Explore Rome and its environs during five nights in the Eternal City before embarking on a luxurious train journey aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express. Visit Vatican City, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica; the medieval towns of Castel Gandolfo, home to the papal summer retreat, and Pescocostanzo, renowned for its beauty and local artisans; and Matera, where ancient cave dwellings are still used today.
Program Overview
Program HighlightsTo see more about day, click on any of the Day by Day buttons
Day by Day
Day 1
Depart Home CityDay 2
Rome, ItalyDay 3
Rome/Alban HillsDay 4
Rome/Vatican CityDay 5
RomeDay 6
Rome/Board La Dolce Vita Orient ExpressDay 7
MateraDay 8
Sulmona for Pescocostanzo/Rome/Disembark trainDay 9
Rome/Return to Home CityTo see more about day, click on any of the Day by Day buttons
- Experience the best of Rome on an itinerary that includes 5 nights in a luxury hotel and 2 nights aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express, a deluxe train line that takes you through the Italian countryside to Matera and Pescocostanzo.
- Specially arranged full-day excursion to 2 bucolic medieval towns in the Roman countryside — Grottaferrata and Castel Gandolfo, where you will enjoy a guided tour of the pope's summer residence, the Apostolic Palace.
- Three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Historic Center of Rome, which spans 3 millennia of history; Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, where you will behold majestic frescoes by Michelangelo at the Sistine Chapel and visit St. Peter’s Basilica; and Matera for its ancient Sassi limestone cave dwellings.
- Included meals | 1 reception, 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners.
Depart for Rome, Italy. Please check your bags from your gateway city to your arrival city.
Arrive at Rome Airport and check-in at the Sina Bernini Bristol Roma, a deluxe hotel located in the heart of Rome. Spend the afternoon at leisure and familiarize yourself with your home for the next four nights.
Get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome cocktail reception and raise a toast to your upcoming journey! Enjoy dinner on your own this evening.
Wake this morning for breakfast at the hotel and set out for your first excursion to see a collection of charming towns located in the hills surrounding Rome.
Sample cuisine of the Roman countryside with lunch at a family restaurant offering breathtaking views of Lake Albano.
Relish the beauty of the Roman Castles’ unique architecture and rich history. Begin in Grottaferrata to see the Abbey of Santa Maria di Grottaferrata, a historic edifice founded by St. Nilo in A.D. 1004, and its main piazza. Proceed to Castel Gandolfo, voted one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. This medieval town is the most famous within the Roman Castles, widely recognized for housing Catholic popes during the summer months since the 16th century. Join a guided visit of the pope’s summer residence, Papal Palace, to see the papal apartments and Cappella Privata del Papa, the private chapel within the residence. (Moderate)
Return to the hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. Select one of the many nearby restaurants for dinner on your own this evening.
Sample cuisine of the Roman countryside with lunch at a family restaurant offering breathtaking views of Lake Albano.
Relish the beauty of the Roman Castles’ unique architecture and rich history. Begin in Grottaferrata to see the Abbey of Santa Maria di Grottaferrata, a historic edifice founded by St. Nilo in A.D. 1004, and its main piazza. Proceed to Castel Gandolfo, voted one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. This medieval town is the most famous within the Roman Castles, widely recognized for housing Catholic popes during the summer months since the 16th century. Join a guided visit of the pope’s summer residence, Papal Palace, to see the papal apartments and Cappella Privata del Papa, the private chapel within the residence. (Moderate)
Return to the hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. Select one of the many nearby restaurants for dinner on your own this evening.
Today join an exclusive private tour of the Vatican Museum, including breakfast at the Vatican Museum Bistro.
Visit Vatican City, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, and the smallest country in the world. Attend an exclusive special opening of the Vatican Museum and witness the ritualistic unlocking of the museum led by the Clavigero. The ritual is followed by a private tour of the Vatican Museum, awakening each gallery as you proceed through the Gallery of Candelabra, the Gallery of Tapestries, the Gallery of Maps, and ending in the incomparable Sistine Chapel. Then, tour magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica. When the original shrine to St. Peter, erected here in the second century, crumbled down, a new church was commissioned; all the great architects of the Roman Renaissance and Baroque had input into its design, and Michaelangelo created the vast dome. Stroll through St. Peter’s Square on your own before returning to the hotel. (Active)
Enjoy lunch and dinner on your own this evening.
Visit Vatican City, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, and the smallest country in the world. Attend an exclusive special opening of the Vatican Museum and witness the ritualistic unlocking of the museum led by the Clavigero. The ritual is followed by a private tour of the Vatican Museum, awakening each gallery as you proceed through the Gallery of Candelabra, the Gallery of Tapestries, the Gallery of Maps, and ending in the incomparable Sistine Chapel. Then, tour magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica. When the original shrine to St. Peter, erected here in the second century, crumbled down, a new church was commissioned; all the great architects of the Roman Renaissance and Baroque had input into its design, and Michaelangelo created the vast dome. Stroll through St. Peter’s Square on your own before returning to the hotel. (Active)
Enjoy lunch and dinner on your own this evening.
Wake this morning for breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a full day of leisure time in the Eternal City.
Choose to explore some of Rome’s major sights independently. View of the iconic Spanish Steps, nestled between the Piazza di Spagna, one of the most famous squares in Rome, and the legendary Trevi Fountain, whose origins go back to 19 B.C., when it was the terminus of one of the city’s aqueducts.
There will be a Gohagan & Company representative available at the Hospitality Desk to provide maps and additional suggestions for touring Rome. They will be happy to assist with restaurant reservations and recommendations for lunch and dinner on your own.
