good day trips from rome

The 11 best day trips out of Rome from ancient sites to Renaissance wonders

Dec 13, 2023 • 10 min read

From nearby ancient sites in the Lazio region to taking the fast train to amazing cities farther afield, here are some of the best day trips from Rome © Imgorthand / Getty Images

With so much to see in Rome , you’d be forgiven for never making it outside the city limits, but the wealth of attractions doesn’t end with the Colosseum or the Vatican. If you choose to explore the region of Lazio , of which Rome is the capital, you’ll be richly rewarded.

Between sprawling historic sites, outdoor attractions for all seasons and not-so-secret food and wine destinations, the area surrounding Rome might be just as fascinating as the city itself. Farther afield, Florence , Naples and Pompeii are all close enough to plan a day trip from Rome: they don’t call it the center of the world for nothing. 

Here are the very best places near Rome to visit on a day trip – and how to get there.

1. Explore the ancient ruins at Ostia Antica

Travel time: 30 mins

One of the easiest outings from Rome is a day trip to the Scavi Archeologici di Ostia Antica , the remarkably well-preserved ruins of ancient Rome’s seaport. Don’t miss the Terme di Nettuno, a 2nd-century baths complex with striking floor mosaics and a steeply stacked amphitheater in the heart of the ruins (used until the 4th century CE). You can also see the Thermopolium, an ancient cafe where you can make out traces of a menu frescoed on the wall. If the daily specials of a few millennia past don’t strike your fancy, Ristorante Monumento serves filling pastas and local seafood near the site’s main entrance.

How to get to Ostia Antica from Rome: Take the Ostia Lido train from Stazione San Paolo in Rome (next to Piramide metro station) and get off at Ostia Antica.

2. Visit an Etruscan City of the Dead in Cerveteri 

Travel time: 55 mins

The pre-Roman Etruscans left an indelible mark on the civilizations that followed, but much of their culture remains shrouded in mystery. However, one of the best-preserved Etruscan ruins is just outside of Rome at the Necropoli di Banditaccia in Cerveteri . A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, this haunting necropolis located just outside the modern town is a veritable city of the dead with streets, squares and terraces of circular grass-topped tombs known as tumuli .

Once you’ve explored these, complete your Etruscan education at the Museo Nazionale Cerite back in the historic center. Nearby, Da Bibbo is a cut above your average osteria .

How to get to Cerveteri from Rome: Regular Cotral buses serve Cerveteri from Cornelia metro station. By car, the town is 28 miles (45km) north of Rome, off the A12 autostrada . The necropolis is a mile from the city center.

3. Make it a day at Pompeii 

Travel time:  2.5 hours

If you’re a history lover, head south to the Pompeii Archaeological Park at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, just south of Naples. Although you could spend a lifetime studying the remains of the city frozen in time, you can also see quite a bit of it in a day. Visit the Lupanare, the only remaining ancient Roman brothel, and the Stabian baths for a window into daily life in Pompeii. There are also beautifully preserved private residences like the Villa dei Misteri, whose painted walls depict Dionysian rituals. Speaking of which, archaeologists have just discovered a second fresco in Pompeii featuring mensa  flatbread, a precursor to pizza. Pompeii residents clearly took their snacks seriously!

How to get to Pompeii from Rome: There are frequent high-speed trains that leave Termini station for Naples. From there, take the Circumvesuviana train to the stop at Pompeii. Rumor has it that the high-speed train will link up directly to Pompeii in 2024, which would significantly reduce the journey, so if you’re planning for next year keep an eye out for updates.

4. Visit two World Heritage sites in one day at Tivoli

Travel time:  50 mins

For a tiny town, Tivoli has a lot to offer visitors looking for something a little different. Located a little over 15 miles east of Rome, it is an easy trip from the center to  Villa d’Este , a Renaissance residence high up in the hills. Once you’ve admired the florid Mannerist frescoes and extravagant garden fountains, treat yourself to something special at Ristorante Sibilla .  Next take a post-lunch walk down to Villa Adriana , the country estate that once belonged to Roman Emperor Hadrian. The spectacular grounds are filled with towering ruins that languish beneath gnarled olive trees and enormous umbrella pines. 

How to get to Tivoli from Rome: Tivoli is accessible by regular Cotral bus from Ponte Mammolo metro station and takes about 50 minutes. Another option is a train from Stazione Termini to Tivoli, which departs every 15 minutes. To get to Villa Adriana from Tivoli’s historic center, take local CAT bus number 4 or 4X from Largo Garibaldi.

5. Soak in thermal baths and meet monsters in Tuscia 

Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Head due north of Rome to explore some of the best kept secrets in Italy, which most people miss as they duck in and out of the capital. Start your day exploring the Parco dei Mostri in Bomarzo, a 16th century sculpture garden populated by evocative structures that the first owner of the property commissioned to cope with the grief of losing his wife.   

Known as Tuscia, the northern Lazio area that borders Umbria and Tuscany is a great place to soak in thermal waters that flow naturally from the volcanic soil underneath. The Terme dei Papi was used as a private bath for the popes who briefly resided in Viterbo in the Middle Ages, and it's now a popular year-round site for health lovers. Once you’ve had a soak, take a stroll through the medieval San Pellegrino quarter of Viterbo and stop for a cocktail at the Magnamagna in Piazza della Morte. 

How to get to Tuscia from Rome: Viterbo is connected to Rome via train at Termini or Ostiense stations, and to access the Parco dei Mostri, get off at the Attigliano-Bomarzo station on the same line. If you’re driving, the A1 motorway is well connected to Viterbo and Bomarzo, or take the more scenic Cassia for a quieter ride. 

6. Take a hike in Monti Simbruini 

Travel time: 1 hour

If the seven hills of Rome don’t provide you with the adrenaline rush you’re looking for, head east to one of Italy’s finest national parks at Monti Simbruini . Close to Rome and accessible by public transport or car, Monti Simbruini has hundreds of kilometers of bike trails, walking itineraries and historical landmarks. Though it covers almost 30,000 hectares, the park is easy to navigate and is studded with small towns you can use as reference points or stops along the way. Admire rare species of flora and fauna and stop for a picnic in front of geological wonders like the Karst formations in Piano di Camposecco or Mola Vecchia. 

How to get to Monti Simbruini from Rome: The trip to Subiaco, one of the larger towns in the park, takes about an hour by car from the center of Rome and from there, visitors can explore the park at their leisure. All the towns of the park are connected to Rome via local Cotral buses. Consult the map on the Park’s website to plan your trip. 

7. Check out the Boho Borgo of Calcata

There is no shortage of beautiful, crumbling hill towns in Italy; there are, however, very few that can claim to have been saved by hippies. Located just outside of greater Rome, the historic center of Calcata was condemned by the local government in the 1930s for fear it would collapse. This prompted a mass exodus of residents and left the center abandoned until artists began to squat in the town in the 1960s. Over time the squatters purchased the homes, the government rescinded the order and residents began restoring the ancient buildings. Now it's a tiny but vibrant community with cafes, art galleries and enough stories to fill up a day. Soak it all up at the Latteria del Gatto Nero , a restaurant and cafe that’s been in operation since the early days of the hippie resettlement.  

How to get to Calcata from Rome: Calcata is an easy drive from Rome along the Cassia/SS2bis motorway and takes about an hour. 

8. See the Duomo and wander the medieval lanes of Orvieto

Travel time: 1.25 hours

Midway between Rome and Florence, the cliff-top town of Orvieto is a classic day trip for all the right reasons. Its handsome medieval lanes are a joy to explore and there are fabulous restaurants, shopping and panoramic views just about anywhere. What makes Oriveto such a singular destination, however, is its awe-inspiring cathedral, one of Italy's great Gothic churches. Spectacular inside and out, the zebra-striped Duomo features a mesmerizing facade and an astonishing fresco cycle by Luca Signorelli depicting the Giudizio Universale. Once you’ve visited the Duomo, take in all the views from atop the Torre del Moro. But that’s not all this city has to offer. Explore the Etruscan caves on the Orvieto Underground tour and marvel at the city they built practically by hand underneath the tuff stone. Book ahead at the tiny but mighty I Sette Consoli for one of their precious tables, and the finely edited menu of local dishes.

How to get to Orvieto from Rome: Regular trains serve Orvieto from Rome Termini (1 hour 15 minutes). By car, it’s just off the main north–south A1 autostrada .

9. See Renaissance masterpieces in Florence

Travel time: 1.5 hours

With Florence only an hour and a half away by fast train, the city can be visited in a day. You won’t have time for everything , but you’ll be able to squeeze in the headline sights  – especially if you’ve pre-booked museum tickets through Firenze Musei . From the train station walk down to Piazza del Duomo, home to a trio of celebrated sights: the Duomo with its distinctive red-tiled dome, the Giotto-designed campanile and the Battistero di San Giovanni.

From there, continue onto Piazza della Signoria, where you can visit Florence's lavish town hall, Palazzo Vecchio , and come face to face with Renaissance masterpieces at the Galleria degli Uffizi . To fuel your wanderings, stop for an innovative lunch at #Raw , a vegan concept started by Florence natives who returned home after traveling the world. However, tradition still reigns supreme at Gilli , one of the city’s historic cafes and worth the visit. 

How to get to Florence from Rome: Regular trains connect Rome Termini with Florence’s Stazione di Santa Maria Novella.

10. Castelli Romani is the perfect day trip destination for foodies

Travel time: 30 to 45 mins

A pretty pocket of vine-clad hills and volcanic lakes on Rome's southern doorstep, the Castelli Romani makes for a fabulous foodie trip. The area is most well known as the headquarters for porchetta , a deboned suckling pig that’s slathered in spices and fennel pollen and roasted to perfection. If you’re traveling toward the town of Ariccia on a Sunday, expect to see legions of hungry Romans stopped on the side of the road, waiting desperately for a suitably over-stuffed panino full of pork. Frascati, one of the most accessible towns of the Castelli Romani, makes it easy: feast on porchetta and local white wine at the Cantina Simonetti , one of several historic cellars in town. 

How to get to Castelli Romani from Rome: Direct trains serve Frascati and take about 30 minutes. Castel Gandolfo is on the Albano Laziale line, and the ride is about 45 minutes. Both leave from Termini station in Rome. 

11. Build your street food tour in Naples 

Travel time: 1 to 1.5 hours

As awe-inspiring as Rome might be, nowhere is quite like Naples – this city  is pure passion. And there’s no better way to experience it than to eat your way through town . Street food is a religion in Naples, so plan to start your day in the Pignasecca market in the center of the city where you’ll experience the full sensory overload that Naples is so well known to inspire. Keep going until you’re in the thick of the Quartiere Spagnolo , where you’ll smell food everywhere. Get ready to embrace the fry: pizza,  crocchè (potato croquettes), calamari, octopus or zucchini... everything is dipped in batter and fried until perfectly golden. Wash it all down with a legendary coffee from the equally legendary Caffe Gambrinus , and don’t forget a bag of sfogliatelle pastries for the train back to Rome. 

How to get to Naples from Rome: Naples and Rome are well connected via rail link including the Frecciarossa service.

This article was first published May 23, 2019 and updated Dec 13, 2023.

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12 of the Best Day Trips From Rome

Roam away from Rome with these day trips to beaches, hill towns, and famous archaeological sites.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

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It can take a lifetime to thoroughly see Rome, with all its archaeological sites, historic landmarks, and ruins. If you’re interested in breaking up your time in the Eternal City with a day trip or two, you’re in luck: Rome is within easy reach of an array of day trip destinations, including major archaeological landmarks, charming hill towns, and pleasant seasides.

Below are the best day trips from Rome — most of which are conveniently accessible by public transport. While many of these destinations can be longer trips, they’re still worthy journeys to make when you want to step away from crowds of Italy’s biggest city.

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Full disclosure: A day trip to Pompeii will barely allow you to scratch the surface of this vast and fascinating archaeological site, where ash from the 79 C.E. eruption of Mount Vesuvius sealed the city in a 2,000-year-old time capsule. But you can cover a lot of ground in a day if you get an early start.

Take a morning high-speed train (either Trenitalia or Italo) to Naples’ Central station, then the Circumvesuviana regional line to the Pompei Scavi stop. Allow at least four to five hours to walk around the ruins. There’s also a daily shuttle bus from central Rome straight to the ruins.

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A vacation destination since the days of the Roman Empire, Tivoli is about an hour east of Rome. It’s the site of Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana), the splendid ruins of the pleasure palace inspired by Roman emperor Hadrian’s far-flung travels. Tivoli is also home to 16th-century Villa d’Este and its magnificent gardens filled with fountains (including a musical one), waterfalls, streams, and other engineering wonders.

Since Villa d’Este is within walking distance of the train station, we recommend seeing Hadrian’s Villa in the morning, grabbing the bus back into town for lunch, and then touring Villa d’Este before taking an evening train back to Rome.

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To experience a slice of medieval Italy, catch a train to Orvieto , an Umbrian hill town about 1.5 hours north of Rome. A quick funicular ride from the train station takes you to the top of the tufa cliffs, which was first settled by the Etruscans , then destroyed by the Romans, and later rebuilt in the 12th century. Spend a pleasant day admiring its magnificent duomo, wandering its narrow streets, exploring its underground remains, and enjoying Orvieto Classico (the region’s white wine) and some hearty local cuisine. There’s plenty here to keep you for a night or two, if you have the time

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If you don’t have the time to schlep to Pompeii, don’t overlook Ostia Antica, an archeological site located roughly an hour from central Rome via commuter train. Though it didn’t have the same dramatic climax as Pompeii, Ostia was once the main port city of Rome and now offers a similar step back into a well-preserved Roman city. Highlights include a theater, multistory apartment buildings, and a bathhouse, and a latrine.

There’s also the fascinating Piazzale delle Corporazioni, a former open-air market where the inscriptions on the mosaic floors indicate the merchants that once inhabited the space. Trains to Ostia depart from Rome’s Ostiense train station.

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While a day or two is not enough to see Florence, an early start and a high-speed train to Santa Maria Novella station can get you to the cradle of the Italian Renaissance in less than two hours. It’ll leave you with a full day to explore and still be back in Rome by evening. Florence’s historic center is compact and walkable, making it possible to take in most of its major attractions in a few hours. This includes the Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, the bustling San Lorenzo Market, and the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge. Reserve timed entry in advance if you want to visit the Uffizi Gallery or see Michelangelo’s "David" in the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze .

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Fast trains from Rome will get you to Napoli Centrale, the city’s main station, in just over an hour. We suggest spending the morning along the Spaccanapoli, a narrow street that cuts through the historical part of town. Be sure to take detours into its side streets , duck into churches, visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum , and sample the street food, including pastries and delicious fried pizza. In the afternoon, head to the seaside via taxi or subway — Naples' elaborately designed Metro stations are not to be missed — and spend a few hours strolling the waterfront, visiting the Castel dell'Ovo, and having a sunset aperitivo or dinner before catching a train back to Rome.

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If you’re interested in the complicated history of southern Italy, or you simply want to immerse yourself in Baroque architecture, the Royal Palace of Caserta is a long (but doable) day trip from Rome. The 18th-century palace, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the largest palace in Europe — even bigger than Versailles, on which it was modeled. The grand interiors vie for attention with the spectacular gardens, which include a two-mile canal, cascades, fountains, and a dreamy English garden. The palace entrance is just across the train station, which is approximately an hour ride from Rome.

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With a couple of direct trains to and from Rome each day, Assisi can be reached in a little more than two hours. While this majestic city is a pilgrimage destination, it's equally fascinating for anyone curious to learn more about the life of St. Francis and the history of the Franciscan order. (St. Francis is known for helping the poor and underprivileged, caring for animals, and founding the Franciscan order.) The basilica that houses his tomb, as well as frescoes by Italian painters Giotto and Cimabue, is a must-visit. Other worthy spots to check out: the Basilica di Santa Chiara, a Roman temple in the heart of the old town, and an ancient forum several feet underground. Assisi’s narrow streets are filled with cute shops, wine bars, and traditional trattorias.

Castelli Romani

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A short distance from Rome, the hill towns of the Castelli Romani region were the summer retreat for wealthy Roman nobles and, later, for even wealthier popes. Today, it’s a popular destination for sampling local food and wines. For those without a rental car, the two best options are Frascati and Castel Gandolfo — both towns are less than an hour away by train. At Frascati, you can visit the art-filled villas of the faded Roman aristocracy and enjoy glasses (or bottles!) of wine with lunch in one of its characteristic fraschette , or taverns. In Castel Gandolfo, visit the pope's summer palace and gardens, take in views of Lake Albano, or arrange for a tour and tasting at a nearby winery.

Santa Marinella

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If the sea calls to you, Santa Marinella is one of the best places to spend a beach day close to the city. About an hour from Rome by train, it’s not quite as convenient as other popular spots like Ostia’s waterfront or Fregenae, but the beaches are better and there are some nice spots for outdoor dining in the small town. If you spring for a lounge chair and umbrella at a stabilimenti (private beach), you’ll likely have access to a bathroom, showers, and a locker. Or, seek out a sandy spot on the spiaggia libera (free beach) — just expect to have lots of company on the weekends.

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Sperlonga is a bit of a haul from Rome, but it's worth it for its Blue Flag beach — a designation of cleanliness and water quality — and the picturesque town itself. To get there, take the roughly 90-minute train from the Roma Termini station to the Fondi Sperlonga stop, then grab a shuttle bus or taxi down to the seaside. There are several beaches along the 3.5-mile seafront, and most have clear, shallow water and excellent swimming conditions. A free beach area near the Villa di Tiberio offers a good excuse to explore the seaside retreat of first-century Roman emperor Tiberius.

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This is the only destination on our list that isn’t super-convenient for train travelers, but Cerveteri makes the cut for its Etruscan cemetery, the Necropoli della Banditaccia. This so-called "city of the dead" — laid out in a pattern similar to city blocks — is largely filled with above-ground dome- or square-shaped tombs, many of which contain several rooms. As one of the most important archaeological sites in the Etruscan realm, the necropolis has yielded a trove of artifacts and information about these enigmatic predecessors to the Romans. To get there without a car, take the train from Roma Termini to Ladispoli-Cerveteri, from where it's a 10-minute taxi ride to the site.

19 Best Day Trips from Rome, Italy (+ How to Get There!)

It’s no secret that Rome is one of our favorite cities on the planet, and after spending a cumulative few months there exploring the Eternal City’s nooks, crannies, and surroundings, we’ve walked away with a giant bucket list of all the best day trips from Rome!

Italy’s magnetic capital is almost impossible to pull yourself away from, but if you have several days in Rome and want to make sure you see a bit of Italy outside of it, too, here’s where to go.

From bustling cities to adorable towns to plenty of beaches that are just a train ride away, here are the best day tours from Rome–plus how to get there.

Table of Contents

Most Popular Day Trips from Rome

Small towns to visit from rome, interesting cities for day tours from rome, coastal breaks from rome, other cool day trips from rome.

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Of all the best day trips from Rome, these first five are the most popular and iconic of all: some are best done independently, some with a day tour, and some work either way, but odds are if you’re brainstorming Rome day trips, you’re considering taking at least one of these!

Located less than an hour from Rome, the ancient villas and gardens of Tivoli are arguably the most popular day trip from Rome, and one well worth taking!

Stroll through gardens where Roman emperors relaxed and held parties, stare out over beautiful landscapes, and admire a stunning collection of ancient fountains.

There are three villas in Tivoli, including Hadrian’s Villa (aka Villa Adriana), Villa d’Este, and slightly lesser-known Villa Gregoriana, which is set in the most magnificent natural location of the three.

How to Get to Tivoli from Rome

Tivoli’s famous villas and gardens are easily accessible via a combo of trains and buses from Rome, and Tivoli is among the best day trips from Rome to take independently. 

However, if you’d prefer the context of a tour or don’t want to worry about the hassle of transportation, a day tour like this is also a great option.

Book your day trip to Tivoli today! Prefer to explore independently? You can still save time by grabbing skip-the-line tickets in advance!

Beautiful Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance and one of Italy’s most popular cities to visit, is best done as (at least) an overnight visit, but if you have limited time in Italy and want to visit Florence from Rome, you can absolutely do so as a day trip!

Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, admire Florence’s incredible Duomo, gaze out over Piazzale Michelangelo, stare in awe at the statue of David, and, of course, eat your heart out–Tuscan food and wine is some of the best in all of Italy, and deserves to be enjoyed!

How to Get to Florence from Rome

By booking tickets on the high-speed train (ideally in advance, as prices do go up the closer you get to your trip), you can absolutely visit Florence from Rome independently.

If you’d like to get the most out of your visit, a day tour of Florence can really help with that– this popular tour is a fantastic option and will ensure that you see the best of Florence, fast.

Generally speaking, taking a day trip from Rome to Florence that includes transportation from Rome is unnecessary.

Plan ahead: shop train tickets and book your day tour of Florence now!

Pompeii is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, and it truly defies words.

You will not be squinting at ruins and imagining what might have been in Pompeii. 

Instead, you will be strolling down roads as well-maintained as many modern ones, walking in and out of intact buildings, and truly walking through a ghost town–a thriving city that one fateful day in 79 AD, simply stopped.

Pompeii is not the simplest or easiest day trip to take from Rome, but the fact that it tops bucket lists around the world means that it is among the most popular!

How to Get to Pompeii from Rome

While you can technically reach Pompeii from Rome independently through a series of trains, it makes for a very, very long and stressful day–and since Pompeii is absolutely better experienced on a guided tour anyway (an excellent tour guide can really bring the city to life), we highly recommend booking a day tour to Pompeii.

This one gets phenomenal reviews, is hosted by one of our favorite tour companies, and makes for an excellent (and stress-free) day at Pompeii.

Book your day tour of Pompeii today!

Amalfi Coast

Taking a day trip to the Amalfi Coast from Rome makes for a very long day, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most popular day trips from Rome: stunningly beautiful and world-famous, the Amalfi Coast is one of the best-known stretches of coastline on the planet, so it’s not surprising that travelers are excited for even a brief chance to visit.

On a day trip from Rome, you likely won’t be able to see more than one village (usually Positano) and enjoy the stunning drive along the coast itself, but there’s no doubt that it’s a day to remember–and if the reviews of this incredibly popular tour are anything to go by, most travelers don’t have any regrets about making the trek!

How to Get to the Amalfi Coast from Rome

Visiting the Amalfi Coast from Rome on a day trip is absolutely best done via tour–otherwise you’re looking at either 4+ hours of driving on unfamiliar roads each way, or a combination of trains/buses that are logistically challenging and take just as long.

Having someone who knows the way (and is comfortable driving along the Amalfi Coast, which is a difficult route to drive) is imperative for making your day go smoothly.

This popular tour is one of the best-selling and best-reviewed Amalfi Coast day trips from Rome out there and gets absolutely phenomenal reviews.

Due to their proximity, an Amalfi Coast day trip is often combined with a trip to Pompeii–if you’d like to get a taste of both places, this fabulous tour is the perfect way to do so.

Book your Amalfi Coast day trip or Pompeii + Amalfi Coast combo tour today!

Tuscan Countryside

The Tuscan countryside, with its beautiful rolling hills, soft golden light, and an endless number of vineyards and villages, is a bucket list destination for many–and as Tuscany is located just to the north of Rome, it makes one of the best day trips from Rome!

Several of the other day trips outlined in this post also take place in Tuscany, including Montepulciano and (obviously) Florence , but the countryside is a destination in its own right.

How to Explore the Tuscan Countryside from Rome

While you can access any number of towns in Tuscany from Rome via train, to explore the countryside, you’ll want to either rent a car or even better, take a tour.

Taking a tour of the Tuscan countryside will ensure that you see some of the best spots, experience beautiful overlooks, and enjoy a wine tasting or two without anyone in your party having to worry about scheduling a winery visit or driving after the fact.

This day trip is extremely well-reviewed and popular, and is an excellent way to experience the Tuscan countryside for a day!

For something a bit more budget-friendly, this day tour is another great choice.

Shop tours of the Tuscan countryside today!

While Rome is an absolutely fantastic Italian city, there’s a huge shift in pace, tone, and culture when you travel from Italy’s large cities to small towns–so as you plan your day tours from Rome, consider mixing up your trip by adding one of these villages to your list! 

Orvieto is a dream of a hilltop town in the Italian region of Umbria, offering gorgeous views, a beautiful town center, plenty of interesting things to do, and some unique local foods definitely worth trying (starting with pigeon–yes pigeon–and Orvieto Classico wine).

While you’re in Orvieto, definitely stop by the Duomo (including the fascinating Cappella di San Brizio inside), step inside St. Patrick’s Well, visit the Orvieto underground, tour the Etruscan necropolis, and climb the Torre del Moro for beautiful views over the city.

How to Get to Orvieto from Rome

Orvieto is easily accessed from Rome via train, and unlike many of these fun day trips from Rome, you don’t even need to take the high-speed train!

The commuter, or regional, train, which has set ticket prices that don’t increase in cost as your travel time gets closer, is perfectly adequate for reaching Orvieto, making this one of the easiest day tours from Rome to pull off independently–especially if you’re planning at the last minute.

As the birthplace of Saint Francis, one of the patron saints of Italy, Assisi is an enormously popular day trip for Catholic travelers–but even if you’re not a practicing Catholic, the history and beauty of Assisi is sure to draw you in.

No trip to Assisi could be complete without a visit to the UNESCO-recognized St. Francis Basilica–but once you wrap up there, be sure to also check out Assisi’s Roman Forum, the Rocca Maggiore fort, the Roman Temple of Minerva located in the center of town, and the Cathedral of San Rufino.

How to Get to Assisi from Rome

You can reach Assisi from Rome in as little as 2 hours by train, however, some routes take far longer, so be sure to plan ahead and book high-speed train tickets in advance! You will generally need to make a change during the route.

Alternatively, you can rent a car for the day and enjoy a drive to Assisi, which takes a little over 2 hours each way as well but gives you much more flexibility in your day.

Shop rental cars for your day trip to Assisi now! 

When visitors to Italy think of sparkling lakes overlooked by beautiful villages, Lake Como is usually the place that first comes to mind–but beautiful Bracciano also meets that definition, and is located only an hour from Rome by train!

Most famous for gorgeous and imposing Castello Odescalchi, which dominates the skyline of the small medieval town, Bracciano makes the perfect independent day trip from Rome.

Stroll along the beautiful streets, tour the castle, admire views of the lake, and enjoy a leisurely lunch before catching your train back to Rome.

How to Get to Bracciano from Rome

Trains leave roughly every half hour (except Sundays and holidays) from Rome and head to Bracciano, and drop you off right at the edge of town, making Bracciano one of the easiest and best day trips from Rome to complete yourself–no tour necessary!

Montepulciano

Perched high on a hill overlooking one of the prettiest parts of the Tuscan countryside, Montepulciano ranks among our favorite Tuscan towns–and not just because of its delicious, world-famous wine.

Due to its tiny size, Montepulciano is perfectly set up for exploring on a day trip and has one of those peaceful atmospheres that you just want to savor.

While you’re there, be sure to stop by the beautiful Piazza Grande, admire views of the nearby Church of San Biagio that is located just outside of town, and to taste the local wine, vino nobile di Montepulciano .

How to Get to Montepulciano from Rome

While you can technically reach Montepulciano from Rome by train in about 3 hours, once you arrive, you’ll still need to catch a bus or taxi from the train station in Chiusi to Montepulciano’s historic center.

In this case, it’s much easier to either drive the 2 hours yourself (Rome to Montepulciano makes for a lovely short road trip!), or visit Montepulciano briefly as part of a broader Tuscany day tour like this .

Book your Tuscany day trip or rental car today!

Civita di Bagnoregio

There’s only one way into the stunning hilltop town of Civita di Bagnoregio: by foot.

Connected to the rest of the country only by a pedestrian bridge, Civita di Bagnoregio is one of the most unique hilltop towns in all of Italy, as logistics have spared it from most potential changes to its architecture or topography.

Tiny and beautiful, Civita is one of those towns that is best summed up by its laid-back vibe and beautiful cobblestone streets rather than any particular list of things to do.

As you enter the town, be sure to take note of the gorgeous stone entrance you pass under–it was built by the Etruscans a mere 2500 years ago.

How to Get to Civita di Bagnoregio from Rome

The best way to reach Civita di Bagnoregio on a Rome day trip is by renting a car and driving yourself.

You’ll need to park nearby, then go to the ticket desk and purchase a ticket to cross the pedestrian bridge and enter the town–be prepared for about a 20-25 minute walk to actually reach the town!

When it comes to Italian cities, Naples often gets a bit of a bad rap, often being called too crowded, too dirty, too hilly.

And yes, it’s definitely a bit rougher around the edges than some Italian cities, but it’s also beautiful and complex, with a history that rivals Florence or Venice, a fascinating underground, stunning views over the Bay of Naples, and, of course, some of the best pizza on Earth.

A day trip from Rome to Naples is the perfect way to get a taste of one of Italy’s most controversial cities, and see for yourself what you think–personally, the first time we visited Naples, we were surprised by how quickly we came to love it.

Stroll through the Piazza del Plebiscito, sip coffee at the opulent Caffe Gambrinus, snack on a sfogliatella, explore Via Toledo, visit Naples’ incredible archaeological museum, and be sure to visit at least 2-3 of the best pizzerias in Naples.

How to Get to Naples from Rome

Naples is about an hour and a half via the fast train from Rome, and there’s no need to book a day trip to get there (though you may want to book a walking tour or food tour to make the most of the city once you arrive!).

Since the high-speed train tickets do increase in price as your trip gets closer, try to book your train tickets as soon as you’re able to commit to a day trip from Naples!

Shop train tickets to Naples today!

As the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, Bologna is known primarily for its absolutely phenomenal food–and if your plan for one of your day trips from Rome is simply to eat your heart out, this is the place to do it!

The Emilia-Romagna region is the original birthplace of many of the dishes that are synonymous with Italian food abroad, though most people who visit agree that the original versions are far tastier.

Parmigiano-reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar, mortadella (aka bologna), and tagliatelle al ragu (aka spaghetti bolognese) are just a few of the delicacies worth sampling on a day trip to Bologna.

In between meals, consider heading to the top of Asinelli Tower for some amazing views of the city, hunting down Bologna’s hidden canals, visiting the anatomical theatre and library of Archiginnasio, and strolling through Bologna’s markets.

How to Get to Bologna from Rome

Bologna is about 2 hours away from Rome on the fast train, but some routes take far longer, so be sure to plan your schedule in advance to ensure your day tour from Rome goes off without a hitch!

Easier to access than the Amalfi Coast or Capri but absolutely lovely in its own right, Sorrento makes an excellent Rome day trip for travelers looking to explore an Italian city with similar vibes to the Amalfi Coast (it’s located just across the peninsula from the famed coastline), but do so independently and therefore on a much more manageable budget.

While you’re there, be sure to spend plenty of time admiring the fishing boats and coastal views in the picturesque harbor of Mariana Grande, stroll through Sorrento’s old town, and check out the Church (and nearby cloister) of San Francesco.

Sorrento overlooks the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, so whatever else you do with your day trip, be sure to enjoy plenty of time admiring the views!

How to Get to Sorrento from Rome

Sorrento can be reached from Rome in as little as 2 hours each way by high-speed train, however, be sure to check the schedule and book in advance if you have your heart set on this Rome day trip, because it can take much longer depending on the route!

Shop train tickets to Sorrento today!

Rome is not a city that tends to be associated with beach vacations, but take a look at it on a map, and you’ll notice that Rome is tantalizing close to the coast.

If you’re visiting Rome during the hot summer months and gelato isn’t enough to cool you down, here’s where to hit the coast near Rome!

Ostia Beach

While far from the most glamorous beach near Rome, Ostia Beach (Lido di Ostia) is local, laid-back and–perhaps most importantly–close to the city.

Come here to kick back and relax on the beach the local way (though be prepared for crowds if you visit during a weekend day in the summer). There are private beaches where you can pay to obtain access as well as rent umbrellas and cabanas, but you can hang out for free on parts of the beach as well.

How to Get to Ostia Beach from Rome

In the absolute most technical sense, Ostia is a part of the municipality of Rome–which means it’s extremely inexpensive to get there by public transportation! While you’ll often see it touted that Ostia Beach is 30 minutes from central Rome, plan around an hour if you’re taking public transport.

For traffic reasons, we wouldn’t recommend a car unless you want to visit multiple spots in one day–the beach is about a 10-minute walk from the train station, so a car is unnecessary!

Beautiful and historic, Sperlonga is a popular seaside retreat in Italy–and yet, it remains unknown to most North Americans.

With tiny, delightful old town, the ruins of an impressive villa built by the Roman emperor Tiberius, and a beautiful beach, Sperlonga is one of the best day trips from Rome for someone who wants to relax on a beautiful beach, explore a bit of Italian history, or–even better–do a bit of both.

How to Get to Sperlonga from Rome

The train station for Sperlonga (which is shared with the town of Fondi and is therefore not in the center of town) is a bit over an hour from Rome via regional train.

From there, you’ll need to catch a bus or grab a taxi in order to reach the center of Sperlonga and hit the beach!

While the route is fairly simple, we recommend heading out early in the day to beat the crowds and leave yourself time to get to Sperlonga and back without any stress.

Santa Marinella Beach

Beautiful Santa Marinella Beach is generally touted as the Just Right option for beaches near Rome: easier to reach than lovely Sperlonga and a bit prettier than basic Ostia Lido, Santa Marinella beach (along with its neighbor, Santa Severa) is among the best day trips from Rome for those hoping to hit the water.

This small port town has plenty of boats and fishermen about (and therefore plenty of fresh seafood to choose from for lunch), and the beach is both lovely and a short walk from the train station, making it easy and relaxing to access on a day trip!

How to Get to Santa Marinella Beach from Rome

Santa Marinella is easily accessible from Rome by regional train, and takes about an hour to reach–perhaps a bit under, depending on the day and the train.

There’s no need to book a tour here, as the train drops you off near town and Santa Marinella is easy to explore independently.

Capri is far from the most practical day tour from Rome, but it’s frequently sought after anyway, and for good reason: visiting Capri is like taking a trip to another dimension.

From Capri, the blue of the water glistens just a little brighter. The curves of the cliffs are just a bit more majestic. The location, in general, is just a bit otherworldly–like something out of a legend.

While you’re there, be sure to take a boat tour around the island, take in the views from the Garden of Augustus, and tour Villa San Michele.

How to Get to Capri from Rome

The only realistic way to visit Capri as a day trip from Rome is with a tour– this one gets excellent reviews.

Keep in mind that this makes for a long, long day, as you’ll need to travel first to Naples and then to Capri from there, but if you’ve dreamed of seeing Capri for years and this is your best opportunity to do so, it may be worth the long ride and heavy eyes!

Book your day tour of Capri today!

Of all of the interesting day trips from Rome outlined in this blog post, Bomarzo is probably the most unique.

While Bomarzo is technically a town, when you hear tourists referring to Bomarzo they typically mean one place in particular: the Park of the Monsters, also known as the Garden of Bomarzo or the Sacred Grove.

Commissioned in the 16th century by Pier Francesco Orsini, the park was built as an expression of grief over the loss of his beloved wife.

Featuring many larger-than-life sculptures, some of them carved literally into the bedrock of the land, there’s nowhere in Italy quite like Bomarzo.

How to Get to Bomarzo from Rome

Though you can technically reach Bomarzo by public transportation by taking a train to Viterbo and then catching a bus to Bomarzo, on a Rome day trip with limited time, you’re much better off visiting Bomarzo by car–your day will be both much easier and much more flexible for it!

Shop rental cars for your day trip to Bomarzo today!

Ostia Antica

Hoping to explore some Ancient Roman ruins outside of Rome itself on your trip, but don’t want to make the trek to Pompeii or Herculaneum?

Consider heading to Ostia Antica !

Located less than an hour from central Rome at the mouth of the Tiber River, Ostia Antica makes an easy and fascinating day trip from Rome for those interested in archaeological ruins.

Once the port city of Ancient Rome, Ostia Antica of today is well-preserved, even featuring Roman mosaics in their original locations!

How to Get to Ostia Antica from Rome

Ostia Antica is easily reached by regional train in less than an hour from Rome. The ruins themselves are about a five-minute walk from the train station, making Ostia Antica one of the simplest day trips from Rome!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

4 thoughts on “19 Best Day Trips from Rome, Italy (+ How to Get There!)”

Just came across your site, and enjoy it! My daughter and family live in Rome and we have the good fortune to visit frequently. We look forward to seeing your hidden gem suggestions. We also could use your recommendations for 3 weeks that we will have in November/December . Thinking of using our timeshare in Tuscany right after Thanksgiving weekend, when we will be in Florence.. Then traveling to the Dolemites, which we haven’t seen,or up to Liguria. Then heading south to Sorrento or Puglia and renting a place locally for a couple of weeks. We will be back in Rome for Christmas. Need help deciding which way to go and if we should rent or do hotels. Suggestions welcomed 😊

Hi Natalie,

Sounds like you’re having the same issue with planning Italy trips that we often do, LOL: too much to see and difficulty narrowing it down!

