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 2019 and updated December 2023

Explore related stories

Jan 25, 2022 • 8 min read

Naples cooks up plenty of things to see and do, but the pace of life is full-throttle – take one of these day trips from Naples for a breath of fresh air.

Apr 22, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 21, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 19, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 9, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 8, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 7, 2024 • 11 min read

Apr 5, 2024 • 5 min read

Mar 21, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 18, 2024 • 7 min read

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.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

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!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

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.

SAVE IT FOR LATER? PIN IT TO YOUR BOARD!

About The Author: Angela Corrias

Birthday of Rome, All You Need to Know About the 21st of April in Rome (2024)

Rome in 2 Days: How to Make the Best of a Weekend in Rome

Rome Public Transport – Easy and Complete Guide

12 Best Cooking Classes in Rome – How to Make the Perfect Pasta and Pizza in Italy

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy Overview

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.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies
• Cookie Policy

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

More information about our Cookie Policy

16 Top-Rated Day Trips from Rome

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Oct 6, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Today's tourists have the ancient and modern Romans to thank for the many attractions around Rome . The nobility of ancient Rome fled the city in the heat of summer to enjoy the sea breezes at Ostia and cooler air of Tivoli and the Alban Hills, building lavish villas set in extensive parks and gardens.

Emperors and cardinals followed their lead, as did popes and wealthy merchants. Emperor Hadrian outdid his contemporaries by creating an entire town inside his gardens at Ostia, replicating ancient wonders he had seen.

Beyond these attractions that are short day trips from Rome, the city is also a good base for day trips to attractions around the Bay of Naples — Pompeii, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast — as well as north to Florence and the hill towns of Tuscany.

You can drive to most of the day trips on here, but many of these destinations are easily reach by train. In some cases this is a more convenient option. If you don't want to do it on your own, you can also hop on an organized tour.

Find the region's best places to visit with our handy list of the top day trips from Rome.

1. Ostia Antica

3. pompeii and mount vesuvius, 4. amalfi coast, 6. florence, 7. hill towns of tuscany, 9. caserta palazzo reale, 12. etruscan sites of tarquinia and cerite, 14. frascati villas and tusculum, 15. tuscania, 16. a day at the beach, map of day trips from rome.

Founded about the fourth century BC, Ostia was Ancient Rome's port and the main naval base of the Roman Empire. Next to Pompeii, Ostia Antica is the largest excavated Roman city, and gives a good picture of urban life in Imperial Rome.

The main things to see in Ostia are the intricate mosaic floors of the Baths of Neptune, the semicircular theater, the Capitolium, the Forum, Decumanus Maximus, the well-preserved Thermopolium, the bakery , the Grandi Horrea, (grain storage building), several temples, apartment blocks, and houses with gardens and well-preserved marble floors.

Near the excavations' main entrance are rows of tombs, some of which are quite impressive. The site's Archaeological Museum displays some of the statuary and artifacts found during excavations.

As the site is a large one, a good way to get the most from a visit is with a well-informed guide. The Ancient Ostia Small Group Day Trip from Rome includes round-trip train travel from Rome and a 2.5-hour guided walking tour of the ruins.

The trip from Rome to Ostia Antica takes 25 minutes on the Roma-Lido suburban train line , plus the time it takes to get to take the metro blue line to Pyramiden station. Porta San Paolo station is opposite the Pyramiden station.

Address: Viale dei Romagnoli 717, Ostia Antica

During the Roman Empire, the Emperor Augustus and his nobility escaped the city's summer heat at their villas in Tivoli, in the nearby Sabine Hills.

Two major Tivoli attractions , both UNESCO World Heritage Sites , are well worth the trip from Rome: Hadrian's Villa and the gardens of Villa d'Este . Hadrian's splendid estate included an entire complex of buildings set in gardens, where he tried to replicate some of the great sights he'd seen in his extensive travels.

You'll see ruins (and a few reconstructions) of buildings based on the best of Greek and Egyptian architecture, all set in beautiful gardens. Villa d'Este Gardens have inspired later gardens throughout Europe and are considered the epitome of Italianate gardens. A whole series of gardens are filled with fountains, pools, cascades, and other water features, along with grottos, pavilions, and terraces.

Set on a hillside, the gardens frame lovely views of the Campagna countryside. The Villa d'Este palace is known for its painted ceilings and spiral staircase. The highlights of the richly decorated apartments are the frescoes in the Appartamento Nobile.

The Tivoli Day Trip from Rome takes you to Tivoli by air-conditioned coach for guided tours that include insights into the lives and times of the builders of these magnificent villas.

To get to Tivoli on your own, take the train from Tiburnia Station in Rome; the trip takes about 45 minutes .

In the middle of an otherwise normal day in AD 79, the violent eruption of Mount Vesuvius stopped life almost instantly in the town below, leading today's visitor feeling as though they had stepped back through the centuries.

Excavations of Pompeii over several centuries have peeled back six meters of ash and pumice-stone to reveal homes, shops, temples, stadiums, and public squares, many with their original wall paintings and mosaics intact. Many of the artifacts recovered in the excavations are shown in the National Archaeological Museum of Pompeii , at the site.

One of the most exciting things to do in Pompeii is to climb to the cone of Vesuvius (you can drive most of the way), where you can look down into the caldera of the still-active volcano.

You can combine both experiences, and enjoy a lunch of traditional Neapolitan pizza in Naples, on the Pompeii and Vesuvius Day Trip from Rome , traveling with a guide via air-conditioned bus as you learn about the history of Pompeii.

To get to Pompeii on your own, take the train from Rome's Termini Station, changing lines in Naples. As you'll need to change train stations in Naples, the trip takes about 1 hour 45 minutes . In 2024, a direct Rome-Pompeii line is scheduled for completion, making the trip faster and easier.

Carved into steep cliffs, the Amalfi Drive hangs high above the Tyrrhenian Sea, curving in and out of the deep ravines that cut the ragged coast. Each curve in the road reveals a new vista more beautiful than the last, of villages clinging to the steep cliffs in terraced layers.

The town of Amalfi climbs along the sides of a deep gorge, a picturesque setting made even lovelier with the flowers that drape from every balcony and wall. Cafés overlooking the sea are filled with tourists, who stop here to see the bright majolica-domed church and Chiostro del Paradiso (Cloister of Paradise).

One of the world's most famous roads, the Amalfi Drive is an unforgettable experience, but one you don't need to drive yourself (and to see any of the views you shouldn't be driving). You can combine a coach ride along this beautiful coastal drive with a visit to the ruins of Pompeii on a Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Semi-Private Day Trip from Rome , with a guide to point out the attractions and tell their history.

You can get to the town of Amalfi by a combination of a train from Rome to Salerno and a bus to Amalfi, Positano and other towns along the coast. The combined train and bus takes 3 hours and 15 minutes including the change time in Salerno . A 7:30am departure will get you to the town of Amalfi at 10:45am.

For an even more scenic option, you can take a ferry from Salerno to Positano or Amalfi. It takes the same time as a bus, but with sea views of the spectacular coast as you travel.

In the Tyrrhenian Sea, within sight of Sorrento and only 43 kilometers from Naples, the island of Capri can be reached from either city by ferry. One of the world's most beautiful islands , it was a favorite escape for the Emperor Tiberius, who built his grand Villa di Tiberio here. You can explore its ruins, take a boat to the famed Blue Grotto , or swim at the charming Marina Piccola .

Although it's a small island, only about six by two kilometers, it has two separate towns: Capri and high above it, Anacapri, where the highlight is the Villa San Michele and its beautiful gardens with leaf-framed views of Marina Grande and the Amalfi coast.

To see Capri in a day, you need to take an early high-speed train from Termini station to Naples, then a taxi to the high-speed ferry terminal. You won't have time to see everything on the island in one day, especially in the summer, when there will be lines. But with careful planning, you should be able to take a boat to the Blue Grotto or a boat tour around the island, visit Anacapri, and spend some time in the shops around the Piazzetta.

Read More: From Rome to Capri: Best Ways to Get There

The city that gave birth to the Renaissance, Florence is still filled with its greatest achievements, crowned by Brunelleschi's magnificent dome on the Duomo, the great Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore . The palaces and museums of Florence are legendary, especially the vast art collections of the Uffizi Gallery .

From the front of the train station, you can walk along the side of the beautiful church of Santa Maria Novella and from there it is a short walk to San Lorenzo and the Medici Tombs . The Cathedral and Baptistery are only a block away.

As you go sightseeing around the comparatively small Centro Storico — the old city center — you'll see some of the best-loved masterpieces of Italian Renaissance art and architecture, by artists that include Donatello, Giotto, Ghiberti, and Michelangelo.

High-speed trains and the E35 autostrada make the magnificent Renaissance city of Florence a manageable day trip from Rome. The train takes 1 hour 45 minutes from Termini Station and the driving time is 2 hours 45 minutes.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Florence

Some of Europe's most charming towns are the medieval stone villages that crown the hilltops of Tuscany. Their beginnings go back to the Etruscans, and their hilltop positions, castles, and towers were necessary as protection.

At the same time as they were fighting off marauders, these Tuscan towns developed a rich culture of art and architecture that you can see today in the palaces, churches, and public spaces. These towns are among the top places to go in Tuscany .

Several of these lie close to the main highway between Rome and Florence, and are easy to reach on a day trip from Rome. Among these are two of the most charming: Montepulciano , about a two-hour drive, and Montalcino; Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage town, is not far away.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tuscany

High above the Paglia valley, 100 kilometers north of Rome, Orvieto stands atop a limestone outcrop, whose steep sides protected it from centuries of attacks. So strong was it that several popes fled here for refuge from anti-papal forces. The stone on which Orvieto stands is soft tufa, and it has been carved into caves and passages since Etruscan times.

The stunning cathedral displays the work of some of the finest artisans of the time, its alternate courses of black and yellow limestone decorated by sculptures, mosaics, and stained glass. It is considered one of the finest - and certainly the most splendid - examples of Italian Gothic architecture.

A convenient way to see Orvieto is on an Assisi and Orvieto Day Trip from Rome , combining the two towns with a scenic ride through the Tuscan landscapes and lunch near Lake Trasimeno. Alternatively, Orvieto is about 1 hour 40 minutes either by train or car .

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Orvieto

The magnificent 1,200-room royal residence of the Bourbon dynasty that ruled here from 1734 to 1860 is often compared to Versailles for its size and grandeur. The palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been the set for several movies, is well preserved and includes its original decorative arts and furnishings.

Highlights are the 116-step Grand Staircase, the Cappella Reale, the theater, and the Royal Apartments. Behind the palace is a vast park with an English garden, fountains, and a Grand Cascade.

Toward the end of World War II, the palace was the headquarters of the Allied Middle East Command, and it was here that the German armies in Italy signed the surrender in 1945, signaling the approaching end of the war. Caserta is a stop on the Rome-Naples train line , and the palace is opposite the station. The train takes 1 hour and 25 minutes, faster than either bus or car.

The UNESCO World Heritage city of Assisi lies in central Umbria, about two hours north of Rome. A pilgrimage site since St. Francis built his hermitage here, Assisi holds a treasury of art, as well as a special place in the hearts of the faithful. The basilica is filled with priceless works by masters including Giotto and Cimabue.

Follow the Via San Francesco from the basilica into the atmospheric medieval streets of the historic center to visit other art-filled churches and to shop for handcrafted leather goods. Above the town is the picturesque Rocca Maggiore , a castle that you can climb to for sweeping views of the Umbrian countryside.

An easy way to visit is on a guided Assisi Day Trip from Rome , which includes transportation directly from your hotel, as well as skip-the-line tickets to the basilica and a well-informed guide. The trip by bus takes 2 hours and 45 minutes; by car it's 2 hours and 10 minutes.

While it may seem a long distance for a day trip from Rome, Italy's efficient high-speed rail system makes it entirely possible to see another of the top places to visit in Italy while staying in Rome. Venice is four hours by direct train and they leave hourly or oftener throughout the day, so you can be in Venice as early as 9:30am to begin a full day of sightseeing.