Choose to explore some of Rome’s major sights independently. View of the iconic Spanish Steps, nestled between the Piazza di Spagna, one of the most famous squares in Rome, and the legendary Trevi Fountain, whose origins go back to 19 B.C., when it was the terminus of one of the city’s aqueducts.
There will be a Gohagan & Company representative available at the Hospitality Desk to provide maps and additional suggestions for touring Rome. They will be happy to assist with restaurant reservations and recommendations for lunch and dinner on your own.
Enjoy breakfast and spend some leisure time in Rome. Check out of the hotel later this morning. Your luggage will be transferred from the hotel directly to the train.
Join a cooking demonstration for a hands-on experience to create pasta within a professional kitchen and authentic, Roman atmosphere.
Embark La Dolce Vita, a luxurious train offering panoramic views across the Italian countryside. This evening and all evenings on board, indulge in dinner prepared by a 3-Michelin-starred chef, accompanied by live music. The train will make a nighttime station stop each evening to ensure optional sleeping comfort.
Join a cooking demonstration for a hands-on experience to create pasta within a professional kitchen and authentic, Roman atmosphere.
Embark La Dolce Vita, a luxurious train offering panoramic views across the Italian countryside. This evening and all evenings on board, indulge in dinner prepared by a 3-Michelin-starred chef, accompanied by live music. The train will make a nighttime station stop each evening to ensure optional sleeping comfort.
Start your day with an authentic Italian breakfast aboard the train and indulge in freshly brewed espresso, flaky pastries, artisanal breads paired with locally sourced jams, and an array of Italian cheeses and cured meats before disembarking the train in Matera.
Within 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 Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and wander through the complex of houses, churches and monasteries built into the natural caves. Proceed to visit the Hypogeum, an underground marvel, while sipping a refreshing aperitif before lunch. (Moderate)
Savor lunch at a local restaurant within the caves before meeting with local artisan this afternoon. Witness the creation of the Cucù, a traditional clay whistle that has a long history in Matera. Painted with bright colors and often made the look like cockerels, the Cucù could be found in most homes, as they were believed to have magical powers.
Return to the train for another exquisite dinner.
Within 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 Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and wander through the complex of houses, churches and monasteries built into the natural caves. Proceed to visit the Hypogeum, an underground marvel, while sipping a refreshing aperitif before lunch. (Moderate)
Savor lunch at a local restaurant within the caves before meeting with local artisan this afternoon. Witness the creation of the Cucù, a traditional clay whistle that has a long history in Matera. Painted with bright colors and often made the look like cockerels, the Cucù could be found in most homes, as they were believed to have magical powers.
Return to the train for another exquisite dinner.
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning as the train arrives in Sulmona, where you will disembark La Dolce Vita to travel across the mountainous Abruzzo region on the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Board the historic Ferrovia dei Parchi, affectionately referred to as “Napoletana” by locals, and travel the Trans-Siberian Railway of Italy to the medieval town of Pescocostanzo. Explore the charming town home to ancient craft skills including lacemaking, filigree and wrought iron. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and spend time this afternoon visiting local artisan shops. (Moderate)
Take the Trans-Siberian Railway back to Sulmona to reboard La Dolce Vita.
Savor dinner on the train and enjoy dinner on board as you travel back to the Eternal City. Disembark this evening and transfer to a deluxe hotel in Rome.
Board the historic Ferrovia dei Parchi, affectionately referred to as “Napoletana” by locals, and travel the Trans-Siberian Railway of Italy to the medieval town of Pescocostanzo. Explore the charming town home to ancient craft skills including lacemaking, filigree and wrought iron. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and spend time this afternoon visiting local artisan shops. (Moderate)
Take the Trans-Siberian Railway back to Sulmona to reboard La Dolce Vita.
Savor dinner on the train and enjoy dinner on board as you travel back to the Eternal City. Disembark this evening and transfer to a deluxe hotel in Rome.
Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the aiport for your return flight home. Arrive in your home city and go through immigration and customs.
All rates are in U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, including taxes. Deposit amount is $1,500 per person. Final Payment is due at least 120 days prior to departure. Single accommodations are subject to availability.
View Terms and Conditions here
These Special Savings consist of $500 Early Booking and $500 Pay‑in‑Full savings. The Special Savings rate is valid if you book by 9/24/25 and pay in full at the time of booking.
View Terms and Conditions here
These Special Savings consist of $500 Early Booking and $500 Pay‑in‑Full savings. The Special Savings rate is valid if you book by 9/24/25 and pay in full at the time of booking.
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La Dolce Vita Orient Express
La Dolce Vita Orient Express
La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Sina Bernini Bristol Roma Hotel
The deluxe Sina Bernini Bristol Roma has provided luxury hospitality in the Eternal City for 150 years. Located in the heart of Baroque Rome, you will find iconic Roman monuments such as the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain just around the corner. Unwind at the rooftop pool or in the Wellness area, featuring a Jacuzzi and chromo-therapy Turkish bath and sauna. Other amenities include the fitness center and on-site restaurant, Il Vizo Restaurant & Bar, which offers a unique menu featuring contemporary Italian cuisine alongside innovative sushi dishes to enjoy from the panoramic rooftop.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Immerse yourself in the comfort of La Dolce Vita Orient Express, the sophisticated luxury train with a legendary history. The fine details and gracious service evoke the romance of the golden age of travel. Admire the passing scenery from the lounge with your fellow travelers or perhaps from your room with a glass of wine and a tray of delicious Italian cheeses. As you explore the Italian countryside, the train’s culinary team takes you on a delicious journey from freshly squeezed juices, rich coffee and tempting pastries in the mornings to expertly prepared regional cuisine and fine wines at night. Each well-appointed cabin transforms from an elegant sitting area during the day to an inviting, restful oasis in the evening.
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Selected Program: Eternal Rome & Italy by Rail
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