Of course, all of the coastal destinations you mentioned will be well into their off-season, but that has its charms as well.

Unless you’re planning to ski, the Dolomites will be very quiet as well–if you want to go up there, I’d plan on doing it in December and hitting up the Christmas markets, starting with Bolzano. The Austrian influence in South Tyrol means that the best Christmas markets in Italy can be found there!

We’ve written a lot about where to go in Puglia, including some hidden gems, here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/best-places-to-visit-in-puglia-towns/

Winter is also a wonderful time to visit Matera, so if you head to Puglia, I’d recommend detouring over there, too.

Pompeii/Herculaneum/Naples are all wonderful in November/December–uncrowded and not hot. The Amalfi Coast itself, though, will be pretty shut down for the season. If you’re looking for cultural activities and great food, Campania is a great idea. If you want to enjoy coastal views, you’ll likely want to stick with larger towns and need to expect plenty of hotel/restaurant closures in smaller ones.

As far as renting vs doing hotels in general, that’s completely personal choice. We usually mix it up with some of both, to keep things fresh.

Hope that helps! Everywhere on your list has its charms, so anything you don’t do this year you can save for your next trip to see your daughter. 🙂

Ive been looking at your site for ideas for day trips in Italy. I was wondering if it is possible to visit Sicily by train from mainland Italy? Also what is the best way to get to the Amalfi Coast by train. We plan on visiting Florence, Siena, Pisa, and other cities in the Tuscany area.

If you’re referring to a day trip to Sicily, no, it’s not really possible. Simply getting to Sicily from mainland Italy by train is very simple, though! It is a very long journey from Rome and an even longer one from Tuscany (12+ hours, usually more, one-way).

As far as the Amalfi Coast, trains don’t actually run there! You’ll be able to take a train from Tuscany to as far as Sorrento or Salerno (though you’ll likely need to change trains along the way), and then need to take a car, bus, or ferry the rest of the way.

You can also book a ferry directly from Naples, though it’s a longer journey by boat that way.

Good luck with your planning!

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17 Fantastic Day Trips From Rome, Italy

Rome is huge and there are a million things to do, places to visit, and restaurants to try, but that’s not all. A holiday in Rome, in fact, offers more than the city itself. If you want to spend a day out relaxed and far from the mental traffic, take a train and enjoy one of the fantastic day trips from Rome that are easy to reach and can truly add to your Italian experience.

While Rome is the undisputed queen of local tourism and a limitless source of places to visit covering the span of thousands of years, its surroundings and the other cities of the Lazio region are very much worth visiting.

Rich in history, boasting amazing landmarks and palaces and counting wonderful natural parks and woods, the Latium region is all to be discovered. While these are all destinations that can be visited all year round and every month they offer something different, if you are traveling to Rome in April or May, these are great months for day trips out of the city.

If you travel by camper van, the Lazio region is a fantastic destination because it has several places to park such as the Agricampeggi, a middle way between Agriturismo and camper parking areas. Here is also a handy guide to affordable camper vans if you are thinking about starting this new way of traveling and journeying around Italy and Europe.

My personal selection of places to see near Rome includes cities that are easy to reach by train or by car. They can be truly explored and enjoyed in one day and will add incredible value to your Roman holiday.

Table of Contents

Ostia Antica

Close to Rome and very easy to reach is Ostia Antica, where you can visit both the Roman archaeological site and the medieval quarter in the modern town.

Ostia (Ostium in Latin means “mouth” as the city was located right at the mouth of the Tiber where it flowed into the sea) was an ancient Roman town mainly serving as a commercial port for the capital. From here goods of all types, especially wheat, were stored and shipped to Rome via the river.

Built as a military settlement, Ostia has later turned into a pivotal commercial and trading hub thanks to its proximity to the port. By the 2nd century, it had become a rich city with villas and residential areas where the wealthy would either live or spend their holidays, along with taverns, shops, bakeries and the mandatory temples, a political arena, an amphitheater for public games, and the thermal baths, favorite pastime in ancient Rome.

With barbarians’ attacks on Rome and its aqueducts, also Ostia faced an inevitable decline and was gradually abandoned.

Digging is always ongoing, and three years ago they found new evidence showing that Ostia is twice bigger than Pompeii .

Walking around the ancient alleys of Ostia Antica you can still see the old dwellings, ruins of the temples, and remainings of the mosaics. Admittedly, by visiting with a knowledgeable tour guide you will gain much more from this trip rather than going by yourself.

Click here for more details and prices for a private tour to Ostia Antica

• How to get to Ostia Antica : take the train from Piramide metro station, the ticket is € 1.50 for a single trip.
• Opening hours for Ostia Antica : 8.30 am-3.30/4.30 pm in winter; 8.30 am-5.30/6.30 from late spring to early autumn. Closed on Mondays, December 25th, January 1st, May 1st. Check here for more details
• Ticket fee for Ostia Antica : the full ticket is 8 €, for teachers or 18-25-year-old citizens from EU countries is 4 €. First Sunday of the month is free for everyone.

READ MORE: Our guide to the best budget hotels in Rome

A fascinating day trip from Rome is certainly to the town of Tivoli. Very old, claiming to be older than Rome as dating back to 1215 BC, Tivoli is home to the wonderful Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este, both enlisted by UNESCO ( here  and here ).

Villa Adriana is a complex of classical buildings dating back to the 2nd century AD of Roman emperor Hadrian. Here you can see the most important architectural styles of the time such as the Greek, the Egyptian, and the Roman blend gracefully, while Villa d’Este is a Renaissance-style palace and garden exquisitely decorated with fountains and statues.

In addition, in Tivoli, you can also visit the beautiful Villa Gregoriana park, Albule thermal baths, and Hercules Sanctuary built in the 2nd century AD.

• How to get to Tivoli from Rome : by train from Roma Tiburtina station, or by Cotral bus from Ponte Mammolo metro station, line B. Once in Tivoli, you can use the public transport C.A.T. to reach the different places.
• Opening hours : Villa Adriana opens daily 9 am-7 pm in summer (until 5 pm in winter); Villa d’Este opens 8.30 am-6.45 pm in summer (until 4 in winter); Villa Gregoriana opens 10 am-4 pm in March, November, December (last entrance at 3 pm), until 6.30 pm April-October (last entrance at 5.30 pm), closed on Mondays. If Monday is a holiday, Villa Gregoriana stays open and closes the day after.
• Tivoli’s official website for more info
• Entrance fee : for Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este ticket is 8 €, for Villa Gregoriana 6 €.

One of my very favorite towns near Rome, Viterbo is a real pearl. As soon as you get off at Viterbo Porta Romana train station, you cross the road and find the first gate into the medieval heart of the city.

Viterbo is famous for being the official papal seat for a short time, unofficial for much longer, and home now to what’s known as the Palace of the Popes. The palace was built when the papal seat was going to be transferred to Viterbo from Rome in 1257. It’s located on a hill in the historical quarter with a beautiful view of the city and the surroundings and it’s possible to visit both the palace and the adjoining cathedral.

The city is also known for its workshops, so if you stroll around the Quartiere San Pellegrino you can see some local handicrafts and do pretty fascinating shopping. One of my favorite art workshops is Laboratorio Artistica (via S. Pellegrino 8), where they produce the original Zaffera ceramics.

Viterbo is also home to wonderful thermal baths, so if you have some extra time in the city, do pamper yourself with some treatments or even only for a warm bath (entrance for only the baths is 10 € and you can soak as much as you like).

• How to get to Viterbo from Rome : take the train from Roma Ostiense, Roma Trastevere, Roma San Pietro, or Valle Aurelia (also a metro station, line A), the ticket is 5 €, ride from 1 hour 50 minutes to 1 hour 30.
• Opening hours of the Palace of the Popes : open daily 10 am-1 pm and 3-6 pm (in summer open until 7 pm, in August until 8 pm).
• Check the official website for more information.
• Entrance fee to the Palace of the Popes : 9 € and it includes the palace, the cathedral, and museum with the audioguide.

Tarquinia and Cerveteri

A beautiful medieval town, Cerveteri is home to some of the fascinating Etruscan ruins of central Italy. Actually, Cerveteri is the ancient capital of Etruria, and its necropolis is the most imposing among the Etruscan funerary remains.

Here you can take a stroll around the “city of the dead” and thanks to the 3D video installations, virtual reconstructions, and light and sound effects, you can see how the tombs as they were 2000 years ago and have a true time travel experience. In Cerveteri, you can visit also the Museo della Cerite which displays many Etruscan relics.

North of Cerveteri is Tarquinia, also an ancient Etruscan town where you can visit the necropolis that has been defined as “the first page of the great Italian paintings” thanks to the wonderful paintings representing scenes with hunters, fishermen, athletes, musicians, dancers, and jugglers. In Tarquinia, there is also an archaeological museum worth a visit.

• How to get to Cerveteri from Rome : the best way is by car. If you decided not to drive in Rome , take the train from Roma Termini or San Pietro and get off at Marina di Cerveteri station from where you will take a bus from line D to Piazzale Moretti or Piazza Aldo Moro, and from here line G to the necropolis.
• How to get to Tarquinia from Rome : take the train from Roma Termini station and get off at Tarquinia, from where you can either walk to the Etruscan necropolis or take a bus of line D.
• Opening hours for Cerveteri and Tarquinia necropolis : 8.30 am to sunset, closed on Mondays, December 25th, January 1st.
• Check the websites for Tarquinia and Cerveteri for more info (in Italian)
• Entrance fee to Tarquinia and Cerveteri : tickets are 6 €, for Cerveteri the booking is mandatory and costs 2 €.

Terni – Cascata delle Marmore

Terni is in the Umbria region, but only an hour by train from Rome so totally doable in one day trip. The city is known as “the Italian Manchester” or “steel city” because of its industrious modern history. This is not all about Terni, though.

The saint patron is Valentine, his relics are preserved in San Valentino Basilica, a popular pilgrimage site. So it’s easy to imagine that here Valentine’s Day is sort of a big deal and many events are organized the days before the 14th of February.

Terni, however, doesn’t end in Terni. From the station, take the bus to Cascata delle Marmore, Marmore Waterfalls, and enjoy a fantastic hike or walk (depending on the paths you choose) around this natural wonder that is actually man-made, the result of the Roman hydraulic genius in order to collect the waters from the Velino river that were becoming stagnating on the Sabina plain, and to merge the flow of the Nera and Velino rivers, making them tributary of each other.

Cascata delle Marmore is definitely one of the great day trips from Rome that will give you the chance to explore nature and delve into the history and tradition of central Italy.

• How to get to Terni from Rome : train from Roma Termini, the ride is about one hour and the ticket costs 7 €.
• Opening hours of Cascata delle Marmore : January and February the water in the falls is open only on weekends, while in the good season, they open it for a couple of hours in the morning and some hours in the afternoon and evening.
• Before going, it’s good to check out the hours from the official website (in Italian)
• Entrance fee for Cascata delle Marmore : 10 € for adults, 7 € for 5 to 10-year-olds.

A beautiful medieval town, Bracciano is also home to the Orsini Odescalchi Castle. This historic mansion is also famous for having been the venue for Tom Cruise’s wedding.

Built in the 15th century upon the commission of Napoleon Orsini to Italian architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini, throughout the century has been the object of dispute between Roman noble families Colonna and Borgia who fiercely fought for its ownership. To the point that in 1496 Pope Alexander VI Borgia confiscated it.

Residence of local noble clans and several popes, the castle is a must for any visit to this lovely town north of Rome.

Originally, Bracciano was a fishing and farming village existing already from Etruscan time, and in 1419 pope Martino V gave it up to the Orsini family. This is how, from the 15th century, the history of Bracciano is inextricably linked to the Orsini-Odescalchi clan.

The city lies on the shores of the famous Bracciano lake and is a perfect destination for a walk in nature, going on a boat, or, in summer, for a swim. This is not the only town lapped by the lake’s waters, and also hamlets like Anguillara Sabazia and Trevignano Romano make it for beautiful and regenerating day trips from Rome.

• How to get to Bracciano from Rome : take the train from Roma Ostiense, Roma Trastevere or Roma San Pietro towards Viterbo, the same train stops both at Bracciano and Anguillara. The ticket is 4 €.
• Opening hours for Castello Odescalchi : open daily. Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm (winter until 5 pm), Saturday and Sunday 10 am-7 pm (winter until 6 pm). Last admission an hour before closing time.
• Check Castello Odescalchi’s official website for more info
• Entrance fee to Castello Odescalchi : for adults € 8.50, 6 € for children between 6 and 12 years old, free for children up to 5 years old.

Castelli Romani

Perched on the hills south of Rome is a cluster of picturesque towns and hamlets perfect for a hiking day out, a foodie trip, and a photography outing.

The symbol of the Castelli Romani group is Frascati, an ancient town famous for the historical Renaissance and Baroque villas that Roman noble families wanted to be surrounded by nature in the backdrop of the Colli Albani (Albani Hills).

With time, Frascati has become always more popular among foreign tourists as well as Roman residents who like to regenerate on the weekend with a day out in nature, silence, and good food.

In Frascati, you can stroll around its beautiful streets, visit the sumptuous villas and mansions such as Villa Aldobrandini and Villa Falconieri, the churches such as San Pietro Cathedral, and enjoy the typical dishes, from the porchetta (spit-roasted pork) to the renowned local wines at one of the traditional osterie .

Nemi is also worth a visit during a day out at the Castelli Romani. Famous for its tiny little strawberries, when it’s not the season for these juicy delights, you can still stroll around its quaint alleys, visit the museum built around a Roman ship that was found in the area, and enjoy the view of the Nemi Lake.

Among the other towns of the Castelli Romani are Rocca di Papa, Castel Gandolfo to visit the summer residence of the Pope, Colonna, and Ariccia.

• How to get to Castelli Romani from Rome : definitely by car as only Frascati can be reached by train (half an hour from Roma Termini), but once there, seldom are the public buses to go around the other villages.

Located some 45 km from Rome, Calcata is a tiny village perched on a tuff cliff. From above, you can view its rooftops and spot its medieval look like many other villages of the Tuscia region in the Lazio. Also inside, the small town still retains much of the original look it had in the Middle Ages between cobbled alleys, churches, and castles.

Strolling around the village you can stop at the many handicraft shops and artist workshops, and also have lunch in one of the many traditional restaurants.

Some of the best things to do in Calcata include strolling around the old town, seeing Castello degli Anguillara castle, visiting 17th-century Chiesa del SS. Nome del Gesù church, discovering the local artists’ workshops, and hiking in the woods surrounding the village and part of the Valle del Treja valley.

One of the most fascinating highlights of one of the most memorable day trips from Rome is strolling what’s known as Museo Opera Bosco, an open-air museum with some 40 artworks entirely made with natural material and displayed across over 2 hectares into the woods.

To reach Calcata from Rome, your best bet is to rent a car and drive there yourself. There are also some Cotral buses that stop nearby, but I’m not sure how many per day and also how many are on the way back to Rome. To get there, you’ll need to do a piece of the Raccordo Anulare (GRA, A90) and then follow the sign towards Calcata. The regional and council roads are narrow and two-way, and there are plenty of bends.

Once in Calcata, you can briefly stop at the entrance to take a picture of the view, but then you need to move the car as parking there is not allowed. Follow the P sign for the council parking not far from there. From the parking, you can get to the historic center via the staircase.

You can park inside the village only on weekdays as on weekends and holidays it’s ZTL (limited traffic zone). However, the space is very limited, so you will probably need to get to the parking.

• How to reach Calcata : by car, merge onto the GRA (A90) and take the exit SS2bis/Cassia Veientana/Viterbo. After some 23 km, take the exit Trevignano/Mazzano and then merge onto SP37 and SP16b towards Via per Calcata.

Civita di Bagnoregio

Known as the city that is dying, Civita di Bagnoregio is one of the most scenic day trips from Rome. In fact, standing on a hilltop and reachable only on foot via a long bridge, you will constantly be surrounded by breathtaking views.

Once you get to Bagnoregio, if you are by car, I recommend parking in the city center close to the tourism info point where there is the paid blue-line parking. You need to pay for the parking from the ticket machine and set the hours you are going to stay (we paid for 5 hours to be safe). Enter the info point and buy the ticket to access Civita di Bagnoregio. To get to the entrance to the bridge you can either walk or take a shuttle bus (2€ for a return ticket).

Founded as an Etruscan settlement, Civita di Bagnoregio has a long history of thriving trading hub in the Middle Ages and a rich Renaissance city. Earthquakes and the gradual collapsing of the mountains caused much of its population to move away down the mountain where the city of Bagnoregio was founded.

Over the years, Civita has been an endangered city for both the natural elements and due to its residents leaving their homes. Currently, Civita is inhabited by 15 citizens and kept alive mainly by travelers visiting it, staying for lunch in one of the main local restaurants, and occasionally also spending the night in one of the B&Bs.

Getting lost in the maze of winding cobbled alleys surrounding the main square and seeing the few landmarks such as the church and the lovely private garden property of a local organic farm.

• How to reach Civita di Bagnoregio from Rome : by public transport, you need to take the train to Orvieto and from there the bus to Bagnoregio. Once in the city of Bagnoregio, you need to walk to the entrance of the bridge to the ancient city of Civita. Your best option is to reach Civita di Bagnoregio by car and Google Maps is your friend. Depending on where you are leaving from, by car you can directly merge onto the GRA (A90) and take the exit SS2bis/Cassia Veientana/Viterbo to merge onto SS2bis and SR2. You will pass towns like Sutri and Vetralla and then reach Bagnoregio via Strada Teverina and SP6.
• Entrance fee : 5€.
• Official website .

Sant’Angelo di Roccalvecce

Are you traveling to Rome with your children? Or are you a fan of fairy tales yourself? Then you can’t possibly miss a day trip to Sant’Angelo di Roccalvecce in the Tuscia region around Viterbo. Around an hour from Rome, driving towards Viterbo and near the Umbria region is an enchanted village where time seems to have frozen.

Home to very few residents, you will have the impression of stepping into a children’s book of fairy tales. From The Little Mermaid to Snow White to Peter Pan, the characters of the most famous stories will be winking at you from every corner of the village.

Of course, alongside our heroes will be also their forever companions as well as foes. So you will see Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs but the Wolf will be looming over them. The same applies to Hansel and Gretel: you will see them tucking into the facade of the delicious gingerbread and candy house but the Witch will be right there, sinister and wicked.

In Sant’Angelo village there is only one restaurant, Mastro Ciliegia, so if you decide to take this day trip from Rome and want to eat out, make sure you book your table at least one day before or even two if you are going on the weekend.

• How to reach Sant’Angelo di Roccalvecce from Rome : Driving is the best way to reach the village of Sant’Angelo from Rome. There are two ways, and while the distance is about the same, one is faster because it goes through the A1 highway while the other runs through provincial roads and local villages. The A1 is a toll highway but not too expensive, €5,40.

Sacro Bosco di Bomarzo

I have been wanting to visit Sacro Bosco di Bomarzo (Bomarzo Sacred Wood) for a while because I read much about it. I was sure I would have liked it but it truly exceeded my expectations. And even more surprising, my 3-year-old loved it to the extent that he even forgot it was lunchtime and he was hungry.

Bomarzo Sacred Wood is also known as the Park of Monsters (Parco dei Mostri) because of all the stone creatures that populate it. From mythological figures to pagan gods to monsters to fantasy animals such as winged horses, from the moment you step into this fantastic park, you will be surrounded by the weirdest creatures and buildings.

The creation of the Mannerist Sacro Bosco di Bomarzo park was ordered by Pier Francesco Orsini, an Italian nobleman, military leader, patron of the arts, and lord of Bomarzo until 1581. He started it around the mid-16th century and in 1552 the first section was already completed.

Alongside dreamlike sculptures and surreal landscapes, giant creatures, and grotesque elements, you can also see weird buildings such as a reclining house. We entered and felt like falling as if in a ship sailing through the rough sea.

Inside Bomarzo park there is only one restaurant that gets crowded and fully booked on busy days, especially weekends or holidays such as Easter Monday. So if you are visiting Rome during Easter and want to spend here Pasquetta, you should either bring your own food as there is a devoted picnic area or book a table at least from the day before.

There are also other restaurants in the nearby Bomarzo town but they are not many and get fully booked in no time.

• How to reach Sacro Bosco di Bomarzo from Rome : You can take the A1 highway also to go to Bomarzo park, it will be faster than crossing the little villages and it’s not too expensive: we spent €4,60.
• Entrance fee : Adults 13€.

Sutri is a very easy day trip to take because it’s just half an hour’s drive north of Rome.

Sutri is located among the slopes of the Cimini Mounts and those of the Sabatini Mounts around Bracciano Lake. The archaeological park of the ancient city of Sutri is a protected area situated on a plateau where on top is Villa Savorelli while on the valley towards the modern town of Sutri are some of the most important archaeological sites of the area.

Some of the highlights of the ancient site include the necropolis, the amphitheater, and the old church where is also a Mithra temple.

This is a fantastic and multifaceted excursion because there are many things to see belonging to different ages. Apart from the archaeological ruins, in fact, don’t forget to visit also the lovely village.

• How to reach Sutri from Rome : The best way to get to Sutri from Rome is by driving. You can also reach by public transport but instead of half an hour, it would take you three hours. By car, you can choose to take the GRA (ring road) or the Cassia road and the regional SR2. With the GRA, the road is longer but it will take less than driving through the local roads because it’s a highway.
• Entrance fee : Adults 8€.

Located south of Rome, Sermoneta is a wonderful destination to consider for a day trip from the capital. A hill town in the Latina province, Sermoneta is famous for the large castle owned by the important Caetani family, the scenic Valvisciolo Abbey, and the 13th-century Romanesque-style cathedral.

Along with visiting its historical highlights, a great thing to do in Sermoneta is simply walking around its medieval center of winding cobbled alleys. If you have some extra time, you can also visit the beautiful Giardino di Ninfa, nymph’s garden, less than 10 km from Sermoneta. Also located in the Latina province, it’s considered one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Italy.

• How to reach Sermoneta from Rome : You can reach Sermoneta by public transport and by car. The best way to reach Sermoneta is by car because it would take an hour and a half instead of the 3+ hours using public transport because you would have to change several means of transportation including trains and buses. By car, you need to take the GRA A90 highway towards Via Pontina and then merge into the local roads to Sermoneta.

Subiaco is a medieval town immersed in the beauty of the Parco Naturale Regionale dei Monti Simbruini. It’s a great day trip from Rome because it’s quite close, but if you can afford a little longer in the region, Subiaco is totally worth staying a couple of days.

The town is famous for the San Benedetto Monastery perched on the verge of a cliff in the Anion valley, but it offers fantastic walks around its historic center made of cobbled alleys and medieval buildings, including the paper workshops. Trekking and hiking fans won’t want to miss the chance for great excursions in the nearby regional park of the Simbruini Mounts, of the valley of the Aniene river, and of the charming Livata Mount, famous ski resort in winter.

• How to reach Subiaco from Rome : By car, you need to take the toll A24 highway, and depending on where you are in Rome, you first need to merge into the A90 GRA highway. From the A24, take the exit following the signs for Cineto Romano/Sambuci/Roviano/Anticoli Corrado/Saracinesco/Arsoli/Subiaco/Monte Livata. Alternatively, you can reach by public transport by taking a bus to Subiaco from the Ponte Mammolo metro station on the B line. Using public transport, it’s going to be longer, around 3 hours instead of 1/1 and a half needed with the car.

Anagni is an ancient town in the province of Frosinone. Its moniker of city of popes was earned because Anagni is the birthplace of four popes, Innocent III, Alexander IV, Gregory IX, and Bonifacio VIII.

The ancient Anagnia capital of the Ernici on a hill between the Ernici mountains and the Sacco Valley, Anagni became a thriving medieval center. Strolling around the old town, you can see its elegant buildings, Romanesque-style churches and bell towers, and important palaces such as the 13th-century mansion of Boniface VIII and the civic palace. Among the highlights is the town’s cathedral and its beautifully frescoed crypt.

• How to reach Anagni from Rome : It’s possible to reach Anagni from Rome by public transport but there are so many changes that it will take you a really long time. Plus, if you miss a train or a bus, the traveling time will increase even more. Your best bet is to drive to Anagni. You need to get to the GRA A90 highway, merge into the tolled A24 and A1 highways for some 50 km in total and take the exit to Anagni/Fiuggi.

Celleno Ghost Town

Not far from the dying town of Civita di Bagnoregio, also in the Tuscia region of Viterbo, not far from Orvieto. Built on a tuff spur, Celleno has very ancient origins. Archaeological digs found traces dating to Etruscan times, but it’s in the Middle Ages that Celleno knew its highest moments.

In its oldest phase, this was a stronghold of the Counts of Bagnoregio, lords of the whole area, built between the 10th and 11th centuries. From being a built-up center part of the jurisdiction of Bagnoregio, in the 12th century, Celleno was incorporated in the municipality of Bagnoregio. It remained a castle in the Viterbo area ruled by a public Podestà until the 14th century when Celleno was given in concession to the Gatti wealthy clan from Viterbo by the Holy See.

Similarly to Civita di Bagnoregio, also Celleno went through several natural disasters throughout the centuries, such as earthquakes and landslides. Today, it’s a fascinating ghost town next to the modern Celleno and surrounded by vegetation and beautiful views.

• How to reach Celleno from Rome : You need a car to reach Celleno from Rome. From the A90 GRA highway, merge into the tolled A1 highway towards Firenze and take the exit Orte – Viterbo SS675. From the exit Bagnaia/Montefiascone, merge into SP Acquarossa and then SP Teverina towards Celleno. You will see the signs to “Celleno Borgo Fantasma”.

Antica Monterano

Monterano Antica, the ancient Monterano, is another ghost village north of Rome located west of Bracciano Lake and some 2 km from the modern town of Canale Monterano. Its geographic location between the Tolfa and the Sabatini Mounts in the heart of the Monterano Nature Reserve is revealing of its geologic mix of tuff and calcareous formations.

An old Etruscan hub, the Romans built here a settlement, expanded the local road network and built an aqueduct. With the increasing attacks against Rome and its territories, also this area became the target of the barbarian invasions, draining the region and impoverishing the population.

This is why in the 6th century, the local bishop and the residents of nearby cities decided to move to Monterano because on top of the hill and easier to protect. Seat of the bishop and with an increasing population, this is when Monterano started to become a thriving center. This lasted until the 10th century when the seat of the bishop was moved to Sutri and people started to move away from Monterano, by then inhabited only by the lord of the castle, the feud’s functionaries, and the servants.

Today Antica Monterano is a fascinating historical sites with ancient ruins and important monuments belonging to different eras such as the Roman aqueduct, the palace of the local lord, and the church and monastery of San Bonaventura built following a project by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

• How to reach Antica Monterano from Rome : Located north of Rome, the best way to reach Antica Monterano from Rome is by car. Depending on where you are, you won’t even need to merge into the A90 GRA highway. Follow the Via Braccianese/Claudia road SP493 towards Canale Monterano and follow the signs to the ancient city.

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About The Author: Angela Corrias

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21 Best Day Trips From Rome By Train (Local’s Guide)

If you’ve had enough of Rome’s crowds and traffic, it’s time to brainstorm ideas on the best day trips from Rome Italy by train and car.

Since I was born and grew up in this part of the world, I’ve spent years exploring all the amazing natural places and interesting towns near Rome.

You’re to discover incredible off-the-beaten-track destinations, and to do exactly what the locals do in order to unwind and recharge from the big city.

You don’t need to make it to Tuscany to find worthwhile places outside Rome. You can of course reach stunning art cities near Rome by train, but don’t forget the woods, ghost towns, and picturesque villages.

I love these day tours from Rome because they allow you to immerse yourself in beautiful natural scenery, try authentic local food, and learn more about the ancient and sometimes mysterious history of Rome and central Italy.

WHAT ARE THE BEST MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION FOR YOUR DAY TRIP FROM ROME?

Most of the destinations I recommend are served by a train station.

It’s advisable to book tickets online on the Trenitalia or Italotreno websites with due advance. For other more secluded places, you better rent a private car or a driver.

Traveling by bus in Italy is very convenient, but routes to countryside villages aren’t always guaranteed or are sporadic.

Day trips from Rome by train to art cities nearby

There are a few gorgeous art cities that you can visit on a day trip from Rome by train.

Maybe you won’t be able to take off and visit Padua or Venice in one day and be back (unless you fly), but rest assured that you’ll have plenty of occasions to fill your eyes with beauty and to run out of space on your camera.

1. Day trips from Rome to Naples

Just about one and a half hours by train from Rome, you’ll find the home of the Italian food which is the most popular all over the world: pizza!

Make this day trip an occasion to feast on Neapolitan delicacies and stroll around the city which overlooks the sea and the Vesuvio Crater.

Naples was founded by the Greeks during the 5th century B.C. and its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can do, see, and taste amazing things in Naples in one day. From Napoli Centrale train station it takes you only a 20-minute walk to reach “ Spaccanapoli ,” one of the main attractions in the city, while you can reach the other sites easily by subway, as everything is quite close by.

If you leave Rome early enough in the morning, you could even get on a ferry to Capri . And don’t forget that in Naples, the most exciting New Year’s Eve in Italy happens 🙂

Train from Rome to Naples

There are about 45 trains per day from Rome to Naples with the Italotreno company.

The first train leaves from Rome Termini at 07:45 am. Tickets can be as cheap as €15 if you get them online a couple of weeks in advance, while they can cost €40 if you buy them on the day before departure.

The trip usually takes from 1.10 to 1.30 hours. Trains operated by Trenitalia are as frequent but usually much slower (even 2.30 hours) and can be more expensive.

The first train leaves at 05:00 and reaches Naples at 08:00. Naples is rich in artistic treasures and local cultures. It’s the most epic day trip from Rome by train and you’ll regret you didn’t plan to spend more days there.

2. Day trip from Rome to Florence

Florence can easily be a day tour from Rome. Florence’s train station Santa Maria Novella is right in the city’s historical center, which is a UNESCO Heritage Site. If I were you, I would leave very early in the morning for this trip, as Florence is so charming that you’ll likely want to spend more than a day there.

Rome is great, but after a few days of sightseeing in Rome, when you arrive in Florence, you might feel like Cinderella transforming into a princess. The enchanting Renaissance architecture will hypnotize you with its harmonious shapes and colors. And it’s less crowded than Rome by half. The rhythm of this art city near Rome is relaxed and merry as if the huge artistic heritage wouldn’t be enough to make you want to move there straight away. Think of the iconic Renaissance Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the sights of the Ponte Vecchio from the Arno River, the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s David. There’s so much to see in Florence, and even if you only have 24 hours, you’ll still be able to be satisfied with your trip. In case you’ve already visited Florence, consider other options to visit Tuscany from Rome .

How to get from Rome to Florence

You can get a ticket with Italotreno for €20, a 1.5-hour trip, if you book a couple of weeks in advance, while a ticket with Trenitalia is more expensive.

3. Viterbo, home of popes and thermal baths

Founded among the hills covered in Mediterranean shrub and shaped by gorges and rivers, Viterbo holds the wonderfully preserved San Pellegrino medieval district, and untouched city walls. The locals call Viterbo the “city of the popes,” in memory of the 24-year period when the site of the papacy was moved there from Rome for safety reasons. That event transformed the architecture of the city. One of the most charming buildings is the Palace of the Popes, but the whole historical center is intriguing and pleasurable to walk through, with its many fountains in dark peperino stone and convenient local restaurants and cafes. The city is more laidback than Rome, and it will be easy to explore churches, palaces, and museums (the highlight is the Etruscan Museum of Viterbo). Among the best things to do in Viterbo , is soaking in its natural thermal baths. . There are hot-spring spa complexes like “Terme Dei Papi,” as well as more “popular” pools nearby the city. Choose Viterbo if you want to chill and be off-the-beaten-path for a bit. Consider that Viterbo has the best thermal pools near Rome and Italy in general… not as picturesque as the ones in Saturnia, Tuscany, but more accessible, less crowded, bigger, and cheaper!

Rome to Viterbo by train

The fastest routes go from Rome Valle Aurelia, Ostiense, or Trastevere stations to Viterbo Porta Romana. The arrival station is a 1 km walk from the medieval district through the ancient city walls.

Fountain in Piazza Maggiore, Bologna

4. From Rome to Bologna

With a day trip from Rome, you could have a chance to take a stroll around the city of Bologna. Bologna sits at the heart of the Emilia Romagna region, popular for its culinary tradition, which gave birth to some of the renowned Italian dishes: parmigiana, lasagne, tortellini… Bologna also hosts what is considered the most ancient university in the world, the University of Bologna , therefore the city is full of students and its atmosphere is youthful, cheerful, and creative. There are countless dining aperitivo places, small restaurants, and wineries, and they’re humming with enthusiastic people. Also, the architecture of Bologna’s historical center is something, with its 4 km of porticos that make it unique among all the cities in Italy. The easiest way to get from Rome to Bologna is by Italoreno train.

The porticos in Bologna

5. Day trips from Rome to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast

Both these sites can be a day trip from Rome, but I discourage you to visit them on the same day. To really enjoy the Amalfi Coast properly, you should treat it as a cup with the sweetest of juices and sip it as slowly as you can. These are not destinations to be covered in a hurry, therefore they’d be better enjoyed as a weekend trip from Rome.

Rome to Pompeii and Herculaneum Archeological Parks

The Herculaneum and Pompeii archeological parks are both UNESCO Heritage Sites on the coast close to Naples. Even if they were inhabited for centuries prior to becoming part of the Roman Empire, they are interesting nowadays because the archeological remains of the two Roman cities have been incredibly preserved beneath the lava from the eruption of Vesuvio in 79 A.D. The excavations in Pompeii are more spectacular and extended, and it will take you 5 to 6 hours to visit, so you may not want to spend the entire day there. The Herculaneum ones are doable in 3 hours. You will need to walk for kilometers through the remains of all the temples, theaters, and villas, and if you visit during summer, know that the sun of that region is implacable. Therefore, in order to organize your day trip from Rome efficiently, skip the lines at the entrance of the archeological areas by getting the Pompeii official tickets and the Herculaneum tickets online.

  From Rome to Herculaneum and Pompeii by train

The most convenient solution is to travel from Roma Termini to Napoli with Italotreno, and then change to a Trenitalia train to Portici-Ercolano (one every 30 mins, €1.60). When you have visited Herculaneum, take a train from the Portici-Ercolano station to Pompei Scavi (one train every hour, €3.30).

6. Rome to the Amalfi Coast

If the weather is nice and you want to spend an unforgettable day by the sea on the Amalfi Coast, you could arrange a day trip from Rome to Amalfi. Besides rejoicing in the spectacular views of Amalfi Bay, possibly eating a pizza and sipping Limoncello liquor from a rooftop restaurant, you could explore the attractions in the historical center and stroll around the small stores along the shopping alleys. This quaint small town boasts a record in economic power over the Mediterranean Sea during part of the Middle Ages, when it used to cover the main marine commercial route between Italy, North Africa, and Istanbul.

From Rome to Amalfi by public transport

Take a train to Salerno and then a ferry to Amalfi (€8, every 50 mins). Booking online in advance is necessary if you are traveling during the high season. It would also be possible to take a bus from Salerno to Amalfi, but consider that the road has plenty of bends, even though it is panoramic.

7. Ancient Ostia archaeological site and beach town

Ostia corresponds to the place where, according to the Roman poet Virgil, the mythical Prince of Troy, Aeneas, went ashore after the defeat at the hands of the Greeks. Aeneas was destined to be the founder of Rome, following the legend. Whether this is true or not, it remains a mystery. What is clear under the sky, or it may be better to say “under the earth”: it’s the archeological site of ancient Ostia, which, together with Pompei, results in the most extended archeological site on the planet. Excavations are still a work in progress. An entrance ticket is €10. Besides the archeological area that the locals call “Ancient Ostia,” you can explore the town of Ostia with its pedestrian street and lovely seaside. Ostia is still the favorite beach for a big part of Rome’s citizens. Spending the day at a beach resort and having lunch or dinner at a seafood restaurant is an idea for a relaxing day tour from Rome. However, Ostia has only some of the best beaches near Rome . Ostia Antica and Ostia Lido should be at the top of your list of day trips from Rome by train if you don’t really want to go too far from the city.

8. Tivoli: thermal baths and majestic villas

The ancient “Tibur” might be even older than Rome itself! After the Romans conquered the territory of Tivoli, noble Roman families started to build their holiday villas there. The presence of three majestic mansions from different eras open to visitors in this quaint town 30 km east of Rome in the Tiburtini Mountains makes this town perfect for a day trip. Villa Adriana (a UNESCO Heritage Site), was realized by Emperor Adriano in the 2nd century, and is preserved better than any other mansion of this kind in Rome. The Renaissance Villa d’Este employs the waters from the Aniene River to feed a complex of fountains, while Villa Gregoriana is a natural park accessible from Tivoli’s historical center. The most ancient part of the town has a priceless view of the green plain and of Rome in the distance. If this wasn’t enough to make you want to visit, consider the Tivoli natural therapeutic thermal baths. The oldest thermal center in town is called Terme di Roma . To get there, take a 30-minute train ride from the Termini station to Tivoli.