You will arrive at Santa Lucia Station, which is the start of the Grand Canal Vaporetto line. I suggest that you board the boat, find a place at one side with a good view, and watch the city pass by.

You'll go under the Rialto Bridge and get the best views of the magnificent Renaissance palaces. Get off at the end of the Grand Canal , stepping into the heart of Venice in St. Mark's Square . When you're ready to take the train back to Rome, get on the Vaporetto and find a position where you can see the other side of the Grand Canal. This Vaporetto ride is the best tour in Venice.

Author's Tip: When I lived close to Venice, I often took visiting friends there for a day, and know that you can see a few highlights and get a feel for the city on a day trip. That's because the best thing about Venice is just being there; the city itself is the attraction. Reserve ahead to tour St. Mark's Basilica and maybe the Doge's Palace, then explore the streets and passageways on your own, stopping in artisan shops and lingering in cafes to watch the scene around you. Getting lost is part of the fun of Venice, and you can always find your way back to a landmark.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Venice

An outstanding Etruscan Necropolis and two Etruscan museums are worth a day trip north along the Tyrrhenian coast. Just outside the medieval hill town of Tarquinia are the scant remains of ancient Tarquinii, the most notable of the 12 cities of the Etruscan federation. But around the old town extends the necropolis, one of the best preserved of Etruscan cemeteries.

A tour of the tombs takes from one-and-a-half to five hours, depending on your level of interest (and endurance). The splendid painted decoration of the tombs hewn from solid rock gives a picture of Etruscan culture, art, and religion.

In town, the magnificent Gothic/Romanesque Palazzo Vitelleschi houses the important collections of the Museo Nazionale Tarquiniense , including Etruscan sarcophagi, vases, jewelry, glass, carved ivories, coins, and fragments of large decorative reliefs. Notice the terracotta statues of two winged horses from the fourth or third centuries BC and the magnificent wall-paintings from the fifth-century BC Tomba del Triclinio.

The Museo Nazionale Archeologico Cerite is inside near Cerite's 13th-century castle. The collection of tomb furnishings and ornaments from the first millennium BC is outstanding and complements what you'll see in Tarquinia. The earliest is from the Sorbo necropolis: urns and ceramic ware, helmets, bowls, fibulae, and spindle-shaped ornaments, bronzes, and armor.

Finds from the later period, excavated from the Monte Abatone necropolis include very rare early bucchero ware made by the 7th-century BC ceramics masters of Caere. This remarkable collection of exquisite thin-walled black vessels alone is worth the trip. The best way to get to Tarquinia is by car, just over an hour from Rome.

The largest island of the Pontine archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Ponza is known for its pristine cove beaches and natural pools, hidden under steep cliffs and dramatic rock formations. Narrow lanes climb steeply from the port, and the entire island seems to be a series of vertical extremes. Highlights are the natural pools at Cala Feola and the spectacular sea arch of Arco Naturale.

The only way to reach many of the cove beaches and sea caves that carve its coastline is by boat, and the best way to see the island is to circle it by water. You can rent various types of boats to circumnavigate Ponza yourself, or you can join a five-hour tour from the port.

Ferries from the Italian mainland leave from Naples or from Terracina, a 90-minute drive south of Rome, but the trip can take as long as 4 ½ hours between the train, bus and ferry connections.

An easier way to get here — and to see the island — is on a Ponza Island Day Trip from Rome . The tour includes transportation from central Rome and a boat trip around the island, with stops at several beaches, sea caves, and Arco Naturale, as well as time to stroll the seaside promenade at the port. Lunch on board the tour boat is also included.

About 20 kilometers southeast of Rome and a half-hour trip by car or train , Frascati is the most important of the Castelli Romani, the castle towns of the Alban Hills. It is still a popular summer resort for Romans, and is best known for its beautiful villas belonging to old noble families.

Most of these date from the 16th and 17th centuries and are set in magnificent parks and gardens. The focal point of Frascati is Piazza Roma with the adjoining Piazza Marconi, south of which are the gardens of Villa Torlonia . Above the southeast side of Piazza Marconi, Villa Aldobrandini is set in an impressive terraced park with extensive views, grottoes, fountains, and cascades.

The wide Teatro delle Acque is the main fountain, with stairs curving in terraces around a series of cascading fountains. Just out of the center of Frascati, to the east, you'll find the picturesque park of the Villa Falconieri , which was redesigned by Borromini in 1545-48. These gardens also have a Teatro delle Acque, similar to the nymphaea popular with ancient Romans, decorated with statues and artificial caves.

From Frascati, a panoramic road winds its way uphill through beautiful scenery and areas of forest to the remains of ancient Tusculum. A favorite resort of Cicero, Tusculum was the birthplace of Cato the Elder.

It was destroyed by Rome in 1191, and its ruins are atmospherically overgrown and include an amphitheater, a theater, the forum, a well-house, and a stretch of the old town walls. Above is a ruined castle with commanding views.

A 1.5-hour drive north of Rome and not far from Tarquinia, Tuscania was an ancient Etruscan town, its historic center entirely surrounded by medieval city walls and towers. These walls offer the best vantage point for views of the town and the beautiful Lazio countryside. You can also get a good view of the church of San Pietro , set on a hill that was the site of the Etruscan acropolis.

The Lombard-Romanesque church was begun in the 8th century, but most of what you see today dates from 11 th - and 12th-century renovations. A highlight of these is the intricately decorated rose window in the façade. Inlays in the floor mark the location of the original church. The crypt has nine aisles separated by columns built of fragments from Roman and early medieval buildings; look in the nave for capitals also taken from earlier buildings.

A second church, Santa Maria Maggiore originated in the 9 th century, but the current form dates from the 13 th century. Its façade is also marked by a rose window, and by three arched portals, each surrounded by delicate columns with carved capitals. Inside, in the apse is an excellent 13th-century fresco of the Twelve Apostles and a large 14 th -century fresco of the Last Judgment.

The Archaeological Museum, in a former convent, displays finds from Etruscan tombs, and you can visit several Etruscan necropolises close to the city center. One of these is quite complex, with a series of mazes and tunnels.

The stones of Rome can become overbearingly hot in the summer, and a good way to cool off for a day is a trip to one of the long sand beaches of the Lazio coast. Less than an hour by train from Rome, Santa Marinella Beach is a five-minute walk from the station. The long sandy beach has a gradual drop-off into the clear water, and is protected by a breakwater, so it's especially popular with families.

Half an hour farther from Rome, but in a more picturesque location, Sperlonga's two golden-sand beaches are separated by a promontory and are backed by a pretty seaside town. The beaches have a Blue Flag designation for their clear water and clean sands.

Both Santa Marinella and Sperlonga are largely covered by lidos, bathing clubs that charge for the use of their lounge chairs and umbrellas. But instead of searching for a spot of free sand, you'll enjoy your day a lot more with some welcome shade and easy access to cool drinks. These beaches have been popular with Romans since ancient times, and Emperor Tiberius built a villa at Sperlonga.

More on Italy

Rome's Top Attractions

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Beaches Near Rome

Top Museums in Rome

Where to Shop in Rome

Events in Rome

The Best Food to Try

The Top Restaurants in Rome

Nightlife in Rome

The Best Time to Visit Rome

Weather & Climate

Rome Airport Guide

Tipping in Rome

Rome's Top Neighborhoods

Public Transportation in Rome

Itinerary: 3 Days in Rome

Day Trips From Rome

The 14 Best Day Trips from Rome

Where to Go for a Day Outside Rome

While Rome itself is worthy of a visit in its own right, there are a number of noteworthy neighboring towns, archeological sites, romantic villas, gardens, and beaches within a few hours’ drive of the Eternal City that are just as intriguing. From ancient ruins and beautiful chapels to medieval villages and cooking classes in the countryside, there are plenty of places to go if you want to venture off the beaten track or enhance your trip to Italy’s capital city. 

Many of the sites and cities on this list can be visited on your own or by guided tours through travel sites like Viator if you prefer to go with a group. For the following day trip itineraries, plan on leaving Rome as early as possible and returning in the evening to make the most of your time outside the city.

Vatican City: Saint Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel

Maremagnum / The Image Bank / Getty Images

People often think of Vatican City as part of Rome, but it's actually a separate country, the smallest in the world, sharing a two-mile border with Italy. Start at Piazza di Ponte Sant’Angelo and walk across the bridge toward Castel Sant’Angelo (also worth a look if you have time), then continue down Via Della Conciliazione until you reach St. Peter's Square and the dramatic entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica.

Just around the corner are the Vatican Museums , where you’ll find Michelangelo’s treasured Sistine Chapel and rooms full of art by Raphael and Caravaggio. Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the vast art collections and wandering St. Peter’s Basilica.

Getting There:  It’s a beautiful walk (see above) or if you’re coming from other parts of Rome, take Line A of the Metro to the Ottaviano–S. Pietro station. From there, it’s about a five-minute walk to St. Peter’s Square.

Travel Tip:  Admission to the Vatican Museums is free on the last Sunday of the month, however, it’s often more crowded as a result.

Via Appia Antica: The Appian Way Road and Catacombs

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

You’ve heard the phrase, “All roads lead to Rome,” right? Via Appia Antica (Appian Way Road) is the oldest road in Italy and once linked the Roman Empire from Rome to the port city of Brindisi. Nowadays, part of it is preserved in a regional park called Parco Regionale Dell'Appia Antica .

Spend one to three hours in Appia Antica Regional Park strolling or cycling the historic path, visiting sites like the Catacombs of San Sebastiano and San Callisto, the ancient city gates at Porta San Sebastiano , the Circus of Maxentius, Church of Domine Quo Vadis , and the Tomb of Cecelia Metella. Plan to have lunch at Ristorante Cecilia Metella , a beautiful place to take a break when the weather is nice and you can eat out on the patio.

Getting There:  From Rome, it's about a 15-minute drive. For public transportation, take the Metro A line to the San Giovanni stop, then the 218 bus.

Travel Tip: Sunday is the best day to go since much of the Appian Way Road is closed to traffic.

Ostia Antica: Rome’s Ancient Port City

The ruins of the ancient port city of Ostia Antica , part of Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica (Ostia Antica Archaeological Park), are well worth a visit, as they’ll give you an inside look at how Rome’s ancient inhabitants built the empire’s grandest cities.

You can easily spend several hours wandering the old streets, shops, and houses of this huge complex , which generally sees far fewer tourists than Pompeii. Visit archaeological sites like the Roman theater, ancient bakery, communal toilets, and stroll along streets and alleyways built back in the 7th century B.C.

Getting There:  It’s a 40-minute drive or a 90-minute train ride from Rome; take Metro Line B to the Piramide or Magliana station, then take the Ostia Lido train.

Travel Tip:  Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica is closed on Monday, so plan your visit accordingly.

Ostia Lido: A Day at the Beach

If you're in Rome and want to escape the heat of the city, the closest place to go is Ostia Lido . Just a 15-minute drive from Ostia Antica (mentioned above), it might make sense to head here for lunch or a relaxing day of sunbathing and swimming after a morning touring the historic site.

While it might not be as glamorous as some of the other Italian beaches , this posh resort town still has some nice private beach areas available for day use, while you can spread out a towel in any of the public sections.

Getting There:  It’s a 40-minute drive from Rome, or take the Roma Lido train from the Roma Ostiense station to get there in about 35 minutes.

Travel Tip:  If you want to go a little farther, there are several great beaches to the north and south of Rome , like Sperlonga Beach, Santa Marinella Beach, and Anzio Beach, among others.

Tivoli: Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa

Head east to Tivoli to visit the impressive 16th-century Renaissance-style villa, gardens, and fountains of UNESCO World Heritage site Villa d’Este . Then take a short bus ride to view the extensive grounds of Villa Adriana (Hadrian's Villa), created by Emperor Hadrian during the second century; today, it's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

At Villa d’Este’s , the Fountain of Neptune, Fontana della Proserpina , Fontana del Bicchierone , Fontana dell’Organ o, Fontana dell’Ovata (also called Fontana di Tivoli ), and Vialle delle Cento Fontane (Italian for "Avenue of 100 fountains") are the most famous. Then, catch a shuttle over to Hadrian’s Villa to check out the 300-acre complex, home to impressive theaters, ancient baths, and several Greek and Latin libraries.

