La Dolce Vita Orient Express: Eternal Stones of Matera
- 8
- £8,499
- Travel by First Class rail to Rome
- Stop in Turin and Assisi en route
- Enjoy a 2-night journey aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express
- Take a tour of stunning Matera and dinner in a cave restaurant
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade your hotels
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- First Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 5 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Private transfer from the Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon
- Private transfers from station to hotel in Turin, Assisi and Rome
- 2 nights aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express in a Deluxe Cabin including all meals, drinks and excursions
- Private transfer from Rome Ostiense to Rome Airport
- Flight from Rome to London in Economy Class
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email
Suggested Itinerary
Board the Eurostar at St Pancras International station at the start of your exciting holiday to Italy. You’ll zip under the English Channel and into France, changing in Paris onto a high-speed TGV bound for the Italian border. A private transfer is included to help you cross from one station to another. Arrive into Turin this evening and check in for an overnight stay at the Grand Hotel Sitea (or similar).
After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and make your way to Turin Porta Nuova station, conveniently located within easy walking distance.
You’ll travel south into Tuscany and arrive around lunchtime into Florence. You might like to grab a bite to eat in the station before continuing your journey to the beautiful town of Assisi, where you have a 2-night stay at the Nun Assisi Relais & Spa Museum (or similar).
Spend a full day discovering the peaceful beauty of Assisi, a hilltop town steeped in history and spiritual significance. Begin your visit at the awe-inspiring Basilica of Saint Francis, home to world-famous frescoes by Giotto. Wander through narrow medieval streets lined with stone houses, artisan shops, and quiet piazzas.
You might also like to visit the Basilica of Saint Clare or take in sweeping views from the Rocca Maggiore fortress.
You have another free morning in Assisi today. Perhaps enjoy a light lunch at an Umbrian trattoria before collecting your bags and returning to the station for your afternoon train service direct to Italian capital Rome. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to the Grand Hotel Palace (or similar) for a 2-night stay.
Spend a full day exploring the Eternal City, where ancient wonders and vibrant street life await around every corner. Begin at the Colosseum, imagining the roar of the crowds in this legendary amphitheatre, before strolling through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Wander past the Pantheon and pause at Piazza Navona, lined with fountains and lively cafés.
After lunch, head to the Vatican to admire the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. Don’t miss a visit to the Trevi Fountain where you can toss a coin to ensure your return.
Your journey begins at midday as the La Dolce Vita Orient Express departs from Rome Ostiense, setting the stage for a luxurious escape through the Italian landscape. Settle into the comfort of your cabin and enjoy the gentle rhythm of the train. As evening approaches, delight in an elegant dinner created by 3-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck, showcasing seasonal Italian flavours. The night continues with live music and a refined atmosphere, perfect for relaxing as the train travels south.
Awake to a traditional Italian breakfast as the train approaches Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient cave dwellings and dramatic setting. Spend the morning exploring this remarkable town with optional curated experiences, including guided tours and a lunch in a unique cave restaurant. In the early afternoon, reboard the train for the return journey. Enjoy a final Italian aperitivo as the countryside rolls by, arriving back in Rome Ostiense by late afternoon—your luxurious adventure, elegantly complete.
Awake to a traditional Italian breakfast as the train approaches Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient cave dwellings and dramatic setting. Spend the morning exploring this remarkable town with optional curated experiences, including guided tours and a lunch in a unique cave restaurant. In the early afternoon, reboard the train for the return journey. Enjoy a final Italian aperitivo as the countryside rolls by, arriving back in Rome Ostiense by late afternoon—your luxurious adventure, elegantly complete.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. You can also extend your trip or return by rail. Please let us help tailor make your holiday.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Turin
Grand Hotel Sitea is located in the centre of Turin, right behind Piazza San Carlo and a 10-minute walk from Piazza Castello. Rooms are elegantly furnished and come with parquet or carpeted floors, and a TV with satellite channels. There is also free internet access. All rooms offer a marble bathroom, some with spa bath.
Assisi
This unique luxury hotel is situated in a converted nunnery, dating back to the 13th century. Along with air-conditioned, en suite bedrooms with LCD TV, Wi-Fi and minibar, the hotel also features a bath treatment area set in Roman excavations and an Umbrian restaurant.
Rome
The Grand Hotel Palace is situated on the Via Veneto close to the Villa Borghese. All air-conditioned bedrooms come with LCD satellite TV, mini bar and luxurious bathrooms. Guests can relax at the wellness centre and gym or enjoy fine Italian cuisine at the Cadorin Restaurant.