Train from Rome to Tivoli

Take a Trenitalia train from Rome Termini at Roma Tiburtina Station and get off at Bagni di Tivoli (30 mins, €2.10) to go to the thermal baths, or at Tivoli (1 hour, €3) to visit the villas and the old town.

Day trips from Rome to the Tuscia region

9. bolsena town on lake bolsena.

The town is named after the lake, which is the largest lake in the Lazio Province, one of the most beautiful lakes near Rome .

Locals visit here to benefit from the salubrious air and the tranquil environment. Since this is the farthest lake from Rome, expect a lot of opportunities to relax, especially if you visit on a weekday. Bolsena is an authentic hidden gem in Italy . It is overlooked even by the Italians! The place was sacred to the Etruscans, who considered it the center of their “country.” Copious ruins were found underwater in all the towns facing the lake, and on the two tiny islands in the lake (some researchers noticed how the cults here reminded them of the ones related to Lake Titicaca in Peru). Bolsena’s historical center is fascinating, particularly in the surroundings of the Monaldeschi Fortress (14th century). The fortress hosts the Territorial Museum of Lake Bolsena, which focuses on the geological and anthropic history of the area. Among the activities you can enjoy here are eating at a local restaurant, exploring the medieval town, and walking on the city walls to admire the view of the lake.

Inside the Etruscan Necropolis of Cerveteri

10. Cerveteri, a Unesco Heritage Site near Rome

Only 7 km from the many beach resorts on the Tyrrhenian Sea, the town of Cerveteri is another great day trip from Rome for history and wine lovers. The annual “Festival of grapes and wine of the Ceriti Hills” is held in the last weekend of August and features costume parades, firecrackers, and tasting stands with local winemakers. Just outside the city center, you’ll find the UNESCO Heritage Site of the Etruscan Necropolis of Banditaccia. The visit is halfway between a relaxing walk in a huge pinewood and a tour through a ghost town, and you can enter the majority of the tombs. The experience will leave you speechless, totally worth the €6 entrance fee, which includes a 45-min guided tour.

If you want to make this experience even more unique, you can visit the secret part of the necropolis, the Way f the Underworld, as part of one of the day hikes near Rome we organize on request with official hiking guides.

From Rome to Cerveteri by public transport

By bus: take a Cotral bus to Cerveteri from the Cornelia subway station.

By train: from Roma Termini to Marina di Cerveteri (50 mins for €3.60).

Civita di Bagnoregio

11. Civita di Bagnoregio: the town which is fading away

The old city of Civita di Bagnoregio sits in the middle of an extraordinary landscape called the “Valley of Calanchi.” Founded by the Etruscan population something like 2,500 years ago, nowadays it counts only 11 citizens. The ticket to cross the bridge and to enter the old town is €5. There are small restaurants and museums at the top, a church, and breathtaking views all over the valleys. This is without a doubt at the top on the list of the most picturesque towns near Rome .

Get there by public transport: by train to Viterbo, then a Cotral bus to Bagnoregio.

About 55 km north of Rome, the town of Sutri will surprise you with its 2,600 years of history and the legends that surround it. It was built from tuff and has been inhabited since the Etruscan civilization, as we can see from the necropolis of grottoes/tombs. Later, as with all the other Etruscan centers, it fell under the rule of the Romans, who built an amphitheater from the rock, still viewable just outside Sutri’s center. The legend says that no less than the god Saturn founded the town, introducing there the techniques of agriculture, for the first time in the history of Italy, and this event is remembered on the emblem of Sutri, depicting the god with grains. The city became an important commercial town during the Middle Ages, as it was strategically located on the Via Francigena, one of the most beaten routes in Europe. Sutri is also the first town of the Pontifical State in Italy, given up by a Lombardic king in the 8th century. Beside the historical glory, Sutri shares with the other towns of the Tuscia region a rich food farming tradition, with beans being the protagonist. The Italian Touring Club bestowed upon Sutri the “orange flag,” highlighting the excellence of Sutri’s hospitality offer.

How to go from Rome to Sutri

The nearest train station of Capranica-Sutri is unfortunately 7 km from Sutri’s historical center. The most convenient way to reach Sutri from Rome is to take a Cotral bus direct to Viterbo from Roma Saxa Rubra bus terminal and get off at Cassia/Sutri (44 mins for €3.40).

The Cathedral of Orvieto

13. Orvieto town and the gothic cathedral

The city of Orvieto rises on a huge tuff cliff in between the three provinces of Latium, Tuscany, and Umbria. Its historical and artistic heritage is abundant, and most of the visitors go there to see the Gothic cathedral of Orvieto. The cathedral is one of the most important examples of Gothic-style architecture in Italy, and it resembles the Cathedral of Siena in Tuscany. You will catch sight of the cathedral peeping out from one of the small picturesque alleys of the old town. It will be easy to find a cute restaurant to try the typical food of the region for lunch, and handicraft shops to buy a souvenir to take home. Orvieto is relaxed and has a spectacular view of the valleys surrounding it.

From Rome to Orvieto

There are Trenitalia trains from both Roma Termini and Tiburtina stations. The trip takes 75 mins and tickets start from €8.25.

Climbing the spiral staircase inside the Farnese Palace in Caprarola

14. Caprarola

Caprarola is one of the ancient villages you will meet halfway from Rome to Viterbo. This is the place where the powerful Italian Farnese family , who had large estates in the northern part of Lazio starting in the Middle Ages, built the stunning Farnese Palace of Caprarola. The walls of this three-storey Renaissance mansion with a unique pentagonal design are completely covered in frescoes. Each room has a clear explanation of the frescoes so that the palace is easy to visit independently. The cherry on top: the Italian garden and the nymphaeum. The entrance ticket to the palace is €5.

How to reach Caprarola from Rome

Take a Cotral bus to Caprarola from the Saxa Rubra station.

15. Alatri: the megalithic citadel south of Rome

The anonymity which still surrounds the town of Alatri in the province of Frosinone is inexplicable and undeserved. The citadel of Alatri is one of the rare examples of cyclopean architecture in Italy and Europe. The technique which an unknown civilization (presumably the Hittites) used to cut, move and assemble the gigantic stones together is still fuel for debates and hypotheses. The effect of this work of art and engineering on the bystander is striking: all those boulders of different shapes cut precisely and organized side by side without a cohesive substance. Historical records about the acropolis of Alatri are really poor. There are only two bas-reliefs preserved and of difficult interpretation. The city was also a thriving hub during the Middle Ages and a site of the Templar Order. Furthermore, a couple of decades ago, some mysterious frescoes were discovered in a tunnel adjacent to the medieval Church of San Francesco, representing a labyrinth identical to the one in the Cathedral of Chartres in France. All in all, Alatri is certainly one of the best day trips from Rome for history lovers!

Day trips from Rome for nature and adventure lovers

16. explore the towns in the lake bracciano natural reserve.

It takes only a 35-40-minute drive and you arrive at the most beautiful lake area in the northern province of Rome. Lake Bracciano is quite large. If you want to admire it from every possible angle, you must visit all of the three old towns overlooking its shores: Anguillara , Trevignano , and Bracciano. Read this travel guide to Lake Bracciano to plan your trip perfectly. When you are there, besides strolling in the tiny quiet street of the historical center, you could visit the Bracciano Castle , which overlooks the lake and is considered the highlight of the area. Many influential families, both Italian and foreign, fought for the supremacy of the castle and of the region over the centuries. Now the castle is a museum and you can visit it for €8.

How to reach Lake Bracciano by train

Take a train direct to Bracciano/Viterbo from Valle Aurelia, Trastevere, or Roma Ostiense stations. Get off at Bracciano or Anguillara.

You can easily visit Lake Bracciano on a day tour from Civitavecchia .

Walk to the amazing flower fields of the Castelluccio di Norcia Plateau

If you plan to travel Italy during the late spring or early summer, you might witness one of the most spectacular natural phenomenon of Central Italy: the flowering of the plateau of Castelluccio. The plateau is part of the Sibillini National Park in the Umbria Region and is a unique environment in the Italian peninsula for a few reasons. The landscape recalls Tibet, with two plains surrounded by barren hills at 1452 mt. altitude. The village of Castelluccio di Norcia, which rises on one of the hills dominating the plateau, has lost a huge part of its inhabitants following the earthquake of October 2016. A part of the town is still accessible, and you should certainly pay a visit after you’ve wandered through the flowering fields. Some special local products are lentils and honey. It will take you 3 to 6 hours to explore the fields and it will be a truly breathtaking experience. To visit the Castelluccio Plateau on a day trip from Rome you need to travel by car and use the highway. Bring with you water, a hat, sunscreen (there are no trees on the plateau, just flowers!…), and snacks to go until you climb to the village where you’ll find restaurants and cafes. The best period to visit is between the end of June and the first two weeks of July.

17. Try the zip-line in Rocca Massima, one of the longest in the world

The village of Rocca Massima is nestled in the Lepini Mountains, at an altitude of roughly 750me, and numbers only 1,000 inhabitants. This quaint, isolated town has probably the most spectacular view of the countryside and valleys south of Rome, which you can enjoy sitting with a cup of tea at the coffee shop “Bar Volo.” But if you’d rather throw yourself down into the valley, tied to the zip-line “Peregrine Falcon,” you can still do it! The zip-line is extremely steep and you could reach the speed of 175 km/hour, with an average of 110 km/hour. Look at the video to have an idea of the flight. You can find more info on the website of the zip-line. Moreover, the team will pick you up at the nearest train station, which is in the town of Velletri.

18. Visit the Macchia Grande Forest in Manziana

The forest of Macchia Grande is located 50 km north of Rome in the direction of Viterbo and 2.5 km from the town of Manziana. The woods cover 580 hectares and consist almost entirely of tall old oaks. Walking on the wide cobblestone path which starts at the entrance of the forest and bisects it will make you feel like a medieval traveler. This place is ideal for running, mountain biking, and walking. There are several clear trails which go in different directions, and a spring on the main trail where you can refill your bottle. Please avoid visiting Macchia Grande during the hottest months (July and August and the first weeks of September) because horseflies can be annoying at that time of the year. The entrance is free.

How to reach the Forest of Macchia Grande from Rome

Take a train direct to Viterbo from Valle Aurelia, Trastevere, or Roma Ostiense stations, and get off at Manziana-Canale Monterano.

19. Hike in Parco di Veio: easiest day trip from Rome by train

Just outside Rome, the Park of Veio ranges for 15,000 hectares and is delineated by the Roman consular roads Cassia and Flaminia. This is the territory of the ancient Etruscan city of Veio, therefore you will meet the ruins of a necropolis inside the park. There is a big waterfall known as the “Hell Waterfall” but it’s not so easy to reach since it’s inside a gorge. The park is best explored with hiking shoes or with a mountain bike. One of the highlights is the Sorbo Valley, a big meadow where you can have a picnic, an ideal playground for kids. To reach the park, get the FL3 train direct to La Storta/Bracciano/Viterbo and get off at La Giustiniana. From there, take bus 201 to Isola Farnese. Then follow the signs to the entrance of the park, for which there is no charge.

Train from Ostiense or Trastevere to La Storta, then walk to the Isola Farnese Village and enter the park.

20. Discover the treasured Argentario peninsula

Rome is so close to the Thirrhenyan Coast, you might want to know which are the best beaches near Rome . Sandy beaches stretch for hundreds of kilometers, actually, but not everywhere is the water as crystal-clear as in the Monte Argentario region that lies just beyond the border of Lazio and Tuscany. By the name “Argentario,” we mean a peninsula that is intriguingly attached to the mainland by three lines of land, one of those being a 7 km long beach at the back of an umbrella-pine tree forest. The area is best explored with a car so that you’re able to cover the whole perimeter of the peninsula and search for the small bays where you can swim in the emerald-green water. You can get to the Argentario region by taking a train to Orbetello. Put aside one entire day as the sandy beaches are a few kilometers out of the cute little towns of Orbetello and Porto Ercole. 

Best day trip from Rome by train with kids

21. rainbow magicland amusement park.

The amusement park located 50 km southeast of Rome has 35 attractions designed for both kids and adults. Alongside roller coasters for different degrees of bravery, haunted houses, and rapids, you’ll find naval combat and 5D reality. The park is extremely successful and can be very busy on weekends.

How to reach Rainbow Magicland from Rome

Trenitalia offers a service of train+shuttle bus for €4.50/person from Roma Termini to the entrance of the park.

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The 5 best day trips from Rome

Don't miss a chance to see more of Italy - more beautiful cities are just a train ride away

Sure, Rome is one of the best cities on the planet. Sure, the food is incredible, the endless cacio e pepe will have you taking 3pm naps and the Aperol spritz just tastes better out there. We don’t know why. 

But if you feel like extending your trip (and trust us, you will), you’ll find another big perk to Rome, and that’s how near it is to a number of other great Italian cities and towns. The best part? You can reach each of these spots in around an hour on public transport. So yes, you’ll make it back for another Roman cacio e pepe that evening. Here are the best day trips from Rome. 

RECOMMENDED: 🍽️ The best restaurants in Rome 📍 The best things to do in Rome 🏛️ Unmissable attractions in Rome 🛍️ Where to go shopping in Rome 🇮🇹 The best places to visit in Italy

Livia Hengel is a writer based in Rome. A t Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

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Day trips from Rome

1.  Naples

Though most people pass through this seaside metropolis on their way to Pompeii, the city of Naples has cleaned up its image in recent years and is worth a visit in its own right. Replete with splendid architectural gems like the Cappella Sansevero and Castel dell-Ovo, vibrant street life and some of Italy’s most celebrated cuisine, Naples satisfies both body and soul.

Start by wandering through Spaccanapoli and the winding streets of the Decumani before enjoying a Margherita at one of the many pizzerias along Via dei Tribunali. Then make your way over to the central Piazza del Plebiscito and the waterfront to take in views of Mount Vesuvius from across the Bay of Naples.

Da Nennella is a boisterous trattoria located in the historic Quartieri Spagnoli that serves up traditional fare in a great atmosphere. You should also try the traditional Neapolitan sfogliatella at Attanasio near the train station and taste Neapolitan pastries like Baba al Rum and Sfogliatella at Pasticceria Poppella , and fried pizza at Antica Pizza Fritta da Zia Esterina Sorbillo (you know it’s gonna be good when the name is this long). 

DRINK: 

Coffee in Naples is regarded as the best in all of Italy; try it at the historic  Caffè Gambrinus . A great wine bar-restaurant in the posh Chiaia district is L'Ebbrezza di Noe , or opt for a mixed drink at the outdoor cocktail bar  Barril .

Visit the tiled cloister of Chiostro Santa Chiara and dedicate a few hours to the Archaeological Museum of Naples , which houses ancient artefacts and mosaics recovered at Pompeii. On hot summer days, seek shelter underground with a guided visit to the Catacombs of San Gennaro and discover a unique side to this fascinating city. 

Book a room at the  Palazzo Caracciolo  near the Naples Central Station with its impressive 15th-century inner courtyard.

Don’t miss... 

Naples has a long tradition of making elaborate nativity scenes and figurines, which you can discover along Via San Gregorio Armeno in the historic centre.

Get there... A train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale for one hour 18 minutes. 

Check out more of the best things to do in Naples . 

2.  Ostia Antica

The Archeological Park of Ostia Antica is a wonderful site for a day trip from Rome and is on par with Pompeii for artistic and cultural value. L ocated at the mouth of the Tiber River, Ostia Antica was the harbour city of ancient Rome and dates to the fourth century BC.

With an ancient theatre, public bath structures, a Christian Basilica, a Jewish synagogue and dozens of temples dedicated to the Persian god Mithra, Ostia Antica provides a gorgeous glimpse into the lives of the ancient ruins and will fascinate historians and anyone interested in Ancient Rome. 

Before you venture inside the ruins, fuel up on classic Roman cuisine like carbonara and meatballs at Sora Margherita , located around the corner from the entrance to Ostia Antica. 

Stop for coffee at Bar Centro da Tonino e Maria , a casual bar with plenty of seating outside to relax.

With numerous suggested itineraries for exploring the extensive park, you won’t be able to see everything in one day. But don’t miss the ancient Baths of Neptune , featuring an elaborate mosaic of the sea god riding a chariot, and the Roman Teatro, a horseshoe-shaped theatre.

Ostia Antica is a better day trip than an overnight visit from Rome, but to make a lengthier stay, book in at the  Smy Aran Blu Roma Mare Hotel  at nearby Ostia Beach and soak in some sunshine on the beach the next day.

Don’t miss...

The chance to catch a show at the Roman Teatro during the summer: from electronic music to theatrical performances, the ancient stage comes alive for spectators 2,000 years after it was first built, a truly unique experience.

Get there... A 32-minute train from Roma Termini to  Fiumicino Aeroporto, followed by a 19 minute bus to Romagnoli/Calza.

3.  Orvieto

Orvieto, a hilltop jewel that lies north of Rome in the Umbria region, is replete with small-town charm and makes for a perfect change of scenery from the bustle of the Eternal City. Orvieto boasts numerous artistic and cultural sights, in addition to delightful cafes and restaurants, for a relaxing day trip or weekend away in the countryside.

Begin your tour marvelling at the Duomo di Orvieto with its stunning façade, undoubtedly one of the loveliest in all of Italy, and peek at the frescoes inside the San Brizio Chapel, which were said to have inspired Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Shop for handmade olive-wood souvenirs at Orvieto's quaint shops before stopping for a traditional lunch of fresh pasta and cured meats. At sunset, climb up the Torre del Moro bell tower for a wonderful 360-degree view of the city and the painterly landscape in the distance.

Enjoy a rustic lunch at L'Oste del Re , a cosy restaurant serving local fare like Chianina beef and wild boar.

Have a glass of Orvieto DOC white wine at Enoteca al Duomo  in the shadows of the 14th-century basilica. 

Orvieto is a delightful town to wander around window-shopping, popping into churches and tasting the local delicacies. You can also take a walk around the Anello della Rupe, a ring path that winds around the town of Orvieto, to admire it from below. 

Stay at the  Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini , a hotel that belonged to the Papal family of the same name, with comfortable rooms and historic touches.

Venture down St. Patrick's Well, a double-helix structure that dates to the 16th century.

Get there... A train from Roma Termini to Orvieto for one hour 15 minutes. 

4.  Tivoli

The elegant gardens and villas of Tivoli are a wonderful escape from Rome and will delight art history buffs and nature lovers. Tivoli can be reached by train in under an hour from central Rome and has two noteworthy villas that are UNESCO World Heritage sites; Villa d'Este , with its mesmerising fountains and terraced Renaissance gardens and Villa Adriana , is a large Roman archaeological complex constructed by Emperor Hadrian.

The two villas are very different in nature but can be easily seen on the same day. Villa d’Este is a more modern villa and boasts numerous fountains and waterfalls that will impress visitors for their beauty and engineering, while Villa Adriana is an ancient site that will require more imagination to piece together; it is pretty much ruined.

Located a short walk from both villas, L’Angolino di Mirko is a wonderful restaurant with flavourful dishes and a great atmosphere – perfect for lunch or dinner. If staying overnight, book a table at the elegant Ristorante Sibilla , which dates to 1720, for a little history with your meal. 

Sit down for a glass of wine at Enoteca Gadì , an atmospheric wine bar lined with bottles, or stop by Anselmo Pub for a pint. 

In addition to Villa d'Este and Villa Adriana, pay a visit to the romantic gardens of Villa Gregoriana , which are overlooked but remain a beautiful oasis in the city.

A short walk from the Tivoli train station and directly beside the two villas,  Bed and Breakfast Villa d'Este  is a charming place to stay in the centre of town.

Don't miss...  

Admire the splendid Teatro Marittimo, an island within Villa Adriana that has become a symbol of the ancient archaeological site.

Get there... A 50-minute bus from Rome Tiburtina to Tivoli Piazza Garibaldi. 

5.  Florence

You can’t miss a visit to Florence while in Italy , and this incredible city is only an hour and a half train ride from Rome. The capital of the Renaissance is filled to the brim with art and history: it is an outdoor museum that is best explored on foot, admiring its incredible architecture like the Loggia dei Lanzi and Florence Cathedral.

Walk across the Ponte Vecchio, pop into the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David and wander over to the Oltrarno neighbourhood across the Arno River to experience a quieter, more local side of this bustling city. Piazzale Michelangelo has one of the best views of Florence at sunset and makes for a perfect end to a day full of beautiful sights.

Try gourmet street food at Procacci , a historic delicatessen that serves speciality products like freshly-made panini with truffles. For rustic Tuscan fare, grab a seat at the tiny Osteria al Tranvai and pick off the daily specials or head to Osteria dell'Enoteca for a more upscale dining experience that strikes a perfect balance between new and old. 

Stop for coffee at La Ménagére , a design-forward restaurant and café that doubles as a floral boutique and furniture shop. For craft cocktails, Manifattura makes excellent mixed drinks with Italian spirits, and Le Volpi e L'Uva is a cosy wine bar for a glass of Chianti.

Climb Giotto’s Bell Tower  for an incredible view of Brunelleschi's Dome (be warned, there are 414 steps to the top), take a stroll through the lush Boboli gardens and pay a visit to the Scuola del Cuoio to see a historic leather factory and buy quality handcrafted leather products. 

With a panoramic loggia that gives a view of the city skyline,  Hotel Palazzo Guadagni  is a hotel that packs excellent value in the heart of Florence. Another great bet is the boutique hotel  Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1 , with its little terrace overlooking the Arno River.

Spend some time gazing up at the incredible mosaics inside the Florence Baptistery, with its impressive octagonal dome.

Get there... A train from Roma Termini to Firenze S.M.N. for one hour 46 minutes. 

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14 Best Day Trips From Rome

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There’s so much to do in Rome that you could easily spend months there without getting bored.

Sometimes you need a break from busy city life, though, or perhaps you’re using Rome as a base to explore other parts of Italy.

Its central location means there are plenty of rewarding day trips from Rome from charming hill towns like Orvieto to major cities like Florence and Naples.

When we spent a month in Rome we were sure we would make plenty of day trips. It turns out there’s so much to do in the city that we didn’t get around to any of our planned excursions. So we asked some other travel bloggers to contribute their favourite Rome day trips.

We received lots of great ideas and have divided them by distance from Rome from easy day trips like Ostia Antica to longer but worthwhile trips such as Rome to Pompeii.

You’ll find details of how to get there by public transport and suggested tours if you’d rather take it easy, save time on transport, and have someone else plan the details.

There’s a map of all these destinations and everything mentioned at the end of the post.

Italian Train Travel Tips

Video: best day trips from rome, rome day trips within 1 hour, day trips 1–2 hours from rome, day trips 2+ hours from rome, day trips from rome map, more rome posts.

Most of these destinations can be visited as day trips from Rome by train. You can check timetables and buy tickets online at Trenitalia.

Make sure you use Italian place names (i.e Roma not Rome and Firenze instead of Florence). 

The fast Freccia trains are cheaper if you book in advance, but reservations aren’t necessary for regional trains.

Just buy your ticket from the counter or self-service machine at the station and be sure to validate your ticket in the machines before you board.

Back to Contents

1) Ostia Antica

Visiting Ostia Antica, an antique settlement merely 30 km from the Eternal City, is one of the best day trips from Rome.

This antique city that in its glory days had 100,000 inhabitants was the main port of Rome and of major commercial importance.

Many travellers don’t know too much about Ostia Antica since its fame is overshadowed by Pompeii , another ancient city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius .

Nevertheless, as an urban construction, Ostia Antica doesn’t have to envy anything to Pompeii.

The ruins of Ostia Antica are situated along the main street, the 1 km long Decumanus Maximus.

Along this street you get to see the ruins of several important temples, the Capitolium (the largest temple of the city) and the one dedicated to Hercules stand out.

Other interesting sights include the public baths known as Termi Nettuno with lovely mosaics and the taverns where locals consumed wine.

The main highlight you can visit in Ostia Antica is the amphitheatre, also known as Agrippa’s Theater where once up to 4,000 spectators could attend the theatrical performances.

How to Get There: One of the great things about Ostia Antica is that it’s easily accessible from Rome by public transport. You simply need to take the Roma-Lido train from Roma Porta San Paolo station , and it will take you to Ostia Antica in 40 minutes.

Suggested Tours: Ostia Antica tour by train or Ostia Antica tour with pick up from your accommodation . 

Contributed by Gábor of Surfing the Planet

If you are looking for fun day trips from Rome, consider the Umbrian hill town of Orvieto , a beautiful little town brimming with history and great architecture.

It’s perched way up on a tufa rock and offers commanding views of the Umbrian countryside below.

You’ll be awe-struck by the magnificent Duomo di Orvieto , with its glitzy facade and gorgeous interior. It should be your first stop in Orvieto.

Then climb to the top of the Torre del Moro for lovely rooftop views. We visited on a cloudy drizzly day but were still blown away by the views.

Visit the Pozzo di San Patrizio , an engineering marvel. It’s built in a double helix design, so mules going up and down the well never had to cross each other. Ingenious!

Take a Orvieto Underground Guided Tour to discover the labyrinth of caves and tunnels created by residents going back all the way to Etruscan times. 

Once you have enjoyed the top sights of Orvieto, spend some time just strolling through the streets of the town, marvelling at the architecture, taking photos of charming doorways, and browsing the ceramics stores.

This was my favourite part of the day. Unlike some of the other places in Italy we visited, Orvieto was not extremely crowded.

Most of the folks we encountered on the streets were residents going about their business and it felt like we were getting a glimpse of the real Italy.

My favourite Orvieto restaurant: We had dinner at Trattoria La Palomba, and it was wonderful. If you order their flavorful pasta dishes, they will shave truffles over the pasta at the table if you so desire. Yum! It’s open for lunch as well.

How to Get There: Frequent trains run between Rome and Orvieto. Fast trains take about 50 minutes. Regional trains take about 90 minutes but are much less expensive.

When you arrive at the station in Orvieto, cross the road to take the funicular up to the town. From the funicular drop-off point, you can either walk into the town centre or take a local bus.

Suggested Tour: Orvieto and Assisi Day Trip from Rome .

Contributed by Dhara of It’s Not About the Miles

3) Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli

In the second century AD, the Roman Emperor Hadrian wanted an escape from the hectic political life in Rome.

He chose Tivoli, about 30 kilometres from the capital, as the site for his retreat and it was here that Hadrian’s Villa was built.

As it turns out, it was built so well that Hadrian decided he preferred it to Rome and he made it his official residence and ruled the empire from here in his final years.

Because it was such an important site, it grew in size and grandeur. Hadrian’s Villa was much more than just the residence—it was a small city.

Today, you’ll find the remains of libraries, temples, barracks, and palaces. But, because it was ultimately a place of peace and serenity, you’ll also see gardens and pools and areas that were used for relaxation.

It takes a couple of hours to visit this World Heritage Site these days and explore it properly. It is spread out over a number of different connected areas.

While much of it is in ruins, you can easily get a sense of how it would once have looked and how opulent it must have been.

While you’re in Tivoli, I would suggest also visiting the Villa d’Este . This grand 16th-century villa is another World Heritage Site and also a highlight of the town.

How to Get There: The easiest way to get to Tivoli is by train. Direct trains leave regularly from either Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina and take less than an hour.

From Tivoli train station , catch bus number 4. Alternatively, you can take the metro Line B from Rome to Ponte Mammolo and then catch the bus bound for Via Prenestina .

Suggested Tour:  Day Tour of Villa D’Este and Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli . 

Contributed by Michael of Time Travel Turtle

4) Villa d’Este in Tivoli

While Rome is famous for its majestic fountains, the highlight of all Roman fountains is outside the city centre.

Villa d’Este is a 16th-century villa, and it is famous for its many dramatic waterworks and fountains.

This villa is a significant place for landscape design. For the first time, water was treated differently to create desired effects.

You can find anything from dripping, gurgling, dramatic spouts and cascading waters within Villa d’Este’s many famous art installations, fountains, and statues.

Elevation changes within the villa’s grounds help to create a sense of mystery—you have no idea what lurks around the corner!

As you might imagine, the visit is highly popular, especially in the summertime, when visitors can cool off within the Villa’s grounds.

With meticulously manicured landscapes, as well as historical villa structures filled with Italian frescoes and artwork, it’s a must visit as a day trip from Rome.

How to Get There: To get to Villa d’Este from Rome, you will need to embark from Tiburtina Station towards Tivoli Station . This short train ride costs less than €10.

From Tivoli Station, Villa d’Este is within a 10–15 minute walk – follow the obvious signs for it. Many visitors combine a day trip with Hadrian’s Villa, which is located not far away from Villa d’Este.

Suggested Tour:  Day Tour of Villa D’Este and Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli

Contributed by Halef and Michael of The Round The World Guys . Photo by Lapping via Pixabay .

5) Bracciano

With only an hour train ride from Rome, you can get off at Bracciano train station and enjoy a lovely medieval town on the shores of its namesake lake.

Apart from the huge lake that also laps the surrounding towns of Anguillara Sabazia and Trevignano Romano , Bracciano is famous for its 15th-century Orsini Odescalchi Castle , an imposing mansion that dominates the view of its historical centre and was the venue of the wedding between Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in November 2006.

The residence of several noble families and popes for centuries, now the castle is a must for anyone visiting Bracciano.

If you don’t feel like entering the actual mansion, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the lake from its garden.

If you are visiting in summer and want to swim in the lake, from Bracciano you need a taxi, or you can take the train for one more stop and get off at Anguillara, another small town right on the lake’s shores.

There’s also a path down to the lake at Bracciano , but it’s very steep and locals usually travel by car. 

Among the other attractions travellers can visit in Bracciano are the medieval Duomo di Santo Stefano cathedral, the cream-hued main religious building that went through several renovations throughout the centuries.

A day trip to Bracciano is a great escape of peace and relaxation from Rome’s hectic traffic, so you will love strolling around its winding narrow alleys and stopping at its panoramic viewpoint for lake views.

Looking for places to eat you might want to try L’Archetto (Piazza delle Magnolie 1), a restaurant and pizzeria close to the Odescalchi Castle or Ristorante Le tre Spighe (Via Girolamo Tamburri 4) serving local dishes made with quality and locally-sourced ingredients.

I would also recommend Pane e Olio Osteria (Piazza Mazzini 11), right in front of the castle.

How to Get There: Take the train from Rome stations, Trastever e, Ostiense (also metro line B), San Pietro or Valle Aurelia (also metro line A) towards Bracciano or Viterbo .

Suggested Tour: Bracciano: Half-Day Odescalchi Castle & Town Tour with Lunch

Contributed by Angela of Rome Actually

My favorite day trip from Rome is to Naples. Historically, Napoli has some important monuments to explore such as Castel dell’Ovo , Castel Nuovo , etc.

But the key attraction and the reason to take that visit to Naples can be summed up in one word—pizza.

Naples has been the home of Margherita pizza since 1830, and the first ever pizzeria can be found here in Naples and is still functional.

The Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba is widely believed to be the first pizzeria in the world and they surely do make pizza like a work of art.

The next round of pizza must be had at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele . This is where Julia Roberts shot Eat Pray Love and even if you forget that, a pizza and a beer here, it’s a promised trip to heaven!

If you still have some pizza space left, I’d highly recommend you try ‘ fried pizza’ , a special local pizza in Napoli. Also make sure you sample some limoncello , a local lemon liquor.

While many fear Naples’s reputation for crime, the city is full of warm and lovely people who will go out of their way to help you. Just take basic travel precautions and Naples will guarantee you a wonderful experience.

To wind up your trip, head to the coast and take a walk until you discover the glorious Mount Vesuvius staring at you. Naples will be memorable as an absolute beauty and the biggest pizza heaven!

How to Get There: Take the fast Frecciarossa train from Roma Termini to Napoli Central which arrives in just over an hour.

Suggested Tours: Pompeii and Naples small group tour from Rome or Naples Street Food and Sightseeing Tour (transport from Rome not included). 

Contributed by Parampara and Parichay of Awara Diaries

7) Florence

Even though Florence is located nearly 300 km north of Rome, it can easily be visited on a hassle-free day trip.

The quick train journey will leave you with plenty of time to visit the fascinating historic centre of Florence during your day trip.

Start your day by visiting the famous statue of David in the Galleria dell’Accademia museum .

Afterwards, take some time to admire the plethora of beautiful Renaissance buildings before visiting the Duomo di Firenze , the famous cathedral of Florence.

Later, head to Pizzeria Dante on the south bank of the River Arno for some incredible Tuscan pizzas.

Make sure to stop by the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge on your way back into the city centre.

If you just want to explore the quick highlights of Florence, you could even extend your day trip and visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa as well.

How to Get There: For a Rome to Florence day trip take the high-speed Frecciarossa or Frecciargento trains from Roma Termini station to Florence , which take less than 1.5 hours.

Suggested Tour:  Florence and Pisa full day tour from Rome .

Contributed by Mike of 197 Travel Stamps

Umbria is one of the most picturesque regions in Italy, and it is possibly the least appreciated.

When people visit Rome, which is in the Lazio region, many take day trips to Tuscan towns such as Pisa .

This is a well-traversed route, and as an alternative, visiting neighbouring Umbria is a better option for those wanting to experience a town that is less visited.

Assisi is such a town and one that is certainly worthy of checking off a list.

It boasts one of the most unique basilicas in a country that has many, a town replete with the most beautiful cobbled streets, cafes, and small family-run shops.

There’s also a spiritual side that’s best experienced when hiking through Bosco di San Francesco di Assisi , a wooded area where the good saint himself took his contemplative walks.

There’s also, of course, the wonderful truffles and olive oil of the region served in just about every eatery. It’s one of my favourite day visits from Rome.

How to Get There: A train ride from Roma Termini to Santa Maria degli Angeli is about 1 hour and 45 minutes and drops passengers off at the foot of the hill town Assisi. One can opt to take a taxi or a bus from there, both inexpensive.

Suggested Tour: Assisi and Orvieto Full Day Excursion from Rome

Contributed by Andrew of Dish Our Town

Viterbo: most people outside of Italy have never even heard of it. At a mere 100 km from Rome but seemingly on a different planet, this small city is truly beautiful and deserves a visit.

It is the perfect place to escape when Rome gets too crowded with tourists or too hot during the summer months. 

The main point of attraction of Viterbo is the medieval city centre, almost entirely surrounded by incredibly well-kept walls.

For about 24 years in the 13th century, Viterbo was the seat of the Pope—the Papal Palace is one of the most interesting places to visit in the city.

Other places that deserve a visit are the Duomo of San Lorenzo and the Church of Santa Maria Nuova . San Pellegrino is the oldest part of town—it’s a maze of narrow cobbled alleys and beautiful small squares. 

Viterbo is famous for the Macchina di Santa Rosa , a very interesting festival held each year on the night of 3 September in honour of the protector saint of the city.

During the festival, a team of 100 porters carries an enormous, completely illuminated statue of papier-mache (a new one is made every few years) across the narrow and dark streets of the centre, which for the occasion is completely closed to traffic.

The next new machine is scheduled to parade the streets in September 2024.

Seeing the streets lighten as the saint approaches is quite a unique show—so much so that in 2013 the festival was added to UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. 

How to Get There: Reaching Viterbo from Rome is easy: there are frequent departures from Roma Aurelia train station and it takes around one hour and 45 minutes. 

Suggested Tour: Viterbo Private Walking Tour

Contributed by Claudia of My Adventures Across The World . Photo by Tama66 via Pixabay .

10) Lago di Bolsena

Lago di Bolsena (Bolsena Lake in English) is a quiet area located north of Rome.

You can easily reach this beautiful lake by train from Rome to Montefiascone , a quaint lakeside town.

Once you’re there get ready for some serious food tasting. The Tuscia Viterbese , a big area once called Etruria, includes three regions (Lazio, Tuscany and Umbria), and it’s famous for producing great olive oil and the Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone wine.

There are a number of ancient churches you can visit for free, like the Chiesa di San Flaviano . Here you will find the Johannes Defuk tomb.

This German bishop stopped here on his way back to Germany after a visit to Rome and fell in love with the famous wine Est! Est!! Est!!!… so much so that he decided to stay here and died not much later.

The local legends say that he took advantage of the gift of hospitality by drinking too much wine and was cursed by God for this.

While exploring the lake and taking pictures of the fishermen’s boats, make sure you stop for lunch at Mamma Pappa .

This tiny restaurant represents the area quite well by cooking traditional dishes with farm-to-table ingredients at low prices.

We were surprised by the huge servings, but these seem to be pretty common in the Lago di Bolsena area!

Suggested Tour: Another great activity is this ‘Park of the Monsters’ Tour in the nearby Garden of Bomarzo that includes time to explore the Lake.

How to Get There: Take the Trenitalia train from Roma Termini to Montefiascone . It will take you a little more than 1 hour 40 minutes to get there and tickets cost from €7.

Contributed by Danila of Travelling Dany  

11) Pompeii

Pompeii, the ancient Roman city is one of the most popular day trips from Rome. It’s a must for anyone who is interested in history and archaeological sites.

