Eternal Rome & Italy by Rail

Depart U.S. for Rome, Italy

Rome, Italy

Arrive in Rome, transfer and check in to the deluxe Sina Bernini Bristol near the pretty Piazza Barberini. Get to know your fellow travelers during a Welcome Reception and raise a toast to your upcoming journey.

Rome/Alban Hills

After breakfast, set out to explore the Castelli Romani, a collection of charming towns dotting the volcanic landscape of the Alban Hills outside Rome. Begin in Grottaferrata to see the Abbey of Santa Maria di Grottaferrata, a historic edifice founded by St. Nilus in A.D. 1004. Continue to Castel Gandolfo, perched above the volcanic crater Lake Albano. This medieval town is the most famous within the Castelli Romani, widely recognized for housing Catholic popes during the summer months since the 16th century. Join a guided visit of Papal Palace to witness the papal apartments and Cappella Privata del Papa, the private chapel within the residence. Next, sample fresh country cuisine during lunch at a family restaurant offering views of Lake Albano. Return to Rome for an evening at leisure.

Rome/Vatican City

Spend the morning at Vatican City, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and the smallest country in the world. Attend an exclusive early-morning opening of the Vatican Museum and witness the ritualistic unlocking led by the Clavigero. A private tour of the Vatican Museum follows the ritual. Awaken each gallery, including the Gallery of Candelabra, the Gallery of Tapestries and the Gallery of Maps before ending in the incomparable Sistine Chapel. Spend some quiet, reflective moments in the chapel. After breakfast, continue to the splendid St. Peter’s Basilica. A new church was commissioned after the original shrine to St. Peter crumbled. All the great Roman Renaissance and baroque architects had input into its design, and Michaelangelo created the vast dome. Take in the sights and ambience of St. Peter’s Square on your own before returning to the hotel.

Rome

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore sights independently, such as the Spanish Steps Roman Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain.

Rome/Board La Dolce Vita Orient Express

Following breakfast, check out of your hotel. Then, enjoy a cooking demonstration and a hands-on experience where you learn to make authentic pasta with a professional chef. Dig into your creations for lunch. Embark the lavish La Dolce Vita and experience the pinnacle of elegance on a two-night prestigious odyssey. This evening and all evenings on board, indulge in an exquisite Italian dinner prepared by a three-Michelin‑starred chef and accompanied by live music.

Matera

The delectable aromas of homemade Italian cooking lure you to breakfast before disembarking in Matera. Located in the southern region of Basilicata, Matera is famous for its Sassi — historic cave dwellings built into the mountainside. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Sassi, and wander through the complex of houses, churches and monasteries built into the natural caves. Proceed to visit the Hypogeum, an underground marvel. Savor lunch at a restaurant in the caves before meeting with local artisans to witness the creation of the Cucù, a traditional clay whistle with a long history. Painted with bright colors and made to resemble cockerels, Cucù are believed to have magical powers and can be found in many homes in the area. Return to the train and savor dinner, a movable feast celebrating the finest Italian ingredients and wines.

Sulmona | Pescocostanzo | Rome | Disembark

The train arrives in Sulmona, the birthplace of first-century poet Ovid. Disembark La Dolce Vita and board the historic Ferrovia dei Parchi. Settle in perfectly restored carriages from the early 20th century and enjoy a slow journey along the Italian Trans-Siberian, one of the country’s most panoramic and timeless rail routes. Inaugurated in 1897, the tracks connect the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas, passing gorgeous mountain scenes, snow-capped beech forests, narrow gorges and national parks to Pescocostanzo, more than 4,000 feet above sea level. Take time to explore this medieval town, home to ancient craft skills such as lace making, filigree and wrought iron. Sit down to lunch at a local restaurant and spend time browsing artisan shops and boutiques. Enjoy a return train ride back to Sulmona to reboard La Dolce Vita. Sip an aperitivo, followed by a memorable final dinner on the train while traveling back to Rome. Disembark late this evening and transfer to a deluxe hotel in Rome.

Rome/Return to Home City

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to your home city.