Getting There:  Tivoli is about a 35-minute drive or 50-minute train ride from the Roma Tiburtina Station. From Tivoli's main square, you can catch a shuttle to Hadrian’s Villa about a 10-minute drive from Tivoli’s main square.

Travel Tip:  Stop by Villa Gregoriana , east of Villa d’Este, where you can visit a temple built in honor of Vesta, a beautiful waterfall, and gorgeous gorges within Parco Gregoriana .

Orvieto: Umbria’s Famed Etruscan Hill Town

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

Perched atop tufa cliffs, the Umbrian hill town of Orvieto makes an impressive sight. Inhabited since Etruscan times, its monuments and museums cover millenniums of history. Orvieto's stunning Duomo (cathedral) with its mosaic facade is one of the best medieval monuments in Italy. There are plenty of shops and restaurants where you can try some of the culinary specialties of the Umbria region.

Visit St. Patrick’s Well ( Pozzo di San Patrizio ), an impressive Etruscan well that dates to the 16th century. Then, spend the rest of your day taking in amazing views of the Italian countryside from the top of the hill at Torre del Morro , stopping by Orvieto’s beautiful gothic cathedral, and strolling along medieval streets.

Getting There:  It's a little over an hour’s drive from Rome (check out our expert guide for more tips about how to get there). Once in Orvieto, a funicular connects the station and lower town with the medieval center above.

Travel Tip: View even more Etruscan ruins at the Temple of Belvedere, Necropolis, and at the Museo Claudio Faina .

Tarquinia: Famous Frescoes and Tombs

Tarquinia , located northeast of Rome, is known for its nearby Etruscan tombs as well as its excellent Etruscan Museum. The town also has a medieval center; its Cathedral houses frescoes dating back to 1508.

Visit the tourist information center in Piazza Cavour before heading to the archaeological museum, Museo Archaeologico (Archaeological Museum) in Palazzo Vitelleschi . Your ticket also includes admission to the Necropolis, where more than 6,000 Etruscan tombs were dug and decorated with frescoes, some of which date to the 6th and 2nd centuries B.C.

Getting There:  Tarquinia can be reached in about 90 minutes by car or train on the Roma-Ventimiglia line via the Roma Termini station; it's 15 minutes faster if you leave from the Roma Ostiense station.

Travel Tip:  Head to nearby Norchia for a look at Etruscan tombs that have been carved into the cliffside, or Sutri, home to an ancient amphitheater.

Frascati and Castelli Romani: Volcanic Hill Towns

Frascati, located in the hills about 13 miles south of Rome, is part of the Colli Albani and Castelli Romani area, a volcanic complex of hills and lakes where well-to-do Romans have had summer homes for centuries. Today, it’s known as the City of Wine and makes a fun place to escape Rome's summer heat.

For a full- or half-day adventure in Frascati, start at Villa Aldobrandini , where you can visit Scuderie Aldobrandini , the fully restored former stables and home of the local history museum, Museo Tuscolano . Stick around to wander the gardens, then continue to the Cattedrale di San Pietro , where the heart of Bonnie Prince Charlie (otherwise known as Charles Edward Stuart) is buried. Lastly, if you’re traveling by car, stop by Tusculum to view the 4th-century ruins of an ancient villa and amphitheater.

Getting There:  From the Roma Termini station, you can reach Frascati in about 30 minutes.

Travel Tip:  Other Castelli Romani volcanic hill towns worth visiting as day trips include nearby Grottaferrata (known for its abbey), Marino (a popular spot for caves and hunting), and Castel Gandolfo (home of the Pope's summer palace).

Sabina (Sabine Hills): Medieval Villages and Cooking Classes

Take a day trip into the the Sabine Hills, a beautiful piece of Italian countryside dotted with medieval towns, ancient monasteries, and historic castles, most easily visited by car.

The most popular spots to visit are Fara Sabina (not to be confused with Sabina, another town east of Rome), Toffia , Farfa , Montopoli , and Bocchignano , while those interested in castles should head to Rocca Sinibaldi , home of Castel Cesarini , which dates to 1084 A.D. and Frasso Sabino , home of Castel Sforza , which dates to 955 A.D. All are spectacular places to spend the day imagining what life was like during each town’s heyday.

Getting There: The train to Fara in Sabina takes less than an hour, while it’s about an hour’s drive from Rome’s city center.

Travel Tip:  For an in-depth look at Roman and Tuscan cuisine, Convivio Rome Italian Cooking Holidays offers half-day cooking classes in a private Italian home, as well as longer tours focusing on olive oil and regional wines.

Florence: A Trip into Tuscany

​​Although there is a lot to see in Florence , you can still get a pretty good overview in one day. Head to Piazza del Duomo to visit the Baptistery, Campanile (Bell Tower), and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore , where stained glass windows were created by Donatello; for a little extra, you can climb the 463 steps to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome.

History buffs will love Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio , home to some of the oldest parts of the city and several copies of famous statues like Michelangelo’s David; to see the real thing, head to the nearby Galleria dell’Academia . Art lovers should also make time to visit Uffizi Gallery, which houses thousands of Renaissance works by legendary artists like Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, among others.

Getting There:  It’s a three-hour drive from Rome, but if you take one of the fast trains, it's possible to reach Florence in under 1.5 hours (see our expert guide for more tips). Once there, the historic city center can be reached by walking 15 minutes from Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station.

Travel Tip:  Whenever possible, book tickets to popular attractions like Galleria dell’Acadamia and the Uffizi Gallery online ahead of time to avoid long lines.

Pisa: The Leaning Tower and So Much More

Laurent Fox / Getty Images

If you’ve dreamt of taking your own legendary photo by the Leaning Tower of Pisa , now’s your chance. Head to Piazza del Duomo, just a 20-minute walk from Pisa Centrale train station, where you can get some inspiration from your fellow travelers (who are there to take the same photo!) or pay to climb to the top of the 183-foot tower. The Cathedral, Baptistery, and cemetery are also worth a look.

For a relaxing day in Pisa, grab some fresh fruit, veggies, and other locally sourced sandwich-making ingredients from the Mercato delle Vettovaglie market and throw yourself an Italian-style picnic in Piazza del Duomo or in the Botanical Garden of Pisa, a stunning oasis built by the Medici family in 1544.

Getting There:  Pisa is about two hours and 15 minutes from Rome by train (into Pisa Centrale station) or four hours by car. Once there, the city is easily walkable.

Travel Tip: Shop and stroll your way along Borgo Stretto or stop by Santa Maria Della Spina to view the 13th-century church’s impressive gothic architecture.

Naples: The Best Pizza in Italy

Antonio Busiello / Getty Images

Come to Naples is for the pizza, which, depending on who you ask, is the best in Italy. Grab some pizza a portafoglio (folded pizza) as you stroll the main street, Spaccanapoli , or feast on Neapolitan (Naples-style) pizza at one of these top restaurants . The art of pizza making was officially listed as a culinary art on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2017, so you know it’ll be delicious wherever you go here.

Otherwise, Naples is known for its Duomo , which houses two vials of patron saint San Gennaro’s blood among other holy relics, and 14th-century Santa Chiara Church , home to a monastery, archaeological museum, and several tombs. Check out the Greco-Roman ruins beneath the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore, explore one of the city’s ancient castles, view artwork by Titian, Botticelli, and Raphael at the Capodimonte Museum, and take a joyride on one of the four funicular lines.

Getting There:  It’s a two-hour drive or you can reach Naples from Rome by train in a little over an hour (see our expert guide for more tips).

Travel Tip: Consider buying a Naples Pass if you’re going to be visiting several attractions, as well as Pompeii or Herculaneum , as it can save you money on admission and transportation fees.

Pompeii: Historic Ruins by an Epic Volcano

Photography by Jeremy Villasis, Philippines / Getty Images

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, The Archaeological Park of Pompeii is one of the most popular day trips in Italy, either from Rome or nearby Naples. Come see what remains of the city, which was destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius on August 25, 79 A.D. (yes, that’s still Mt. Vesuvius looming over you in the background, and yes, it’s still an active volcano, but no, we don't know for sure when the next eruption will be).

Pompeii feels frozen in time, with frescoes and mosaic floors in wealthy Roman homes still intact and plaster casts of people and animals caught in the exact moment of what they were doing when the eruption occurred. Keep in mind that this is not just a museum, but an entire city, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to spend most of your time here walking between the various excavation sites and educational areas.

Getting There: It takes about 2.5 hours to reach Pompeii from Rome whether you travel by car or train (go to the Pompei Scavi or Pompei Santuario stop, depending on which line you take). A SITA bus between Naples and Salerno also stops at Piazza Esedra in Pompeii.

Travel Tip: TickItaly offers a three-day pass including public transportation from Naples and admission to Pompeii, plus one more excavation site (Herculaneum or Baia Archaeological Park, among others).

Capri: Beyond the Blue Grotto

Westend61 / Getty Images

While most travelers come to Capri to see its famous sea caves like the Blue Grotto ( Grotta Azzurra) , the island is also known for its Roman ruins, gardens, monasteries, beaches, and views from Anacapri and Mount Solaro, two of its highest points. 

 Whether you’re here to see the ruins and gardens of Villa San Michele in Anacapri, gaze at the Faraglioni rock formations, or feast on limoncello (read: lemon liquor from heaven) or other traditional dishes like ravioli Caprese, wood-fired pizza, or refreshing Caprese salads, you’re sure to have a memorable trip to the island of Capri.

Getting There:  From Rome, you’ll need to make your way to Naples by car or train (2.5 hours), then it’s another 45 minutes by ferry from either the Molo Beverello or Calata Porta di Massa ports to Capri.

Travel Tip: There is only one road on Capri, which means you’ll have to rely on public transportation, which can be crowded, taxis, or funiculars to get around.

The 25 Top Attractions in Rome, Italy

Top 6 Tourist Attractions in Italy

Roman Amphitheaters in Italy

The Top 10 Day Trips from Naples, Italy

Essential Ancient Sites to Visit in Rome

The Top 23 Things to Do in Italy

Lazio Region Travel Maps

The 15 Best Destinations in Italy

Where to Go in Rome to Take the Best Photos

The Best Beaches Near Rome

Siena Guide: Planning Your Trip

The 15 Best Cities in Italy

3 Days in Rome: What to See and Do

12 Free Things to Do in Rome

Tuscany Guide: Planning Your Trip

Italy Guide: Planning Your Trip

14 Best Day Trips From Rome

This page contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

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

If you enjoyed this post, pin it for later!

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!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Required fields are marked *. Your email address will not be published. By clicking the Submit button, you give consent for us to store your information for the purposes of displaying your comment and you accept the terms of our Privacy Policy .

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Europe Chevron

Italy Chevron

Rome Chevron

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.

Hadrian's Villa Arrow

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.

Villa d'Este Arrow

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.

Hotel Torre Sant'Angelo Arrow

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.

María Casbas

Jessica Chapel

Madison Flager

Rocca Pia Arrow

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.

Ristorante Sibilla Arrow

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.)

Villa Gregoriana Arrow

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.

Caffetteria La Piazzetta Arrow

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 .

Temple of Vesta Arrow

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.

Temple of Sibilla Arrow

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.

Anselmo Pub Arrow

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. 

Palazzo Apostolico of Castel Gandolfo Arrow

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.

Merumalia Wine Resort Arrow

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.

Palazzo Chigi Arrow

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.

Museo delle Navi Romane Arrow

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.

Peppa e Nando Arrow

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.

Collegiata di San Tommaso Arrow

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.

Ristorante Gli Archi Arrow

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.

Torre Truglia Arrow

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.

Grotte di Pastena Arrow

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).

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

25+ Amazing Day Trips From Rome

Scoping out some day trips from Rome? Here’s my guide to the 25 best day trips from Rome. I give you an overview of each day trip destination and tips for getting there.

Rome is one of Europe’s most beautiful and popular cities. There are so many things to do in Rome, you could move in for a month and not see them all.

But sometimes you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Rome.

If so, Rome makes a splendid long term base for day trips to other must visit destinations in Italy. Rome is centrally located and well-connected to other towns and cities.