In AD 79, Pompeii was buried under 4–6 metres of volcanic ash and pumice during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius , which destroyed the whole city and killed around 2000 of its inhabitants.

Today you can walk around the ancient city and see the remains of the buildings and even the inhabitants.

The people of Pompeii’s bodies mutilated and left holes in the solidified volcanic mass, which made it possible for the archaeologists to create plasters of the victims by pouring liquid plaster into these holes.

These plasters have revealed how the locals looked during the last moments before they died. A mother who held her daughter hard in her arms, people in fetal positions, people who you can see were in severe pain, and even dogs and cats.

It’s very sad and horrifying to see, but at the same time, it was interesting to get an insight into what it was like to be there during the eruption.

Since you’re going there on a day trip from Rome, you are probably going to get hungry sooner or later. Near Pompeii, there are a couple of restaurants, but personally, I didn’t want to eat there since they were overpriced and touristy.

Since you have to change train in Napoli, I recommend you to go there instead and get something to eat before going back to Rome.

Eating pizza in Napoli is on many people’s bucket lists since it was in Napoli that the pizza was invented.

How to Get There: You can do a day trip from Rome to Pompeii by train. Catch the train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale , walk for about one minute to Napoli Piazza Garibaldi , and catch the train to Pompeii (towards Salerno). The journey takes around two hours from Rome to Pompeii.

Suggested Tours: Pompeii Day Trip from Rome or Pompeii Tour with Guide

Contributed by Christine of Christine Abroad  

12) Sorrento 

If you are looking to get out of the city for a day, hopping on the train to Sorrento is the perfect solution.

Located in the Bay of Naples , the shoreline view includes views of the Isle of Capri and Mount Vesuvius.

This town is full of breathtaking scenery, so don’t forget to bring your camera and snap a few memories on this day trip.

Once you’ve soaked in the panoramic views, make your way towards the Church of San Francesco to admire the arches which date back to the fourteenth century.

Occasionally the church hosts classical concerts in the evening during the summer months, a great way to absorb the region’s culture.

Be sure to take a leisurely stroll through old Sorrento and get lost in the narrow streets and alleyways.

There are plenty of quaint shops selling local goods such as leather goods, ceramics, and lemon branded souvenirs.

This part of town is also lined with a number of charming trattorias to enjoy a delicious meal al fresco.

No meal in Sorrento is complete without tasting a regional favourite, limoncello. This lemon-based liquor makes refreshing cocktails in the summer heat and is a must-do during your time in this charming town.

How to Get There: To get to Sorrento, you can catch the train from  Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale .

Here you will need to transfer to the Napoli Garibaldi station next door and purchase a ticket for the local Circumvesuviana train for the remainder of the journey to Sorrento (the train also stops at Pompeii). Total travel time is around two hours. 

Contributed by Jeanne of Pure Wander  

13) Wine Tasting in Tuscany

Wine tasting in Tuscany–can you imagine anything more idyllic?

Escape the hustle and bustle of Rome for a day to sip some wine in the Tuscan countryside, trading in city views for vineyard overlooks and a stop or two in a beautiful hilltop town of Tuscany.

To set off from Rome for a day of tasting wine and exploring vineyards in Tuscany, you’ll likely want to book an organised tour: not only will they handle transportation for you, but you also won’t have to worry about how much you drink (and Tuscan wineries tend to pour generously).

Even if you’re not typically someone who enjoys organised tours, consider making an exception for this. 

Tuscany is a region not to be missed, but its large size and relative distance from Rome make handing over the organisation to someone else for a day trip an excellent idea.

Tuscan wines are some of the best known in the world and range from Chianti to Brunello di Montepulciano (which is made in southern Tuscany, which is accessible from Rome!) to the famous Super Tuscans from the Bolgheri area.

All in all, there are 10 notable wine areas within Tuscany–and while you can’t explore them all on a day trip from Rome, you can sure get a solid start.

Suggested Tours: Small Group Tuscany Wine Country Day Trip from Rome  or  Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour from Rome .

Contributed by Kate of Our Escape Clause

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, and for a good reason. Not too many buildings in the world are leaning this much, and in addition to that, it’s a historical tower dating back to the 12th century.

After you’ve seen the tower and taken the traditional and “mandatory” selfies where you’re holding up the tower with your hands, I suggest going for a stroll in the old town before getting back to the train station.

Pisa is one of the oldest cities in Italy and used to compete with Genoa and Venice as a maritime powerhouse.

Pisa has lots of other historical sites to discover beyond the Leaning Tower. For example, there are more than 20 historical churches and several museums and art galleries to explore.

How to Get There:  The train departs from Rome Tiburtina and then you just make a quick change in Florence . The train takes 2 hours and 24 minutes, and from the central station in Pisa , you can walk or take the bus to the Leaning Tower.

Suggested Tour:  Small-Group Tour: Florence and Pisa Day Trip from Rome

Contributed by Alex of Swedish Nomad

There are so many places to visit near Rome that it can be difficult to decide which to choose.

If you only have a week in Rome I recommend taking at most one or two day trips—perhaps to a smaller hilltown like Orvieto and to Tivoli or Ostia Antica.

If you won’t be travelling around the rest of Italy, then prioritise what’s most important to you—perhaps a major historic site like Pompeii or the beautiful art city of Florence.

Italy is such a stunning country that you can’t go wrong with any of these places.

• 29 Unusual Things to Do in Rome
• The Best Things to Do in Trastevere, Rome  
• Testaccio, Rome Neighbourhood Guide
• 12 Best Places to Eat and Shop in Testaccio Market, Rome
• Eating in Italy: Dos and Don’ts
• London to Italy by Train: Everything You Need to Know

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15 Comments

Thanks for the article – can’t wait to put it to use. It appears per his website that Johnny Madge has moved to Valencia, Spain and now does his olive oil tours there

Reply ↓

Thanks for letting me know – I have updated the post.

Nice place In Italy

Nice article. You have covered everything nicely

My Compliments to the author. I am planning a summer trip to Italy this year and your article is very, very crisp (to put it crisply :). Thank You!

Erin, thanks for these tips. You’ve made a very comprehensive list of different trips from Rome. I would probably add that Castel Gandolfo and usually forgotten Nemi near lakes Nemi and Albano offer a very interesting short ride from the Eternal city. Pope’s summer residence, ghosts of Caligula’s floating palaces and that Aeneas’ tree make it an interesting historical experience. And also there’s Frascati with its medieval looks, villas and wine tours can be a nice addition.

Thanks for the suggestions Pavel! Frascati has been on our to-visit list for a while.

Rome is a place of great beauty and history. The places featured in this article are really amazing. Visiting Rome is a worthwhile experience, the city is simply superb… And also the article is well in detailed, good and useful tips for travelers especially for those first time visitors of Rome.

Loving your insights to Italy. Also have just read your informative information on packing. For someone who has backpacked and walked around the world for many years I can’t believe I didn’t know about compression cubes. How fantastic. You have now changed the way I will pack. Thanks so much. ???

Thanks, Helen and I’m glad you’ve discovered compression cubes now – they are so helpful!

Wow, nice guide trip in rome. Thank you so much!

This blog is no less a guide book for Rome. Loved reading it throughout. Very helpful.

Thanks Markus! More Rome posts coming soon!

I really appreciate the maps that you’re making. They’ll be *so* useful. I can follow in your footsteps! ;-)

I’m glad you find them useful Tony! I’m obsessed with making custom Google Maps when I’m planning trips!

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15 Best Day Trips from Rome

Home » Blog » Europe » Italy » 15 Best Day Trips from Rome

With coastal escapes in the south and abundant art and wine in the north, these day trips from Rome offer a variety of escapes from the city. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to relaxing beaches, world-class food to offbeat treasures, this list of adventures has something for everyone.

Rome is a fascinating city that marries its ancient history seamlessly with the present day. As there are so many things to do in the city limits, you could spend endless amounts of time here and still find activities to pique your excitement.

However, as Rome is right smack-dab in the center of Italy, it also makes the perfect base camp for exploring even more of what the rest of Italy has to offer: cerulean coastlines, rolling vineyards, ancient history, world-class art, and fascinating architecture.

Whether you want to relax in the countryside or explore another famous Italian city, we’ve got something on this list for you.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the absolute best day trips from Rome, including how to get there and what not to miss. All these destinations are no more than a few hours away from Rome, so you can easily venture out and back in a day!

Day trips from Rome guide

For more tips and advice for traveling around Italy from Rome, jump to the following sections (or just keep scrolling to see it all!).

• Top day trips from Rome
• Getting around Italy by train
• Renting a car in Rome
• What to pack for Italy
• Round up of day trips from Rome

Top recommended day trips from Rome

If you’re looking for the absolute best day trips from Rome, here are our top recommendations: 

• Castelli Romani
• Santa Marinella

Keep reading for detailed information on each of these destinations and more ideas for fun day trips from Rome. 

Before we get to the good stuff, we have a few helpful resources to share with you…

Taking the train to and from Rome

When booking train tickets to and from Rome, there are a few key things you need to know.

Roma Termini is the main train station in Rome and is centrally-located. The other two are Roma Ostiense and Roma Tiburtina , both further away from the city center.

The options from these stations are highspeed tourist trains and commuter trains operated by either Trenitalia , Italiarail , or the privately-owned Italo .

Here is a quick breakdown of the most relevant trains for traveling in and out of Rome:

• High-speed trains : the fastest trains operated by La Frecce (Trenitalia) and Italo
• Intercity trains : the second-fastest trains with a few stops that connect cities across Italy
• Interregional, regional, and local trains : slowest trains that cover shorter distances to small hubs with multiple stops

You can book tickets directly at the train station, online, or using the TreinIt! App . We recommend grabbing your tickets online in advance, as the best and fastest routes often sell out.

Getting a rental car in Rome

Having your own vehicle when visiting will give you a lot more freedom to explore the best day trips from Rome. 

We personally like using Discover Cars when we rent vehicles around the world, as they gather options from all sorts of rental companies in one place. It makes it really easy to compare prices and vehicles so you can determine which is the best option for you.

Search & Compare Rental Car Prices

• Discover Cars : We personally use this aggregate site to compare rental car prices from all the big name companies and get the best price possible. 
• Booking.com :  We’ve had good experiences finding rental cars with this site (formerly RentalCars.com) in the past. 

Want to save time and energy on planning?

We’ve spent a collective 6+ months living in and traveling around Italy, and we’ve been able to explore a lot of what this country has to offer!

We’ve compiled our experience to create a classic Italy itinerary that hits the top destinations for first time visitors. Our itinerary is spread out over 10 days and includes the highlights of Rome, Cinque Terre, Florence and Venice .

We’ll send you our complete 10-day itinerary, filled with tips and advice. Just click below to get your  classic Italy itinerary  today!

Now let’s get to it, shall we…

• At a glance: ancient town with historic architecture, waterfalls, and a high-quality food/drink scene.
• Distance from Rome: 33.6 km / 20.8 miles
• Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour 15 minute train ride, 35 minutes driving

Situated atop the Sabine Hills, Tivoli is a slightly off-the-radar-destination that has its own distinct charm despite its proximity to the Eternal City.

It served as a commune during the reign of Emperor Hadrian and a summer escape for poets, painters, and rich aristocrats, so the interesting blend of both manicured and rough-edged sites is the main intrigue for a visit.

It’s best known for the thermal baths and three villas that adorn it: Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa) and Villa d’Este (both of which are UNESCO-tagged sites), as well as Villa Gregoriana.

Past the attractions, though, its relaxed atmosphere offers a nice break from Rome’s bustle where you can indulge in delicious restaurants, your heart’s desire of gelaterias, and lively nightlife.

Top things to do in Tivoli

• Roam the Villa Adriana. A massive complex dedicated to Roman Emperor Hadrian. The grounds’ well-preserved structures and artifacts give you a glimpse into ancient life.
• Marvel at the Villa d’Este Palace & Gardens. This impressive villa holds a wealth of artwork and restored, original rooms. Head outside to see one of the most famous landscape gardens in Italy.
• See Rocca Pia , an impressive, symmetrical fortress with medieval roots.
• Wander the pathways of the Villa Gregoriana. This complex is adorned with grottos, gardens, and waterfalls that offer fairytale views of the villa.
• Admire the Tivoli Cathedral. Also known as the Duomo of San Lorenzo Martire, this romanesque-style cathedral holds a myriad of paintings, decorations, and frescoes beyond its humble exterior. 

How to get there

There are multiple different ways you can get to Tivoli from Rome as it’s nearby and linked by both public transit lines and main roadways.

By train: From the Tiburtina rail station in Rome, it’s a 45-75 minute train ride to Tivoli. Look for Trenitalia trains marked with ‘Tivoli’ and ‘Avezzano’ as they’ll both drop you off in Tivoli. They depart nearly hourly, so grabbing a spot is easy, and they cost €3 (~$3.21 USD). Buy tickets in advance though, as the line can get long during high season.

By car: Tivoli is a short, 35-minute drive from Rome. In high season, heavy traffic can make the trip nearly twice as long. The fastest route is via A24 and can be accessed from Tangenziale Est/Circonvallazione Tiburtina near the city center. Do note though, street parking in Tivoli is hard to find and the parking garages near main attractions fill up fast.

By tour: This top-rated tour from Get Your Guide takes you to the imperial palaces of Emperor Hadrian, two significant Renaissance villas, through the Villa d’Este Gardens, and around the caryatids and columns of the Canopus and Serapeum. After bringing these ancient marvels to life, you’ll return back to Rome. 

• At a glance: famous ancient city and significant archaeological site.
• Distance from Rome: 241 km / 149.75 miles
• Time: 2 hour and 15 minute train ride, 2 hours and 28 minutes driving

Buried in nearly 20 feet of volcanic debris by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, Pompeii was rediscovered in the 1700s and has become one of Italy’s most popular archaeological sites.

The majority of the city that has been excavated is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is impressively preserved, despite its fatal disappearance for centuries. This gives you the authentic experience of walking through an intact Ancient Roman town.

Every inch of Pompeii has a piece to admire and something new is uncovered nearly daily. 

Through the sprawling pathways, avenues, and ruins, you’ll travel back to the fascinating, yet haunting history that took place here nearly two millennia ago.

Top things to do in Pompeii

• Walk around the ancient Forum , the heart of Pompeii that boasts the Temples of Venus, Apollo, and Jupiter. You’ll also find the Forum Baths and an impressive view of Mt. Vesuvius.
• Visit the Lupanar – a.k.a. a brothel. These were a cultural staple in Pompeii and this one in particular is one of the most visited sites in the city. Scan the crumbling city walls for, shall we say, conspicuous shapes pointing you toward the Lupanar.
• Explore the Amphitheater of Pompeii. The oldest known amphitheater of Ancient Rome that held up to 20,000 people. 
• See the frescoes at Villa dei Misteri. Over 70 finely decorated rooms are highlighted with frescoes depicting unknown mysteries.
• Wander the Garden of the Fugitives. This former vineyard holds 13 cast bodies where original inhabitants failed to escape peril from the Mt. Vesuvius eruption.

These are the most popular ways to get from Rome to Pompeii.

By train: There are no direct trains from Rome to Pompeii, so you’ll first need to connect in Naples, then change buses to get there. Trenitalia and Italo have high speed trains that run every 20 minutes to Naples and take a little over an hour . Train tickets start at around €20 (~$21.42 USD). At the Napoli Garibaldi Station, grab tickets on the local Circumvesuviana line that takes you to Pompeii in about 20 minutes .

By car: Driving from Rome to Pompeii is fairly easy with your own rental car. The most direct route is on the A1 highway and it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to get to Pompeii. There are many interesting stops around Pompeii, so it’s a good option if you want to do a bit of exploring, but note that traffic can get bad during high season.

By tour: This top-rated tour from Get Your Guide includes a farm-to-table lunch, local wine tasting, and archaeological guide as you tour Pompeii for the day. Stepping off the high-speed train, you’ll be taken back to 79 AD to discover the wonders and near perfectly preserved remains of the city.

3. Castelli Romani

• At a glance: a scenic regional park with villas and towns built atop a volcanic crater.
• Distance from Rome: 32.8 km / 20.38 miles
• Time: 30-40 minute train ride, 56 minutes driving

Surrounding Lago di Nemi and Lago di Albano is a series of 13 hill towns that create the Castelli Romani Regional Park.

Each quintessential Italian town boasts its own signature, making the area famous for gastronomy, wine, volcanic landscapes, and archaeological remains. The centerpiece, Lake Albano, served as a cool escape just north of Rome in ancient times, which still rings true today.

This getaway is one of the best ways to partake in an ubiquitous part of Roman culture: lazing away under the sun with friends.

Top things to do in Castelli Romani

• Cool off at Lake Albano. Volcanic lake with black sand beaches and waterside trattorias. It’s best accessed from Castel Gandolfo.
• Visit Frascati. Home to the famous Frascati wine, notable villas, and a historic core.
• Indulge in Marino. Rome’s elite family fortunes and aristocrats made their mark in this town. Experience the opulence at monuments around town and while looking at the mithraeum, one of only two that remain in Italy. 
• Take in the view from Castel Gandolfo. Located on the dramatic edge of a volcanic crater, this town has papal ties on display and unmatched views over Lake Albano.
• Explore Ariccia. Works of Bernini and Fontana decorate the streets of this Baroque-influenced town. The lavish buildings, parks, and foodie scene are just a few highlights. 

There are several different ways you can get to Castelli Romani, whether independently or on a guided tour.

By train: There are three main trains into Castelli Romani (Albano, Frascati, and Castel Gandolfo) that depart hourly from Rome. Frascati is the fastest route, which takes about 30 minutes from Rome Termini and costs €2.10 (~$2.24 USD) Once you arrive you’ll need to use local bus services to get around to the other smaller towns.  

By car: One of the best ways to explore this park is with your own rental car. It takes about an hour to get there from Rome by the Via Appia Nuova. While it’s not ideal for exploring the city of Rome, having a car for a day trip will provide a ton of freedom in this expansive park.

By tour: This top-rated tour from Get Your Guide is a weekend tour of the most prominent villages, villas, and palaces in the Castelli Romani region. Spend both days exploring via two hop-on-hop-off lines where you’ll see Castel Gandolfo, Ariccia, Grottaferrata, and many more at your own leisure.

4. Sperlonga

• At a glance: a charming clifftop town with long stretches of beach, sea views, rich history, and whitewashed houses.
• Distance from Rome: 128 km / 79 miles
• Time: 2 hours and 30 minute train ride, 1 hour and 46 minutes driving

Perched on a scenic cliffside and flanked by a sunny crescent beach, Sperlonga is a hidden gem along Italy’s dreamy coastline.

It’s often overlooked by tourists and frequented by Romans and Neopolitans, making it a quiet and relaxing escape between the bustle of Rome and the Amalfi coast.  

The white alleyways and medieval center of town will transport you to what resembles an offbeat island in Greece.

But past lazing on the beach and photogenic streets, Sperlonga is best known for the ancient Roman sea grotto discovered on the grounds of the Villa of Tiberius and the sculptures depicting scenes from Homer’s Odyssey at the villa’s museum.

Top things to do in Sperlonga

• Get lost in the Centro Storico. The old town center consists of multi-level white alleyways adorned with art, flowers, sweeping sea views, and intimate eateries.
• Hit the beach. Sperlonga’s beaches are perfect for sunbathing and taking a refreshing dip. Grab a chair at any of the beach clubs or seek out a spot for your towel in the free areas.
• Visit the Villa Di Tiberio. Just outside of town are the ancient archaeological ruins of Emperor Tiberius’s villa. On the grounds are settlement ruins, a grotto, and a local museum with unmissable pieces for history and art lovers.
• Wine and dine. Sperlonga is sandwiched between Naples and Rome, two food capitals of Italy, so the cuisine is a force to be reckoned with. Start your night with an aperitivo, then don’t miss out on the pizza, fish, and seafood.

Sperlonga is one of the most easily accessible day trips from Rome since it’s connected by major roadways and public transport.

By train: Trenitalia has frequent buses from the Roma Termini to the Fondi-Sperlonga station. It’s just north of town, so once you’re off the train, you’ll need to catch a local bus or taxi to the city center. Trains leave nearly hourly, take a little over an hour, and cost €7 (~$7.49 USD). The bus is an additional 25 minutes into town.

By car: Your own rental car is a convenient way to get to Sperlonga. The most direct route is via A1 and can take up to a few hours or more if traffic is bad. This is also a commuter route and can get quite busy, which is something to keep in mind if you’ve never driven in Italy before. 

5. Santa Marinella

• At a glance: the pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea filled with stunning beaches, historic treasures, and natural sites overlooking the ocean.
• Distance from Rome: 64.8 km / 40.26 miles
• Time: 45 minute train ride, 1 hour and 7 minutes driving

If wandering the streets of Rome has you eager for a cool and relaxing dip in the Mediterranean, look no further than the clear blue waters framing Santa Marinella.

This is a suitable day trip from Rome for those who don’t want a checklist of sites to see, but rather to enjoy lazing away under the sun and refueling before returning to the city.

Take your pick of any of the lidos lining the sands, or lay your towel on any of the free areas along the beach.

Top things to do in Santa Marinella

• Laze on Santa Marinella Beach. One of the best beaches near Rome lined with lidos and shallow water perfect for swimming.
• Try the seafood. The ideal fuel for any day on the coast is straight from the sea. There are endless seafood restaurants around town that are much cheaper than in bigger cities.
• Visit the Castello di Santa Severa. A seaside medieval fortress with sweeping coastal views, an early Christian church, and museum of relics.
• Relax. One of the very best things to do in town is listen to the waves lapping the shore and practice “ il dolce far niente ” (the Italian ‘art of doing nothing’).

The train or your own rental car are the two main ways to get to Santa Marinella. They average about the same amount of transit time.

By train: Trenitalia lines run from Roma S. Pietro (and many others) to Santa Marinella twice hourly and take 55 minutes. It costs about €4.60 (~$5 USD). You’ll be dropped off right in town, just across the street from the main beach. The ride is direct and quite scenic as you pass farms and changing landscapes.

By car: Self-driving to Santa Marinella takes nearly the same amount of time as the train. The drive will take about an hour via A12 and E80. Since it takes about the same time as the train, getting a rental and having to navigate roads and parking may not be worth it for this trip.

• At a glance: one of the most ancient cities in Europe with a wealth of art, architecture, impressive churches, bustling piazzas, and legendary pizza.
• Distance from Rome: 218 km / 135.4 miles
• Time: 1 hour and 10 minute train ride, 2 hours and 10 minutes driving

Despite the fact that it’s the 3rd largest city in Italy, it’s the birthplace of pizza, and it historically rivals Florence or Venice, gritty and unmanicured Naples is often overlooked by travelers.

But if you venture past the caveats, you’ll be welcomed to the city by the brooding Mt. Vesuvius overhead and pungent smells among street stalls. All of your senses will be ignited as you wander one of Italy’s most controversial cities.

Look past its culinary credentials and you’ll discover a wealth of history that dates back nearly 2,500 years. Blend that with the city’s laid back vibe, cheap prices, and authenticity to true Italian living, and you have one of the most exciting day trips from Rome.

Plus, as the saying goes, “Rome is the heart of Italy, but Naples is the soul” .

Top things to do in Naples

• Go on a  street food tour . In addition to pizza, street food is a massive part of the foodie scene in Naples. You can try all the delicacies on a local food tour.
• Climb to the lookout at  Belvedere San Martino  to take in the views over the city
• Have a cocktail at  Libreria Berisio , a working library and cocktail bar
• Tip: Neither of these places take reservations so get there early and be prepared to wait in line.
• Visit the Naples Archaeological Museum. Famous museum that holds surviving treasures from the Mt. Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD.
• Explore Castel Nuovo. This imposing medieval fortress holds Roman ruins, historic frescoes, and an impressive collection of artwork dating back to the 17th century.
• Hang out at the Piazza Bellini. A buzzing square with bars and cafes that’s perfect for socializing and people-watching.  

Rome and Naples are two of Italy’s top cities, so they’re well connected by public transport and major roadways. The most efficient way to travel between the two is by train. You can also get there by car or on a guided day trip.

We’ve covered all the details for traveling from Rome to Naples , plus helpful tips and FAQs about the journey.

• At a glance: a medieval hill town with an incredible duomo, views over the Umbria region, underground wells and caves, and charming streets to explore.
• Distance from Rome: 121 km / 75.2 miles
• Time: 1 hour and 15 minute train ride, 1 hour and 30 minutes driving

Valleys of vineyards, olive groves, and the rolling verdant hills of Umbria converge atop a jagged hill crowned with Orvieto, a striking medieval city.

Dominating the city’s facade is its breathtaking cathedral, believed to be one of Italy’s greatest gothic churches. Its frescoes are even said to rival the legendary ceilings in the Sistine Chapel.

Weaving from Orvieto’s centerpiece are winding streets lined with stone houses dressed with contrasting vines. From the (under)ground up, you’ll wander in awe past tiny shops, cobblestone squares, secret tunnels, and remarkable sights packed into this mini metropolis. 

Top things to do in Orvieto

• Admire the Orvieto Cathedral. This ornate cathedral has a gilded mosaic facade and a stunning interior made of striped marble. Don’t miss the two chapels and the frescoes situated inside.
• Visit St. Patrick’s Well. An impressive 16th-century well equipped with a double helix staircase you can take to the bottom.
• Stop at the Temple of Belvedere. This quick stop holds one of the last surviving Etruscan temples in Orvieto and a nice view of town.
• Wander the Albornoz Fortress. Fortress with panoramic views over Orvieto along the ramparts with a park in the center. 
• Tour the underground Orvieto. This important archaeological site is more than 3,000 years old and comprises a network of caves, cisterns, and tunnels. Note, they can only be explored on a guided tour.

Orvieto is along both the Rome-Florence-Milan train line and a major highway, so getting there is very straightforward.

By train: Regional and high speed trains leave Roma Termini and Tiburtina about every hour. The train will take you just outside of the city center, so you’ll need to ride the funicular into the town center. You’ll hop off at the Piazza Cahen.

By car: The drive from Rome to Orvieto is straightforward along the E35/A1 route. Take the Orvieto exit along the main road, then follow the signs into town. Once you arrive, there are a variety of parking options near the town center.

By tour: This top-rated tour from Get Your Guide explores Assisi and Orvieto. You’ll wander the walls of Assisi and explore the Basilica of St. Francis while learning about the town’s religious and cultural heritage. After refueling midday, immerse yourself in Orvieto’s Gothic masterpieces, churches, and charming center.

8. Civita di Bagnoregio

• At a glance: an impeccably preserved hilltop town that appears to be frozen in its ancient medieval era.
• Distance from Rome: 124 km / 77.1 miles
• Time: 1 hour and 15 minute train ride, 1 hour 45 minutes driving

Appearing to be suspended in midair, Civita di Bagnoregio’s remarkable topography and sinister fate paired up to give it the nickname, “ Italy’s dying town ”.

Because it’s left with only 11 inhabitants, this one-of-a-kind hilltop town is nearly deserted and destined for a collapse as wind and rain erode its craggy base.

But despite its doomed reputation, this town is downright dreamy. So much so that it could be jotted down next to the textbook definition of ‘fairytale’ .

Accessed only by a footbridge, you can wander the original streets from centuries ago. While attractions are few, a visit in and of itself is worth a spot on your bucket list. 

It’s believed that the city is ⅓ of its original size, and one day, it will all sink into the volcanic valley, lost to history.

Top things to do in Civita di Bagnoregio

• Walk through the Porta Santa Maria. The only remaining gate to the city with a Romanesque arch carved over 2,500 years ago.
• Explore the Piazza Colesanti. This quaint square is adorned with outdoor staircases, flowers, charming houses, and the Renaissance home of the Colesanti family.
• See the Church of Saint Donato. Ancient church with a 16th-century facade and a wooden crucifix by Donatello held inside.
• Stop into the Museum of Geology and Landslides. A tiny museum about the history of the village and how it’s being preserved. Stop here first for a better understanding of the rest of your visit.

Since Civita di Bagnoregio is a hilltop town, it’s only accessed using a combination of transport and walking. These are the best options to get you there. 

By train: There are no direct bus lines from Rome to Civita, so you’ll need to take a train to Orvieto, then a bus from there. The town is accessed by a footpath, so the bus will drop you off and you’ll need to walk the rest of the way, an additional 20-25 minutes. The train takes a little over an hour and leaves the Roma Termini station every 3 hours, and the bus ride takes about 20 minutes.

By car: Using your own rental car is the easiest way to access the town. Follow the A1/E35 and you’ll arrive in just under two hours. You won’t be able to bring your car all the way into town. Look for signs directing you to the main parking area, then walk the rest of the way to the hamlet. The walk typically takes 20-25 minutes.

By tour: This top-rated tour from Get Your Guide takes you to both Civita di Bagnoregio and Orvieto. You’ll have a chance to explore Civita before enjoying a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Then you’ll head to Orvieto to visit the magnificent gothic cathedral and the remarkable Pozzo di San Patrizio, among other sights.

• At a glance: a medieval city and pilgrimage destination with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, basilicas, and impressive architecture.
• Distance from Rome: 174 km / 108.1 miles
• Time: 2 hours and 7 minute train ride, 2 hours and 20 minutes driving

On the slopes of Monte Subasio, Assisi is a religious marvel that was the birthplace of St. Francis, one of the patron saints of Italy.

Surrounding the city’s wealth of artistic works and spiritual basilicas are dreamy streets, wide piazzas, and stunning views over the Spoleto Valley.

As much as it may resemble other hill towns in the Tuscany region, its construction using local limestone makes the city appear to be white, and will surely make your jaw drop.

Every corner will reel you in more than the last. So whether or not you’ve arrived here on a religious journey, the allure of Assisi is bound to draw you in. 

Top things to do in Assisi

• Visit the Basilica di San Francesco. Two churches, a Gothic Cathedral and smaller Romanesque church, are highlights of this site where St. Francis’s remains are preserved.
• Stroll down the Via San Francesco. Stone buildings housing boutique stores, food, souvenirs, and important religious artifacts line this road from the Piazza del Commune to the Basilica di San Francesco.
• People watch in the Piazza del Comune. This large square is the center of Assisi and framed by the most significant buildings in the city. A number of local restaurants and cafes are great for refueling midday.
• Climb the Torre del Popolo. This tower climbs over the Piazza del Comune and offers one of the best views of Assisi. Reservations are required to climb the tower so be sure to book in advance.
• See the Temple of Minerva. 1st century BC temple with a 16th-century church outfitting the inside. The original, fluted columns and altar are highlights.

Assisi is only a few hours away from Rome with multiple transport options to use. These are the fastest and most efficient ways to get there.  

By train: Some trains from Rome to Assisi are direct, while others include stops. They’ll take you southwest of the city center to the station in Santa Maria degli Angeli. Once you arrive, you’ll need to hop on bus line C up the hill to the walled section of the city. It takes about 2 hours on the train, and then a short bus ride into the city.

By car: Assisi is easily accessed by heading north along SS3 from Rome. The route is straightforward and is perfect if you’re on a larger road trip through Italy. Once you get to Assisi, you’ll need to park your car outside of the city and explore on foot as only local traffic is allowed inside.

By tour: This top-rated tour from Get Your Guide visits both Assisi and Orvieto. Learn about the town’s religious and cultural heritage as you wander the walls of Assisi and explore the Basilica of St. Francis. After lunch, soak up Orvieto’s charm among Gothic masterpieces, churches, and its quaint center.

10. Ostia Antica

• At a glance: this ancient town was once one of the most powerful trade sites of the Roman empire with endless ruins to discover. 
• Distance from Rome: 25.9 km / 16.1 miles
• Time: 37 minute train ride, 36 minutes driving

Experience ancient Roman history up close at the empire’s most powerful trade and commerce sites. At its peak in 1st and 2nd centuries AD, 60,000 residents thrived here at the mouth of the Tiber River.

This massive archaeological complex is built in a grid format with impressive ruins everywhere you look.

Arguably the most captivating, though, is the market area, where the original mosaics still lay, labeling what goods you could purchase from around the world.

This is one of the day trips from Rome for which you should definitely consider joining a tour, as reading the signs placed near landmarks doesn’t do this piece of history justice.

Top things to do in Ostia Antica

• Marvel at the Ostia Antica Theater. One of the most impressive sites in town and one of the oldest brick theaters in the world.
• See the Baths of Neptune. A massive complex for hygiene and socialization.
• Wander the Forum. The commercial heart of the city with guilds, shops, and warehouses. Mosaics on the sidewalk represent what each of them sold.
• Get lost along the “Decumanus maximum”. This is the main street through the archaeological site that is lined with ruins to your left and right.

Ostia Antica is a famous archaeological site that is connected to Rome with ample public transport and self-drive options.

By train: From Roma Termini station, hop on the B line to Porta San Paolo (Piramide), then transfer to the Rome-Lido line heading to Cristoforo Colombo. Along the route, you’ll get off at Ostia Antica. The ride takes about half an hour and costs a few euros.

By car: Self-driving to this site is quick as it’s just outside Rome’s city limits and takes around half an hour. The route along SP8 is the fastest route and there is a parking lot for visitors once you arrive in Ostia Antica. 

We only recommend renting a car for this trip if you’re planning on driving to your next destination, as driving in Rome can get hectic and public transport is efficient.

By tour: This top-rated tour from Get Your Guide takes you on an intimate and personalized half day trip to this ancient Roman harbor city. Discover the city’s most impressive sites, like the Baths of Neptune, Forum of Corporations, and the Ostia Antica Amphitheater as you retrace the steps of history to appreciate this archaeological marvel. 

11. Bracciano

• At a glance: this charming town consists of a volcanic lake, a well-preserved medieval castle, and endless opportunities for watersports.
• Distance from Rome: 50.1 km / 31.1 miles
• Time: 1 hour and 10 minute train ride, 50 minutes driving

Rivaling the banks of Lake Como, this lakeside gem serves as a relaxing escape from Rome. 

As the largest town along the lake of the same name, Bracciano has a myriad of ways to find your bliss and indulge in its slow pace. 

The Castello Odescalchi is the main attraction of the city, with romantic lanes and cobblestone streets winding past countless places to indulge in the town’s gastronomic scene.

When you’re not perusing the streets, watersports are a staple of any visit to this town. Go sailing, swimming, canoeing, or windsurfing on Lake Bracciano for an unforgettable experience.

Top things to do in Bracciano

• Visit Castello Odescalchi. A treasure trove of frescoes, weapons, art, and other artifacts from the Middle Ages are preserved at this 15th-century castle. 
• Rent a boat/SUP/kayak at Lake Bracciano. This lake boasts crystal-clear waters that are perfect for a hot summer day. You can take a minibus down to the lake or access it directly from the nearby towns of Anguillara Sabazia or Trevignano Romano.
• Get lost in the Centro Storico. The cobblestoned center of town is quaint and charming with shops, cafes, and viewpoints over the lake.
• Sample local specialities. Bracciano has its own collection of signature bites, like porchetta, lake fish, porcini mushrooms, and truffles.

These are the best ways to get from Rome to Bracciano.

By train: Hop on a train heading to Viterbo from the Roma Ostiense station (connected by Rome’s main metro line at the Piramide stop) and you’ll arrive in Bracciano in just over an hour. It costs €3 (~$3.21 USD). The station in town is just a 5-minute walk from the center.

By car: Driving to Bracciano is straightforward as it’s a little less than an hour along a well-marked route to town. You’ll head north out of town along the Via Cassia and follow it all the way there.

12. Florence

• At a glance: the birthplace of the Renaissance with world-class art and Tuscan cuisine.
• Distance from Rome: 271 km / 168.3 miles
• Time: 1 hour and 36 minute train ride, 3 hours driving

One of the most spectacular day trips from Rome is none other than Florence, a living breathing museum with boundless things to do .

As the centerpiece of Tuscany and the cradle of the Renaissance, the main prizes of the city are its art, where world famous galleries spill into impressive architecture, and gastronomy, where Italian/Tuscan cuisine shines its brightest. 

But even if your interests lie outside of food and art, Florence is riddled with expansive viewpoints, rich history, and endless boutiques fit for a shopping spree. All of this will leave you speechless and eager to come back to this landmark city for more.

Top things to do in Florence

• Walk along the Ponte Vecchio. This bridge is the oldest in Europe and the centerpiece of Florence with views over the Arno River.
• Climb Giotto’s Bell Tower. Ascending all 414 steps of this gothic masterpiece rewards you with panoramic views over Florence. 
• Watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. One of the most famous sunset spots in the city. Arrive early and pack a picnic. Don’t forget the wine!
• Marvel at the statue of David. This precisely carved slab of granite is a defining piece of Renaissance art and one of the greatest sculptures in the world. 
• Go on a food tour. Sample Florentine and regional specialities from the oldest and most renowned eateries in the city.

Getting from Rome to Florence is a popular route for travelers in Italy. The most efficient way to travel between the two is by train. You can also get there by car or on a guided day trip.

