Luxury Rail to Puglia: La Dolce Vita & a Southern Italian Escape (Part II)

Journey Spotlight: La Dolce Vita Orient Express – Eternal Stones of Matera

A Luxurious Rail Voyage Through Italy's Timeless Landscapes

Embark on a three-day, two-night round-trip journey from Rome aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, a train that captures the elegance and nostalgia of Italy’s golden era of travel. The “Eternal Stones of Matera” itinerary takes you deep into the cultural heart of southern Italy — where history, design, and luxury blend effortlessly.

Highlights of the Journey:

• Day 1: Departure from Rome Ostiense
  Step aboard in the late afternoon, settling into your elegant deluxe cabin or suite. As the train glides south, indulge in fine dining by Chef Heinz Beck, then enjoy live music and cocktails in the lounge car.

• Day 2: Explore Matera
  Wake up in Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient cave dwellings. Enjoy guided tours, exclusive experiences in the Sassi districts, and an atmospheric lunch inside a historic grotto restaurant.

• Day 3: Pescocostanzo & Return to Rome
  Enjoy an optional morning excursion to Pescocostanzo, a beautifully preserved medieval town. Then relax on board as the train returns to Rome in ultimate comfort.

Boarding elegance: the La Dolce Vita Orient Express awaits its next luxurious journey across Italy.

The Onboard Experience Includes:

• Refined deluxe cabins and suites with private en-suites

• Gourmet regional cuisine and curated wine pairings

• Live entertainment in the lounge and bar cars

• Concierge-level service throughout your journey

This is one of Italy’s most extraordinary luxury travel experiences — perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply seeing the country in style.

📩 For availability and tailored booking assistance, contact The Private Traveller.
As a Fora Advisor, I can help secure exclusive perks and ensure a seamless journey from start to finish.

🔗 Learn more here

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Things to Do in Rome:

In Rome, even a short stroll can feel like a journey through time — but when you’re staying at Six Senses Rome, the experience starts the moment you step through its grand palazzo doors.

This urban sanctuary is more than just a hotel; it’s a peaceful haven nestled among some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. With its Roman-inspired spa, tranquil rooftop, and warm, understated elegance, sometimes the most memorable moments happen before you’ve even left the building.

Make a wish at the iconic Trevi Fountain in Rome – a must on any luxury Italian journey.

Still, if you do venture out (and you should), here are some curated highlights to explore nearby:

The Pantheon – Just a few steps from the hotel, this awe-inspiring temple to all gods is one of Rome’s most enduring architectural wonders.
Visit Website | TripAdvisor #1 attraction in Rome

Trevi Fountain – A five-minute walk from Six Senses Rome, toss a coin to ensure your return to the Eternal City — and maybe go early to enjoy it without the crowds.
TripAdvisor #2 attraction

Piazza Navona – One of Rome’s most atmospheric squares, with Baroque fountains, street artists, cafés, and a lingering sense of la dolce vita.

Roman Forum & Colosseum – Walk a little further and you’ll find yourself amidst the ruins of ancient Rome, where emperors once strolled and gladiators fought.
TripAdvisor #3 attraction

Via del Corso & Via dei Condotti – For designer shopping and boutique browsing, these elegant streets are a fashion lover’s dream, just a short walk away.

Whether you spend your time soaking in centuries of culture or sipping espresso in a sunlit piazza, Rome is a city that rewards every pause, every turn, and every unplanned moment.

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Getting from Rome to Puglia:

The most stylish way to travel south

To reach Puglia from Rome, we opted for the Frecciarossa 1000, Italy’s fastest and most modern high-speed train — and made sure to book Executive Class, a rare find that’s not available on all routes.

We will travel aboard Train 9511, which departs Roma Termini at 10:00 and runs direct to either Bari Centrale or Brindisi. The journey takes just a little over 4 hours, gliding at speeds of up to 300 km/h, making it one of the smoothest and most comfortable ways to travel across the country.

Step into a fairytale in Alberobello, where the whitewashed Trulli houses showcase the charm of Puglia.

Executive Class offers a truly elevated experience:

• 1-1 seating in a quiet, spacious carriage

• Leather armchairs with extra legroom

• Welcome drinks and gourmet meal service at your seat

• Access to FrecciaLounge at Roma Termini before departure

We chose to disembark at Bari Centrale, which is only 50 minutes by car from Masseria Torre Maizza, our next stop in the Puglian countryside.

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Luxury Accommodation Highlights:

Where to Stay in Puglia

Masseria Torre Maizza – Rocco Forte Hotels
After our journey through Sicily and Rome, we’ll unwind in the heart of Puglia at Masseria Torre Maizza, a whitewashed estate nestled among ancient olive groves near the Adriatic coast. Part of the Rocco Forte collection, this beautifully restored 16th-century farmhouse is a refined take on the traditional Puglian masseria, with stylish rooms, serene gardens, and the laid-back glamour that defines this region.

This will be my first time staying here, but I’ve long admired Rocco Forte’s ability to blend local heritage with discreet luxury—and with Villa Igiea in Palermo setting the tone earlier in the trip, I’m excited to see how it’s brought to life in southern Italy.

Rocco Forte Knights
As a guest of The Private Traveller, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits through the Rocco Forte Knights program. This invitation-only preferred partner program offers:

• Complimentary daily breakfast for two

• $100 hotel/resort credit per stay

• Priority room upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability)

• Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)

• VIP welcome amenities

• 20% off spa services at select hotels
  

These perks are available at no additional cost when booking through The Private Traveller & Fora Travel.