On a day trip, you can escape Rome’s adoring (and sometimes maddening) crowds. And you don’t have to switch accommodations every day to see a new place in Italy.

This guide covers all the best places to visit near Rome. It also gives you tips on how to get to these Rome day trip destinations by car or public transport. Usually the high speed train or is the best mode of transportation.

I also suggest some guided tours, if you’d rather save time on transport and have someone else plan the details.

Best Day Trips From Rome

Here are my picks for the 25 best day trips from Rome. The options are incredibly varied.

There’s something for everyone, from culture vultures to history buffs to nature lovers. You can choose from evocative ruins, picturesque medieval towns, UNESCO sites, and verdant garden getaways.

Many of these Rome day trip destinations are secret hidden gems in Italy. Others are among the most stunning l andmarks in Italy .

1. Hadrian’s Villa, Tivoli

Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana) in Tivoli lies just 20 miles east of Rome on the edge of the Sabine Hills. The villa is the perfect easy day trip from Rome, especially for archeology lovers and history buffs.

Hadrian’s Villa is an important archeological complex. It’s the largest and most spectacular villa of ancient Rome, three times the size of Pompeii. 

The villa is a testament to the power and glory of ancient Rome and the world’s most important leader, Emperor Hadrian.

The villa was designed by Hadrian himself. It comes complete with its magnificent edifices, beautiful mosaics, and ancient statuary.

Hadrian’s sprawling theme park is called a “villa.” But it’s more accurately a miniature Rome that covers nearly 300 acres.

It’s dotted with 30 large structures — palaces, libraries, baths, living quarters, dining pavilions, and sculpture gardens. 

Hadrian incorporated foreign landmarks and marvels of the classical world into Villa Adriana. It became a diorama of sorts of his vast empire.

Hadrian’s Villa is now an evocative ruin. The opulent accoutrements are long gone. Many were looted. But some ended up in the Vatican Museums .

Hadrian’s Villa became a UNESCO site in 1999. Archaeologists, architects, and historians have been working at Hadrian’s Villa for decades. 

It’s still only half excavated. So new discoveries are made all the time.

Here’s my complete guide to Hadrian’s Villa . I visited Hadrian’s Villa on an organized day tour from Rome , which I highly recommended, as it will make travel logistics easier.

Getting There:   Day Trip from Rome to Hadrian’s Villa

The easiest way to get to Tivoli on a day trip from Rome 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 to get to Hadrian’s Villa. Alternatively, you can take the metro Line B from Rome to Ponte Mammolo and then catch the bus bound for Via Prenestina.

If you’re driving, it will take approximately 50 minutes.

2. Villa d’Este, Tivoli

The UNESCO-listed Villa d’Este in Tivoli is a must visit landmark in Italy . The villa is the lush and watery country estate and gardens of a Catholic cardinal.

Villa d’Este makes the perfect day trip escape from Rome. It’s just a half hour away. You can also combine it with a visit to Hadrian’s Villa.

The sumptuous late Renaissance estate is a playground of whimsy, topped with a frescoed villa. Built into a cliff, Villa d’Este’s terraced gardens are one of Europe’s most beautiful green spaces.

There are waterfall fountains, ornate staircases, spiky cypress trees, and the gentle murmur of water everywhere.

The villa itself is a bit of an empty shell, with the furnishings and decor long gone. But most of the vibrant frescos and painted ceilings remain.

Off the Central Room, a small loggia offers the first dramatic views of the main event — one of the world’s most beautiful landscaped gardens. A double stairway leads you down to this bucolic retreat.

Set over 35,000 square meters, the verdant gardens will blow you away. You’ll see thundering fountains, placid pools, grottos, waterfalls, and natural beauty. 

The 50 large fountains and 250 water jets are all gravity powered, a miracle of Renaissance plumbing. Statues of ancient deities complete the enchanting ensemble.

READ :  Complete Guide to visiting Villa d’Este

Getting There: Day Trip from Rome to Villa d’Este

If you have a car, Villa d’Este is less than an hour drive from Rome. You can also take a bus from Ponte Mammolo or the train via Roma Tiberutina. The bus is the faster choice.

If you are going solo, there’s a bus that connects Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa. But the easiest way to see these two spots in one day trip from Rome is to book a day tour like this one .

Medieval Orvieto is a popular day trip from Rome and perhaps my favorite. Beautiful Orvieto is the capitol of Umbria.

It’s set high above a volcanic outcropping and chock full of medieval buildings. Nothing much has changed in this rustic fairytale town in 500 years.

The main drag in Orvieto is the Corso Cavour. In the town center, the Torre del Moro, a 13th century civic landmark, towers above. An elevator and another 171 steps get you to the top where you’ll have panoramic views.

The hilltop town’s  piece de resistance  is its magnificent cathedral, a marvel of theatricality. Orvieto Cathedral is one of the  most beautiful and ancient churches in Italy .

Begun in 1290, Orvieto Cathedral took nearly 400 years to complete. The cathedral is a riveting ensemble of spires, spikes, golden mosaics, statuary, stained glass, and black and white striped marble. And that’s just the facade.

Inside, the Chapel of San Brizio boasts one of the Renaissance’s greatest fresco cycles by Luca Signorelli. The frescos depict the usual religious themes — temptation, damnation, and salvation. 

READ : Guide To the Most Beautiful Chapels in Italy

They’re a searing vision of the end of the world, executed with fiendish exuberance.  Michelangelo  came to inspect the chapel before beginning his own master work, the  Sistine Chapel .

Click here to book a 2 hour guided tour of Orvieto Cathedral. You can also book a guided tour of the cathedral and the town .

I took this tour and it was fantastic. The tour guide gave me a tutorial on all the chapel frescos,

Getting There: Day Trip from Rome to Orvieto

Frequent trains run between Rome and Orvieto from Rome Termini. 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 center or take a local bus.

If you’d prefer a guided tour, this is an excellent tour that takes you to both Orvieto and Assisi.

Ariccia is an artistic treasure in the Castelli Romani region, an area beloved by Romans. For centuries, Ariccia was a refuge for artists who came to these hills for inspiration.

Ariccia’s natural beauty captivated many wealthy Romans during the Renaissance. They were patrons to artists and architects such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the greatest sculptor of the Baroque era.

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. If you’re an art lover, Ariccia is a great day trip from Rome.

The Palazzo Chigi is an impressive Baroque palace. It was renovated by Bernini for the Chigi family. They were a papal dynasty who also owned Villa Farnesina in Rome.

You can only visit the palace and see its grand rooms on a guided tour. The opulent palace is loaded with Baroque paintings and sculptures.

It’s been a filming location for many famous films, including the Visconti masterpiece  The Leopard .

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta was designed by Bernini . It was one his last works, inspired by Rome’s  Pantheon .

Foodies will like Ariccia for its porchetta (roasted pork) and Romanello wine.

Getting There: Day Trip from Rome to Ariccia

It’s a 30 minute drive from Rome to Ariccia. You could also take a taxi in the same amount of time. By train, it’s less than an hour from Rome Termini.

5. Ostia Antica

Founded in 4th century BC, Ostia Antica is an ancient harbor town about 40 minutes outside Rome. It’s a pretty adorable town too, with warm orange stone buildings. 

In ancient Rome, Ostia served as a naval base. Later, it became important commercially.

The town was home to a cosmopolitan population of rich business men and wily merchants. This was where food and grain supplies arrived to feed Roman citizens.

There are some impressive preserved ruins. It’s similar to Pompeii — the excavation of an entire ancient city.

You get to wander around the ancient town at will. Along the way, you’ll see a necropolis, an amphitheater, ancient temples and gates, the Baths of Neptune, statues, mosaic floors, and the forum.

The mosaics were used to inform illiterate Romans about the purpose of a given building — tavern, baths, brothel, etc.

Before exploring the ruins, consider stopping in for a tour of the Castello della Rovere. It was built by Pope Julius II when he was still a cardinal. There are some faded frescos by Michelangelo’s pupil Baldassare Peruzzi.

Getting There:   Day Trip from Rome to Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica is easily accessible on a day trip from Rome by public transport. Take the Roma-Lido train from Roma Porta San Paolo station.

You’ll arrive in Ostia Antica in 40 minutes. You can drive there in 40 minutes as well.

If you’d like a guided tour of this magnificent ruin, you can book this half day tour to Ostica Antica from Rome. Or, once you arrive, you can take this local tour with an archaeologist to really get the full scoop.

6. Castel Gandolfo 

Castel Gandolfo is one of easiest day trips from Rome. It’s also one of the most picturesque and bucolic escapes from the capital’s chaos.

The town is set amid the Alban Hills, with lush wooded hillsides. It looks out over the tranquil Lake Albano.

For centuries, the town has been home to the the pope’s summer palace. The Pontifical Villas cover almost 136 acres (more than Vatican City ).

You may remember the palace and its magnificent gardens from the Netflix movie The Two Popes .

The 17th century Apostolic Palace is a sight to behold. Inside, it’s ornate and richly decorated. Pope Francis opened the palace as a museum in 2014. There are seven rooms open for visitors to explore.

There are several stunning papal gardens, including the Barberini Gardens, Giardino della Madonna, and the Belvedere Gardens.

The Belvedere is the most famous. It even has an ancient Cryptoporticus built by Emperor Domitian.

There are some other landmarks in town to admire. In particular, Bernini designed the Church of San Tommaso da Villanova.

Getting There:   Day Trip fro Rome to Castle Gandolfo

There are daily trains to Castel Gandolfo. The trains takes approximately 38 to 45 minutes, depending on which train you take. Be sure to buy a return ticket because there are no ticket machines in the town.

You can also drive to the castle in 50 minutes. But parking near the castle is difficult.

7. Frascati

Frascati is the best known of the 13 Castelli Romani region towns. The town is set on a hill between rolling rows of grapevines.

Frascati used to be a popular summer escape for Roman nobility. The town has a pretty historic center. It comes complete with steep streets and views of Rome. Frascati is also know for its porchetta and wines.

Patricians built many villas in Frascati. Unfortunately, many of them were destroyed during World War II.

But the impressive Villa Aldobrandini still stands, overlooking the town. While a bit dilapidated, the villa is a famous example of early Italian Baroque architecture.

The villa is still privately owned by the Aldobrandini family. But the gardens are open to the public. You can tickets from the tourist office in Piazza Marconi.

The gardens are terraced and sculpture-filled. You can explore the pretty grotto-like Water Theater behind the villa. The views of Rome from the garden alone are worth the visit.

The garden is only open on weekdays and is closed at lunch time (1-3 pm). A trip to this tiny town is a great (and easy) activity to escape the summer heat of Rome.

Frascati is a lively town. There’s plenty of shops and night life. A popular spot is the “Bar of the Mirrors,” where your reflections are distorted and transformed.

Getting There:   Day Trip from Rome to Frascati

Frascati is directly connected to Rome by regional train, making it easy to get to. It’s only a 30 minute ride.

You can also book a guided half day wine and food tour from Rome to Frascati . Or a half day tour that includes pasta making, wine, and dinner .

8. Tarquinia

It’s worth a taking a day trip from Rome to Tarquinia just to see the UNESCO-listed Necropolis of Tarquinia . It’s one of Italy’s most magnificent Etruscan sites.

In Tarquinia, you can find the distant past brought to life. The “city of the dead” is pre-Roman. It dates back to the 7th century B.C.

For 300 years, until 500 B.C., Tarquinia was the master of Rome and central Italy. Tarquinia boasts some of the best preserved Etruscan sites in the world.

Since 1489, nearly 6,000 tombs have been excavated. The most important tombs are the Tomb of the Shields, the Tomb of the Lioness, and the Tomb of the Warrior.

There are 140 fantastic large scale wall frescos behind plexiglass. Press a button to light them up. The necropolis was popular with Roman artists. Raphael and Michelangelo ventured there to study the frescos.

The medieval town of Tarquinia is itself quite charming, sprawling on a hill overlooking the sea. You can visit the National Museum of Tarquinia .

It’s housed in the Palazzo Vitelleschi. The Gothic-Renaissance palace is a masterpiece of architecture.