We’ve covered all the details for traveling from Rome to Florence , plus helpful tips and FAQs about the journey.

14. Sorrento

• At a glance: a city built on craggy cliffs with colorful streets and a charm similar to the Amalfi Coast.
• Distance from Rome: 264 km / 164 miles
• Time: 2 hour and 50 minute train ride, 2 hours and 52 minutes driving

The steep cliffs of Sorrento are brimming with legendary lemons, opulent hotels, and magnificent views over the Bay of Naples.

It’s titled as a quintessential Italian resort town, with romantic and historic lanes to match. 

The Piazza Tasso is the center of life in Sorrento, and from there the town blooms into its signature of limoncello shops, restaurants, and colorful facades that inspired a renowned line of poets.

It can definitely be enjoyed on a day trip from Rome, though if you have more time to spare in Sorrento, it makes the perfect jumping point for exploring the treasures of the Amalfi Coast.

Top things to do in Sorrento

• Take in the views from the Piazza Della Vittoria. One of the best views in Sorrento overlooking the Marina Piccola, colorful beach clubs, and the long line of cliffs along the Bay of Naples.
• Soak up the colors at Piazza Tasso. The main piazza in town, lined with shopping and restaurants. Visit at night for a lively evening.
• Relax at a beach club. Leonelli’s Beach, Marameo Beach Club, and Peter’s Beach are the most popular spots for leisure at Sorrento’s unique swim spots.
• Take a dip in the Bagni Regina Giovanna. This natural pool is surrounded by ruins from the 1st century BC.
• Try limoncello. Sorrento lemons are what this famous liqueur is crafted from.

These are the best ways to get to Sorrento using public transport and self-drive routes.

By train: To get to Sorrento from Rome, you’ll first need to connect in Naples, then take the Circumvesuviana train or Campania Express train to Sorrento. The journey from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale takes anywhere from 1-3 hours depending on which train you choose. We recommend grabbing tickets in advance from Italiarail and Trenitalia. From there, hop on the Campania Express train (book tickets in advance) to get to Sorrento in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

By car: The most straightforward way to get to Sorrento from Rome is with your own rental car. It takes around 3 hours along the E45 highway as long as you avoid rush hour. The route passes Mt. Vesuvius and Pompeii, which are both worth stopping in for a few hours to explore.

• At a glance: one of the most significant and influential cities in Italy with a famed leaning tower.
• Distance from Rome: 355 km / 220.5 miles
• Time: 2 hour and 17 minute train ride, 3 hours and 50 minutes driving

This Italian city hardly needs an introduction as it’s home to the ever-so-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

As far as day trips from Rome go, a visit to Pisa will be fulfilling as you can see the main sights and more in just under a day, so you won’t leave with serious FOMO.

While Pisa is quite the charmer, many people snap the requisite photos either holding up the tower or pushing it over and miss out on a lot of the other amazing things to do in Pisa .

During your visit, be sure to spend the extra time exploring Pisa’s unmanicured facades, city walls, and scenic river to experience the magnetism of the city.

Top things to do in Pisa

• Take a free walking tour. Discover the city of Pisa beyond the leaning tower and into its charming walls with a local. You’ll stop at both iconic and offbeat sites to truly relish in this often overlooked city.
• See the Leaning Tower of Pisa. One of Italy’s most famous landmarks. Ever heard of it?
• Explore the Square of Miracles. This architectural complex in the city center frames the Pisa Tower, Pisa Cathedral, Baptistry, and the Camposanto (cemetery). Each UNESCO-tagged building tells a story of Pisa’s historical significance.
• Take a food tour. Pisan and Tuscan cuisine shine with simple, high-quality ingredients, which you can sample at the top eateries in town. Spend the day trying rustic dishes famed by local farmers and trattoria menus.  
• Go shopping in the Borgo Stretto district . Exclusive Italian boutiques and popular western chain stores dot this bustling shopping area in town.

Pisa is an excellent destination for a day trip as the town is concise. Here are the fastest ways to get there from Rome.

By train: There are many different local and regional trains with services running a few times hourly to get to Pisa. The most convenient options are the high speed lines run by Trenitalia that will get you there in just over 2 hours for around €30 (~$32.15 USD). They run the same route as the slower trains (with a stopover in Florence) but at a much faster speed. Book the earliest train to get the most out of your day.

By car: Driving to Pisa takes much longer than public transport, which is something to weigh. It averages about 4 hours there on the most direct route via A1 and E35. As there is limited parking and ample public transit in Pisa, the railway may be worth considering for your trip.

16. Wine tasting in Tuscany

• At a glance: one of the world’s most acclaimed wine regions that produces some of the best wines in Italy.
• Distance from Rome: 275 km / 170.8 miles
• Time: 1 hour and 36 minute train ride, 3 hours and 6 minutes driving

Reds, whites, single varietals, and blends are overflowing in the Tuscan hills, considered Italy’s most sought-after wine region.

What separates Tuscany from other wine regions around the world is its unique terroir created from the warm Mediterranean climate and elevated hills. These two factors are key elements to Tuscany’s prestige.

While you can sample the local wines at bars and restaurants around the region, nothing compares to sipping it straight from the source.

When you join a wine tasting at these renowned vineyards, look for the famous Super Tuscan, Sangiovese, Vin Santo, and Chianti Classico varieties that are acclaimed around the world.

Top places for wine tasting in Tuscany

• Tenuta di Capezzana. This massive and diverse estate has been in operation since 804, producing wine and olive oil. You can tour their organic vineyards and groves, sampling their finest wines, or opt for a more casual sip at their wine bar. In the summer months, take to the terrace to see sweeping views over the Duomo in Florence and try their Vin Santo, one of the region’s greatest wines. 
• Antinori Chianti Classico. One of the most historic families in Tuscany owns this modern winery tucked away underground. Inside, you find over 600 years of winemaking history, try two of Italy’s best wines, Tignanello and Solaia, or taste-your-way across Tuscany in their tasting room.
• Croce di Febo. Both family-run and biodynamic, this organic vineyard specializes in the Sangiovese variety using Montepulciano terroir. On this wine farm they prioritize purity and letting the wine’s natural expression shine.
• Arrigoni 1913. Dotted right in San Gimignano, this estate pours one of the most celebrated and appreciated wines in Tuscany, Vernaccia di Gimignano. On a tasting tour, you’ll taste the unique notes of this special variety and others due to the individual microclimates.
• Barone Ricasoli. As Italy’s oldest wine estate, this farm has been in operation for over 900 years. They invented Chianti wine as we know it today, which can be sampled on a tasting tour with their other signature varieties inside the property’s Brolio Castle.

Getting to the Tuscany region is straightforward as Florence is the region’s capital and easily accessible from Rome.

By car: Driving from Rome to Tuscany takes a few hours on the most straightforward route via A1 and E35. It takes you past many popular towns in the Tuscan wine region, so it’s an ideal route as you make your way north. 

If you plan on visiting multiple wineries, you’ll need to have a designated driver or hire a private driver, which can be expensive. For a fulfilling day trip, it’s worth booking a tour so you don’t have to worry about logistics.

By tour: 

From Rome: Tuscany Day Trip with Lunch and Wine Tasting : This top-rated tour from Get Your Guide takes you to Montepulciano where you’ll tour the town, then sample regional wines over an authentic 3-course lunch. Before heading back to Rome, you’ll stop in Pienza, where you can shop for local specialties or wander the streets.

Rome: Siena to San Gimignano Tuscan Wine Tour : Immerse yourself in medieval Tuscany among the preserved streets of Siena and San Gimignano, both of which are famous for their Tuscan wines. While touring the town’s famous sites, you’ll visit a wine estate and local winery to sample an authentic lunch, local delicacies, and extraordinary wines.

From Rome: Tuscany & Siena with Wine Tasting and Lunch : This highly rated tour takes you to the idyllic towns of Siena, San Gimignano, and Monteriggioni. You’ll admire medieval architecture, enjoy a wine and olive oil tasting in the Chianti countryside, and sample gelato from a world-class gelato maker.

What to pack for your trip to Italy

We know it can be overwhelming packing for a trip to a new destination. That’s why we spent hours creating this super helpful PDF just for you.

In this  free Italy packing list PDF download , we’ve provided packing checklists for everything from clothing and toiletries (for both women  and  men!) to what shoes to pack and extra medicines you may want to have on-hand just in case.

Plus, we’re sharing tons of packing hacks and tips for traveling in Italy that you won’t find anywhere else!

Round up of the best day trips from Rome

Here’s a recap of all the best day trips from Rome so you can see everything in one place.

• Civita di Bagnoregio
• Ostia Antica
• Wine tasting in Tuscany

Planning a trip to Italy?

We have lots of resources on travel in Italy and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Italy Homepage  for everything you need to know, or start by reading some of our favorite Italy articles here:

• Classic 10-day Italy Itinerary
• Best Things to Do in Rome (on your first trip!)
• Best Things to Do in Florence (you won’t want to miss!)
• Top Things to Do in Pisa

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4 Best Day Trips from Rome

By Arlene Gibbs and Laura Itzkowitz

Forget the old adage “all roads lead to Rome.” Sometimes, you just wanna get out of the Eternal City, with its blistering summers and maddening traffic jams. Luckily, Lazio and the surrounding region of Umbria contain a wealth of artistic and culinary treasures worthy of a day trip or long weekend. From exploring the Renaissance villas and gardens of Tivoli—an essential stop on the Grand Tour—to visiting the wineries of Umbria's picturesque Orvieto, and living la dolce vita in the countryside of the Castelli Romani, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in this guide to the best day trips from Rome.

Click the link to read our complete Rome city guide .

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Tivoli is a beautiful mountain town filled with historical sites and gardens. Located in the Monti Tiburtini hills, Tivoli was a resort town for wealthy Romans who were fleeing the notoriously hot Roman summers. It was also a must-see destination during The Grand Tour for its two UNESCO heritage sites, Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana. Your best bet is to take the train to get there; buses are a bit unreliable and can be packed to the gills during the summer.

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The Roman emperor Hadrian built this villa as his country estate outside Rome. Its ruins are recognized as his greatest artistic achievement and bear UNESCO World Heritage status. Archeology lovers and history buffs will be drawn to this historically charged site, but it's also nice if you just want a stroll in the fresh air; it's a great spot for those who've already seen Rome's major sights and want to dig deeper. The Maritime Theater—an artificial island built as the emperor's private residence—is worth seeking out. Just be aware that it's all outside, so don't come if the weather is lousy.

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The palace was built in the 16th century for Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, son of Lucrezia Borgia. While the gardens with their fountains are the main draw, the Villa itself shouldn’t be missed. It’s filled with stunning frescos and history, some of it controversial. Cardinal d’Este “took” almost all the statues and marble from the nearby Villa Adriana to furnish his own home. This Renaissance villa is best known for its massive, elaborately landscaped gardens. Wandering around the grounds, with its beautiful flowers and elaborate fountains, might inspire you to ditch your life back home and buy a crumbling old villa to fix up. You don't have to be a history buff to see the beauty here.

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As you approach this former castle, the medieval stone architecture makes quite an impression. The décor is a little dated, but the pool, gardens, and views of Tivoli more than make up for it. The location—a five-minute drive outside of town—is ideal for travelers who want a convenient, upscale stay from which to explore the hilltop village of Tivoli, the former summer retreat for ancient Romans and Renaissance-era moneyed folk.

Steph Koyfman

Alex Erdekian

Laura Walsh

Jamie Spain

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This imposing castle built by Pope Pius II in 1461 was used as a prison until the 1960s. The inside is closed to the public, so most people just stop by to snap some photos on their way to the Villa d'Este or Villa Adriana . Seeing this medieval landmark is a good reminder that Tivoli—like Rome—is a potpourri of architectural styles due to its long history.

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This restaurant, poised on top of the acropolis overlooking the Temple of Vesta , has been around since 1720—you can feel its historic character as soon as you walk through the door. The vibe inside is elegant, with parquet floors and white-napped tables, but the outdoor terrace with views of the Aniene River is the place to be. Everyone from Princess Margaret to Yoko Ono has dined here, so the restaurant's reputation precedes it. (Reservations are definitely recommended.)

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This picturesque park maintained by F.A.I. (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) offers a manicured version of wild nature that drew artists and writers away from the sights of Rome in the 19th century. It's definitely a feast for the eyes but is a decent workout too, with a trail leading you past a waterfall (don't miss!), caves, grottos, and up and down lots of stairs. FAI recommends one-and-a-half to two hours to do the full loop around the park.

Ristorante Villa Esedra Arrow

Ristorante Villa Esedra falls somewhere between casual and elegant, featuring rustic tables and chairs, leather banquettes, and fresh flowers. If you're craving pizza, you'll be happy to know this place serves it (unlike most trattorias in Rome ), but the pastas and seafood dishes, like spaghetti with anchovies and garlic oil or gnocchi with lobster, are the true crowd pleasers. If the weather is nice, request a table outside in the charming garden.

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This is a pint-sized, no-frills all-day café with a handful of tables outside on the piazza. Stick to the basics here—an Aperol Spritz, gin and tonic, beer or wine—anything with three ingredients or less. Like your typical Italian caffetterias, it has an espresso machine, pastries displayed displayed in a glass case, and aperitivo. It's a dependable spot to relax after exploring Tivoli's big sights. For a more robust meal, try Ristorante Sibella .

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The ruins of a circular temple from the first century B.C. is one of Italy's most famous archeological landmarks—or rather, it was in the 19th century, when Americans and Brits flocked here on the Grand Tour. Of all of the country's ancient ruins, including the Colosseum , this temple is one of the most painted. Turner and Claude Lorraine were just two of many artists who came here to make it the subject of their work.

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Built in the second century B.C., this rectangular ancient Roman temple is located on the acropolis of Tivoli near the Temple of Vesta . Unless you're an archeology history buff, don't seek out this small temple on its own. Just admire it while exploring the acropolis overlooking Villa Gregoriana . Seeing it, along with the nearby ruins, will remind how incredibly advanced the Roman Empire was.

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This is a serious pub but with Italian food on par with the best restaurants in Rome . It has a great vibe and is warm and dark inside with plenty of outdoor seating. A great spot if you want to eat and drink somewhere casual. This is a beer joint, all the way, but you'll find very good Italian bar food, like bruschetta. There are also panini, fries, and more classics that work well with the drinks menu. Bonus: the staff is attentive by Roman standards.

CASTELLI ROMANI

The Castelli Romani are located in the Alban Hills southeast of Rome. There are seventeen of these small, delightful towns and they have drawn wealthy and notable Romans to these hills for centuries.  Each town has its own flavor, but all are known for their awe-inspiring views, delicious food and wine, art, and architecture. 

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If you thought the Vatican was grand, wait until you see the Papal Summer Palace on Lake Albano. About an hour southeast of Rome in the region known as the Castelli Romani, the palace sprawls over 55 hectares of gardens, including Pope Benedict's organic farm. Pope Francis first allowed visitors to access the gardens in 2014; in 2016, he opened 20 rooms in the palace. Tickets cost 11 Euros and can be bought online.

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Surrounded by gardens and rolling hills, this charming agriturismo is just 40 minutes outside of Rome but feels a world away. Out here, you're surrounded by the olive groves and vineyards of Frascati, whose wines have D.O.C.G. status (the highest designation for Italian wines). A farmhouse built in the early 20th century lies at the heart of the property, and on a clear day, you can see the Cupola of St. Peter's in the distance.

Da Charlie Arrow

This casual restaurant in Albano has a sort of shabby-chic homegrown vibe. It's an intimate space with black-and-white checked floors, wood-beamed ceilings, shelves stacked with wine bottles, and paintings on the walls. In the evening, low lighting gives it an ambient glow. Come here for simple plates based around local, fresh ingredients from Lazio and wines from Frascati.

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This impressive baroque palazzo renovated by Gian Lorenzo Bernini was once home to the powerful Chigi family, one of the most important Italian Papal dynasties. The sybaritic Cardinal Flavio Chigi amassed an impressive collection of 17th-century baroque paintings and furnishings, which remain on display. Famed director Luchino Visconti filmed scenes from The Leopard here in 1963, and the place looks the same now as it did then.

Barrique at Poggio le Volpi Arrow

German chef Oliver Glowig has spent his 20-year career in Italian kitchens, including the Capri Palace Hotel & Spa and the Hotel Aldrovandi Villa Borghese , where he earned two Michelin stars. This intimate restaurant of his is set inside the barrel room of Poggio Le Volpi winery. Aside from fruity white Frascati, the wine list features a variety of French Champagne, Tuscan reds by Antinori, and bottles from as far away as New Zealand. The food emphasizes creative takes on Italian classics, like a scampi crudo with artichoke hearts and burrata, cacio e pepe pasta with sea urchin, and pork with celery and cherries soaked in Armagnac.

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The first-century Roman emperor Caligula—known for insane behavior like trying to appoint his horse to the senate—created two massive pleasure ships laden with marble, ivory, and mosaics that floated in the Lake of Nemi. No one knows how or why exactly they sunk, but people tried unsuccessfully to recover them since the 15th century. Ultimately, it was Mussolini who ordered the lake drained and had the ships pulled out of the mud before they were destroyed in a fire during WWII. The museum, a great one to add after you see the best in Rome , is dedicated to these curious relics, with artifacts and documentation about them.

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This place has a rustic-chic vibe, with an eclectic mix of mismatched chairs and tables, a birdcage hanging from the ceiling, vintage signs, and other retro memorabilia. There are two dining options—the full-service restaurant Nando or the more casual cafe Peppa; the former has an extensive wine list while the latter has a variety of aperitivi. Both focus on Italian comfort with a twist; whatever you do, save room for Peppa's mouth-watering fruit tarts, cakes, and cannoli.

Tour of the Catacombs of San Senatore and the Roman Cistern, Imago Artis Arrow

Imago Artist founder Fulvio De Bonis is an art historian by training and is extremely passionate about Lazio, where he was born and raised. He knows all the best under-the-radar and off-limits sites to visit in Rome and the surrounding area, like the Catacombs of San Senatore under the Church of Santa Maria della Stella and the Roman Cistern, an underground series of tunnels and aqueducts that still functions today.

Hotel Flora Arrow

Hotel Flora is housed in an elegant Liberty-style villa surrounded by a charming garden. It's conveniently located a short walk from the train station and ten minutes from the center of town. Rooms are clean and serviceable with parquet floors, traditional decor, and marble bathrooms. It's a nice, tranqil base in the Castelli Romani, but don't expect the kind of five-star accommodations you'd find in Rome .

Fondi dal 1936 Arrow

This casual café is a typical cafeteria-style spot that serves espresso throughout the day, aperitivi in the evening, and a selection of sandwiches, salads, and hot dishes. The food and drink isn't fancy, but it's simple and dependable. Try the mouthwatering pizza al taglio, sliced as large or small as you please. It can get quite crowded so you might have to vie for a spot at the bar if you can't snag a table.

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This parish church is named for St. Thomas of Villanova. It's notable because it was designed by the one and only Gian Lorenzo Bernini and inside there's a painting by Pietro da Cortona. Entry is free. Whether you're an art lover or history lover, this is a great spot for reflection and to appreciate the genius that is Bernini. If you have limited time, this Catholic Church is worth a quick peek. It's doable as the town Castel Gandolfo itself is rather small.

Frascati Arrow

Like many towns in the Castelli Romani, Frascati was a popular summer escape for Roman nobility. The town has a pretty Centro Storico and views of Rome. It's also know for its porchetta and wines. There were many villas built here, but unfortunately, many were destroyed during World War II. The impressive Villa Aldobrandini overlooks the town. It's a private villa still owned by the Aldobrandini family, but the gardens are open to the public. The views from the garden alone are worth the visit, while the villa has seen better days. However, it's easy to imagine how it was back in the day. The garden is open only on weekdays and is closed at lunch time (1-3 p.m.) All said and done, a trip to this tiny town is a great (and easy) activity to escape the summer heat of Rome.

Ariccia Arrow

For centuries, Ariccia has been a refuge for artists who came to these hills for inspiration. Its natural beauty captivated many Romans during the Renaissance. Quite a few of these Romans happened to be from very powerful and wealthy families. They were patrons to artists and architects such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini. As a result, this small town is filled with architectural gems such as Palazzo Savelli Chigi, the church Santa Maria Assunta, and the Ponte di Ariccia. The Palazzo was the location for many famous films, including the Visconti masterpiece The Leopard . Santa Maria Assunta, also designed by Bernini, was inspired by the Pantheon . Ponte di Ariccia is a must see for its architecture and its incredible valley and sea views.

Lido Rocco Arrow

Sperlonga's miles of beach is partitioned off by several different beach clubs identifiable by their different colored umbrellas—Lido Rocco's are blue and white. It's a full-service affair typical of Italy's beach club culture, featuring plentiful Aperol Spritzes , pasta, and lounge chairs. Italians come to Sperlonga's beaches because the water is a gorgeous shade of aquamarine. It's warmest and most pleasant for swimming during the high season months of July and August, when Romans are seeking an escape from the city's oppressive heat, but the beach is still nice in June and September. The waves don't get high enough for surfing, but you can rent stand-up paddle boards. Most people just relax on the sand and dip in the water to cool down.

Sperlonga is a small beach town between Rome and Naples. Its beach is Blue Flag status, meaning the water is noted for its clarity and cleanliness. In fact, the beach is so wonderful that sometimes all else is overlooked. Sperlonga, like many Italian hill towns, has an Old Town, the Centro Storico. The Centro Storico is on a cliff and dates back to medieval times. Its white buildings, punctuated with bright pink bougainvillea, are redolent of a Greek fishing village. It’s definitely worth a stroll and is a perfect spot to have an aperitivo as you wait for the bus to the train station.

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Tucked away on a quiet street in the center of town, this intimate restaurant has a quintessential Old World vibe. Inside, there are brick arches and decor that references the town's ancient history, but the terrace is the place to be on a warm evening. As you'd expect in a beach town, seafood is the star of the menu here. (Even restaurant critic Ruth Reichl can't resist Sperlonga's seafood .) The dishes are fairly traditional, featuring classics like spaghetti alle vongole, risotto alla pescatora, and the catch of the day. For the best meal, ask the waiter what's fresh and trust their recommendation.

The Villa of Tiberius Arrow

The archeological ruins of the Villa of Tiberius, the Roman emperor who ruled from 17 to 42 CE, were long rumored to lie somewhere between Rome and Naples . Finally discovered in 1957, they testify to this importance of this whitewashed seaside town that's been all but forgotten since its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s. Legend has it, Sperlonga was a stop on Odysseus's journey, and a group of ancient sculptures depicting scenes from the Odyssey were found in the grotto adjacent to the villa. Anyone can wander the ruins of the villa, but you have to pay a 5 Euro admission fee to enter the museum where the statues are now kept.

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This 17th-century tower stands out like a strange, geometric sentinel atop a hill overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. After the town was sacked by pirates in the 16th century, it was erected to protect the area from further attacks. There's not much to do in the tower, but its breathtaking views are worth a quick stop. You can just walk up to it via a path in town or from the beach below.

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These ancient caves are believed to date back to the mesozoic era, though they weren't opened to tourists until the 1980s. Now, you can see them on an hour-long guided tour. Just be warned, not all the guides speak English. The caves are in a pretty remote part of Lazio, about a 50-minute drive inland from Sperlonga, so the people who go are pretty committed to seeking them out (and not afraid of bats).

The Gardens of Ninfa Arrow

This tranquil garden is beautifully manicured and tightly controlled by the Roffredo Caetani Foundation—Caetani was the godson of composer Franz Liszt and married a wealthy English woman who cultivated the garden. It's a feast for the eyes with several types of roses, magnolias, wisteria, and other flowers blooming in spring and summer. Don't miss the man-made lake, where divers discovered the foundations of a Roman temple.

Pasticceria Fiorelli Arrow

This small café and gelateria is a typical, no-frills affair with a big glass case full of pastries, a nice selection of gelato ( as good as any in you'll find in Rome !), an espresso machine, and some liquor for aperitivo. There's no room to sit inside, but there are plenty of tables outside on the piazza. Locals and visitors come here throughout the day for breakfast—cappuccino and cornetto is typical in these parts—gelato, and aperitivo in the evening.

Virgilio Grand Hotel Arrow

This is a clean, modern hotel conveniently located a short walk from Sperlonga's beaches and ideal for a short, one-to-two-night stay. Rooms feature simple, modern furnishings, air conditioning (which isn't guaranteed at hotels in this area), a TV, and a minibar with complimentary soft drinks. The cheapest rooms have sloping mansard roofs that could be problematic for tall guests; the nicest rooms have a small terrace. The property has an outdoor pool and jacuzzi, and a buffet breakfast is included in the room rate.

Antico Caffè Trani Arrow

Antico Caffè Trani is exactly the kind of carefree sidewalk café that makes you want to linger over an aperitivo or espresso. It's located in a prime people-watching spot on the main piazza in Sperlonga's historic center. Snag one of the director's chairs and enjoy the view. The cafe serves a lunch and dinner menu of pastas, seafood, grilled veggies, and caprese salad. The food is best for when you want an easy, no-fuss meal.

Levante Beach Arrow

The water is glorious at this Blue Flag beach, warm enough to swim during the spring, summer, and early fall. It does get very crowded during the summer. Non-summer weekdays are fantastic, though. It can be a bit of a hike to get to this beach, but it's worth it. This is one of the nicest beaches on the Italian west coast . It's a perfect place to come for a break from hectic and hot Rome. Inside tip: be on the lookout for jellyfish. Some may pop up when the water is very warm.

Orvieto is a small hill town in Umbria.  It’s a perfect and easy day trip from Rome. Set on a cliff of tufa rock (no worries there’s a funicular), this charming town offers specular views, excellent food, and incredible art. Orvieto is known for its local white wine, known as Orvieto Classico, and its olive oil. This is the place to get lost in the pretty side streets—and underneath the streets. There are more than 1,200 caves and tunnels that wind below the town that were built by the Etruscans during the third century BC. But the major attraction is the Duomo, built in 1290. 

Torre del Moro Arrow

This grand watchtower has 250 steps that lead to an incredible 360-degree view of the city. It's a must-see for the panoramic views and the surrounding countryside. This is perfect for people who love a good climb, with a lookout that makes it worth it.

Il Duomo di Orvieto Arrow

The Duomo was started in 1290. But it took three centuries, 33 architects, 152 sculptors, 68 painters, and 90 mosaic masters to complete. It's a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. There is no fee to enter the Duomo, but visitors should get there early during high season as it is a popular attraction. Once inside, look for the San Brizio Chapel. Within, Luca Signorelli's nudes became famous for the subject matter and the form. His breathtaking frescos are considered some of the most important works of the Renaissance. They inspired Michelangelo’s own Last Judgment for the Sistine Chapel . 

Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini Arrow

This renovated 16th century palazzo still retains its charm and history and is located right in the center of town. Once owned by the powerful papal Piccolomini family, it still has many original features, like arches and wooden ceilings. Often renovations of older palazzos strip the space of all character. That was not the case with this hotel. There is a fun bar in the lobby but no restaurant on site. Breakfast (included) is the standard European style and consists of lots of pastries, fruit, cheeses, scrambled eggs, and coffee. The central location makes it a cinch to get to all the sites. 

L'Oste del Re Arrow

Immediately, there is a relaxed atmosphere at L'Oste del Re. People come here for their pork dishes, reasonable prices, and overall good food. The crowd is a mix of locals and tourists; it's not a pretentious place. They have a solid selection of local wine—it is Italy, after all! And when it comes to the food, your best bet is anything and everything made with cinghiale (wild boar).

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Best day trips from Rome

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updated 05.07.2023

Do day trips from Rome because they're easy, let you escape the summer heat and give you a bit of an antiquity break. They're also the chance to breathe country air or even visit the beach. Take a look at our pick of the best day trips from Rome here.

1. Tivoli - one of the easiest day trips from Rome

• 2. Villa Adriana - the Roman Empire's largest villa

3. Ostia - alternative day trips to Pompeii from Rome

4. santa severa - escape to the seaside from rome.

• 5. Anzio - home to some of Italy's best beaches

6. Capalbio - over the border in Tuscany

7. hill towns of tuscany - for a rural getaway, 8. castel gandolfo - for stunning lake views, 9. pompeii and mount vesuvius - the challenging day trips from rome for history enthusiasts, 10. orvieto - home to one of the greatest gothic buildings in italy, 11. ponza - the island getaway from rome, 12. santa marinella - relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of rome, tailor-made travel itineraries for italy, created by local experts.

8 days  / from 2622 USD

Experience the hit TV show 'The White Lotus' in Sicily

Stay in beautiful Taormina with gorgeous views of Mount Etna and discover Sicily, including famous filming locations. Go on exclusive wine tastings, discover the Greek theater in Taormina with a private guide, visit other Sicilian towns and enjoy the crystal clear water on this week-long trip.

8 days  / from 3258 USD

Enchanting Italian Lakes

Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, with this self-drive trip!

16 days  / from 3258 USD

From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

From the atmospheric canals of Venice and the picturesque coastline of Cinque Terre, to the trendy designer boutiques of Milan and the Renaissance-infused streets of Florence, Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive trip.

Tivoli sits on the Aniene River close to Rome and it's a favourite weekend escape for Romans. Follow their lead and spend a day touring the stunning Tivoli Villas which are famous for good reason.

Leave plenty of time to explore the spectacular Villa d'Este for its Mannerist frescoes and glorious gardens. And Villa Gregoriana is best known for its dramatic grounds which include Roman temples, waterfalls, forests and impressive natural caves.

Savour la dolce vita on this fantastic tailor-made Italian dream trip . Discover ancient history and take a cookery class in Rome, before marvelling at the Baroque architecture and iconic Mount Etna on the island of Sicily.

Villa d'Este is one of the favourite day trips from Rome by train © Marco Rubino/Shutterstock

2. Villa Adriana - the Roman Empire's largest villa

Villa Adriana dates back to 135 AD and sits just outside Tivoli. It was the largest villa in the Roman Empire and was originally constructed as a retirement home for Emperor Hadrian.

The villa's details were reportedly inspired by Hadrian's world travels, so don't be surprised to see influences from Athens or references to Alexandria as you wander around. You may want more than a day to explore, so think about staying at Casale Colleoni in Tivoli.

Roman Ruins inside the Great Baths at Villa Adriana (Hadrian's Villa), Tivoli, Italy © Shutterstock

Lido di Ostia is Rome's seaside resort and is justifiably popular for its nightlife. But it has another claim to fame, Ostia Antica , the extraordinary Port of Ostia excavations which are often compared to Pompeii in terms of the quality of their preservation.

This exceptional historic site was discovered encased in Tiber mud and is now considered to be one of the world's finest examples of an ancient Roman town. So it's complex and fascinating and best explored on an Ostia Antica guided walking tour.

Visit Pompeii-like Ostia Antica on day trips from Rome© marcovarro/Shutterstock

Easy to reach Santa Severa might be low on historic sites, but it's great for beaches and less than an hour's drive northwest of Rome . The coast here is known for long, unbroken stretches of sand and a number of free, public beaches which are perfect for soaking up the summer sun that's often a shade too hot in the centre of Rome in July and August.

Take a break from the seaside to visit the local castle and browse its small museum. And if you can't resist a bit longer by the coast, hang out in Severa for a day or two and stay at Ostello del Castello di Santa on the seafront.

Welcome to this whirlwind tailor-made trip to Eternal Rome , also known as the Eternal City. Rome is one of the most photogenic cities on earth, so make sure you pack your camera.

Aerial view of Santa Severa on the coast and the sea, Lazio in Italy © Shutterstock

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5. Anzio - home to some of Italy's best beaches

For more amazing coastline try Anzio, only 40km from Rome and often said to have some of the best beaches in Italy . It's also great for seafood restaurants around the harbour and comes with an interesting military history.

If you can tear yourself off the sands, you'll find both US and UK war cemeteries in Anzio and the small WWII museum in town is well worth an hour of your time. Or really get to know the local area with a stay at Surf & Windsurfer House near Tor Caldera Beach.

Several great beaches are easy day trips from Rome by train © mdlart/Shutterstock

Amazingly, even Tuscany is a doable day trip from Rome. Start with the arty village of Capalbio and reward your spirit of adventure with beautiful beaches just a short walk from the train station.

Capalbio is only about 100km northwest of Rome, so it's either an easy drive or a very pretty rail journey, depending on your mood. And if you only have time for one local sight make it the Giardino dei Tarocchi sculpture garden just outside the village.

Capalbio, little ancient medieval town in Tuscany, Italy © Shutterstock

Tuscany ’s hill towns epitomize the region for many visitors; San Gimignano is the most popular, but don’t miss Montepulciano, Montalcino and Cortona. San Gimignano - one of Italy's most iconic hill towns makes one of the best day trips from Rome. The town attracts hordes of tourists in summer but it's still a delight to explore and possibly one of the reasons Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world .

The easiest way to get to San Gimignano from Rome is to take the high-speed train to Florence, which takes about 1.5-2 hours. Then take a regional train or bus to San Gimignano, which will probably take around 1-2 hours depending on the type of transport.

Stay at a beautiful hotel in San Gimignano, a medieval hill town halfway between Florence and Siena. Tuscany is known for its wines and food and that's what you'll be exploring on this tailor-made trip - several wine and food pairings await.

Where to stay in San Gimignano

• For historical charm: A La Casa Dei Potenti
• For outstanding views: B&B I Coppi

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Find more accommodation options to stay in San Gimignano

Montepulciano © Shutterstock

Castel Gandolfo is a picturesque town located approximately 15 miles southeast of Rome and is known as a pleasantly airy place, which enjoys great views over Lake Albano. It's among the popular day trips from Rome, especially during the summer months.

To get to Castel Gandolfo from Rome, you can take a train from Roma Termini station to Castel Gandolfo station, which takes about 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Rome to Castel Gandolfo, which takes about an hour.

Relax on a bus journey to Castel Gandolfo , just 25km from Rome, and visit the exclusive Papal Palace and Barberini Gardens with an audio-guided tour.

Aerial view of the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, Italy © Shutterstock

A day trip from Rome to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius is definitely achievable, but it will be a long day. The easiest way to get there is by taking a high-speed train to Naples, which takes about an hour. From here, you can take the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii (which takes about 30 minutes) and then a bus or taxi up to Mount Vesuvius (which takes about 30-40 minutes).

To be sure of seeing as much as possible you could consider taking a tour, although one of the pleasures of Pompeii is to escape the hordes and absorb the strangely still quality of the town, which, despite a large number of visitors, it is quite possible to do.

Travel from Rome to the ancient city of Pompeii via air-conditioned coach, and then discover the resorts of Amalfi and Positano on the Amalfi Coast. Get insights from a local guide and venture off the beaten path.

Statue of Apollo, Pompeii © BlackMac/Shutterstock

Out on a limb from the rest of Umbria, Orvieto is perfectly placed between Rome and Florence and serves as one of the best day trips from Rome. Visitors flood into the town, drawn by the Duomo, one of the greatest Gothic buildings in Italy. It is the first impressions of Orvieto from afar that tend to linger; its position is almost as remarkable and famous as its cathedral.

The town, rising 300m sheer from the valley floor, sits on a tabletop plug of volcanic lava, one of four such remnants in the vicinity. Orvieto’s old centre is compact and walkable: all of the main sights are within a twenty-minute stroll of the Duomo.

Where to stay in Orvieto

• For rural stays: Agriturismo Cioccoleta
• For central location: Hotel Duomo

Find more accommodation options to stay in Orvieto

Orvieto © BlackMac/Shutterstock

Scattered across the sea between Rome and Naples, the Pontine islands are relatively unknown to foreign travellers . The latter bustles with Italian tourists, especially Romans, between mid-June and the end of August, but at any other time, it’s yours for the asking.

The group’s main island, Ponza, is only 8km long and 2km across at its widest point. Ponza Town is a sight to behold: a jumble of pastel-coloured, flat-roofed houses heaped above a pink semicircle of the promenade that curls around the harbour. It makes a marvellous place for day trips from Rome. Although the island lacks specific sights, Ponza is great for aimless wandering.

Discover the beauty of the Pontine Islands, and enjoy sunning, swimming and snorkelling, on this Ponza Island trip from Rome .

Ponza © BlackMac/Shutterstock

Santa Marinella is a seaside town located on the Tyrrhenian coast. The town is particularly popular as a destination for day trips from Rome thanks to its beautiful beaches and the Medieval Castello Odescalchi, which is open to visitors. The easiest way to get to Santa Marinella from Rome is by train. The journey takes about one hour, and there are frequent trains from Rome's Termini Station.

Landscape of Tourist Port of Santa Marinella, Lazio, Italy © Shutterstock

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Best day trips from Rome

What to do near rome italy - 12x best day trips, tours and excursions.

What to do and places of interest in the Rome region? Tips for experiencing the best day tours, excursions and day trips from Rome Italy.

