthard route through the Swiss Alps connects your outbound journey from Zurich to Milan and Rome, and on the return, you pass through the Simplon Pass into Montreux. Hotel stays in Zurich and Montreux provide a solid four-star base. This trip suits couples seeking luxury and history lovers drawn to Rome, Matera's ancient cave dwellings, and refined rail travel without the weight of daily logistics.

What to know before you look closer

  • The final rail leg on day 6 involves a return journey from Rome to Milan and onwards to Montreux; confirm the exact routing and timing with Planet Rail before booking.
  • Château de Chillon entry at Montreux is not included and must be paid locally.
  • Some premium drinks aboard the Orient Express are not included in the cabin price.

Day by day

  1. 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).

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Gotthard route carries you across the Swiss Alps from Zurich to Milan in First Class, climbing through picturesque mountain scenery.
  • Day 4Departure from Roma Ostiense station aboard the Orient Express La Dolce Vita, a 1960s-inspired luxury train heading into the Tuscan countryside.
  • Day 5Arrival in Matera with a guided city visit and lunch in a cave restaurant, followed by an Italian aperitivo and dinner aboard the train.
  • Day 6Journey from Palena back to Roma Ostiense, then travel via Milan to Montreux on the EuroCity through the Simplon Pass.

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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes First Class rail from London to Rome via Zurich (Standard Premier on Eurostar outbound and return), plus a deluxe cabin on the Orient Express La Dolce Vita from Rome through Matera and Palena back to Rome, and First Class from Milan to Montreux via the Simplon Pass.
Are meals included?
Breakfast is included at all four-star hotels. All meals and drinks are included aboard the Orient Express La Dolce Vita. Some premium drinks on the train are not included.
Is this tour guided or independent?
It combines both. Planet Rail includes curated off-train excursions with local specialists in Matera and Palena, and 24-hour onboard service aboard La Dolce Vita. Time in Rome and Zurich is free; Château de Chillon in Montreux is self-guided and payable locally.
What is the difference between the Deluxe Cabin and Suite?
Both are on the Orient Express La Dolce Vita. The Suite is more spacious and opulent; it costs £2,000 per person more than the Deluxe Cabin (lead price £6,495).
How much walking is involved?
Moderate. Rome and Zurich allow self-guided exploration. Guided visits to Matera and Palena involve walking through the towns and surrounding areas. A trolley bus option is available at Montreux for Château de Chillon.
What accommodation is provided?
Two nights in a four-star hotel in Rome with breakfast, one night in the Hotel Helmhaus in Zurich with breakfast, two nights in a deluxe cabin on the Orient Express La Dolce Vita with all meals and drinks, and one night in the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic in Montreux with breakfast.

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