At the Piazza del Duomo you can admire the town’s Cathedral of Santa Margherita. The Romanesque Church of St. Francis also deserves a visit.

Getting There: Day Trip from Rome to Tarquinia

Tarquinia is fairly easy day trip from Rome. It’s 60 miles northwest of Rome.

It’s a 1:10 drive by car. But you can also take the train from Roma S. Pietro station. The ride is a speedy 55 minutes.

You can also book a guided day tour from Rome .

9. Sperlonga

After the quick pace of Rome, perhaps you feel like hitting the beach. If so, day trip from Rome to Sperlonga.

Sperlonga is an extremely pretty “do nothing” beach town. It’s about 80 miles south of Rome in Italy’s Lazio region. Most Americans haven’t heard of it. But the locals love it.

The old town is a whitewashed warren of passageways and staircases. You’ll find cafes and shops, decked out in flowers. There’s a view of the broad sandy beaches from a piazza at the very top.

The first summer tourist to Sperlonga may have been the Roman Emperor Tiberius. He built the grandiose Villa of Tiberius .

Ruins of the villa weren’t discovered until 1957, when the Italian government was building a highway.

Among the ruins was a grotto with colossal statuary. Most of it dedicated to the Greek hero Ulysses. A connected museum now holds the ancient sculptures.

Tiberius and his court likely enjoyed the natural cool of the grotto cave. You can find the ruins at the far end of Sperlonga’s Levante Beach.

You can also hike up to the Truglia Tower. This medieval tower was built in the 17th century to protect Sperlonga from pirate attacks.

The tower stands out like a strange, geometric sentinel atop a hill overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. The vantage point offers spectacular views of the sea and beaches below.

Getting There: Day Trip from Rome to Sperlonga

Sperlonga is one hour south of Rome by car. Trains for Sperlonga depart from Rome Termini.

The train drops you at the train station in the village of Fondi. From there, you take a bus to Sperlonga.

10. Florence

Florence is one of my favorite towns in Italy. It’s an overwhelmingly beautiful city that really deserves multiple days.

But, if you’re pressed for time, it’s certainly possible to visit Florence as a day trip from Rome.

Florence is nicknamed the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” With the best Medieval and Renaissance art in Europe, Florence is a veritable art lovers paradise.

Florence’s entire city center is a designated UNESCO site. There are scads of  must visit attractions in Florence .

You have your choice of frescoed churches,  Medici palaces , majestic cathedrals, elegant piazzas, and world class museums. You can tread on the same flagstones as Leonardo, Dante, and Galileo.

READ :  3 Day Itinerary for Florence

Florence Cathedral is the most prominent landmark in Florence. It was built over 172 years, beginning in 1296. 

Florence Cathedral is Gothic in style, but not in the light and elegant way you think of Paris’ Notre Dame. It’s made of brown sandstone and beautifully frosted with pink, green, and white marble.

You may want to book a  guided tour of the Duomo  itself. You can also book a  guided tour of the Duomo that includes access to the dome and secret terraces   that you wouldn’t see on a regular visit.

Spend some time lingering in the  Piazza della Signoria , Florence’s free outdoor sculpture gallery.

Head inside the  Palazzo Vecchio , former home of the Medici dynasty , and admire the frescos by Giorgio Vasari .

You can’t leave Florence without visiting the  Uffizi Gallery . Click here to book a timed entrance ticket.

The Uffizi is a bastion of Renaissance art. The museum houses one of the world’s most famous paintings,  Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli .

If you’re a real art lover, plan to see Michelangelo’s iconic  David  in the Galleria dell’Accademia and the sculptures of the  Bargello Museum .

Or, if you like to travel with a theme, you can follow  the Michelangelo trail in Florence .

Getting There:   Day Trip from Rome to Florence

For a Rome to Florence day trip, take the high speed train from Roma Termini station to Florence. It takes less than 1.5 hours.

Florence is an eminently walkable city.

But to avoid hassle and make the most of your one day in Florence , you might consider going with  a guided tour . Otherwise, at a minimum, you’ll want to have a skip the line ticket for the Uffizi and it’s absolutely essential to pre-book a  ticket to climb Brunelleschi’s dome .

11. Pompeii

One of Italy’s most fascinating destinations is the ancient buried city of Pompeii . There’s really nothing quite like it in the world.

Pompeii is Rome’s most famous archaeological site, a living museum. In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the city in 60 feet of ash. 

The city was entombed and preserved for many centuries. Beginning in 1748, archaeologists began painstakingly excavating the ruins.

The ruins are a remarkable evocation of everyday Roman life. You can get a vicarious thrill sharing living space with ancient Romans. 

In the complex, you’ll find roman baths, a roman forum, brothels, basilicas, a grand theater, and the oldest Roman amphitheater in the world. The most important monuments are the Temple of Apollo, the city bathhouse, and the villas of the nobility.

The Villa of the Mysteries is probably the most important home. It contains one of the most famous frescos from all of Ancient Rome, The Mysteries of Dionyus , which covers three walls.

Pompeii is the gift that keeps on giving. New finds are made all the time, including recently unveiled frescos in the House of the Vettii and other spots. When you’re done exploring the ruins, head to a vineyard or restaurant on the nearby Mount Vesuvius.

Click here to book an entrance ticket for Pompeii.

Getting There:   Rome Day Trip to Pompeii

Pompeii is a hugely popular day trip from Rome. To get there, it’s easiest to book a tour. I recently did this tour and really enjoyed it. You can also a book a tour that includes wine tasting and lunch .

Otherwise, you’ll want to make the 2 hour long journey by train, which requires you to change through Naples.

For more information, here’s my complete guide to visiting Pompeii .

Vibrant Naples is the birthplace of pizza. The old town is chaotic, brash, colorful, and very authentically Italian.

Naples is a big sprawling city that’s slightly rough around the edges. Most of its attractions are in the historic center. Naples boasts stunning churches, beautiful palaces, great art, and some epic foodie eateries.

Naple’s top attraction is the Naples National Archaeological Museum . If you’re a history buff, it’s worth a day trip from Rome just to see this great world class museum.

The museum houses Greco-Roman artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum. These are the two towns that were buried by ash, and hence preserved, when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. You will also find ancient statuary in the Farnese Collection.

Click here to book a ticket and guided tour to the museum.

Located in the stunning pink Capodimonte Palace, the Capodimonte Museum is another must visit attraction in Naples. It’s one of Italy’s best museums .

It houses a collection of fine and decorative arts, mostly from Naples. The core of its collection was compiled by the powerful Farnese and Bourbon families.

The Capodimonte Museum features works by Caravaggio , Masaccio , Titian, Raphael, El Greco, Bruegel, and Sebastiano del Piombo.

Click here to book an entrance ticket.

The Piazza del Plebiscito is the main square in Naples. It’s flanked with important historic buildings. These include the Royal Palace, the Royal Basilica, and Salerno Palace. The colonnade mimics St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.

The beautiful San Francesco di Paola steals the show. You can tell it was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome . The bright airy interior is decorated in white marble, with an altar that has gorgeous lapis lazuli inlay.

If you’re on the UNESCO trail in Europe , you may want to carve out time for he incredible  Palace of Caserta . It’s a UNESCO site just 30 minutes north of Naples.

The palace was built by King Charles VII of the House of Bourbon. It was used as the main residence of the kings of Naples.

With over 1200 rooms, the palace was one of the largest palaces in 18th century Europe. The sprawling palace complex was built on a grid with four outer wings.

You enter via the Grand Staircase of Honor, surrounded by marble. The palace is lavish inside, especially the gold filled throne room.

Getting There:   Rome Day Trip to Naples

Getting to Naples from Rome is easy, if you go by train. The high speed trains leave from Rome Termini, making the journey in 1:10.

If you go by car, the journey takes over twice as long. So if you really want to day trip from Rome to Naples, you should take the train.

You can also book a private transfer from Rome to Naples . Or go on a small group guided tour .

13. Sorrrento

Sorrento is the quintessential Italian resort town. It lies on the Amalfi Coast, facing out to the Bay of Naples.

Wedged on a ledge over the sea, the cliff top town of Sorrento can be done as a day trip from Rome. If you’re staying longer than a day, Sorrento makes a perfect springboard for visiting the Amalfi Coast.

Start your tour of Sorrento on Piazza Torquato Tasso. Named after an Italian poet, this is the center of life in Sorrento.

Tasso’s statue sits in the Piazza Sant’Antonio. But the hidden back lanes of Sorrento are the most tantalizing. They’re filled with shops selling gelato, limoncello, prosecco, leather goods, and more.

If you’re ready to sit down and sip, the Hotel Belair Sorrento offers stunning views overlooking Sorrento and Mount Vesuvius. There’s also good views from La Pergola Bar a Champagne.

If you need some beach time, head to Marina Grande Beach. Sorrento is also famous for its lemons and filled with lemon groves.

Getting There:   Rome Day Trip to Sorrento

To get to Sorrento, you will need to take the train to Naples. Be sure to book in advance as the high speed trains can sell out.

There, 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.

Total travel time is around two hours. If you’d like to see more of this region during the day then  a guided tour  is a better way to go.

14. Viterbo

Underrated Viterbo is a beautiful medieval gem just an hour from Rome. Viterbo was at its zenith in the 13th century, when it overshadowed Rome itself as a center for papal power.

The main reason to visit Viterbo on a day trip from Rome is to admire the beautifully intact medieval town center.

Viterbo is almost entirely surrounded by incredibly well kept walls. The San Pellgrino district is one of the best preserved neighborhoods in Italy.

In the 13th century, Viterbo was the seat of the Pope for 24 years. The Gothic Palazzo Papale was built in the 13th century as a residence for popes looking to get away from Rome.

At the time, Rome was a place of plague and rampaging factions of rival barons. The escape palace was the site of the first ever conclave to elect a new pope.

The interior isn’t always open. But you can climb the stairs to admire what was once the loggia.

Viterbo is also a spa town. You can have a local volcanic mud bath or steam in an ancient cave at Terme dei Papi .

For sustenance, you can grab lunch at Cantina Palazzo dei Merchant. The casual eatery shares a kitchen with one of the best wine cellars in Italy, Enoteca la Torre.

Getting There:   Rome Day Trip to Viterbo

Viterbo isn’t well enough known yet for there to be day tours from Rome. Instead, you’ll need to take one of the hourly trains. They reach Viterbo in around 1:40. It’s a 1:15 drive by car.

15 . Civita di Bagnoregio

Just 30 minutes from Viterbo is Civita di Bagnoregio. It’s a magical, almost surreal, hill town. You could do both towns on a day trip from Rome.

The Etruscans founded Civita di Bagnoregio over 2500 years ago. It’s largely unaltered ever since.

The isolated and picturesque Civita teeters on a hilltop in a vast canyon, north of Rome. The topography scares away most tourists.

To access this little hamlet, you’ll have to ditch your car, walk across an elevated and steep 300 meter pedestrian bridge, and enter via a massive 12th century stone arch called the Porta Santa Maria.

What could be more dreamy and surreal?

Once inside, the charms of Civita are subtle. There’s nothing special to do but wander around in this enchanting rural village.

Civita is just unadulterated old world Italy. The warm stone walls glow in the sunshine. Have a seat on the steps of San Donato Church, be suspended in time, and admire the flowerpots.

Here’s my complete guide to Civita di Bagnoregio .

Getting There: Day Trip from Rome to Civita

It’s easiest to drive to Civita. The drive takes 1:45. You park in the adjacent town of Bagnoregio. You’ll see signs for the parking lot.

If you’re using public transport, you can take the train from Rome to Orvieto. In Orvieto, you can buy a ticket for the Cotral bus that goes to Civita. However, bus service isn’t exactly plentiful in this remote area.

Located in Umbria, the saintly and stunning hill town of Assisi is a destination for art lovers. Assisi was the home and final resting place of St. Francis. 

Hence, it’s a pilgrimage destination. In fact, the 13th century Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is one of Italy’s best known churches and a landmark UNESCO site.

There are two parts to the church — the lower church (for pilgrims) and the upper church (for clergy). The frescos in the lower church mark the pivotal transition in art history from the Gothic period to the early Renaissance era. 

