We study the propagation of nonlinear waves in layered nonlinear dielectric/linear dielectric/metal planar structures. We develop vector models that describe the light propagation in such configurations and allow us to obtain both one- and two-dimensional solutions. We compute the nonlinear dispersion relation and the field profiles, and estimate losses. We use our models to design realistic structures, in terms of linear and nonlinear properties, which support soliton waves with a plasmon tail at low peak power around or below 1 GW∕cm2. These results open the way for potential observation of such states in chalcogenide waveguides associated with silica and metal films. In the proposed structures, the nonlinearity confines the field in both transverse directions. A recordable plasmonic part of the field extends in air.