12x Excursions and day trips from Rome

Rome is a fantastic city that itself offers a wealth of history, architecture, cultural experiences, art and a lot things to do . However, the Rome region has several hidden gems just waiting to be discovered, making a day trip the ideal way to explore the area. In the Rome region you will find various nice places such as the villas of Tivoli, the Roman Via Appia, the excavations of the ancient port city of Ostia Antica or take a day trip to other highlights in Italy such as Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. There is so much to do around Rome; the availability of countless fun day trips from Rome Italy makes the city the perfect destination for an unforgettable trip, both for young and old. The 12 Best tours and day trips from Rome :

Within 30 km from Rome

• Villa d’Este & Adriana in Tivoli
• Cycling the Appian Way
• Ostia Antica
• Castel Gandolfo

Day trips beyond 30 km

• Amalfi Coast
• Rest Tuscany
• Orvieto & Assisi
• Italian Islands: Capri or Ponza

1. Villa d’Este & Adriana in Tivoli (29 km)

Tivoli is a town located 29 kilometers east of Rome in the Lazio region of central Italy. Tivoli is hidden deep in the green mountains of the Monti Tiburtini. Tivoli is easy to reach by train from Rome. The city has countless attractions that will undoubtedly enchant you. Main reasons to visit Tivoli are the classic villas full of history, enchanting gardens and rich culture. Popular points of interest in Tivoli include Villa d'Este , Villa Adriana and Villa Gregoriana.

A beautiful garden and a Renaissance palace await you at Villa d'Este, while at Villa Adriana you can admire the Roman remains of the former home of Emperor Hadrian. Another well-known villa that you can explore if you come to Tivoli a day trip from Rome is Villa Gregoriana . At Villa Gregoriana you can view the large waterfalls in the beautifully landscaped gardens. Tivoli is an easy day tour from Rome ( book your Tivoli day trip now ) and a true paradise for culture buffs and nature lovers.

More Tivoli

2. Cycling on the Appian Way (7 km)

You can experience ancient Rome in a great way by cycling the Via Appia , just over ten kilometers away from Rome city centre. The Appia is one of the oldest access roads to the city. If you choose to go on a bike ride, it feels like traveling through time. You cycle past historical and cultural sights and you can view various highlights. In addition, at the Via Appia you can also explore the impressive Catacombs of San Callisto, where the early Christian community buried its dead.

📌 Tip : The best way to discover the Via Appia is with a comfortable bike tour ( more info and booking of bike tours ). You will learn more about the history of Rome as you travel the Via Appia Antica and you will come across numerous majestic aqueducts, catacombs and ancient tombs.

More Via Appia

3. Ostia Antica (30 km)

Only 30 kilometers from Rome, there is a fascinating historical destination: Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica. In Ostia Antica you will come across the excavations of the ancient Roman port city. During this day trip from Rome you will learn everything about the impressive Roman remains. You can also walk for hours between the Roman excavations. Ostia Antica was once the bustling port city of ancient Rome. This full-day trip by train to Ostia Antica offers travelers the chance to wander peacefully among the ancient ruins and learn about the history and daily life of explore ancient Rome. An additional advantage is that this day tour can also be easily combined with a visit to the nearby beach of Lido di Ostia, one of the most popular beaches around Rome.

More Ostia Antica

4. Castel Gandolfo (25 km)

A unique destination awaits just 25 kilometers southeast of Rome. We're talking about Castel Gandolfo , a picturesque town known for the Pope's summer residence, the 'Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo'. Castel Gandolfo is located on the verdant Alban Hills and has a population of just 8,000. The town is easy to reach, for example by train, but also as an organized day trip from Rome. The highlight of Castel Gandolfo is without a doubt the papal summer residence. You can explore the Apostolic Palace, the Villa Cybo and the Villa Barberini, among others. This unique villa complex in Castel Gandolfo offers travelers the chance to experience papal life and enjoy the town's beautiful surroundings. For visiting the palace it is useful to book your tickets in advance .

More Castel Gandolfo

Day trips further away from Rome

5. excursion to pompeii (241 km).

Pompeii is located 241 kilometers south of Rome and is one of the most impressive day trips from Rome Italy. Pompeii is an archaeological treasure where you learn all about an ancient Roman city and its intact remains which lay under volcanic ash and pumice for centuries after the eruption of nearby Vesuvius . Pompeii is even on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A day trip to Pompeii can be combined with a climb of the Vesuvius volcano or with a guided tour of the neighboring city of Naples. You will have the chance to climb Mount Vesuvius and enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples. For a smooth day trip from Rome, it is best to use organized day tours with a comfortable bus. You can choose from the following day trips from Rome :

• Transfer to Pompeii without a guide ( More info and bookings )
• Day trip to Pompeii with guide ( More info and bookings )
• Day trip Pompeii + Vesuvius ( More info and bookings )
• Day trip Pompeii + Amalfi Coast ( More info and bookings )
• Day trip Pompeii + Naples ( More info and bookings )

6. Amalfi Coast Tour (273 km)

Another recommendation while in Rome is to take a full-day tour of the Amalfi Coast. At 273 kilometers south of Rome you will find this Amalfi Coast, an area full of beautiful cliffs, picturesque villages and pearly white beaches with blue waters. A must-see highlight of this full-day tour is Positano. Positano is a picturesque town nestled against the hills, with several narrow alleys and colorful houses, combined with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea.

📌 Tip : This organized full day tour of the Amalfi Coast is an ideal way to experience this famous coastline, giving you the opportunity to explore the different places of the Amalfi Coast in a relaxed way to discover. Some of these excursions are combined with a visit to Pompeii.

7. Florence (275 km)

Located 275 kilometers north of Rome is the beautiful city of Florence , one of Italy's most culturally rich destinations. This day trip offers travelers the opportunity to discover the rich history and cultural highlights of Florence, even if you only have one day to explore the region. In Florence you can enjoy numerous historical sites and works of art, including the iconic Duomo , the Uffizi Museum and the Ponte Vecchio. When you take a walk on the cobbled streets, you can immediately admire the impressive architecture and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city. Another highlight in Florence is visiting the Galleria dell'Accademia, where you can admire Michelangelo's famous sculpture 'David'. You can visit Florence with the high-speed train, which takes you to the city in just over an hour and a half from the train station in Rome.

More Florence tips

8. Rest of Tuscany

An hour and a half drive north of Rome is Tuscany, a region known for its beautiful landscapes. Tuscany is filled with hills and vineyards, but also with charming villages. Several day trips offer an escape from the bustle of Rome and the chance to experience the tranquility of the Tuscan countryside. For example, the day tour will allow you to visit the most picturesque places, including Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa. Here you can enjoy medieval architecture, historic squares and well-known sights such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. A highlight of other day trips is, for example, a wine tasting in this Chianti region, where you can enjoy the delicious Tuscan cuisine and local wines in a picturesque setting ( see more excursions in Tuscany ).

9. Orvieto & Assisi (121 km)

The beautiful cities of Orvieto and Assisi are located 121 kilometers north of Rome. These are cities brimming with history, spirituality, culture and architecture. This fun day trip from Rome offers an escape from Italy's bustling capital while also giving you the opportunity to explore the culture of these unique cities. On this full-day tour from Rome, you will have the chance to admire the huge Cathedral of Orvieto , a well-known cathedral perched on a hilltop. You can also admire the picturesque landscapes and hills as you travel between Orvieto and Assisi. You can also visit the beautiful Catholic Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi . Booking a day tour to Orvieto and Assisi ( more info and booking day trips ) is the ideal way to escape the bustle of Rome and enjoy the beautiful nature at the same time of the environment.

10. Italian Islands: Capri or Ponza

If you're looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Rome, the Italian islands of Capri and Ponza offer the perfect solution. At quite a distance from the city are the Pontic Islands. These are islands where you can enjoy the sun, crystal clear waters, relaxation, conviviality and a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea. There are several boat trips that take you to these Italian islands during 1 day, including the island of Ponza . Here you can snorkel, swim and enjoy local seafood. For a different island experience, you can choose to explore the popular island of Capri . This day trip to Capri offers the opportunity to discover the panoramic views and charming streets of Capri. You can walk through the winding alleys and admire the famous Blue Grotto cave. Both islands offer an unforgettable escape from the hustle and bustle of Rome. These day trips from Rome are the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the Italian islands. Choose the island you want to visit below:

• Day trip to Capri ( More info and bookings )
• Day trip to Ponza ( More info and bookings )

11. Etruscan City of the Dead in Cerveteri (44 km)

The fascinating Etruscan City of the Dead in Cerveteri is only 44 kilometers from Rome. During this day tour experience the mysterious Etruscan civilization while exploring the entire region. The town of Cerveteri is known for its impressive necropolis, where you can walk among ancient tombs and burial chambers carved into the rock. In addition, during this day tour to Cerveteri learn all about Etruscan life and their beliefs about death. You will also learn about the unique architecture of the burial chambers and about the rituals and traditions that were practiced there in ancient times.

12. Bracciano (47 km)

The charming town of Bracciano is only 47 kilometers northwest of Rome . You can enjoy the serene surroundings of Lake Bracciano during this day trip. Surrounded by scenic hills, the picturesque town offers a laid-back atmosphere that is perfect for travelers looking to get away for the day. A highlight of a visit to Bracciano is the castle of Odescalchi, which rises high above the town. This medieval castle is known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance, as it once served as the venue for many a well-known wedding. In addition to the castle, you can also enjoy a stroll along the picturesque streets of Bracciano where you can explore local shops, restaurants and cafes.

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Top 25 Things to do in Rome

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Home » Travel Guides » Italy » 15 Best Day Trips from Rome

15 Best Day Trips from Rome

Not only is Rome one of the most culturally significant cities in the world but also one of the most romantic too.

With over 3,000 years of historical preservation to explore there is no lack of things to do in Rome.

Once you have ticked of the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Roman Forum it is time to get exploring a little further afield.

From rugged coastlines to sprawling vineyards, from medieval villages to Italy’s thriving cityscapes there is a wealth of day trips from Rome just lying in wait for you.

Let’s have a look at the best day trips from Rome :

1. Florence

If you’re a culture vulture, a lover of fine art or are simply a curator of the curious then you will fall in love with Florence for sure.

Home to countless museums, galleries and fashion workshops anyone with a critical eye for the finer things in life will thoroughly love every moment in Florence.

Must-visit museums include the Uffizi Gallery which is home to masterpieces by Raphael, Botticelli and Caravaggio.

The Gucci Museum provides fascinating insights into the evolution of modern fashion through the eyes of world famous fashion house, Gucci.

You will find Michelangelo’s magnificent ‘David’ sculpture at the Galleria dell’Accademia.

2. Vatican City

The Vatican City is the highlight of any visit to Rome and the complex lies within Rome itself.

The full-time residence of the Pope, the Vatican City has a wealth of religious significance to explore and a myriad of architectural wonder to appreciate.

The Vatican Gardens provide a welcome respite from comparative chaos of Rome.

The Vatican Museums are simply incredible and whether you’re of faith or not there is no denying the beauty and splendour that is captured in the art on display.

Naturally, the Sistine Chapel is not to be missed and is the highlight of the day.

The Sistine Chapel houses Michelangelo’s masterpiece ‘The Last Judgement’ which is humbling to observe.

Pompeii is one of the oldest historical sites in the world and dates all the way back to 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted and obliterated the town below.

It is possible to hike to the summit of Mount Vesuvius in just 20-minutes.

The hike sees you pass old lava flows and rugged pumice stone and soft volcanic ash too.

The views from the top, down into the crater are incredible and as the volcano is still active steam escapes from rocky vents out into the air.

When you return to ground level you can roam around the ancient ruins of Pompeii and learn about what life was like in Roman times.

4. Hadrian’s Villa & Villa D’Este

The city of Tivoli is home to not one but two of Italy’s most ornate and well preserved Roman villas; Hadrian’s Villa and Villa D’Este.

Hadrian’s Villa was constructed in the 2nd Century by fearsome Emperor Hadrian and is in immaculate order, all things considered.

Once you have visited the thermal baths, the temples and the palaces you can move on to Villa D’Este.

Once home to the son of Lucrezia Borgia, Villa D’Este has beautiful gardens, dozens of elaborate fountains and waterfalls too.

The stories to be heard at Villa D’Este are quite unbelievable, the villas are best explored with an accompanying tour guide.

Naples is the gateway city to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii and although you can tick both off in one day this coastal city is deserving of a day trip all of its own.

The Royal Palace of Naples is a treat to explore as is Castel Naples and National Archeological Museum.

For any traveller with an avid interest in Roman history a visit to Naples is essential.

Naples is home to some of the best pizza restaurants in all of Italy, you could, in fact, partake in a food tour of Naples.

To try some of the best pizza in the world get yourself a table at Pizzeria Dal Presidente or Pizzeria Starita.

You won’t be disappointed.

6. Cinque Terre

Easily one of the most picturesque portions of coastline in all of Europe falls along the Italian Riviera in the form of Cinque Terre.

This collection of traditional villages and market towns is a joy to explore.

Each of the five villages has a distinctly different feel but each share the colourful houses, family run restaurants and breathtaking views of the Italian Riviera.

This area is famed for being the authentic home of pesto so do ensure that you sample some while you’re here.

It is really something else.

If you need to get some exercise in after all the rich Italian food then get hiking along the Sentiero Azzurro cliffside trails.

7. Assisi & Orvieto

If you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of Rome then a day trip to Assisi & Orvieto will be a welcomed change of pace.

The first port of call should be the Umbrian hill town of Orvieto to visit the magnificent Cathedral of Orvieto.

Just outside of Orvieto town you will find dozens of exquisite and world renowned wineries that are open for tastings throughout the day.

This area of Tuscany is best known for its Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino wines.

A visit to Assisi makes for a nice coupling with Orvieto and there you’ll find the birthplace of St Francis and the Basilica named after him.

There is also the Temple of Minerva and the People’s Palace to visit too.

8. Ninfa Garden

Considered to be one of the most beautiful garden complexes in all of Europe a day trip to the Ninfa Gardens is not only genuinely relaxing but truly fascinating.

These gardens have inspired great authors like Virginia Woolf.

There are over 1,300 plant species in the Ninfa Gardens and the surrounding villages and each play a vital role in this thriving ecosystem.

A visit to the Ninfa Garden is ideal for budding botanists, avid macro-photographers and lovers of the great outdoors.

You can couple a visit to Ninfa Gardens with a stroll around Sermoneta, a near perfectly preserved medical Italian town that lies just down the road.

9. Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most luxurious holiday destinations around and many people choose to have their city experience in Rome and then vacate to the Amalfi Coast for a holiday all of its own.

During a day trip it is possible to get a taste for the beauty and rustic charm of the Amalfi Coast that will surely make you want to up sticks and emigrate.

The coastline naturally twists and turns and around every corner lies another picturesque rural village and an even more magical view of the ocean.

Positano is a wonderful, colourful little resort town that makes for a great spot for lunch.

The island of Capri is a luxurious gem that lies in the Bay of Naples.

Best experienced with a half-day boat trip, Capri is home to a number of high-fashion boutiques and opulent hotels.

Famed for its limoncello this is the place to stock up on the zesty aperitif before you return home.

Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Blue Grotto, Capri’s best loved natural wonder.

The Blue Grotto is a coastal cavern where the sea glows in iridescent, electric blue hues.

Other draws to Capri include the Faraglioni cliff and cave for geography lovers, the Villa San Michele for literature lovers and Monte Solaro for lovers of the great outdoors.

The city of Siena has just as much historical and cultural charm as Rome, without the mighty crowds and the excessive price tags.

The first stop on a day trip to Siena should be to the Piazza del Campo and Palazzo Pubblico that lie at the heart of the city.

The most iconic landmark of the city square is Torre del Mangia which towers above the city and is, in fact, a medieval belfry.

Siena Cathedral is quite the spectacle, inside and out.

With Romanesque-Gothic features the Siena Cathedral is an architectural wonder.

12. Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo is one of the most easily accessible day trips from Rome and one of the most picturesque too.

Sitting amidst the Alban Hills Castel Gandolfo looks out over the tranquil Lake Albano.

It is possible to learn about history, art and culture at Castel Gandolfo by visiting Palazzo Pontificio or perhaps the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo.

Should a more modern day trip be in order then you can book a session at the Fugacemente Escape Room, having a game or two at the Cross Road Bowling Club or even get out on the Lake Albano with Paddle Lab.

Castel Gandolfo really offers something for everyone.

13. Montecassino Abbey

Italy is famed for many things, the Colosseum, the Amalfi Coast and of course the Montecassino Abbey.

Known the world over for being the spot where, in 529 Saint Benedict decided to build a monastery home for himself and the monks from Subiaco.

There is such a varied history to learn about at Montecassino Abbey.

In 577 Montecassino Abbey was destroyed by the Langobards, fast forward to 1944 and it was flattened once more by a wartime bombardment.

For a such a scared and spiritual place Montecassino Abbey has a bloody history.

It is possible to couple a visit to Montecassino Abbey with a tour of WWII battlefields in the Montecassino area.

14. Sorrento

Sorrento is a quintessentially Italian resort town that lies on the Amalfi Coast, facing out to the peaceful Bay of Naples.

If you’re in the mood for a relaxed day trip filled with cafe-hopping and window-shopping then Sorrento is the place for you.

Set into the cliffs, Sorrento is colourful and charming.

Although right on the coast there is no real beach at Sorrento but with winding streets and cafe terraces all offering breathtaking seaside views the lack of sand is seldom missed.

Piazza Tasso is where you’ll find the best restaurants and cafes in town.

15. Val d’Orcia

The Val d’Orcia is Tuscany’s most beautiful wine region and his one to some of the most famous wineries in the world.

You can spend a day driving or cycling through the Val d’Orcia stopping at each winery and olive grove as you go.

Whether you’re interested in wine or not Val d’Orica makes for a wonderful day trip from Rome.

The rolling hills and valleys are incredibly photogenic and in the early hours and late afternoon the sun kisses the landscape just perfectly.

Towns nestled within Val d’Orcia like Pienza and Montalcino are well worth visiting too.

15 Best Day Trips from Rome:

• Vatican City
• Hadrian’s Villa & Villa D’Este
• Cinque Terre
• Assisi & Orvieto
• Ninfa Garden
• Amalfi Coast
• Castel Gandolfo
• Montecassino Abbey
• Val d'Orcia

23 Fantastic Day Trips From Rome (2024)

By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: March 4, 2024

Home >> Europe >> Italy Travel Guide >> 23 Fantastic Day Trips From Rome (2024)

We have learned that Rome’s proximity to other Italian cities makes it a very logical base for exploring more of Italy without too much effort. There are so many great day trips from Rome it makes sense to spend a little longer in Italy’s capital.

We recently jumped on a train from Rome to Naples for lunch – the pizza is that good!

There are so many great days away from the capital for every interest. These top day trips from Rome will help you plan your perfect Italian itinerary.

Not sure where to stay in Rome? See our guide to the best neighborhoods in Rome to stay for every travel style.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world , Rome is an intoxicating city filled with rich culture, centuries of history, and world-class attractions. There is so much to see and do in Rome , from discovering world-famous antiquities to incredible Roman food tours . But, there are also many incredible attractions a short distance from Rome.

From day trips by train to guided day tours and leisurely drives through the Italian countryside, there are many ways to discover so much more of Italy within a short distance from Rome.

Table of Contents

How to Get Around

The best way to achieve most of these day trips is by train. Day trips from Rome by train offer a very efficient way to explore nearby cities such as Florence and Naples and many smaller towns and villages.

There are plenty of day trips by train where you can visit grand cathedrals, picturesque countryside, and charming villages steeped in history. Best of all, you can be back in Rome in time for dinner.

If you prefer more organized tours with a guide, there are lots of options for day tours from Rome. Sometimes, tours are the best way to experience destinations where public transport can be difficult.

Experience hassle-free guided excursions through some of the region’s most stunning locations—from hilltop towns like Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio to the Amalfi Coast and the ruins of Pompeii, with knowledgeable guides to provide insight into each destination’s history and culture.

We have highlighted the best day tours from Rome, where we believe they are good value and offer the best experience.

In some cases, public transport or tours might be available, but hiring a car may offer a better experience, as in the case of the Tuscan countryside or the Castelli Romani. Car hire from Rome is easy – you can take the train to the airport and collect a car there for a day or two to avoid driving in the middle of the city.

Find the Best Car Rental Deals for Italy

When we travel, we use  Discover Cars  for car rental as they aggregate the best local deals, have no hidden fees and offer free cancellation.

Tip:  Always check if you have car rental insurance included on your travel insurance or with your credit card company before paying any additional to the rental car company. 

Search the Best Car Rental Deals in Italy .

The 23 Best Day Trips from Rome

Vatican city.

While essentially in Rome, Vatican City is a different country and a full day in itself.

Vatican City is one of the most popular day trips from Rome, and it is easy to see why. Visitors can marvel at some of the world’s most famous works of art in St. Peter’s Basilica and take in a stunning view from atop St. Peter’s Square.

Visit the immense Vatican Museums, Michael Angelo’s Sistine Chapel, and the stunning Vatican Gardens.

With its rich history and diversity of experiences, Vatican City provides an unforgettable day for every visitor.

There are so many experiences in the Vatican. We have compiled some of the best Vatican tours here to help you choose the best experience.

How to Get to Vatican City From Rome

It is easy to reach Vatican City using the Rome Metro system. Take line A to Ottaviano-S. Pietro outside the Vatican walls. Trains every few minutes. It’s a 5-minute walk from the Metro to St Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums.

Castelli Romani

The Castelli Romani are a group of small towns and villages located 20 km southeast of Rome. These picturesque hillside settlements are among some of the most popular day trips from Rome, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Italian life.

The hill towns of Castelli Romani have long been a summer escape for Roman aristocrats and affluent popes. Nowadays, it is a highly sought-after destination for experiencing local cuisine and savoring exquisite wines.

From delicious artichoke dishes to luscious local wines like Frascati Superiore DOCG or Di Montefiascone DOCG, foodies will be spoiled for choice when exploring these charming towns located near Lake Albano.

If you don’t have a car, your two top choices for a hassle-free day are Frascati and Castel Gandolfo — both towns are accessible by train in less than an hour .

Frascati is the most important of the Castelli Romani (the castle towns of the Alban Hills). Best known for its beautiful 16th and 17th century villas belonging to old noble families, it is still a popular summer retreat for Romans today.

Beyond the grand villas bulging with artworks gifted by a bygone Roman aristocracy, you can savor local wine while feasting at one of its renowned fraschette eateries.

Join a wine and food experience with a local guide. You can take a guided tour of an iconic family-owned winery to sample local wines, followed by lunch at a local trattoria. See here for details of this experience . There are also some fantastic cooking classes in Frascati. You can see our pick for the best cooking classes in and around Rome here .

Explore Piazza Roma and the nearby Piazza Marconi, two of Frascati’s most recognizable landmarks. A visit to the Cathedral of Saint Peter in the historic center is a must. Further south lies Villa Torlonia, boasting a breathtaking garden setting with lush greenery and tranquil waterways.

Above Piazza Marconi is Villa Aldobrandini. The only grand Papal garden not owned by the state, it features terraces, fountains, cascades, and unparalleled views. The grand Teatro delle Acque (“Water Theater”) fountain by Carlo Maderno and Orazio Olivieri is extraordinary, with its curved terraces enveloping cascading fountains.

Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo is a great destination for a day trip from the capital. Situated on the edge of Lake Albano in the Alban Hills, Castel Gandolfo offers stunning views and plenty to see and do. From visiting the Papal Palace and its beautiful gardens to exploring the town with its charming streets, quaint shops, and trattorias, there’s something here for everyone.

Castel Gandolfo offers a lot, whether you are looking for a breath of fresh air not far from the city or simply want to soak up some history.

Tour Tip : Castel Gandolfo is one of our favorite Vatican tours . It is included in the Vatican Museums & Castel Gandolfo Pope’s Summer Residence Day Trip , including the Vatican Museums, Vatican Gardens, the Vatican Train to Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, lunch, and much more. See here for bookings and details .

How to get to Castelli Romani from Rome

The Castelli Romani is best explored by car as many towns are not connected to the train service. However, several regional buses service the towns from the metro stop Anagnina.

From Rome, take either the regional train from Termini Station (towards Velletri) OR Take the Metro Line A towards Anagnina to connect with the bus services.

Tours to Castelli Romani

If you prefer to take a tour and experience numerous towns in one day, you can find a great selection of Castelli Romani Tours here , from full-day guided tours to hop-on, hop-off village hopping tours where you can dictate your own itinerary. You decide.

Tivoli was once celebrated for its majestic villas built by Roman emperors. It retains much of its grandeur with several preserved structures, such as Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Est.

Less than an hour from Rome , Tivoli offers a fascinating glimpse into Rome’s imperial past. It makes for an unforgettable day trip from Rome – allowing you to experience two of Italy’s most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites without having to travel too far away from Rome itself.

Hadrian’s Villa

Hadrian’s Villa is a sprawling complex of buildings, gardens, and pools built by Emperor Hadrian. The villa is adorned with carefully preserved intricate mosaics and frescoes. Its grand scale makes it one of Italy’s most impressive archaeological sites.

Villa d’Este

Villa d’Este is another must-see spot in Tivoli. Built in the 16th century by Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este, the palace was designed to impress with its multiple fountains, streams, waterfalls, and musical fountain show. Its painted ceilings and spiral staircase are truly special – not to be missed.

How to Get to Tivoli From Rome

Visiting both attractions in one day can easily be done by taking a direct train from Rome Termini Station to Tivoli Villa Gregoriana station, 13 minutes away.

It is a short walk or bus ride to both attractions from the station. If you plan your visit accordingly, you can see Hadrian’s Villa in the morning and Villa d’Este in the afternoon – leaving plenty of time for lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants within walking distance of either site.

If you prefer to take a tour, these are some recommended Tivoli tours from Rome:

• Villa D’Este and Hadrian’s Villa Tivoli Day Tour – 7 Hrs. Includes transfers, entry, and guides. Lunch is additional.
• Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa Tour with Lunch – 7 Hrs. Includes transfers, entry fees, guide, lunch, wine, water, and coffee.
• Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este Half-Day Tour – 4 Hrs. Included transfers, entry, and guides.

Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica is an archaeological site located less than an hour from the center of Rome . Once the main port city and naval base of the Roman Empire, it is now one of the best-preserved ancient sites in Italy.

One of the largest excavated sites next to Pompeii, Ostia Antica offers visitors a unique insight into life in Imperial Rome, featuring preserved Roman mosaics and monuments in their original locations.

A day trip to Ostia Antica from Rome is a must for anyone interested in the history and culture of Ancient Rome. See the Ostian Forum – the central square of Ostia, which stands out for its impressive marble pavement and numerous remains of temples, and the Ostia Theater – a perfectly intact outdoor theater used for musical performances.

Nearby are Ostia’s famous baths, built between the 1st and 3rd century A.D. The Baths of Neptune are particularly impressive; you can admire various sculptures depicting gods and two swimming pools thought to have been used by women and men separately.

Visit the Ostiense Museum and Villa dei Volusii Saturnini, both located inside the walls of Ostia’s old town. The museum has artifacts unearthed during excavations at Ostia and a permanent exhibition about Ostian history.

How to Get to Ostia Antica

Visiting Ostia Antica is easy thanks to its proximity to Rome; you can take one of many buses running from Roma Termini or even rent your own car for a scenic drive through Tuscany countryside en route to Ostia Antica.

If you prefer a guided tour of Ostia Antica , you can take the Ostia Antica Half-Day Tour from Rome by Train . The tour includes train tickets and entry fees, but most importantly, a guide to give you a comprehensive account of the historical site. You also have free time to explore Ostia town and the beach.

You can pre-book your entry ticket and explore the expansive Ostia Antica Archaeological Park at your own pace. The ticket is valid for 8 days and includes entry to all the major attractions at the park. See here to book .

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi coast lies some 130 kilometers southwest of Rome and is renowned for its picturesque cliffs, captivating fishing villages, and vibrant nightlife spots along the coast. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the most popular Italy road trip destinations.

There’s no denying a day trip to the majestic Amalfi Coast from Rome is a very long day. Regardless, it is one of the most popular day trips from Rome.

Witness Italy’s most magnificent scenery and enchanting villages. The famous winding road along the rocky cliffs of the Tyrrhenian Sea offers awe-inspiring views, hugging deep ravines as it twists around each bend, revealing another iconic vista.

You may not have time for more than one village – beautiful Positano is the most convenient stop for day visitors or some leisure at the beach during your limited stay. however, there is no doubt the experience will remain etched in your memory as a highlight of your time in Italy.

Tour Recommendation : If you choose not to drive this iconic stretch of road ( it can be insanely busy during the peak summer season), you can take a Rome to Amalfi Coast tour for the full experience. It is also possible to do a combination tour along this beautiful coast with a visit to Pompeii, Positano, and Amalfi Coast on the Small-Group Full-Day Trip to Pompeii, Positano, and Amalfi from Rome .

A great way to escape the hustle of Rome is a day trip to Sorrento, with tranquil beaches and enticing seafood restaurants. Unsurprisingly, it is also one of Naples’ most popular day trips.

Sorrento makes a great day trip from Rome for those looking for a similar Amalfi vibe but easier to access.

With its stunning views of the Bay of Naples and easy access via train, you can experience the best of Sorrento in one day, from exploring quaint fishing villages, indulging in delicious seafood dishes, and exploring the quaint old town dotted with beautiful churches.

Located across the peninsular from the famous Amalfi coast, Sorrento is right on the train line, making it a very affordable day trip to this world-renowned region.

As with the Amalfi coast, combining a tour with Pompeii is possible for a more efficient way of seeing the best of the area.

How to Get to Sorrento from Rome

If you want to travel independently to Sorrento from Rome, you must take the high-speed train to Naples and then change to the regional line to Sorrento. It will take around 2 hrs each way . It is important to check the schedule to get the express train between Naples and Rome.

Pre-booking your tickets in advance is also advisable – especially during peak season. You don’t want to miss out or get stranded in Sorrento or Naples.

For some, an all-inclusive tour might be more cost and time effective. You could try the Capri, Blue Grotto, Sorrento and Pompeii from Rome tour or the Pompeii Skip-The-Line and Sorrento Full Day from Rome .

Tip: Pompeii and Sorrento are on the same train line from Naples (Sorrento is the last stop), so both can be done in one day if leaving from Naples.

From Rome’s bustling city vibes to Capri’s serene island beauty and remarkable sights. It’s no wonder Capri is one of the most sought-after day trips from the capital.

With its iconic limestone cliffs, impressive Faraglioni rock formations, and plenty of luxury boutiques along Via Camerelle shopping street, there’s plenty to explore on this stunning Mediterranean island.

It’s not the easiest day trip, but if you’re looking for a unique alternative to Rome for a day of island tranquility, a day trip to Capri is worth considering.

Located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, just 43 kilometers from Naples and easily visible from Sorrento, Capri can be reached with a ferry service from both cities.

You can see our guide on things to do in Capri , but here is a sample of what you can expect – Take a boat tour around the island to see the striking cliffs while viewing Mount Tiberius and the Bay of Naples. Be sure to visit Anacapri, the Garden of Augustus, and tour Villa San Michele, or take advantage of some incredible shopping opportunities just off Piazzetta square. If you time it right, make sure to also visit the famous Blue Grotto – an underground cave that glows a brilliant blue due to natural light reflecting off its walls.

If you want a relaxing Capri experience, head to Marina Piccolo Beach Club for sunbathing and swimming.

How to Get to Capri from Rome

To get there from Rome, take a high-speed train to Naples, which takes a little over an hour if you get the express. From Naples central train station, you can take a taxi to the high-speed ferry terminal that will take you directly to Capri.

You can pre-book your ferry tickets here – this is highly advisable in the peak summer season.

Tour Recommendation : Alternatively, if you prefer a more convenient and comfortable option, consider booking an all-inclusive tour that includes transportation and ferry tickets. This Capri Island Day Trip from Rome arranges all the transport with a tour leader to coordinate your transfers, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy Capri at your leisure.

A day trip to Naples from Rome is a must-do for anyone visiting Italy. A city with a rich history, stunning views, and incredible food, Naples is the perfect destination for travelers looking to visit one of Italy’s more controversial cities.

The home to pizza, Naples often takes visitors by surprise with its gritty facade and hectic pace. But, there is so much to do in Naples visitors quickly adjust to the city’s unique atmosphere.

Stroll the dark narrow streets of the old town and explore famous streets like Via Toledo, Spaccanapoli, and Via dei Tribunali, known to locals as “pizza street”. Stroll through the famous Piazza del Plebiscito and head to Castel Sant’Elmo for epic views over the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.

Walk the waterfront to Castel dell’Ovo and explore Naples’s numerous underground archeological museums.

Beyond pizza, don’t miss the chance to try Naples’s famous street foods like fried pizza, sfogliatella, pizza a portafoglio, cones of fried seafood, and various delicious croquettes such as Arancini balls.

In addition to all its cultural offerings, Naples has amazing natural beauty and plenty of beaches within easy reach for those who prefer to relax.

How to get to Naples from Rome

High-speed trains run between Rome and Naples all day. Ensure you take the express train – this will take just over an hour. It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially in summer, so you get the train times that suit you.

Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius are other day trip destinations from Rome near Naples.

Visiting Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius from Rome is an unforgettable day trip that allows you to explore two of Italy’s most iconic sites.

Learn about the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, buried by the volcanic eruption in 79 AD. Explore its ancient ruins, such as temples, theaters, baths, and preserved houses that showcase life during ancient Roman times.

Enjoy spectacular views of the Bay of Naples and the surrounding area from Mount Vesuvius, the only active volcano in mainland Europe.

How to Get to Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius from Rome

Vesuvius and Pompeii are easily reached by public transport from Naples – Take the 1 hr express train from Rome. However, achieving all three destinations in one day may not be possible unless by way of a tour.

You could combine Naples, Vesuvius, or Pompeii on a day trip, like this  Pompeii Day Trip from Rome . It allows you to add Vesuvius or Naples to a Pompeii tour. Or take a Private Pompeii and Vesuvius Tour direct from Rome.

Day trips to Florence from Rome are very popular and an unforgettable experience. Spend the day exploring some of the best-loved masterpieces of Italian Renaissance art and architecture in its Centro Storico.

Start your day at the Piazza del Duomo, where you will find Florence’s impressive Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flowers).

Next, stroll through Piazza della Signoria, one of Italy’s most famous squares. Located between Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) and Uffizi Gallery, this square boasts various sculptures, including the replica of Michelangelo’s David and Neptune’s Fountain. Take time to admire these works of art before heading inside Palazzo Vecchio, where you can see Benvenuto Cellini’s masterpiece Perseus with the Head of Medusa and works by Verrocchio, Vasari, and Bronzino.

Afterward, go to San Lorenzo Market, where locals have been shopping for centuries. Here you can pick up souvenirs from local artisan stalls and sample typical Tuscan cuisine prepared by local restaurants, like Lampredotto sandwiches or ribollita soup .

End your day crossing Ponte Vecchio – Florence’s iconic bridge that dates back to Roman times. You can see our guide on the best things to do in Florence for more ways to plan your day.

Tip: It is advisable to pre-book Reserved Timed Entry for the Uffizi Gallery  or to see Michelangelo’s “David” in the  Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze .

How to Get from Rome to Florence

You can catch a high-speed train from Roma Termini station to Santa Maria Novella station in an hour and a half. Once you arrive, exploring Florence’s best attractions in a day is easy.

Tour Tip : If you want to add Pisa to your itinerary, this Day trip to Florence and Pisa from Rome covers all the attractions of these two beautiful cities.

Tuscan Countryside and Hillside Villages

A day trip to Tuscany from Rome will take you into a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, vineyards, and charming medieval villages.

You’ll pass through small hill towns like Montepulciano, Montalcino, and Pienza – each with its own distinct character and charm. The golden light that casts itself over these rolling hills creates an idyllic backdrop to explore these beautiful villages, some so culturally important they have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Stroll around their cobbled squares, explore grandiose churches, or sip on local Chianti as you soak up the atmosphere – this is what makes Tuscany so special.

Finally, no day trip would be complete without tasting some delicious Tuscan cuisine – there are plenty of local delicacies to tuck into during your time in Tuscany.

How to Visit the Tuscan Countryside from Rome

To delve into the wonders of Tuscany, it is possible to take a train from Rome to many Tuscan towns and cities. However, if you really want to savor this region’s beauty, consider renting a car or taking a tour.

Exploring the Tuscan countryside on a tour will provide you with breathtaking views, experience some of Italy’s most remarkable destinations, and enjoy a wine tasting or two – without worrying about organizing visits to different wineries or driving afterward.

For a budget-friendly tour of the Tuscan hill villages, you could try this group Tuscany Day Trip with Lunch and Wine Tasting , or you could take a Private Tuscany Wine Country Day Trip from Rome with Lunch .

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a hill town in the heart of Tuscany, just south of Siena and less than two hours from Rome . A visit to Montepulciano is an opportunity to discover a typical Tuscan village with its small cobbled streets and traditional stone houses.

Take some time to explore the city walls and admire its ancient medieval towers. Climb Torre di Puliciano for spectacular views of the Tuscan countryside. Take a stroll around Piazza Grande, where you can find shops and cafes, and Palazzo Comunale – an impressive public building built in the Renaissance.