The highlight is the frescos attributed to Giotto in the Chapel of Santa Maria Maddalena. He reputedly painted a 28 panel cycle called  The Life of St. Francis , between 1297 and 1300.

That chapel also has a fresco cycle by Pietro Lorenzetti, with a haunting  Depostion .

The upper church houses paintings by Cimabue, the greatest Italian painter of the 13th century International Gothic style. Giotto was Cimabue’s protege.

For more info, here is my one day in Assisi itinerary and my guides to the best things to do in Assisi and my guide to the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi . But the town and this complex are so fascinating, you may want to book a guided tour .

Getting There:   Day Trip from Rome to Assisi

A high speed train ride from Roma Termini to Santa Maria degli Angeli takes about 1:45. It drops passengers off at the foot of the hill town Assisi. From there, you can opt to take a taxi or a bus.

You can also book full day guided tour from Rome to Assisi .

17. Montecassino Abbey

Montecassino Abbey is one of the most famous abbeys in the world. For a sacred place, the abbey has a rather bloody history of destruction and rebirth. The abbey has been invaded, sacked, burned, and bombed.

In 529, Saint Benedict built a monastery home for the monks from Subiaco. At the time, he was the patron saint of Europe.

In 577, Montecassino Abbey was destroyed by the Langobards. In 887, the Saracens attacked. The abbey was rebuilt again in 949.

In 1944, the abbey was the scene of a hugely divisive battle in WWII. In anticipation, the abbey moved its treasures to the Vatican and Castle Sant’Angelo . Then, it was bombed when the Allies mistakenly suspected that Germans were hiding there.

After WWI, a massive decade long project to restore and rebuild Montecassino began. The monks’ motto was “where it was, as it was.” The abbey is now a major destination in Italy for tourists, pilgrims and history buffs.

To visit, you need to book a guided tour in advance. In winter, the abbey is only open on Sundays.

You can visit the cloisters, an ornate church, library, crypt, museum, and war cemeteries. The museum houses magnificent paintings, mosaics, coins, manuscripts, and ancient books.

Getting There:   Rome Day Trip to Montecassino

If you’re traveling between Rome and Naples, the beautiful Abbey of Montecassino is the perfect stop. It’s a 2 hour drive from Rome.

High speed trains depart from Rome Termini and take approximately 60-79 minutes. A bus outside the train station deposits you at the top of the mountain. Or you take a taxi up.

18. Bracciano

Bracciano is located on the shores of the volcanic Lake Bracciano. It’s a lovely small medieval town. Piazza IV Novembre is the main square.

Bracciano used to be a simple fishing and farming village. But in the 15th century, the pope gifted the town to the powerful Orsini family. They built the local castle, now known as Odescalchi Castle .

This castle is one of the few Renaissance castles in Italy. You’ll find medieval interiors, artifacts, and period furniture. From the top, you’ll have beautiful views of Lake Bracciano.

Other attractions in Bracciano include the beautiful Santo Stefano Cathedral and Church of St. Liberato. The lake and nature reserve are a perfect place for a relaxing walk.

Getting There: Rome Day Trip to Bracciano

Trains to Bracciano leave roughly every half hour from various stations in Rome – Trastevere, Ostiense, San Pietro or Valle Aurelia. All trains stop in Bracciano en route to Viterbo.

Pisa ia a beautiful little town in Tuscany with a rich architectural heritage.Most travelers to Pisa understandably come for Pisa’s calling card — the famous and mysterious Leaning Tower of Pisa.

But Pisa is so much more than a one site “hit and run” town, especially for art and history lovers. The Field of Miracles is a true spectacle. It’s a simply splendid assemblage of Romanesque, Gothic, and Early Renaissance art and architecture. 

You can visit the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Monumental Cemetery, and several museums. You may want to book a guided walking tour to see all the attractions and get the historical backdrop.

Straddling the Arno River, the town of Pisa itself is a charming (if very small) town. There are pretty pretty piazzas, historic buildings, and museums.

Here’s my guide to the top attractions in Pisa and my tips for visiting Pisa .

Getting There: Rome Day Trip to Pisa

To get to Pisa, you will have to travel to Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station and then change trains for Pisa. The overall journey will take you slightly more than two hours. 

Once there, you may want to book a local guided tour to get the most out of your day trip from Rome.

Some tours combine Pisa and Florence. If you just want to see the cathedral and the leaning tower, you can book that here .

20. Gardens of Ninfa

If nature beckons, day trip from Rome to the secret Gardens of Ninfa . The legendary garden is a noble family’s fairytale garden.

The gardens are immersed in nature and scattered with centuries old ruins. Though Rome is just an easy hour drive away, Ninfa feels like a remote, happily isolated world.

You park your car in a sunny olive grove, buy your ticket, and step through a stile onto a path of fine gravel. 

The park occupies a full 20 acres, of which 16 are open to the public. The crystalline river Ninfa, hardly more than a healthy stream, winds through the property.

The garden is said to be the world’s most romantic garden. It was created in 1921 by the Caetani family. It’s designed in the English garden style.

The garden features thousands of exotic plants and trees. The gardens are informal, with an impressionistic messy style.

As any fancy garden, the Ninfa Garden is never the same from one month to the next. Depending on the season, you’ll find a profusion of climbing roses or heavy wisteria vines.

To protect the gardens, access is limited. The garden is open from April through October on the first Saturday and the first Sunday after the first Saturday of each month, as well as the third Sunday in April, May and June. 

You can only visit via a guided tour.

If you’re day tripping from Rome, buy tickets in advance at the Fondazione Camillo Caetani .

Getting There: Rome Day Trip to Ninfa Gardens

Ninfa is 40 miles south of Rome. It’s best to drive. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi. There’s parking at the entrance to the gardens. Or, you can book a full day tour .

21. Palestrina

Palestrina is another good day trip from Rome for history buffs and ruin lusters. The entire town is built over and into the ruins of an enormous ancient temple.

Originally a significant Etruscan town, Palestrina became renowned for its massive Temple of Fortuna Primagenia. The shrine dates from the 2nd century B.C. In antiquity, this temple was one of the largest and most visited temples in Italy.

The temple ruins were only discovered after WWII bombings exposed the ancient foundations.

The former sanctuary of the temple was later transformed into the Palazzo Colonna-Barberini. The 17th century palace now houses the very fine Museo Archeologico . It’s situated at the highest point of the town and is hard to miss.

It’s worth a visit for the museum alone. It houses a large and well-labeled collection of Etruscan bronzes, terra cotta statuary, pottery, and some Roman artifacts. The star of the show is a 1st century B.C. mosaic representing the river Nile in flood.

Getting There: Rome Day Trip to Palestrina

By car, it’s a 40 minute drive from Rome to Palestrina. Buses leave every four hours from Termini Station in Rome.

22. Bolsena

Bolsena is a pretty hidden gem town on Lake Bolsena. Bolsena is a town where it’s possible to enjoy a wide range of activities, depending on your interest.

Set on Italy’s largest volcanic lake, Bolsena has a relaxing and romantic quality. The town is secluded and close to nature. You can hike, swim, or just relax.

Bolsena is also an ancient Etruscan settlement. It’s home to a large necropolis with tombs and funerary ornaments, which attracts history buffs and archaeologists.

The historic center is picture perfect. Bolsena’s main monument is the Cathedral of St. Cristina. It’s dedicated to an 11 year old girl who was martyred during the reign of Roman emperor Diocletian. 

You can also visit the Castello Monaldeschi. The castle was built during the 12th and 14th centuries.

It now houses the Lake Bolsena Museum. The museum gives you an overview of the region’s history.

Getting There: Rome Day Trip to Bolzano

Both by car and high speed train, Bolsena is about 1:40 from Rome. If you’re driving, leave your car in the parking space in the central Piazza Matteotti.

23. Bologna

Nicknamed  La Grassa , or the Big Fat, for its delicious food, Bologna just oozes medieval charm. Bologna is a bit of a hidden gem in Italy. But it shouldn’t be. 

Bologna is a historic city filled with striking architecture, beautiful piazzas, a swathe of palaces and towers, and gourmet restaurants.

Bologna’s must visit attractions are found in the city’s main square, Piazza Maggiore. You’ll be greeted by a huge statue of Neptune atop a fountain.

It was created by one of the great late Renaissance sculptors, Giambologna. He was an artist second only to Michelangelo in skill.

On one end of the piazza is the massive Basilica of San Petronio, honoring Bologna’s patron saint. On the other is the swishy Palazzo dei Rei Enzo.

Bologna’s most famous site and most beautiful church is the Santo Stefano Church . It’s a complex of seven churches, founded by Petronio atop a Roman temple. 

Legend holds that, when Dante was expelled from Florence for his politics, he wiled away time in the Romanesque cloisters.

When you’ve seen the main sites, head to the Piazza della Mercanzia. There, you’ll find Bologna’s leaning tower, Asinelli Tower.

You can climb 500 steps to the top for panoramic views. Then have a gelato or meal in the pretty piazza.

Then head to Bologna’s medieval Quadrilatero and meander through the medieval lanes filled with shops. Be sure to walk under the famous 666 Portico, the beautiful terra cotta arcades.

In Bologna, you may want to guided walking tour of the city or a guided food tour .

Getting There: Rome Day Trip to Bologna

Bologna is a bit of a hike from Rome. Your best bet is to take the high speed train, which clocks in at around 2 hours. Be sure to book online in advance.

You can also book a guided day tour from Rome , if that’s easier.

Gaeta is a pretty town that’s the perfect seaside day trip from Rome. Gaeta has a well-preserved medieval historic center and a beautiful natural setting overlooking there Tyrrhenian Sea.

Serapo beach is a fantastic gold sand beach, definitely one of the best beaches near Rome. Sant’Agostino Beach is a great place for surfing.

The 6th century Aragonese Castle is the most distinctive feature of the Gaeta skyline.

Gaeta is also known as the “city of 100 churches.” The Byzantine-style Church of St. Francesco is the most stunning one. Geata’s duomo has some beautiful art inside and an elegant Norman bell tower.

Gaeta is also home to Mount Orlando. If you hike up, you can explore the Sanctuary of the Split Mountain and a famous grotto. You’ll have stunning views of the Mediterranean. There’s an entrance to the park on Serapo Beach.

Getting There: Rome Day Trip to Gaeta

Gaeta is located halfway between Rome and Naples and is well connected by the road network and public transport. Trains take about 1:40. You may want to book a guided walking tour for your visit.

25. Sacred Park of Bomarzo

The Sacred Park of Bomarzo, located in the Lazio region of Italy, is a one-of-a-kind garden that offers a truly unique experience. More commonly referred to as the Park of Monsters, it was commissioned by Pier Francesco Orsini, an Italian nobleman from the 16th century.

The main sculptures in the park, which number around 30, were created by the architect and sculptor Pirro Ligorio. Ligorio also played a role in the design of the renowned Villa d’Este .

These sculptures portray mythical creatures, monsters, and other surreal figures and are interspersed throughout a natural landscape of hills, trees, and flowers. Some of the most famous sculptures include a giant elephant with an obelisk on its back, a dragon, a massive turtle, and a house with tilted walls.

The park was designed to inspire wonder and contemplation. It’s a must-visit Rome day trip anyone interested in art, history, or the bizarre and unconventional. It’s truly an unforgettable hidden gem in Italy that shouldn’t be missed.

Getting There: Rome Day Trip To Sacred Park of Bomarzo

You can get to the park by car taking the A1 highway. The journey takes about an hour.

Alternatively, you can take a train from Rome’s Termini Station to Orte and then hop on a local bus to Bomarzo. You can also book a guided day tour from Rome .

26. Vatican City

Last but certainly not least, I end with the easiest day trip from Rome, Vatican City. The Vatican isn’t just a walled city. It’s home to one of the world’s greatest art collections, housed in former wings of the Vatican Palace. 

The  Vatican Museums  are one of the world’s most visited sites. They attract millions of visitors annually. The works in the Vatican are invaluable crowning glories of Western art.

A museum path leads you through the long corridors and wings of the Vatican Museums.

