Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday

The Orient Express La Dolce Vita - Rome to the Vineyards of Tuscany - by rail

The Orient Express La Dolce Vita - Rome to the Vineyards of Tuscany - by rail, a rail journey with Planet Rail

Relish a luxurious escape from Rome to Montalcino aboard the Orient Express La Dolce Vita, with Tuscan vineyards and exquisite scenery.

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 and a marvellous feat of engineering. 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

    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 before continuing on to Torrenieri-Montalcino Winery and enjoying a delicious local dining experience. On return to the Orient Express, there is 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: Montreux

    Farewell to La Dolce Vita - Rome through the Alps to Lake Geneva

    Breakfast is served in your cabin by your steward at a time to suit you and you have a little time to relax on board this unique train. 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. Take a stroll alongside Lake Geneva and visit this elegant lakeside town which is home to the famous jazz festival.

  6. Day 6rail

    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

  • La Dolce Vita luxury train overnight journey from Rome to Montalcino in Tuscany and return in a deluxe ensuite cabin with all meals and drinks*, plus off-train excursions
  • 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
  • Private taxi transfers in Paris
  • Torrenieri-Montalcino Winery and local dining experience

Not included

  • Rome sightseeing - Trevi Fountain, Coliseum, Vatican City and Sistene Chapel (payable locally)
  • Château de Chillon entry at Montreux (payable locally)
  • Some premium drinks on board

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