Unwind in style by the pool at Masseria Torre Maizza, where striped parasols and handcrafted cocktails set the tone for a blissful Puglian afternoon.

Fast Facts for Masseria Torre Maizza:

• Address: Contrada Coccaro, 72015 Savelletri di Fasano BR, Italy

• Website: https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/masseria-torre-maizza/

• Group Website: https://www.roccofortehotels.com/

• TripAdvisor Ranking: #2 of 7 hotels in Savelletri

• Instagram: @masseria_torre_maizza / @roccofortehotels

• Nearest Airport: Brindisi Airport (BDS) – 55 km / approx. 45 mins by car or Bari Airport (BRI) – 80 km / approx. 1 hr by car

• Number of Rooms/Suites: 40 rooms and suites

• Dining & Bar Options: Carosello Restaurant, Bougainvillea Bar, poolside dining

• Wellbeing: Irene Forte Spa, outdoor pool, yoga, nearby 9-hole golf course

• Visiting: May 2025

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Things to Do in Puglia:

In Puglia, time slows to the rhythm of sun-dappled olive groves and sea-scented breezes — but when you’re staying at Masseria Torre Maizza, the experience begins the moment you arrive through the estate’s bougainvillea-framed archways.

This elegant masseria is more than just a hotel; it’s a retreat deeply connected to its surroundings. Whether you're lounging by the pool, indulging in a treatment at the Irene Forte Spa, or dining al fresco beneath the stars, it’s easy to lose track of time — and that’s the point.

Discover hidden coves and the clearest seas along Puglia’s captivating Salento coastline.

Still, when you’re ready to explore (and you should), here are some curated highlights nearby:

Savelletri Marina – Just a few minutes from the hotel, this charming fishing village offers a quiet harbourfront, local seafood restaurants, and views across the Adriatic.
Visit Website | TripAdvisor #1 attraction in Savelletri

Polignano a Mare – One of Puglia’s most photogenic coastal towns, perched dramatically on limestone cliffs above the sea. Ideal for cliffside dining, strolling, or a gelato break.
Visit Website | TripAdvisor #1 attraction in Polignano a Mare

Alberobello – A UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its unique trulli houses. These whitewashed, conical-roofed homes are the stuff of fairytales—and just a 30-minute drive away.
Visit Website | TripAdvisor #1 attraction in Alberobello

Ostuni – Known as La Città Bianca, this dazzling white town is a maze of narrow alleys, boutiques, and panoramic terraces overlooking olive groves and the sea.

Local Beaches – The coastline here is dotted with hidden coves and sandy stretches. The hotel can arrange sunbeds and beach club access if you’d prefer something more polished.

Whether you spend your days visiting ancient towns, enjoying long lunches in the countryside, or simply watching the light shift over the olive groves, Puglia is a place that invites you to breathe, taste, and truly unwind.

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✨ Full Itinerary: 18-Day Luxury Journey Through Sicily, Rome & Puglia:

• Day 1
  Fly British Airways from Edinburgh (EDI) to London Heathrow (LHR), with an overnight stay at the Bloc Hotel, Gatwick South Terminal – ideal for early departures.

• Day 2
  Morning flight from London Gatwick (LGW) to Catania (CTA). Collect an Avis rental car and drive to Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte hotel in Palermo. Two-night stay,

• Day 3
  Explore the historic beauty of Palermo – from vibrant markets to Baroque landmarks.

• Day 4
  Scenic drive across Sicily to Taormina. Check in at Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, the iconic clifftop retreat featured in The White Lotus.

• Days 5–6
  Two full days in Taormina to relax, explore the ancient theatre, and take in views of Mount Etna.

• Day 7
  Board the overnight Trenitalia sleeper from Taormina-Giardini to Rome Termini, arriving the following morning.

• Day 8
  Check in at the serene and stylish Six Senses Rome. Enjoy a leisurely introduction to the Eternal City.

• Day 9
  A full day exploring Rome – from rooftop breakfasts to sunset strolls past ancient ruins.

• Day 10
  Begin our La Dolce Vita Orient Express journey from Rome Ostiense Station – a glamorous new rail experience through the Italian countryside.

• Day 11
  Aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express – indulge in slow travel at its finest with curated stops, fine dining, and timeless elegance.

• Day 12
  Return to Rome and check in for a one-night stay at Palazzo Montemartini – A Radisson Collection Hotel.

• Day 13
  Take a morning train south to Bari Centrale, then transfer to Masseria Torre Maizza, a Puglian retreat nestled in olive groves.

• Days 14–17
  Four days in Puglia to explore the coast, villages, and countryside at a relaxed pace.

• Day 18
  Return flight with British Airways from Brindisi (BDS) to Edinburgh (EDI), via London Heathrow (LHR).

Historic charm and breathtaking seascapes at Tonnara di Scopello – a gem on Sicily’s northwest coast.

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Why Book with The Private Traveller & Fora Travel:

When you book with The Private Traveller in partnership with Fora Travel, you receive exclusive benefits, including:

• VIP welcome amenities

• Complimentary daily breakfast

• $100 USD resort credit

• Room upgrades (subject to availability)

• Early check-in and late check-out

Ready for a perfectly planned luxury journey? Begin by submitting your travel request at theprivatetraveller.com/travel-request-form and let us create your bespoke itinerary — every element tailored to your unique tastes and travel style.

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Stay Connected & Get Inspired:

Follow along for more travel guides, hotel reviews, and insider tips:
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Drop a comment or message if you’re planning something similar — I’d love to hear your ideas or help bring them to life!

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