Most of the fine art, as opposed to decorative art, is in the  Vatican Pinacoteca  (painting gallery), the Pio-Clementine Museum (sculpture gallery), the  Raphael Rooms , the Borgia Apartments, and the Sistine Chapel.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescos  are the undisputed highlight of a visit to the Vatican. They’re among the most famous paintings in the history of art. 

20,000 people visit daily to cast their eyes upward to the glorious ceiling. Michelangelo spent 4 years toiling away on the 9 ceiling panels.

They depict scenes from Genesis and seem to open up the chapel to heaven.

While in Vatican City, you also have to visit St. Peter’s Basilica . It’s the most famous church in Christendom.

The basilica is the burial place of Saint Peter and past popes. This is where you’ll find the famous Bernini Baldachin canopy and Michelangelo’s tragically beautiful  Pieta .

Designed by Bramante, Raphael, and Michelangelo, the basilica is a true Renaissance masterpiece.

It may be the most ornate space you’ve ever stepped foot inside. The basilica showcases an intense visual array of precious treasures and grandiose decoration. Think gold and marble everywhere.

The basilica is a treasure trove of Bernini sculptures. You can also climb the dome. As a reward, you’ll have the iconic view of St. Peter’s Square and a panoramic view of Rome. 

Here’s my guide to spending one day in Vatican City . You can pre-book your ticket here .

If it’s your first time visiting the Vatican, you will probably want to book a guided tour , which lasts between 2-3 hours. Last time I visited, I took a guided tour and then went back on my own to see the rest.

Getting There : You can walk right into Vatican City. Or take a taxi, if you’re in a hurry.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best day trips from Rome. You may enjoy these other Italy travel guides and resources:

• 3 days in Rome itinerary
• 5 days in Rome itinerary
• 10 day itinerary for Tuscany
• 10 day itinerary for Italy’s classic cites
• 11 ways to spend 1 week in Italy
• 1 0 day itinerary from Milan to Rome
• 1 week itinerary from Venice to Milan
• 30 beautiful towns in Italy
• 100+ Italy bucket list experiences
• Tips for visiting Italy
• Historic landmarks in Italy
• 20 beautiful churches in Italy

If you’d like to day trip from Rome, pin it for later.

4 thoughts on “25+ Amazing Day Trips From Rome”

Hello! I just read your article on “Day Trips from Rome,” and I must say, it’s a fantastic guide for exploring the captivating destinations surrounding the Eternal City. Your selection of day trips offers a diverse range of experiences, from ancient ruins to picturesque towns.

I appreciate how you provided detailed information about each day trip, including the highlights, activities, and practical tips. It’s evident that you have a deep knowledge of the region and want your readers to have the best possible experience during their day trips from Rome.

The photographs you included are absolutely stunning and give a visual glimpse of the beauty and allure of each destination. They truly complement your writing and make me want to pack my bags and explore these places right away.

I also like how you’ve considered different interests and preferences in your selection of day trips. Whether someone is a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a foodie, there’s a day trip that caters to their passions.

Thank you for sharing these amazing day trip ideas with us. Your article is a valuable resource for anyone visiting Rome and looking to venture beyond the city to discover the hidden gems of Italy. Keep up the fantastic work on your blog, and I’m looking forward to more travel inspiration from you. Happy travels! Highly Recommended to all.

Thank you so much!

Your review and guide have given me the best info of all my searches of Italy. Thank you for all the links! Now I want to extend my stay at least another week in October!

Have you mapped out any of these trips? Right now I have three days of free time and would like to see as many as I can from your article.

I do love what you wrote and how you wrote it!!

Thank you Charmaine. I have’t mapped it out. But you can visit Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este on the same day.You could visit Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio on the same day. And then you could go to either Naples or Florence on the third day. Or Naples + Pompeii. Endless options. But those would be my favorite picks. Have fun!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Last Updated on May 25, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

• Most Popular
• Special Tours
• Small Groups
• Florence tours
• Venice Tours
• Pompeii and Amalfi Tours
• Rome culinary experiences
• Cinque Terre
• Alba and Langhe
• Amalfi Coast, Capri and Pompeii
• Puglia and Matera
• Sicily and Pantelleria
• Rome Kids & Families Experiences
• Rome Kids & Families Tours
• Vatican Kids and Families Tours
• Venice Kids & Families Experiences
• Venice Kids and Families Tours
• Cooking Classes for Kids in Rome
• Sustainability
• Via Giustiniani, 23, 00186 Roma RM

(0039) 06 6624626

(0039) 338 7791615

(0039) 334 7243374

• [email protected]

• Rome Kids & Families Tours

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

Related tours.

Farmers’ Market Shopping with Roman Full Course Class | Shared

Golf Cart Tour of Rome | Private

Testaccio Food Tour | Private

• Rome Guided Tours
• Cooking Classes in Rome
• Rome for Kids Tours
• Rome Small Group Tours
• Walks Inside Rome
• +39066624626
• +393387791615
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy

Forgot your password?

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive mail with link to set new password.

Back to login

29 Amazing Day Trips from Rome By Train, Car & Guided Tour

Explore lakes, mountains, hilltop villages and roman ruins with these wonderful day trips from rome.

Rome’s charm knows no bounds. No matter how much time you spend in the Eternal City , it’s never enough. But there are some exciting day trips from Rome to take if you can manage to pull yourself away! In fact, there’s so much to do beyond the city limits that you’ll soon wonder why you didn’t budget more time for it.

Geography helps a lot since Rome sits in a region filled with incredible landmarks, bordering Italian jewels like Tuscany and Umbria . From idyllic lakeside villages to spectacular countryside and vibrant beaches, the places you can visit while staying in Rome offer some of the best experiences you can get bwhile traveling in Italy.

In this guide, I’ve cherry-picked 29 fabulous day trips from Rome that you can easily do independently. If you don’t want to drive or deal with public transportation, I’ve also included some recommended top-rated organised tours.

Map of Day trips from Rome

For reference, here’re each destination in this guide mapped out.

Best day trips from Rome in Lazio

Castel gandolfo.

How to get to Castel Gandolfo from Rome: you can drive to Castel Gandolfo in about 40 minutes, but the train from Roma Termini is just as fast and much less stressful (from €2.10 one way). Make sure to buy the return at Termini station since there is no vending machine in Castel Gandolfo. Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details to plan and book your journey. For a truly special trip, purchase tickets for the train leaving from inside the Vatican (tickets here ). 

Take one of these tours: Castelgandolfo Pontifical Villas from Rome // Castel Gandolfo gardens and food experience at the Pope’s farm

museivaticaniroma. it | Saturday-Sunday from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM | €24.00

Castelli Romani

Ruspoli Palace in Nemi

Castel Gandolfo is part of a larger group of charming towns known as Castelli Romani, nestled in the Colli Albani (Alban Hills) southeast of Rome. The name of the area (literally, Roman Castles) comes from the fact that historically it was the playground of the Roman elites, who built grand palaces and mansions here. The Castelli Romani offers wonderful sightseeing opportunities, including the beautiful amphitheater of Tusculum and the 11th-century Byzantine-Greek monastery of Grottaferrata. Also, you’ll get to sample top delicacies at a local fraschetta , which is a traditional tavern. The porchetta from Ariccia, the wild strawberries from Nemi, and DOC white wine from the area are all great.

How to get to Castelli Romani from Rome: The region is especially easy to reach by car (a little under an hour). You can also catch a Trenitalia regional train from Roma Termini to the main town Frascati (40 minutes, from €2.10 one way) and then use local buses to explore the other villages. Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details  to plan and book your journey.

Take one of these tours: Castelli Romani, an experience between art, culture, food & wine // Castelli Romani tour from Rome

Villa d’este and hadrian’s villa in tivoli.

Villa d’Este

The 16th-century Villa d’Este is just as spectacular, featuring innovative Renaissance architecture and Italian-style gardens regarded as some of the world’s finest. Also worth seeing on a day trip to Tivoli is Villa Gregoriana, with its beautiful complex of wooded parks, waterfalls, and grottoes.

How to get to Tivoli from Rome: Take a Trenitalia regional train from Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina to Tivoli (about an hour, from €2.60 one way). While Villa Gregoriana is a short walk from Tivoli station, you’ll have to catch the CAT bus n.4 to reach Hadrian’s Villa ( Villa Adriana stop) and Villa d’Este ( Piazza Garibaldi stop). By car, it’s a quick 40-minute drive, and you’ll find numerous parking lots. Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details and to plan and book your journey.

Take one of these tours: Tivoli Day Trip from Rome with Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este // Day Trip From Rome to Tivoli Villas with Lunch  

coopculture.it/villa-deste   | Monday from 2:00 PM to 7:45 PM, Tuesday – Sunday from 8:45AM to 7:45 PM | €10.00 —— coopculture.it/hadrians-villa | Monday-Sunday from 8:15 AM to 7:30 PM | €10.00

The Park of the Monsters in Bomarzo (Parco dei Mostri)

How to get to Bomarzo from Rome: Reaching the park by public transport can be a bit challenging. Catch a Trenitalia regional train from Roma Termini or Tiburtina towards Viterbo, get off at Orte, then take a bus to Bomarzo. Alternatively, drive along the A1 highway, take the Orte or Attigliano exit, then follow the signs to the park (1.5 hours in total). Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details  to plan and book your journey.

Take this tour: Rome tour to Bomarzo Caprarola & Calcata // Day trip from Rome: Bomarzo and Caprarola – private tour  

sacrobosco.eu | Every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM November-February and from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM March-September | €13.00

Lake Bracciano

How to get to Bracciano from Rome: Hop on a Trenitalia regional train from Roma Tiburtina or Ostiense towards Viterbo and stop at Anguillara or Bracciano (about an hour, from €3.60 one way). Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details and to plan and book your journey. By car, it takes about 40 minutes to make the trip. You could also consider a private transfer from Rome to Lake Bracciano.

Take one of these tours: Roman countryside & Lake Bracciano day- trip from Rome // Private day trip from Rome to Bracciano Lake and surrounding areas

Ostia antica.

Statue of the god Mithras

The best Roman archeological park in Italy outside of Pompeii and Herculaneum is Ostia Antica, one of the easiest day trips from Rome by train. At the time of the empire, Ostia was Rome’s main seaport, and 2000 years later, it provides an impressive window into daily life way back when. Wandering around the site, you’ll see the remains of warehouses, grain deposits, apartments, cafeterias with pictorial menus, and even public restrooms, all laid out in a typical Roman grid plan. This high level of preservation was possible because of the mud that buried Ostia for a long time, protecting it from the effects of time. There’s also a grand theatre with 4,000 seats still used for theatrical performances and striking floor mosaics.

How to get to Ostia Antica from Rome: Take the metro line B to Piramide, hop on a Trenitalia regional train from nearby Porta S.Paolo station towards Roma Lido and get off at Ostia Antica (about 40 min, from €1.50 one way). The archeological park is just a quick stroll from the station. Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details and to plan and book your journey.

Take one of these tours: Ancient Ostia Antica semi-private day trip from Rome by train with guide // Ostia Antica – life in Ancient Rome private tour

ostiaantica.beniculturali.it | Tuesday-Sunday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM in low season and 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM in high season | €14

The Garden of Ninfa (Giardino di Ninfa)

How to get to the Garden of Ninfa from Rome: There’s no direct public transport to the garden. You can only take a Trenitalia regional train from Roma Termini to Latina (about 45 minutes, from €4.10 one way) and then it’s a 15-minute taxi ride to the site. Driving takes a little over an hour and there’s plenty of free parking at the entrance.

Take this tour: Garden of Ninfa and Sermoneta day trip from Rome with lunch

giardinodininfa.eu | Saturday-Sunday from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM | €15.75

Civita di Bagnoregio

How to get to Civita di Bagnoregio from Rome: Catch a Trenitalia regional train from Roma Termini to Orvieto (1.15 hours, from €8.60 one way), then a Cotral bus that goes to Civita. Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details and to plan and book your journey. Getting there by car is much easier (1:45 in total) and you can park at the Belvedere (€2/h) near the footbridge. You could also consider this private transfer between Rome and Civita di Bagnoregio.