Another highlight of Montepulciano is exploring its many churches, such as Sant’Agostino or San Biagio. These historical masterpieces house frescos and artworks by some of Italy’s most renowned painters, like Bicci di Lorenzo or Luca Signorelli.

Top off your visit with a tasting at a local winery in Montepulciano’s world-famous wine region – Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG (Denomination Controllata e Garantita). You can book wine tours through several local companies that can provide insight into this historic region’s production methods, techniques, and traditions.

Or, if you prefer something less structured, plenty of smaller local wineries welcome visitors for tastings without prior reservations – making it easy for anyone looking for an authentic Italian experience.

How to Get to Montepulciano from Rome

While you can technically reach Montepulciano from Rome by train in about 2.5-3 hours, once you arrive, you’ll still need to catch a bus or taxi from the train station in Chiusi to Montepulciano’s historic center.

It’s much easier to drive the 2 hours yourself (Rome to Montepulciano is a lovely short road trip along Italy’s famous Autostrada del Sole (A1) highway) or visit Montepulciano as part of the group Tuscany Day Trip with Lunch and Wine Tasting or Private Tuscany Wine Country Day Trip from Rome with Lunch we recommended.

Civita di Bagnoregio

Civita di Bagnoregio is a stunning hilltop town in the Lazio region of Italy, just north of Rome. The unique village can only be reached on foot via the pedestrian bridge, La Calcinaia, which connects Civita di Bagnoregio with mainland Italy.

Spend your day meandering through the cobbled streets of Civita di Bagnoregio. Admire its impressive churches and ancient architecture.

As you explore Civita di Bagnoregio, head to its famous viewpoint, which offers spectacular panoramic views over the Tiber Valley. On clear days, you may even be able to spot Mount Amiata and Monte Rufeno in the distance.

This area produces excellent wines such as Cesanese del Piglio DOC or Procanico IGT. Consider booking a visit with one of their many wineries, where you can sample local vintages and learn more about their winemaking methods and traditions. Be sure not to miss out on local favorites such as fresh handmade pasta with truffle oil or porchetta sandwiches.

How to Get to Civita di Bagnoregio from Rome

Driving two hours from Rome is the best way to enjoy a day trip to Civita di Bagnoregio. However, it is possible to take a train from Rome to Orte Station and then take a bus to the town’s entrance. From there, you’ll need to cross the historic bridge.

You must obtain a ticket at the nearby desk to cross over the bridge into town – expect an approximate 20-25 minute walk before reaching this charming destination.

If you prefer a tour, you can do a combined Private Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio Tour from Rome or a combined Group Orvieto and Citiva di Bagnoregio tour .

Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis, is a popular day trip from Rome, especially for Christian pilgrims. Located just over two hours away by train , Assisi combines cultural attractions and beautiful landscapes, making it an ideal destination for any traveler.

Start your day trip in the heart of Assisi with a visit to Basilica di San Francesco, the 13th-century Franciscan church dedicated to Saint Francis. Its spectacular Gothic architecture, frescos by Giotto and Cimabue, and many sculptures will take your breath away.

Do not forget to drop into the museum of Sacro Convento, where you can admire many works related to St. Francis’ life.

Explore the cobblestone streets of Assisi’s old town with its quaint squares and winding alleyways lined with colorful houses. Take time to visit the Roman Temple of Minerva – an ancient temple in central Assisi that dates back to the 1st century BC. You can also find several other religious sites like Santa Maria Maggiore and La Porziuncola or religious museums such as Museo Archelogico e del Tesoro della Basilica Di San Francesco.

Take a walk around Rocca Maggiore – the 14th-century Medieval fortress with stunning views from its terrace over Assisi’s plain and distant hills.

Stop for lunch at the many local cafes that offer tasty regional cuisine and local delicacies such as olives or salami, or you can even grab a refreshing glass of local wine – Sangiovese di Assisi DOCG (Denomination Controllata e Garantita).

Assisi is one of those magical places that never fails to captivate visitors with its stunning charm.

How to Get to Assisi from Rome

You can reach Assisi from Rome in as little as 2 hours by train. Plan ahead and book high-speed train tickets for a direct route, as some regional trains can take up to 3 hours.

For additional flexibility, you might consider renting a car for the day for a leisurely drive to Assisi. It’s also roughly two hours each way, allowing you to explore more of the region.

For Assisi tour options , we recommend these tours:

• Assisi Day Private Day trip Trip from Rome with Transportation – 8 hrs
• Assisi and Orvieto Day Trip from Rome with Lunch – 12 hrs

Orvieto, located in the region of Umbria, is a wonderful day trip. It is about an hour and a half from Rome by train or car, making it easily accessible for visitors looking to explore its beautiful scenery and historical attractions.

The city’s major landmark is the Duomo di Orvieto cathedral. The striped marble facade stands out proudly against the hilltop townscape. Inside you’ll find spectacular artworks, including a stunning fresco painted by Luca Signorelli.

Walk around Piazza del Popolo plaza at the center of Orvieto, where you can enjoy sweeping vistas over rolling hills surrounding the charming Italian town. Go window-shopping along Corso Cavour street, lined with boutiques selling local handmade souvenirs such as pottery and jewelry crafted using traditional Etruscan techniques.

Don’t miss trying delicious dishes such as ‘strangozzi all’orvietana’ – long strips of homemade pasta in vegetable sauce or meat ragù – or typical ‘umbrichelli”.

How to get to Orvieto from Rome

Easily reached from Rome via train, Orvieto is one of the least stressful day trips from Rome, especially as a last-minute option. You don’t need to take an expensive, high-speed service. The commuter or regional line provides just as good service at a fixed price that doesn’t increase closer to the travel date as with high-speed services.

Tour Recommendation : If you prefer a tour, a convenient way to see Orvieto is on the  Assisi and Orvieto Day Trip from Rome . You can combine the two towns enjoying a scenic drive through the Tuscan landscapes and lunch near Lake Trasimeno.

Caserta Palazzo Reale

Caserta Palazzo Reale, situated in Italy’s Campania area, is a breathtaking 1,200-room royal residence constructed during the Bourbon Dynasty from 1734 to 1860. Due to its colossal size and splendor, Palazzo Reale is often likened to the palace of Versailles.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the setting for several movies, the palace is well preserved with the original decorative arts and furnishings.

As World War II neared its conclusion, the palace was appointed headquarters for the Allied Middle East Command. Here, German forces in Italy officially surrendered on May 2nd, 1945, signifying victory and peace was just around the corner.

Explore the many highlights of the palace, including the 116-step Grand Staircase, grandiose halls and chambers decorated with frescoes and sculptures, the Cappella Reale, the theater, and the Royal Apartments.

Behind the grand palace is a picturesque park encircled by an English garden, dazzling fountains, and waterfalls alongside Michelangelo Naccherino’s divine Baroque sculptures. Meander through this immaculate setting of ponds filled with fish and statues of gods and goddesses.

How to Get to Caserta Palazzo Reale

One of the easier day trips from Rome, Caserta is a stop on the Rome-Naples train line, and the palace is opposite the station.

Bracciano is a day trip from Rome that offers beautiful scenery and plenty of history. Located about 30 miles northwest of the city , it’s easily accessible by public transport or car.

The town is best known for its iconic 15th-century feudal castle, Castello Orsini-Odescalchi, with its grand Renaissance architecture. The castle grounds display manicured gardens filled with sculptures and two chapels within the walls – Santa Maria della Grazie and Saint Peter’s Chapel (Cappella di San Pietro).

Nearby Lake Bracciano is a popular spot that provides numerous outdoor activities. Thanks to the volcanic soil surrounding both lake areas, you’ll also find several wineries specialized in producing DOC wines, such as Lago di Corbara DOC and Colli Lanuvini DOC.

How to Get to Bracciano from Rome

One of the easier day trips from Rome, trains leave roughly every half hour from Rome (except Sundays and holidays) for Bracciano. The station is right at the edge of town, so it’s easy to navigate this day trip independently.

Santa Marinella

Santa Marinella is an idyllic day trip destination just 50km away if you want a beach escape near Rome. This quaint Italian village has plenty of charm, with its cobbled streets and beautiful beaches.

One of the highlights of visiting Santa Marinella is taking in the stunning views along the Tyrrhenian Sea coast or hitting one of the beautiful beaches such as stabilimenti ( organized beach with chairs and facilities) or spiaggia libera (the free beach).

Other sights include exploring historic sites like the Torre Astura, once part of a Roman defense system, or appreciating Renaissance artworks at local churches like San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini. You’ll also find plenty of fresh seafood for a lazy seaside lunch.

How to Get to Santa Marinella Beach from Rome

Santa Marinella is easily accessible from Rome by regional train. Take a train leaving from Roma Termini, Roma Trastevere, Roma San Pietro, Roma Ostiense, or Roma San Pietro and get off at Santa Marinella stop. The train takes around 40 minutes and arrives in the town.

Cerveteri is worth adding to your itinerary due to its exceptional Etruscan cemetery, Necropoli della Banditaccia.

This “city of the dead” is a testament to an enigmatic civilization predating the Romans. Its layout resembles orderly urban city blocks filled with domed or square-shaped tombs, many containing several rooms.

As one of Etruria’s most important archaeological sites, this necropolis has offered invaluable insight into their culture through artifacts and information gathered from these incredible finds.

How to get to Cerveteri from Rome

For those without a vehicle, take the train from Roma Termini to Ladispoli-Cerveteri. From the station, you will need to take a 10-minute taxi ride.

If you prefer a tour : Take the 6 hr Etruscan area Ceri and Cerveteri full day from Rome , including all entry fees, transport, and guides.

Sperlonga offers stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, and a unique history. Located on the Tyrrhenian coast around 100km south of the city, it’s easily accessible by car or public transport.

One of Lazio’s best-kept secrets, the town is built on a hill overlooking the sea, giving it a picturesque charm with plenty of gorgeous beaches to relax on.

The nearby Sperlonga Grotto is a must-see, as it was once home to an impressive collection of sculptures by the ancient Greeks. It was also said to have been where Roman Emperor Tiberius gathered his courtiers for dinner parties. The grotto’s rich history adds extra magnetism to this day trip destination.

How to Get to Sperlonga from Rome

The regional train from Rome Termini takes approx. one hour . The train station for Sperlonga is not in the town center, so you will need to take a taxi or bus to the old town and beaches.

One of Italy’s most beautiful island destinations , Ponza, is a fantastic island day trip in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The largest island of the Pontine archipelago, its stunning cove beaches, natural pools, and dramatic rock formations make it one of Lazio’s most picturesque destinations.

Visitors can explore its many attractions, such as Arco Naturale sea arch, Cala Feola Natural Pools, and hidden coves like Chiaia di Luna beach. Boat excursions around the island are available for those wanting to experience Ponza’s beauty.

How to get to Ponza From Rome

The fastest way to reach Ponza from Rome is to take the one-hour train from the Roma Termini station to the Anzio Colonia station. It is a short walk from the station to the Anzio port, where you can take a ferry or hydrofoil to Ponza – Approx. 1.40 hr.

In peak season, it is advisable to pre-book ferry tickets . You can search ferry time here.

Tour recommendation : An easier way to get to Ponza from Rome is on a  Ponza Island Day Trip from Rome .

The 12 hr tour includes transportation from central Rome to the ferry terminal (the ferry ticket is paid on the day). A boat trip around the island, with stops at several beaches, sea caves, and Arco Naturale, and time to stroll the seaside promenade at the port. Lunch on board the tour boat is also included.

Buy a Rome City Pass

A city pass is a great way to explore some of the world’s most famous sights and save money. The best thing about city passes is free skip-the-line entry to major attractions, loads of discounts, tours like the hop on hop off bus, and more. But best of all, they give you unlimited free public transport for the duration of your pass. This helps you tick off a lot of great attractions and day trips easily accessible by train or bus.

You can opt for the Roma Pass , which is 48 or 72 hours with free skip-the-line admission to 1 or 2 attractions, free use of the city’s public transport system, and discounts on services and activities.

Or, the  3-day OMNIA Vatican Card & Roma Pass . This is 2 passes rolled into one. Roma Pass grants you free entry to 2 out of 5 top attractions, discounts at 30 top sights, and a travel card. The OMNIA Vatican Card allows entry to all top sights in Vatican City, plus a 3-day hop-on hop-off bus tour.

There are so many fantastic day trip destinations from Rome that will allow you to experience Italy’s beauty, culture, and diversity. Whether exploring an ancient Etruscan cemetery in Cerveteri, admiring the stunning scenery and beaches of Sperlonga, or taking a boat excursion around Ponza island – there’s something for everyone looking for a day trip from Rome.

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9 Best Day Trips from Rome (by train and car)

Home / Blog / 9 Best Day Trips from Rome (by train and car)

Where to go in Italy after Rome?

Let us assume that you have quite a few days to spend in the capital, and are looking to dip your toes into exploring its surroundings, or other Italian towns and cities. It is such a pleasure and privilege to be able to have so many options within the country to travel to- this is why (very) occasional day trips from Rome are so common for local families.

You just need to have a desire for it, and on a whim, off you will be to immerse yourself into another environment!

What’s close to Rome?

You may be surprised by the myriad of jewels that crown the outskirts of Rome. Towns and cities in the countryside or by the sea that lend all kinds of history to the Roman Empire, that in today’s contemporary world shine for the architecture, artifacts and stories that they have to unveil to you.

Rome might be the first city that pops into your mind when you think about Italy, but there are some other cities that can be easily accessed from there that should be part of the top contenders of your Italian itinerary. They are famous from an artistic, cultural and culinary standpoint, all highlights in understanding the beauty of this Meditteranean country.

The biggest examples to be given:

Florence and Naples.

This article will include the best day trips from Rome that can be taken, a little bit about the history of each place and what these destinations have to offer you.

4 places to visit near Rome by train

Here are the most interesting day trips to take from Rome by train.

Known for its beautiful gardens and ancient Roman Villas, Tivoli is a sublime out-of-city experience that is a popular choice amongst the inhabitants of Rome. It is the most ethereal destination included in this list, with a dreamlike atmosphere that is sure to capture your imagination.

Location: Tivoli is in the Lazio region, located about 30 km northeast of Rome.

How to get there: It takes about an hour to reach Tivoli from Rome, with trains leaving hourly from the stations.

What to do: 

• Villa d’Este: Tivoli is best known for this 16th century villa and its gardens, which are considered to be some of the most beautiful to be found in Italy. Here you can find gorgeous Renaissance landscapes and many fountains such as Cento Fontane (Hundred Fountains) and the Water Organ Fountain.
• Hadrian’s Villa: Emperor Hadrian’s 2nd century AD Villa Adriana can be found close to Villa d’Este. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a mix of ancient architectural styles.

Tour to take: Tivoli and Villa d’Este 

Tivoli and Villa d'Este | Private

Visiting the town and comune of Cerveteri is one of the stranger, more remarkable day trips you can take from Rome. It is best known for the heritage it has preserved from the ancient (pre-Roman) Etruscan civilization, therefore allowing you to have quite peculiar explorations!

Location: Cerveteri also belongs to the Lazio region; it lies about 33 km northwest of Rome.

How to reach:  It takes approximately 1 hour  to reach Cerveteri from Rome, with trains leaving every half hour.

• Necropolis of Banditaccia:   A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this necropolis of the  Etruscan society is a fascinating and unique endeavour. Explore the tombs which are characterized by mounds of dirt used to form natural domes that cover each burial site.
• National Archaeological Museum of Cerveteri: Learn more about this ancient civilization and their ways of societal development through showcases of artifacts and other findings.
• Santa Maria Maggiore: Visit the medieval church in the historic center of the town.
• Panoramic views from the Cerveteri Castle: Climb atop the  medieval Ruspoli fortress to get panoramic views of the town.

Tour to take: Necropolis of Cerveteri

Necropolis of Cerveteri Tour | Private

Orvieto is built upon a rocky, volcanic cliff in the countryside of Umbria and is historically rich for it dates back to the Estrucan period and is dense with Renaissance and Medieval architecture.

Location : Orvieto is located in Umbria, about 96 km north of Rome.

How to reach: By train it takes 1 to 1.5 hours to reach Orvieto, with trains leaving every four hours from stations in Rome. By car it approximately the same time.

• Duomo di Orvieto: This cathedral is one of the most stunning examples of Italian Gothic architecture. The terrace of the cathedral also offers beautiful panoramic views of the Umbrian region.
• St. Patrick’s well: This is not an ordinary well. Named after the saint of Ireland, the well is an architectural wonder, which was built in the 16th century in order to supply water for the entire city of Orvieto.
• Wine tasting: Orvieto is known for its wine -a well known white wine is Orvieto Classico- and so there are plenty of vineyards, cellars and wine tastings for you to indulge in!
• Etruscan Necropolis and underground: The pre-Roman people -called the Etruscans- are a fascinating civilization to study due to their art, culture and advanced engineering.

Tour to take: Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio

Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio | Private

For a day by the sea, Ostia is the most accessible place to visit near Rome by train. The modern part of the city of Ostia is connected to the old, which is an archaeological site of a well-preserved port city that was of great significance for the trade activities of the Roman Empire.

Location: 24 km southwest from Rome, and on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea (this is where the Tiber River drains out!)

How to get there: It takes about 25-30 minutes to reach Ostia by one of the trains leaving hourly from Rome’s stations.

• Ostia Antica Archaelogical Site: Here, you can discover different aspects of the ancient port city such as the well preserved ruins that would give you insight on the city’s roads, infrastructure and public spaces. You can see temples, public baths and theaters, as well as mosaics and frescoes which would decorate this city.
• Relax by the Ostia beach: The sandy shores of Ostia beach make it the perfect place to swim and tan, or enjoy a seafood-based meal at a beachfront restaurant.
•  Look at the Baths of Neptune in Ostia: These well-preserved baths from the 2nd century AD have beautiful mosaics and a fountain that depicts Neptune, the mythological god of the sea.

Tour to take: Ancient Ostia Tour 

Ancient Ostia Tour | Private

Other wonderful places to visit near rome by train.

Travel from Rome to Florence

Florence is one of the most beautiful cities close to Rome to visit if you want to travel back in time and immerse yourself in the Renaissance period. It is home to galleries that hold some of the most globally esteemed art pieces.  The city itself follows a gorgeous color palette and has many ancient artisan practices and gastronomic taverns to explore.

Florence is perhaps the best choice for day trips from Rome by car considering the relatively short travel distance in relation to the absolute magnificence that the city has to offer.

Location: 289 km north of Rome, part of Tuscany (it is the capital of the region!).

How to get there:   The city is a 1.5-2 hours train ride away. By car it takes approximately 3 hours.

• Visit the Uffizi and Accademia Gallery: These two revered galleries hold an enormous collection of Renaissance art that may take hours to explore. At the Uffizi you can see Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Primavera,  da Vinci’s Annunciation,  Raphael’s Madonna of the Goldfinch and works by Caravaggio, Titian, Rembrandt and more. At the Accademia you can view Michelangelo’s towering statue of David, one of the most famous sculptures in the world.
• Visit the Duomo: This cathedral is architecturally captivating, a visual icon to symbolize Florence with just as the Colosseum symbolizes Rome. The facade is made up of green, pink and white marble, and climbing to the top of the Duomo gives you a brilliant panoramic view of the city.
• Basilica di Santa Croce: This Italian Gothic basilica is one of the most important Franciscan churches in Italy. It has many chapels, Renaissance frescoes and paintings and also serves as a tomb for many influential  Italians such as Galileo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli.
• Indulge in Tuscan cuisine: Make use of this time in Florence to dine at various establishments to try what the region of Tuscany does best..such as meat dishes and wine!

Tour to take: Florence with Accademia or Uffizi Gallery

Florence with Accademia or Uffizi Gallery from Rome | Private

Travel from Rome to Pienza and Montepulciano

These two picturesque towns are nestled in the heart of Tuscany, and serve as great examples of the idyllic Tuscan scenery we associate the region with. However, both towns can be differentiated from one another, each with specific characteristics to be enjoyed by visitors.

Location: Located northwest from Rome in Tuscany, Pienza and Montepulciano are located approximately at a distance of 146 km.

How to get there: It takes about 2.5-3 hours to get to Pienza by train, and around the same amount of time by car. A car from Pienza to Montepulciano takes 20-30 minutes.

What to do i n Pienza: 

• Explore Piazza Pio II: This square is characterized by two magnificent structures on each opposite end. One is a Renaissance palace commissioned by Pope Pius II with a beautiful inner courtyard, and the other is the cathedral, Duomo di Pienza. There is a well located in the center of the piazza.
• Enjoy the views: Rolling hills and shades of green and auburn mix and meld into one another, making this one of the most beautiful views to witness.
• Eat Tuscan specialties: Pienza is notable for the production of pecorino cheese, and it comes in many different varieties. There is a lot of warm, hearty food to try in Tuscany, but when in Pienza, do indulge in a cheese tasting!

In Montepulciano: 

• Duomo di Montepulicano: This cathedral has both Gothic and Renaissance design elements and a bell tower that can be climbed for a panoramic view.
• Fortezza di Montepulciano: This historic fortress provides the highest lookout point from the town and exhibits a breathtaking view. Its construction is a mix of several architectural styles, and it has a museum within it.
• Drink fine wine: Montepulciano is renowned for its wine culture, with remarkable vineyards, cellars and wine bars to enjoy.

Tours to take

We can help you organize a true Tuscan experience capable of delighting the palate. Here are two tours to look into: 

Tuscany Wine and Cheese tour in Pienza and Montepulciano 

Transport is included in this tour, making your journey stress free and as picturesque as it can be, without giving public transport any chance of dampening the experience. This tour takes you to both towns, providing you with a guide if you prefer to have one, and offers a lunch and cheese tasting experience on top of a hill for a breathtaking view of the region! You will venture to Montepulciano to have wine in a historical underground cellar.

Pienza and Montalcino 

Private transfer is included in this tour as well, and will provide you with a licensed guide if requested. It can be customized to take you to either Montalcino or Montepulciano. You will have lunch and wine here, with a chance to taste the famous wine of the town called Vino Nobile di Montepulciano .

Tuscany Wine And Cheese Tour In Pienza & Montepulciano

Pienza and Montalcino | Private

Travel from Rome to Assisi

Another town of enormous cultural importance , with significant relevance from a religious point of view is Assisi. It is the birthplace of St. Francis, one of the Saints in Christian history, and so many view visiting Assisi as performing a pilgrimage of sorts.

Location: Assisi is in the Umbria region and is approximately 131 km from Rome.

How to get there: It takes 2-2.5 hours by car, and 2-3 hours by train depending on the type you book.

What to do:

• Basilica of St. Francis: Explore this gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage site which is the peak highlight of the town, nestled at the edge of a lookout point. The pearly medieval structure looks beautiful amidst its backdrop at all times of the day and the interior includes frescoes from renowned Italian artists Giotto di Bondone and Cimabue.
• Oratory of St. Francis: Close to the basilica you can find the sacred chapel, where St. Francis and his companions would pray. The frescoes inside depict scenes from his life.
• Rocca Maggiore: A grand medieval fortress, Rocca Maggiore serves as the highest point in Assisi for a panoramic view of the Umbrian region. Oftentimes you can find cultural exhibitions of sorts taking place inside the fort, but visitors are mainly attracted by the viewpoint and the opportunity to wander around  the prominent, rising walls and towers.
• The central square: More medieval architecture can be found in and around the bustling town square. Experience the lifestyle of the locals and indulge in dishes specific to the region.

Tour to take: Assisi and the Gentle Hills of Umbria

Assisi and the Gentle Hills of Umbria | Private

Travel from Rome to Naples

Moving toward the south of Italy, one of the best places outside of Rome to visit is Naples. With a sunny and warm disposition that is very particular to the city, Naples is the first eye-opener into a completely different impression of Italian life- nevertheless beautiful and energetic!

Location: Naples lies southeast of Rome by approximately 190 km.

How to get there: Naples makes one of the most popular day trips from Rome to experience a taste of the south, with it being so close by and easy to reach. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car and the high speed train that leaves hourly from Rome takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

• Eat Neapolitan pizza: This is the only trip on this list that will mention food right at the top of the activity list. Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and gives you an entirely new outlook on it than what Rome can offer you. There are a number of authentic pizzerias that will provide you with the pizza feast of your lifetime!
• Centro Storico of Naples: Explore the historic center of Naples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is wonderfully characteristic and crammed with history of one of the oldest inhabited cities of the world.
• Naples National Archeological Museum: Visit the museum to see exhibits and artifacts from Pompeii and Hernaculem, Greek and Roman sculptures and more.
• Naples Underground and its catacombs: The ancient passageways and underground systems that lie just below the surface of Naples are endlessly fascinating, telling stories about World War II and the Roman and Greek periods. There are also several ancient catacombs and burial sites to discover.
• Castel dell’Ovo: With the local folklore of a magic egg having been placed inside the castle by a Roman poet, the castle received its name which practically translates to ‘Egg Castle’. It stands on the seafront and is an iconic landmark to visit.
• The Lungomare: The aforementioned seafront is also called the Lungomare. Taking a stroll across it gives you a magnificent view of various sights including the infamous Mount Vesuvius volcano.
• Naples street food : Yes, we might as well end this list with a food-related activity as well! Some spectacular, mouth-watering street food can be found in Naples, from pocket-sized pizza fritta to the sweet, seahshell-shaped sfogliatella.

Tour to take : Authentic Naples Walking Tour 

Authentic Naples Walking Tour | Private

Travel from Rome to Pompeii and Amalfi

History lovers: Go to Pompeii.

For blissful romance: Cruise the sun-kissed coast of the Amalfi!

The ancient city of Pompeii is both destroyed and preserved through ashy remains after the disastrous volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It is one of the most fascinating ancient civilizations to discover in the world of archaeology, holding eery remnants of the past as you walk within the site.

On the other hand, the Amalfi coast beckons everyone through the sheer beauty of its turquoise waters, and the terraced, colorful towns that dot it in the midst of jagged and green cliffs and rock formations. This is one of the most globally romanticized areas of Italy.

Location: Both Pompeii and Amalfi coast are located to the southwest of Rome, located very close to each other and about 212 km away.

How to get there: 

This particular excursion is very popular to do by car. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to get to Pompeii by car. From Rome to Amalfi, the journey can be expected to be around 3.5-4 hours.

By train you first need to get to Naples which is approximately 1.5 hours as well, and then take another train to reach Pompeii. To go to Amalfi you would first have to take a 30-40 minute train to Sorrento, and then transfer by taking a bus. There are no direct trains to the Amalfi coast.

• Pompeii Archaeological site: This UNESCO World Heritage site has several remains of architectural structures such as the Temple of Apollo, the Lupanar brothel, the amphitheater of Pompeii, the House of the Faun and much more. It also has many beautiful frescoes and artworks, depicting the life and philosophies of the ancient Romans.
• Pompeii Antiquarium: A visit to the antiquarium layers on the histories of what you will learn at the archaeologial site, with many artifacts on display.
• Garden of the Fugitives: In what once used to be a garden, you will find the provoking plaster casts of a group of people who tried to seek refuge from the eruption..and ultimately, lost.
• Sorrento: Sorrento is sometimes considered to be the gateway into the Amalfi coast. The stunning town is best known for its lemon trees and the limoncello liqueur, one of the many things made from all those lemons!
• Positano: This postcard worthy town is probably the most famous destination along the coast, known for its colorful buildings on a cliff, terracing down to the main beach of the town called Spiaggia Grande .
• Ravello: This hillside town is known for two ravishing villas called Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, as well as for its colorful hand-painted ceramics.
• Amalfi town: Lastly, the scenic Amalfi town is characterized by its many staircases and alleys going up the hillside, the cathedral Duomo di Amalfi, more lemons, and the beautiful Cloister of Paradise, with Arab-Norman architectural influences.

Tour to take: Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Tour from Rome

What if you wanted to include both of these destinations into your one-day itinerary? It may seem impossible, but you can be drenched in Pompeii’s history and soak in the beauty of the Amalfi coast subsequently through a completely customizable tour. With transport being taken care of for each leg of the journey, you can choose where you want to be whisked off to, and what sites you would like an expert guide for.

Pompeii & Amalfi Coast Tour from Rome | Private

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11 Best Day Trips from Rome

By Becky Griswold · Last updated on April 3, 2024

They don’t call Rome ‘The Eternal City’ for nothing – the Italian capital is one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in Europe. It gave the world the Roman Empire and all the culture and infrastructure that came with it – roads, aqueducts, it’s all thanks to Rome! Then there was the Renaissance, making today’s Rome a global city known for its art and architecture. There’s a treasure trove of attractions on offer here.

Map of day trips from Rome

But there are also plenty of day trips to get involved with from this storied city. From seeing where Ancient Rome’s port city of Ostia once stood to the beautiful villas at Tivoli, you can even see Florence or the stunning island of Capri. Check out the following day trips from Rome .

Anyone interested in military history might want to visit Anzio, an ancient coastal city 52 km (32 miles) from Rome. Battles were being fought here as early as the fifth century BC. In more recent times, Allied forces launched their campaign to conquer Italy with an amphibious landing in January 1944. Photos of the landing and battle can be found at the Beachead Museum. Travelers may wish to visit the cemeteries where British and American troops are buried.

In-between battles, Anzio is a fishing port and ferry terminal to the Pontine Islands. The city is a good place to see old Roman villas or a Roman tower as well as WWII foxholes at Riserva Naturale di Tor Caldara. The aroma of seawater may lure visitors to the port where they can see the fishing fleet and eat the city‘s famous fish. Sun seekers can spend time on sandy beaches, including the popular Blue Bay.

Getting to Anzio

• Lying just an hour away from Rome by train, getting to Anzio by public transport couldn’t be easier. From Roma Termini, you simply need to hop on a direct train and sit back and watch the world pass by your window. Trains usually run once an hour, although, at peak travel times, they run as frequently as every half hour. Tickets can cost as little as three euros, and once you arrive at Anzio, you’ll find yourself just a ten-minute walk to the center of town and its beautiful port.
• If you rent a car, driving to Anzio from Rome isn’t a bad idea; you’ll pass some delightful scenery, and this journey too takes just over an hour. From the centre of Rome, head directly south on the SS148, which will take you through a wonderful nature reserve. At Aprilla, turn off onto the SS207 – from there, you’ll reach Anzio in no time at all. Another option is to follow the Via Cristoforo Colombo until you reach the glittering Mediterranean. From there, take the SP601 all the way down the coast to Anzio, with magnificent sea views accompanying you on your journey.

Gritty Naples is a city of superlatives. It is the third largest city in Italy . It was the most bombed Italian city in World War II. It has the largest historic city center in Europe, most appropriate since it is one of the longest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating back 2800 years. With over 400 ancient churches, it is one of the most Catholic cities in the world.

Naples Cathedral is the main church; each September it honors the city’s patron saint, Saint Januarius, with a miracle: The saint’s dried blood becomes liquid when near his relics. The city’s main square, the Piazza del Plescito, is home to Italy’s oldest opera house.

Naples also is known for its many castles, including Castel Nuovo, a city landmark, and the 13th century Saint Elmo’s castle, built in the shape of a star. Naples has great museums such as Naples National Archaeological Museum with one of the biggest collections of Roman Empire artifacts.

Getting to Naples

• The most convenient and quickest way to travel between the two cities is undoubtedly by train; it can take as little as 75 minutes to get to Naples from Rome . This, however, is for the fast train and tickets can cost up to 60 euros. The slower trains are cheaper at around 20 euros a ticket, but these can take between two to three hours to arrive at Naples’ Centrale Station. It is a very well-serviced route, and at any time of day, there will be at least a couple of trains departing from Roma Termini railway station. Once in Naples, you’ll find yourself just a short walk from all the main sights that you’ll want to check out.

9. Castelli Romani

Unknowing travelers might think Castelli Romani referred to a single old Roman castle. They’d be wrong. Castelli Romani is a collection of 13 picturesque towns in the Alban Hills just a few miles south of Rome. Ancient Romans went there to escape the hustle and bustle of the city; modern Romans still follow that tradition. One of the towns is Castel Gandolfo, one of Italy’s most historic towns and the most popular of the Castelli Romani towns.

It also is the pope’s summer home; a former palace is now a museum. The region offers scenic caldera lakes and lush forests punctuated with vineyards. It is one of Italy’s top wine-growing regions. This is where Frascati, which can be white or red, comes from; for centuries it’s been a very popular wine among Romans. Don’t pass up a chance to drink Frascati where it’s made, the village of Frascati.

Getting to Castelli Romani

• Driving is the easiest way to visit the Castelli Romani, as they lie nestled amidst the Alban Hills and the only viable way to get from one to the other is by car. Castel Gandolfo, for instance, lies just 40 minutes away from the center of Rome. To get there, you merely need to stay on the SS7 heading southeast out of the city, which takes you directly there. From here, you can visit the beautiful vineyards and villages which lie around nearby Lake Nemi. Another option is to follow the SS215 out of Rome to the marvelous Frascati, which only takes half an hour. From there, you can head to any of the other nearby Castelli Romani.
• Famed for its wineries and vineyards, many visitors to Rome opt to take a guided tour of this region to learn more about the history and practice behind winemaking, as well as to sample some of the delicious wines. Accompanied by a professional guide, you’ll visit the impressive centuries-old Principe Pallavicini estate, which is located amidst some absolutely stunning scenery full of olive groves and beautiful vineyards.

8. Ostia Antica

Located at the mouth of the River Tiber, Ostia was Rome’s seaport, but, due to silting and a drop in sea level, the site now lies 3 kilometers (2 miles) from the sea. It is famous for the ancient apartment buildings (insula) that are very well preserved.

You can explore these buildings to one story in height, with narrow stairways and corridors leading to small rooms. There are also the remains of more wealthy houses, such as the House of Cupid and Pysche, with very rich marble decorations.

Getting to Ostia Antica

• From the center of Rome, Ostia Antica makes for a very convenient day-trip; you can easily get there by public transport in less than an hour. At Roma Termini, you take a short metro journey to Piramide, where you then take a train in the direction of Cristoforo Colombo. Once you arrive in Ostia Antica, you’ll see signs pointing you to the magnificent ruins – it’s only a short walk to the entrance.
• Another option that is well worth checking out is to take a guided tour of the impressive site. With an expert guide on hand, you’ll come away having learned loads about Ostia Antica’s fabulous ruins. The walk takes you around all the main sights, such as the Forum, Amphitheater and Baths of Neptune.

7. Florence

Visitors will have to make some tough choices since only one day in this city isn’t long enough to see everything . A must-see is the Duomo, Florence’s cathedral that is about a half-hour walk from Santa Maria Novella train station. Comfortable walking shoes are a must since cobblestone streets are narrow and uneven.

The world-class Uffizi art gallery showcases the best Italian Renaissance artists Travelers can ogle the over-the-top wealth of the Medici family at the Pitti Palace or just wander the streets in the historic center seeking statuary, such as the replica of Michelangelo’s David (the original is at the Accademia museum). End the day nibbling a gelato cone and walking across the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River.

Getting to Florence

• Although it may look quite far on the map, it can take a surprisingly short time to get to Florence by train from Rome . In fact, the journey is actually amongst the most popular in the whole of Italy, as both commuters and travelers make their way between the two every day. Consequently, it is a very well-serviced line; there are three or four trains per hour, so you’ll never find yourself waiting long. From Roma Termini, it can take as little as 90 minutes on the fast train, although these tickets are obviously more expensive than if you take the slow train. Once you arrive at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station, it is only a short walk to the gorgeous historic center.
• To make the most of your time in Florence, it’s not a bad idea to take a guided tour, as this will take you around many of the main sights in the city with minimum hassle. With stops at il Duomo, the Accademia Gallery, and Piazza Santa Croce included on the tour, you’ll certainly see as much of Florence as is possible in one day.

A trip from Rome to the lovely hill region of Umbria will bring you to the medieval town of Assisi where you can explore significant religious sites, Roman ruins and artistic beauty. The town’s main attraction is the Basilica of St. Francis, the eternal resting place of Italy’s patron saint.

Most of the cobblestone streets in town lead to this beautiful cathedral where you can admire its exquisite architecture and interior ceilings and walls that are embellished with stunning frescoes. Surrounding the basilica, you will discover medieval houses and shops that are well worth a look.

Other sites not to miss include Piazza del Comune, the town center, with its old clock tower, the Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva with its Roman columns, and St. Claire’s Basilica, which offers scenic views of the valley below.

Getting to Assisi

• With regular trains running between Rome and Assisi, the medieval town can take less than two hours to reach. On the way, you’ll pass through some stunning scenery; there’s a reason it is known as Italy’s ‘green heart.’ While some trains take you directly to Assisi, most train journeys involve a transfer at Foligno. As it is a small station, however, it is a very stress-free and easy connection. Check the train timetable carefully before heading to Assisi, as the slower trains can take up to three hours to get there.
• While driving to Assisi takes roughly between two and three hours and is a lot more effort than taking the train, this does mean that you can stop off at any of the beautiful scenes that you come across. Heading northwards from Rome, take the E35 and E45 until you reach Orte, where you will turn off and head towards Terni before continuing along the SS3. Once past Foligno, simply follow the signs to Assisi.

While in the Umbria region, you might also want to visit the charming town of Orvieto situated majestically on a big chunk of volcanic rock called tuff. Its impressive cathedral, the Duomo, which is considered one of Italy’s finest with its stunning mosaics and frescoes, influenced Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.

It would certainly be well worth the time to explore the city’s labyrinth of underground tunnels. Carved 3,000 years ago from volcanic rock by the Etruscans to provide escape routes for the nobility, these elaborate tunnels contain grandiose rooms, stairs, cisterns and quarries.

The city’s oldest church, San Giovenale, is also worth a visit as well as both the 14th century Albornoz Fortress and St. Patrick’s Well, which was uniquely designed to supply water for the city during war times.

Getting to Orvieto

• From Roma Termini, it usually takes about 75 minutes to reach Orvieto by train. Along the way, you pass through some lovely scenery, which makes the journey flash by. Trains aren’t super regular, however, so if you miss one, you may find yourself waiting an hour until the next one. Tickets are very cheap and can go for as little as eight euros.
• Another option is to take the car to Orvieto; it takes a similar amount of time as by train, although you do then have the luxury of stopping off at nearby Lago di Bolsena for a lakeside lunch. From Rome, you need to head north on the E35 and follow it for around an hour until you see signs to Orvieto.
• A popular option amongst visitors to Rome who are pressed for time is to take a guided tour to both Orvieto and Assisi, combining the two beautiful towns into one memorable day trip. This enables you to see a number of amazing sights – such as Orvieto Cathedral and the Convent of Santa Chiara – without having to spend two days away from all of Rome’s incredible attractions.

All it takes is a one-hour trip from Rome to the small town of Tivoli to experience two of the most spectacular sites in the Lazio region, Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este. Most tourists like to combine both of these villas into one instead of two day trips from Rome.

A history lover’s paradise, Hadrian’s Villa features an impressive, sprawling complex of 30 ancient Roman structures that were built during the second century by the Emperor Hadrian as a retreat from the busy capital of Rome.

Here, visitors can enjoy a glimpse into the lavishness of ancient Rome when you walk among the 250 acres of marble pavements, palaces, theaters, libraries, baths, temples and private quarters that once housed royal guardsman, attendants and slaves.

If you enjoy formal gardens, Villa d’Este is a must-do. Located on the opposite side of town from Hadrian’s Villa, this splendid estate features a lovely mansion, but it is the gardens that most visitors come to see.

What makes these historic gardens so special is the Renaissance method of integrating unique water works and artistic features into the beautiful landscape. Stroll along winding and maze-like paths that offer a pleasant surprise at every turn like musical fountains, gorgeous statues, frescoed rooms and breathtaking waterfalls. If you can tear yourself away from the gardens, you will also find cozy little restaurants and boutiques along the narrow streets of this charming villa.

Getting to Tivoli

• By train, it can take as little as half an hour to reach Tivoli from Rome, although many options will take around an hour to an hour and a half. The journey, however, is very cheap and a ticket can cost you less than three euros one way. While Villa Gregoriana is located just a short walk away from Tivoli train station, you’ll need to take a bus if you want to visit the other two villas, which are well-signposted. This does make it tricky to visit more than two out of the three on a day trip to Tivoli.
• Indeed, many people decide to take a tour to both Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este, which enables them to explore the ruins without having to worry about figuring out bus times. The guide’s commentary will tell you all about the amazing villas and their rich history.

A day trip from Rome to the beautiful island of Capri requires a full day, but it is well worth it. Capri offers several fantastic attractions, but the one not to miss is the Blue Grotto, a cave that reveals a brilliant reflection of blue and emerald-colored water.

The cave can be accessed by a short boat ride from Marina Grande. Other attractions include Mount Solaro, Capri’s highest point. A chair lift takes visitors to the top of the mountain which offers stunning views of the island and sea. The lovely Villa San Michele in the town of Anacapri is also worth a visit with its stunning gardens, Phoenician steps, cafe and museum.

Getting to Capri

• People wanting to visit Capri from Rome first need to head to Naples, where they can take a ferry to the idyllic island. From Roma Termini, it can take as little as an hour and fifteen minutes to reach Naples if you take the fast train. Slower trains, while cheaper, can take up to three hours, but this will severely limit how much time you have in Capri. Once in Naples, take a metro or taxi to Piazza Municipio. Ferries regularly leave from nearby Molo Beverello , and the high-speed ones take 40 minutes to reach Capri.
• If all that sounds a bit complicated, you may want to look into taking an organized trip to Capri; this is a hassle-free way to see incredible sights such as the Blue Grotto and sweeping views of the Bay of Naples. From Rome, the tour takes you on a scenic bus journey to Naples before you take to the waters and head off to explore what Capri has to offer.

2. Amalfi Coast

Stunning scenery is what the Amalfi Coast is all about: picturesque towns built on hills and cliffs that drop off into the sea below. Some towns are built right up to the water, with craggy mountains as the backdrop. No wonder the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations.

The region is popular with celebrities, especially Positano with its glitzy boutiques. Perhaps they fell in love with the region while filming movies and TV shows here; that’s very easy to do here. It’s also easy to fall in love with limoncello, a liqueur made from Amalfi lemons.

The Amalfi Coast is dotted with quaint villages , each with at least one old church worth visiting and some with palatial Roman villas. Located between the gulfs of Naples and Salerno , there’s only one very scenic road through the region, but the towns are easily accessible by ferry.

Getting to Amalfi Coast

• For visitors looking to explore the glorious Amalfi Coast while in Rome, Positano is a great place to head to that is well-serviced by bus from Naples. After taking a train from Roma Termini to Naples Centrale Station, which can take anywhere between an hour and fifteen minutes to three hours, it is just a short walk to Naples Garribaldi, from where the bus departs. It takes around an hour to get to Meta, where you then change and take a half hour bus ride to Positano. While this may sound like a long journey, the views from the bus over the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius mean that it passes by very quickly.
• To make the most of your visit to the Amalfi Coast, a tour may be the best option. It combines a visit to Pompeii with a stop at Positano, and you even have the chance to go for a swim in the enticing waters of the Mediterranean.

No visit to Rome would be complete without a day trip to Pompeii . You can walk among the streets of this ruined metropolis to learn about its history and see what remains of 2,000 year old shops, restaurants, residential homes, baths and brothels as well as political, religious and commercial centers.

There are also plastered body casts of actual people who died in the catastrophic volcanic eruption of 79 AD. The National Archeological Museum of Pompeii contains a fascinating collection of artifacts and art works that were excavated from the Pompeii site.

Getting to Pompeii

• By high-speed train, it takes just over an hour to get to Naples from Rome. From there, it is relatively easy to get to Pompeii using public transport. At Naples Centrale station, take the Circumvesuviana train towards Sorrento. The train journey to Pompeii Scavi station only takes half an hour, and you’ll see the entrance to the ruins as soon as you exit.
• For visitors really looking to gain a greater understanding of Pompeii’s fascinating history, a tour to the ruins and Mount Vesuvius accompanied by an expert guide is well worth looking into.

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35 Amazing Day Trips from Rome – Best Places to Visit nearby

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Are you looking for the best day trips from Rome? Some cool places to visit for a day out of the city? You are in the right place! Beyond Rome lies a wealth of options for day trips and excursions. Some of the most rewarding tourist destinations can be reached within an hour, either by car, bus, or train.

Whether heading north or south from Italy’s capital, there’s plenty to see and do on a day excursion from Rome. From beautiful beaches to stunning monuments, vineyards to picturesque villages, discover 35 amazing places to visit from Rome – an eclectic mix of day tours out of Rome to meet every budget!

1 – Pompeii

Step into a time machine and take a trip back into the past to the ancient city of Pompeii. Explore the majestic homes as well as modest ones that have been perfectly restored and preserved or visit Roman shops that were once frequented by Pompeii’s citizens. In other parts of Pompeii, baths and brothels stand ready for exploration, while the Villa of Mysteries offers a bizarre experience with frescoes that have confused scholars for many years. Join in on the debate and try to interpret the preserved frescoes or walk through the ancient streets of the city to spot graffiti that can still be seen to this day on some of the city’s walls.

• Day tours from Rome to Pompeii

See also: The best Pompeii tours from Rome provide an immersive experience, revealing the rich history and culture of this iconic site.

2 – Naples

Naples is the gateway city to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii and in actual fact, you can visit both places in one day. A city full of history and attractions to visit such as Castel Naples and National Archeological Museum. Also famous for being one of the most famous Italian city for pizza so you might be interested to join a food tour around Naples to get to know their cuisine. You won’t be disappointed.

• Excursions to Naples from Rome

3 – Mount Vesuvius

Depart for an extraordinary tour and h ead to the peak of Mount Vesuvius, one of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions. Discover the bay of Naples from another perspective with your volcanologist guide.

• Day trips from Rome to Vesuvius

4 – Caserta Royal Palace

Referred to as an Italian Versailles, this Royal Palace in Caserta is the largest in the world (UNESCO World Heritage). This royal palace has five floors, 1200 rooms, 34 stairs and 1742 windows. All its decoration, tapestry and frescoes are breathtaking. Make sure you book a guided tour if you decide to visit Casera Royal Palace for the day so you get a comprehensive guide of its history. If you are travelling there by train or car, you can book your tickets in advance to avoid the queue.

• Compare day trips to Caserta Royal Palace

5 – Venice

Experience one of the most romantic cities in the world. Heavily touristy but with fascinating architecture, canals to wander around on a gondola and stroll around the labyrinth of cobblestone streets, as well as its world-class museums. If you’re in Rome and want to travel to Venice you may want to travel there on a speed train to save up time. From Venice, you can visit some of the islands on a ferry like Burano, Murano, Torcello.

The main attraction in Venice Saint Mark’s Cathedrals Archdiocese of Venice is one of the most famous churches and one of the best-known examples of Italo-Byzantine architecture.

• Day tours out of Rome to Venice

6 – Calcata

Perched atop a rocky mountain, Calcata is one of the most beautiful and unique villages just 30 km from the city of Rome. Calcata makes an ideal excursion from Rome for those who are looking for something different to do whilst in Rome. Its bohemian atmosphere and medieval architecture are definitely enchanting.

7 – Monte Cassino

Famous for its monastery built by Saint Benedict in 529 for himself and the monks from Subiaco. Just a 2-hour drive from Rome, Montecassino Abbey has a lot of history to learn about. From when it was destroyed by the Langoboards and again during the wartime; to understand fully how much its monastery suffered, you can combine your day trip out of Rome with a tour of WWII battlefields in the Montecassino area.

Day Trips from Rome to Amalfi Coast

Fall in love with one of Italy’s most beautiful coasts on a day trip from Rome, where you will explore the enchanting town of Amalfi. Their beautiful narrow streets spill down the hill and their colourful houses are its true essence. You can also reach the beach and relax while enjoying some sun.

• Day Tours from Rome to Amalfi Coast

Hot tip: read our review of the best Amalfi Coast boat tours .

8 – Positano

You can also find Positano on the famous Amalfi Coast, perched on a hill which spills down to the water. It is a very popular destination so if you’re planning a day trip to Positano, it’s best if you schedule it during the spring season. As it’s in Amalfi Coast, consider taking a day tour out of Rome to Amalfi Coast and explore Positano and its other beautiful quaint towns.

9 – Sorrento

Overlooking the bay of Naples, Sorrento is a favourite holiday destination. There are not shortage of fun things to do in Sorrento . Apart from the beautiful scenery, it also offers museums and characteristic markets. You can experience the heart and soul of Piazza Taso where you will find many restaurants or go to the Marina Grande to eat some seafood. Sorrento has many places to explore and its scenery is beautiful. Due to its proximity to Naples, you may want to take a day trip from Rome to Naples and include Sorrento in your itinerary.

Day trips from Rome to Tuscany

Hot tip: Read more about the best things to do in Tuscany .

Interesting history, beautiful countryside and delicious food, Tuscany has a lot to offer. If you only have one day to visit somewhere outside of Rome, this day trip from Rome to Tuscany can be your best option. You get a guided visit of Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa. Explore the city of Siena and the cathedral, Chianti hills for a Tuscan lunch and wine tasting. Wander around the streets of San Gimignano and admire Pisa’s architecture. This type of day trip lasts for 12 hours approximately.

• Day tours from Rome to Tuscany

10 – Florence

Florence is a must-visit so make sure you add it to your itinerary. Florence is home to some of the most important Renaissance heritage highlights in the world such as Uffizi Gallery, the Bargello, Santa Maria Novella or the Santa Croce. Also, the library of San Lorenzo is a must-visit as it shows Michelangelo’s pure architecture. After all the museums and monuments that you will visit, you will be mesmerized.

• Day tours out of Rome to Florence

 11 – Siena

The ancient city of Siena boasts of UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is famous for its Palio, a horse race which runs in Piazza del Campo two days a year; its medieval architecture, the Palazzo Civico with its stunning frescoes and Torre del Mangia, a 400-steps tower which has amazing views overlooking the city and its surroundings.

• Compare Siena day trips from Rome

12 – Pisa

You’ve probably seen thousands of pictures of The Leaning Tower of Pisa, as it is the icon of the city. But it’s not all just about the Leaning Tower, Pisa also has more than 20 historical sites like churches, museums, art galleries and more to explore. Wander around the old town and understand why Pisa is one of the most important cities in Italy, as it used to compete back in the days with Genoa and Venice as a maritime powerhouse.

• Compare Pisa day trips from Rome

13 – San Gimignano

San Gimignano is one of the most picturesque villages in Tuscany. It boasts 14 medieval towers, cobblestone streets to wander around in and admire the old medieval architecture of the buildings. It’s small enough to be visited on a day trip from nearby cities such as Siena, Florence and Rome.

• Compare San Gimignano day trips from Rome

14 – Livorno

On the western coast of Italy in Tuscany, Livorno is well-recognized to be similar to Venice. It’s surrounded by canals and it’s one of the oldest parts of the city. Here you can enjoy some local food, wandering around the city with its majestic squares, numerous bridges and architecture.

15 – Cortona

An old town with Etruscan origin easy to enjoy on foot and its beautiful surroundings. Set on an altitude of 600 metres, it has beautiful views. It offers many good restaurants and bars that serve typical dishes of Tuscany and its delicious wines. Near to the Lake Trasimeno, Montepulciano, Arezzo, Siena, Orvieto, San Gimignano and much more other beautiful villages. If you want to maximize your experience in Tuscany, include Cortona in your itinerary.

• Day Tours to Montepulciano and Cortona

16 – Arezzo

Birthplace of the famous Giorgio Vasari and Piero della Francesca, Arezzo is an open museum of their art. Nowadays it is an agriculture trade centre and has machine, clothing, jewellery and gold industries, also a touristic place in Tuscany. The piazza Granda is its main place to visit with many cafes and restaurants, pass by Arezzo’s cathedral, the Medici Fortress which offers a 360-view of Arezzo and the surrounding areas. Don’t miss their traditions where each of Arezzo’s neighbourhood has their own team of knights who joust twice a year in June and September.

17 – Capalbio

A beautiful gorgeous village in Southern Maremma that is an easy day trip from Rome. This charming city is best to visit in the summer season for its sandy beaches, its top places to visit is the Fortress of Aldobrandeschi and the Church of San Nicola. Capalbio is rich in history, natural vistas and long sandy beaches. This can be an ideal day trip from Rome if you want to get away from the hustle.

Day trips from Rome to Umbria region

Explore the Umbria region from Rome and discover everchanging, untouched landscapes in the green of stunning valley.

18 – Assisi

A small Umbrian town in central Italy, Assisi is a short drive away from Rome. It is best known for being the birthplace of Italy’s patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi, who is also one of the most popular Catholic saints in history. The main attraction of the town is the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco, which houses sacred relics of St. Francis along with gorgeous frescoes depicting his life.

• Day Tours out of Rome to Assisi

19 – Orvieto

Sitting on a grand stone throne a thousand feet above the valley floor, the town of Orvieto in the Umbria region is an absolutely stunning day trip destination. Orvieto is the most striking and memorable of all of Italy’s hill towns and features a 13th-century cathedral and former papal residences as well as an extensive and intricate network of underground tunnels.

The town is separated into two distinct sections: the old-town on the hilltop and the relatively modern part of town below. While there are some points of interest in the new part of town, your time is best spent at the top of the hill where the lively Orvieto cathedral beckons.

Day trips from Rome nearby

20 – Tivoli

Just an hour away from Rome, the historic town of Tivoli is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Hadrian’s Villa and the Villa d’Este . They are composed of a large number of structures, lakes, libraries, temples and gardens. Not be missed are the Fountain of the Dragons, the Hundred Fountains and the Water Organ Fountain in the Villa d’Este.

• Compare Tivoli day trips from Rome

21 –  Ancient  Ostia

This ancient city was the main port of Rome and of major commercial importance. Nearly all of the city of Antica is an incredible excavation site which dates back to the 7 th century although there are some sites that are still uncovered and date back to the 3 rd century.

It’s must-visit attractions are Baths of Neptune, the theatre, Capitolium and Forum, Decumanus Maximus and much more… Make sure you visit Ostia Antica with a tour guide in order to get a comprehensive explanation of its rich history.

• Day trips from Rome to Ancient Ostia

22 –  Castelli Romani

Castelli Romani is home to several beautiful towns. Great villas and palaces can be found all over the villages, as the area was once a favourite retreat for wealthy Roman residents in the past.

For those who are keen on tasting some of the region’s white wine, make sure to visit the town of Frascati. Meanwhile, the town of Castel Gandolfo is home to the Papal Palace and its magnificent garden. Other towns to visit include Velletri, home to an archaeological museum dating back to the Iron Age, Arricia, which is famous for its roast pork, and Albano Laziale, a town with a lengthy history.

Castel Gandolfo

Easily accessible side trip from Rome due to its proximity (40 minutes approximately). You can learn from history, art and culture in Castel Gandolfo by visiting the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo. Go up to the castle to enjoy the views over the Lake Albano. Castel Gandolfo has a lot to enjoy from so if you’re looking to visit more than just the typical attractions in Rome.

• Day trips to Castelli Romani from Rome

23 – Matera

It boasts very well preserved rock-cut settlements that are considered World Heritage. It is recognized for its caved houses on limestone rocks. If you’re looking for something different and unique, Matera will fulfil your expectations.

It is a city full of hidden treasures, museums, festivals, concerts and much more.

24 – Giardino di Ninfa

A great example of Italian medieval architecture, the Giardino di Ninfa is a park situated in Cisterna di Latina of central Italy. There are tour guides in this garden between the months of April and October only.

The availability to visit the garden is due to preserving the garden, the remains of a medieval castle, churches, clock towers, palazzos and plenty more to see.

25 –  Cerveteri

Famous for its well-preserved Etruscan Necropolis, just a 50 minutes drive from Rome. Its main attraction is the Necropolis of the Etruscans but not only this, it also has many historical sites and cultural attractions: the Ruspoli Castle, Cerite National Museum where you can see artefacts from the necropolis, Piazza San Pietro and many other attractions.

Day Trips from Rome to Apulia region

26 – Apulia

Apulia is a region in Southern Italy towards the eastern coast which offers a lot of things to see. It has many UNESCO World Heritage such as Trulli in Alberobello, the castle of Frederick II in Castel del Monte, Longoboard sanctuary in Monte Sant’Angelo. It also has beautiful traditional houses full of history in Ostuni, baroque buildings and Romanesque-gothic churches all over this region.

The region of Apulia, in general, has a vibrant vibe so if you’re looking for relaxing on a beach, culture, art and tradition, you should come here. There are plenty of day trips from Rome to Apulia region where you can have a thorough tour of almost everything there is to see in Apulia.

Day Trips from Rome to the seaside, lakes and islands

27 – Capri

Escape to an island in the Tyrrhenian Sea for a day trip from Rome. Tours usually take you to Naples and from there they take you to Capri on a boat. In Capri you shouldn’t miss out on Blue Grotto, a small beautiful cave and Anacapri where you can get on a cableway. It’ll take you up to the top of Monte Solaro and have breathtaking views of the gulf of Naples and Salerno.

• Compare Capri day trips from Rome

See also: Best boat tours in Capri

28 –  Ponza island

Ponza island is just off the coast of Italy south of Rome and north of Naples. Ponza has plenty of Etruscan, Roman and other remains. Most famous site in Ponza is probably the Roman Gallery which is a Roman tunnel that connects the town of Ponza to the beach of Chiaia di Luna. You can enjoy snorkelling and swimming in the clear blue sea and other many water activities.

• Ponza day trips from Rome

29 – Santa Marinella

If you’re visiting Rome in the summer and want to explore more than just city, Santa Marinella is a great place for a day trip to cool off, eat some fresh seafood and relax on the beach. Santa Marinella is a perfect seaside day trip from Rome, just 50 minutes away.

30 – Lake Trasimeno

One of the best things to do in Lake Trasimeno is a tour of the islands by ferry: Island Polvese and Island Maggiore. Not only this, but you can also go round the Lake Trasimeno by bike to explore the Lake quicker and enjoy the views. There are castles to visit, palaces and much more to explore perfect for relaxation and wander around. Since there are plenty of things to do, consider looking for day trips from Rome to Lake Trasimeno. You won’t regret it!

31 – Lake Martignano

Lake Martignano, a very calm lake to enjoy the peace and tranquillity. It is a perfect day trip from Rome to get away from the hustle. Not only you can spend the day, but you can also stay overnight at a campsite. You can visit the Agriturismo il Castoro where you can enjoy grass beach and hammocks to make your stay more comfortable, as well as a restaurant in the area to enjoy grilled meat.

32 – Lake Bracciano

Located in Bracciano, the Lake Bracciano is a volcanic lake which is characteristic for its clear waters. Many water activities can be enjoyed here like sailing, canoeing, scuba-diving. Lake Bracciano belongs to the Bracciano-Martignano Natural Park so it is well-preserved. You can visit Lake Bracciano on a day trip from Rome and visit the town of Bracciano whilst you’re there. The town of Bracciano has a medieval castle worth visiting.

• Compare Bracciano day trips from Rome

33 – Lake Vico

An unspoiled area in Lazio with fresh, clear and calm waters. The perfect place to enjoy some paddle boarding, kayaking around the lake and canoeing for adventurous travellers. In addition to a good variety of water activities, Lago di Vico has a lot of nature to explore and bird species to watch. It has plenty of treks to walk in and picnic tables to stop at and eat whilst being in total nature. You can find Lago di Vico just an hour and 20 minutes from Rome.

34 – Anzio

About 1 hour away from Rome, Anzio is a fishing port famous for its delicious fish plates and for being a significant site during World War II. It also has a harbour for ferries and hydroplanes to the islands of Ponza, Palmarola and Ventotene. You can combine a day trip from Rome to Anzio and Ponza islands if you’re feeling adventurous.

35 – Sperlonga

Its main attraction is the beach, Sperlonga is a famous summer destination for families. Famous for its grotto (cave) which has sculptures representing scenes of Odysseus. Not much more to see, Sperlonga is a destination to relax in, on its beaches, walk its promenade, go up its watchtower and visit its archaeological museum.

We hope this comprehensive guide helps you find out more about the many day trips from Rome. If you have any queries please do not hesitate in commenting below!

• Compare all day trips from Rome

The Best Things To Do If You Only Have A One-Day Trip In Rome, According To Travelers

R ome, Italy, known as the Eternal City, truly lives up to its name with an endless array of activities, sights, and culinary delights that could keep you busy for an eternity. However, if you only have a one-day trip planned for Rome, you'll have to be more selective with what you see and do. One thing to consider when visiting Rome for only one day is how much walking you are comfortable doing. While many of the locations we recommend are within walking distance of one another, if you would rather take a cab or car service, you'll want to plan for travel time between areas.

Likewise, if you plan to walk during your day, wear comfortable shoes that will help you keep moving on the cobblestones. To blend in,  dress like a local in Italy, and be aware of any dress codes when visiting museums and churches. You might also consider bringing a small bag with a portable charger, water bottle, and anything else to keep you on the move. Additionally, some museums and other locations might prohibit entering with large bags, so you'll want to leave your luggage behind at the hotel or with a luggage storage facility. Pulling from our own experience, along with the first-hand accounts of other travelers, we've selected city highlights and activities that are worth considering if you only have one day in Rome. From famous locations to hidden gems and local treasures, Rome has something for everyone.

Read more: Simple Tips To Help You Avoid Theft While Traveling

Start The Day Like A Roman

To see the most of Rome during your day, you'll want to get an early start to the day and keep the energy high. To be best positioned to visit some of the more popular areas of the city early, we recommend grabbing breakfast or a coffee near Vatican City or in the Parati district. Knowing how to say a  few key phrases before visiting Italy  will help when ordering at a café, and locals often appreciate the effort. 

The Italians are known for their classic espresso, and at  Caffé Dei Papi , you can order one and choose from a wide selection of pastries. Traveler reviews on Google Reviews note the friendly service and proximity to Vatican City. If you're looking for somewhere to sit down and enjoy breakfast, head to The Loft . Here, travelers recommend the freshly squeezed orange juice and waffles, via Google Reviews . Another nearby location is the Sciascia Caffè , located in Prati. One traveler calls this establishment their "Favorite Coffee Shop in Rome" on  Tripadvisor . 

If you want to get a feel for the area, grab your coffee and pastry to go and walk around the Parati district, known for its well-preserved architecture and shopping. No matter where your morning escapade begins, allow yourself to be swept away by the spirited rhythm of the Italian city.

Visit The Vatican Museums And Sistine Chapel

Nestled within the hallowed walls of Vatican City, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel stand as cultural jewels, inviting visitors on an extraordinary journey through art, history, and spirituality. The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of masterpieces, spanning centuries and civilizations. You can expect to be captivated by sculptures, paintings, and artifacts during your visit. The pinnacle of this experience awaits within the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo's frescoes, including the iconic "The Last Judgment" behind the altar and the "Creation of Adam," adorn the ceiling.

When visiting the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, you'll want to book your tickets ahead of time or schedule a tour to avoid long lines and maximize your time. You'll still need to go through the security line, so allow some extra time for that. Pre-booking provides not only convenience but also the opportunity to secure coveted spots on pre-opening small group tours or weekday visits, helping you to avoid the large tourist crowds in Rome .

One reviewer on Tripadvisor  suggests booking the early morning tour that includes breakfast. Another  Tripadvisor  reviewer mentions that their visit to the Sistine Chapel was not very crowded since they visited early in the morning on a weekday. As your Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel journey concludes, extend your exploration to take in the grandeur of St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica, if time allows.

Tour The Colosseum

The Colosseum stands as an indomitable symbol of history, spectacle, and architectural mastery of ancient Rome. Considered by travelers on  Tripadvisor as an absolute must-see, the Colosseum promises an immersive encounter with the city's rich past. You'll want to secure your tickets to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World well ahead of time, as tickets can sell out during peak travel season. 

One traveler notes that they spent about an hour and a half touring the Colosseum with their guide, via Tripadvisor . They booked ahead, but even tickets booked as far out as a month sell out for specific areas of this historic site. One such location within the Colosseum is the underground and gladiator platform. Depending on your schedule, one Colosseum underground tour takes place at night, offering a unique look at this ancient site. This night tour lasts about an hour and a half. Some tours also visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which typically take about two and a half hours.

Go Shopping In Prati

The Prati district is known for its shopping and proximity to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. Prati itself is not home to many famous landmarks, but it does offer a window into upscale Roman life. This area is an upscale neighborhood with unique boutiques and outdoor vendors. One traveler review on Tripadvisor notes that while Prati is home to high-end shops, you can also find less expensive shopping opportunities. Another review, also from Tripadvisor , mentions that this area was perfect for an evening stroll. 

Via Cola Di Rienzo is the main shopping street in Prati. The ambiance of the area is enchanting; not only catering to avid shoppers but also serving as the perfect backdrop for leisurely exploring. From shopping with friends to just enjoying the sites, this tree-lined street will offer you the perfect location to take in the views and travel from place to place.

Wander Around Monti

Rione Monti is a historic neighborhood, or rioni, in Rome. It is known for its charming and bohemian atmosphere, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors. Located in the heart of the city, Rione Monti is adjacent to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, providing a central and convenient location. A charming escape from the bustling tourist hubs, Monti offers a glimpse into authentic Roman life, where cobblestone streets wind through historic alleys and vibrant piazzas. On  Tripadvisor , one traveler notes that Monti gives you the convenience of being close to some of Rome's major attractions in a non-touristy neighborhood.

A visit to Monti is incomplete without gelato. Travelers recommend  Gelateria Il Capriccio di Carla , where you can choose from an array of flavors that capture the essence of Italian craftsmanship. Traveler reviews on Tripadvisor recommend this ice cream shop because of its unique flavors and friendly staff, so grab a few scoops of this Italian favorite and wander through the lively neighborhood. Whether it's engaging with locals at a neighborhood trattoria, visiting a local restaurant or bar, or simply enjoying the lively ambiance, Monti invites you to relish the authenticity of Roman life in one of the city's most enchanting districts.

Walk To The Pantheon

The Pantheon, which is only about a 30-minute walk from the Colosseum, will take you back to ancient Rome, as the site is one of the most-preserved monuments from that era. If you choose to walk here, you can view the Roman Forum, the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, and Piazza Venezia along the way.

In addition to holding a variety of cultural and spiritual importance, the Pantheon is also an architectural marvel. Its dome was the largest for 1,300 years, and to this day, remains the biggest dome in the world that is not supported.

One traveler review on Tripadvisor says that despite the long line to enter the Pantheon, the views from inside are well worth it. While you can book a tour of the Pantheon, exploring on your own gives more flexibility to your schedule, allowing you to spend as much or as little time in this ancient building as you'd like. Visitors must purchase a ticket to enter the Pantheon, which you can obtain online. 

Grab Some Lunch

Antica Salumeria is located right by the Pantheon and has raving reviews on Tripadvisor for its sandwiches and plates of meats and cheese. This lunch won't cost you a fortune either, as many reviews note the reasonable prices and the large portions to keep you fueled during your busy day in Rome. One traveler recommends grabbing the sandwich to-go and sitting outside to enjoy the view of the Pantheon and people-watch. Another lunch spot within walking distance from the Pantheon, as well as Trevi Fountain, is  Achille al Pantheon . Travelers praise the restaurant's food, service, and atmosphere on  Tripadvisor . The menu at Achille al Pantheon includes classic Italian dishes cooked with freshly made pasta.

Since you only have one day to spend seeing Rome, we recommend having a quick lunch but choosing a local restaurant with Italian classics. If you find yourself strolling through the city, take a moment to peruse the menus displayed outside various restaurants along your path. You might stumble upon a hidden gem. And, of course, when in Rome, savoring the local wines is a must.

Visit The Trevi District

Step into the ancient heart of Rome with a visit to Rione Trevi, a district steeped in history and adorned with two of the city's iconic landmarks — the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. This area, with its cobblestone streets and timeless allure, invites you to embark on a journey through the ages.

As one of the most famous fountains globally, the Fontana Di Trevi is a mesmerizing masterpiece that demands attention. No trip to Rome is truly complete without standing in awe of its grandeur. Engage in the tradition of tossing coins over your shoulder into the fountain, as legend has it that this ritual ensures your return to the Eternal City. On  Tripadvisor , one traveler emphasizes the stunning beauty of the fountain and opines that no trip to Rome is complete without a stop here. While taking in the grand view, do not touch the water in the fountain or attempt to reclaim your coin, both of these things can get you heavily fined by local authorities. 

The famed Spanish Steps, a bustling hub with a unique charm, is also located in this area. Though sitting on the steps is not permitted, the climb offers architectural marvels and panoramic views. Another traveler review on  Tripadvisor recommends this picturesque stop, highlighting the scenic views from the top level. Soak in the charm, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and climb the Spanish Steps — a delightful exploration awaits in Rione Trevi, where every step is a stroll through the timeless beauty of the Eternal City.

Get A Guide

To truly immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Rome, a guided tour can elevate your experience to new heights. Opting for an audio tour allows you the flexibility to explore at your own pace while being enriched with insightful commentary that unveils the city's secrets. Consider using  Rick Steves Italy Audio Tours , some of which are free. As you wander through the ancient ruins and iconic landmarks, a knowledgeable guide in your ear will provide context and historical anecdotes, transforming your sightseeing into an educational journey.

For a more active and engaging exploration, a bike tour through the heart of the Eternal City is an excellent choice. One traveler, who reviewed their tour on Tripadvisor , booked an evening bike tour. They said traveling around the city on the provided e-bikes was a breeze and the tour was a unique way to experience Rome. Alternatively, a walking tour offers an intimate encounter with Rome's charm. Strolling through its charming neighborhoods, you can absorb the ambiance and interact with the locals, gaining insights beyond the guidebooks. Whether on foot, bike, or with an audio guide, these tours not only unlock the treasures of Rome but also provide a personalized and enriching exploration of this timeless city.

Take In The Art

No lover of the arts would dare visit Rome without seeing the Borghese Gallery . Visiting the Galleria Borghese, housed in the Borghese Villa, promises a captivating journey into this treasure trove of masterpieces from renowned artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini. The works of art on display create a diverse and harmonious ensemble that reflects the evolution of artistic styles over the centuries.

To enhance the experience, the Galleria Borghese operates on a timed entry system that limits how many guests can enter the gallery at a time, ensuring a more intimate and focused exploration for each visitor. This aspect of the museum is something travelers tend to enjoy since it is less crowded than other landmarks, according to reviews on  Tripadvisor.  With its intimate setting and carefully curated collection, the Galleria Borghese offers a unique and immersive experience for art enthusiasts.

The meticulously designed rooms and lush surroundings of the Borghese Gardens further contribute to the overall enchantment of the visit. Whether you are an art connoisseur or a casual admirer, the Galleria Borghese stands as a testament to Rome's artistic legacy, inviting you to savor the beauty and brilliance of its unparalleled collection.

Head Underground

One unique view of the city can be found underground.  The Catacombs of Rome  can be visited with a tour guide as you head deep into history -- and into the ground. You'll learn about the history of this underground section of Rome, and your guide will keep you from getting lost in this network of burial sites.

These underground cemeteries were used from the second century until the fifth. Although there are miles of catacombs under the city of Rome, only five are open to the public. Since this is a sacred site, you will want to dress modestly, which includes covering your knees and shoulders.

If you opt for a tour of these areas, you will likely visit the Catacombs of Rome, the Capuchin Crypt, and Basilica San Martino Ai Monti. On Tripadvisor , one reviewer who took a tour found on Viator says, "If you only have time to do one tour in Rome, this should be the one." Underground tours can take over three hours, so make sure it's a top activity for your one day in Rome before signing up.

Enjoy Fine Dining

There is no shortage of fine dining experiences in Rome, Italy, but with limited time, you'll need to select one place for a memorable experience. The Ad Hoc Ristorante in Piazza del Popolo has an exceptional menu and a wine list with more than 1,000 Italian wines to select from. One traveler on Tripadvisor  praises the divine truffle tasting menu at the restaurant and perfectly paired wines. To note, the Ad Hoc offers two locations, each with the same menu, but the newer location in Circus Maximus features an outdoor terrace. A reservation will likely be required to dine at either.

Another location to consider is Crispi 19 , which is located in the historical center of Rome. You will find this restaurant between the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, a perfect location for dinner before an evening stroll through the city. Crispi 19 specializes in seafood, and fresh fish arrives on-site daily. One reviewer on  Tripadvisor  describes the seven-course tasting menu as a "special experience." 

Take A Cooking Class

Embark on a culinary adventure in the heart of Rome by signing up for a cooking class with a seasoned Italian chef. This immersive experience not only introduces you to the art of crafting delectable pasta but also provides an opportunity to learn the secrets of authentic Italian cuisine. To secure your spot, it's advisable to book the class in advance, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable learning experience.

One review of a course booked through  Airbnb mentions how much they enjoyed learning to craft pasta by hand and learning more about the history of Italian cuisine. Another reviewer, who reviewed a course found through  Tripadvisor , says they liked learning to make pasta but loved meeting other travelers and sharing the unique experience with them. By immersing yourself in the flavors and culinary wisdom of Italy, you can bring home a few recipes and cherished memories of a truly authentic Roman experience. 

Our Methodology

To create this one-day itinerary of Rome, we meticulously researched various sources to ensure that we presented a comprehensive and insightful guide. We scoured the websites of the highlights mentioned in this post to ensure all information was up-to-date and accurate. Along with sourcing reviews from Google and Tripadvisor to provide us with various traveler opinions, we also pulled from our own first-hand experiences. 

By delving into these diverse resources, we gained valuable insights into the nuances of Rome's attractions, helping us pinpoint the must-visit locations and hidden gems. The selected destinations vary from quaint, locally cherished spots to internationally renowned landmarks, ensuring a well-rounded representation of the city's rich tapestry.

Read the original article on Explore .