Take one of these tours: Civita di Bagnoregio private walking tour // Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio full day tour from Rome // Civita di Bagnoregio and the Monster Park

Fregene (Fregenae)

When the city’s heat gets too much, go to the beach! Fregene offers some of the best beaches near Rome, with stretches of golden sand protected by an ancient pine forest. There are nice beach resorts for a relaxing day by the sea, and many seafront restaurants and aperitivo spots attract stylish crowds from the city. This is a great day trip to experience beach life Italian style. Plus, a couple of kilometres south of Fregene, the Macchiagrande natural oasis is a beautiful stretch of Mediterranean vegetation offering many opportunities for birdwatching.

How to get to Fregene from Rome: Take the metro line A to the “Cornelia” stop, then hop on a Cotral bus line 11 to Fregene (about an hour, from €3.00 one way). By car, it’s about 45min.

Santa Marinella

How to get to Santa Marinella from Rome: Take a Trenitalia regional train from Termini Station to Civitavecchia and get off at Santa Marinella (one hour, from €4.6 one way). The beach is only five minutes from the train station, it’s as easy as that. Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details and to plan and book your journey.

Tarquinia & Cerveteri

Cerveteri – Etruscan Necopolis

Tarquinia – Frescoes in Etruscan tomb

The ancient Romans played a significant role in Italian history, but they were actually preceded by the Etruscans. Some of the best places to learn more about this ancient civilisation in Italy are Tarquinia and Cerveteri, just north of Rome. Both a UNESCO world heritage site, their necropolises constitute a unique, exceptional testimony of the ancient Etruscans, the only urban civilisation of the pre-Roman Age. In fact, much of what we know about this civilisation is from these tombs. For example, the painted tombs in Tarquinia beautifully depict family scenes that offer a great detail of their daily lives. While in Cerveteri, the decorations inside the Tomb of the Reliefs even recreate an Etruscan household.

How to get to Cerveteri and Tarquinia from Rome: A car is your best option: a one-hour drive to Cerveteri and a further 20 minutes to reach Tarquinia. If you’re relying on public transport, take a Trenitalia regional train from Roma Termini toward Pisa and stop at Marina di Cerveteri (about an hour, from €3.60 one way) or Tarquinia (1.15 hours, from €5.60 one way). While the necropolis in Tarquinia is close to the station, in Marina di Cerveteri you’ll have to catch a bus to Cerveteri Piazza Aldo Moro and then a Linea G bus to the “Banditaccia Necropolis” stop. Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details and to plan and book your journey.

Take this tour: Day tour from Rome to the Etruscan necropolis of Tarquinia and Cerveteri

necropoliditarquinia.it | Tuesday-Sunday from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM | €6.00 — polomusealelazio.beniculturali.it/banditaccia | Wednesday-Sunday from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM | €6.00

The Ulysses Riviera

Sperlonga lighthouse

The Ulysses Riviera is a stretch of coast in southern Lazio with lovely historical towns and Blue Flag beaches. The name comes from the fact that even a tireless traveller like Ulysses couldn’t resist stopping on these beautiful shores! On a day trip from Rome, you can see Sperlonga , a cute town with whitewashed houses and panoramic watchtowers, or Gaeta , whose skyline is dominated by the impressive Angioino/Aragonese castle. They’re both favourite getaways for Romans, who often have summer homes here. You’ll find lovely lidos with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and stretches of free beach.

How to get to the Ulysses Riviera from Rome: For Sperlonga, take a Trenitalia regional from Roma Termini to Fondi-Sperlonga (about 1.15 hours, from €7 one way), then a bus to Sperlonga. For Gaeta, get off at the following station, Formia Gaeta (1.5 hours, from €8.40 one way), then hop on a free shuttle to Formia port and another bus into Gaeta. Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details and to plan and book your journey. With a car, it’s a 2-hour drive to Sperlonga. You could also consider this private transfer from Rome and Sperlonga.

Take this tour: Tour “Riviera di Ulisse”(Parco Monte Orlando-Montagna Spaccata Gaeta)

Montecassino Abbey

If you’re looking for a spiritual pilgrimage or just something unique to do after all the sightseeing in the city, consider the Abbey of Montecassino for a day trip. Standing high atop Mount Cairo, it is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Lazio region. It was founded in 529 by San Benedetto da Norcia, thus starting the Benedictine order. With one of the most important libraries during the middle ages, it became a significant point of reference for European art and culture. Its monks also started the first beer production activity in a monastery, which was a big hit then. St. Benedict’s remains are inside the abbey, and there’s a museum with ancient manuscripts and Botticelli’s Nativity.

How to get to the Montecassino Abbey from Rome: Take a Trenitalia regional train from Roma Termini to Cassino (90 min, from €8.40 one way), then a bus right outside the station that takes you up the mountain. Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details and to plan and book your journey. Alternatively, it’s a 2-hour drive south of Rome along the A1 motorway (Cassino exit).

Take one of these tours: Montecassino day trip from Rome // Montecassino Abbey full day from Rome

abbaziamontecassino.org | Monday-Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4:50 PM between November and March; every day from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM between April and October

How to get to Viterbo from Rome : Hop on a Trenitalia regional train from Roma Ostiense to Viterbo Porta Romana (about 1.40 hour, from €5.60 one way). Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details and to plan and book your journey. By car, it’s about an hour and a half.

Take this tour: Viterbo private walking tour

View from Chiaia di Luna

Ponza might be hard to see as a day trip from Rome, but with good planning, it’s still doable. The largest of a group of tiny islands off Lazio called Pontine, Ponza is fairly quiet for most of the year and truly comes alive in summer, drawing crowds with its transparent waters and sun-soaked beaches. You can spend your day trip exploring the island’s treasures, beach-hopping, or simply indulging in a bit of dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing).

How to get to Ponza from Rome: There are Trenitalia regional trains from Roma Termini to Anzio Colonia station (one hour, from €3.60 one way), then you have to walk to the Anzio port to board a Vetor hydrofoil to Ponza (70 minutes, from €36.00 one way plus a €2.50-€4.00 landing tax depending on the season). Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details and to plan and book your journey.

Take this tour: Ponza Island Day Trip from Rome

Villa farnese in caprarola.

How to get to Villa Farnese from Rome: There are no direct trains to Caprarola, so you’ll have to catch one of the Cotral buses departing from Rome Saxa Rubra (70min, from €1.10 one way). By car, it’s an hours drive and you’ll find parking space near the entrance to Palazzo Farnese.

Take this tour: Villa Farnese: Renaissance Residence tour with lunch

caprarola.com/palazzo-farnese | Tuesday-Sunday from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM | € 5.00

How to get to Calcata from Rome: You can reach this fascinating village with a one-hour drive north of Rome. There are also Cotral buses departing from Rome Saxa Rubra (about one hour, from €2-3 one way). For ease, consider this private transfer from Rome to Calcata.

Take this tour: Day Trip from Rome: Calcata and Bracciano Lake private tour

La Rocca Abbaziale

About an hour east of Rome, Subiaco is an oasis of nature and spirituality where St. Benedict and his sister Scholastica lived as hermits for about 3 years. Here, they established a beautiful monastery embedded into the rocky mountainside. What makes this religious building so special is that it consists of two churches built on top of one another. The interiors are decorated with impressive frescoes, including the oldest portrait of Saint Francis of Assisi and one depicting the Last Supper.

How to get to Subiaco from Rome: The easiest way is to go by car (about an hour). Alternatively, take the metro line B to the Ponte Mammolo stop, then hop on a bus to Piazza Falcone in Subiaco (about 1.5 hours, from €4.30 one way).

Lake Bolsena and Montefiascone

Lake Bolsena

At the border between Lazio and Umbria, Lake Bolsena is a great, relaxing spot for a break from the city. It’s a lake of volcanic origin, the largest of its kind in Europe, and offers a mix of beautiful scenery, charming villages, sandy beaches, and excellent local gastronomy.

Montefiascone

Montefiascone is one of the biggest towns on the lake, set atop a hill with sweeping views of the surroundings. Within the historic centre are some beautiful landmarks, including the fortress that became the Rector’s Seat of St. Peter’s Patrimony in the region. The town also produces a highly regarded white wine called Est Est Est, which is celebrated with a special festival in August.

How to get to Lake Bolsena from Rome: The lake is easiest to get to by car (1.5 hours), since public transport is scarce and often involves changes. This private transfer from Rome to Bolsena may help.

Take one of these tours: Roman countryside & Lake Bracciano day-trip from Rome // Bolsena on the Lake and Montefiascone private day tour from Rome

Best day trips from rome outside of lazio, orvieto (umbria).

How to get to Orvieto from Rome: There are frequent Trenitalia regional and fast regional trains from Roma Termini and Roma Tiburtina to Orvieto (about an hour, from €8.60 one way). Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details and to plan and book your journey. Driving takes a similar amount of time, but you can stop and take photos of the marvellous scenery whenever you want.

Take one of these tours: Easy day trip from Rome to Orvieto art and local food // Assisi and Orvieto Day Trip from Rome

Assisi (umbria).

How to get to Assisi from Rome: Regular Trenitalia fast regional trains depart take to Assisi from Roma Termini (2 hours, from €11.70 one way). Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details and to plan and book your journey. By car, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive.

Take one of these tours: Assisi Day Trip from Rome with Transportation // Assisi from Rome private tour

Florence (tuscany).

Don’t miss my guides on the best things to do in Florence, where to find the best gelato in Florence and  27 things to avoid when visiting Florence

How to get to Florence from Rome: The Tuscan capital is especially easy to reach from Rome, with Trenitalia or Italo high-speed trains from Roma Termini reaching Firenze Santa Maria Novella trains from the city center reaching Segovia in 1.5 hours (from €9.90 one way). Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details and to plan and book your journey.

Take one of these tours: Wonders of Florence day trip from Rome // Day trip to Florence and Pisa from Rome

Naples (Campania)

How to get from Naples to Rome: Getting to Naples is very easy with regular Trenitalia or Italo high-speed train making the the quick journey to Napoli Centrale (about 1h15m, from €9.90 one way). For a splurge, you can also book a private transfer from Rome to Naples.

Take one of these tours:

Naples small-group day trip from rome // naples experience full day from rome  , pompeii (campania).

How to get to Pompeii from Rome: Take a Trenitalia or Italo high-speed train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale (about 1.15 hours, from €9.90 one way), then hop on a Circumvesuviana train towards Sorrento and get off at the Pompei Scavi station (30 min, from €2.60 one way). Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details and to plan and book your journey.

Take one of these tours: Pompeii Ruins Day Tour from Rome // Pompeii from Rome with Wine Tasting and Lunch // Full Day Pompeii and Naples tour from Rome

pompeiisites.org | Every day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM April-October and from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM November-March | €16.00

Amalfi Coast (Campania)

How to get to the Amalfi Coast from Rome: Travel on a Trenitalia or Italo high-speed train from Roma Termini to Salerno (about 2 hours, from €16.90 one way), then reach Amalfi and the other villages of the Amalfi Coast with the Sita bus 5120 (about 1.15 hour, from €2.00 one way) or a Travelmar ferry (about 30 min, from €9.00 one way). Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details and to plan and book your journey. Driving from Rome to Amalfi takes about 3.5 hours.

Take one of these tours: Amalfi Coast full-day tour from Rome // P ompeii And Amalfi Coast Day Tour from Rome // Amalfi Coast Positano and Amalfi full day from Rome

Capri (campania).

How to get to Cari from Rome: Catch a Trenitalia or Italo high-speed train from Roma Termini to Salerno (about 2 hours, from €16.90 one way), then the metro to Piazza Municipio and a high-speed ferry from nearby Molo Beverello to Capri (45 min, from €23.50 one way). Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details and to plan and book your journey. If you are travelling by car, drive to Naples in about 2.5 hours, then park the car at the Molo Beverello controlled parking lot (€15.00 for the day)

Take one of these tours: Capri Island: Day Trip from Rome with the Blue Grotto // Capri Island boat tour from Rome by train

Sorrento (campania).

How to get to Sorrento from Rome: Hop on a Trenitalia or Italo high-speed train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale (about 1h15m, from €9.90 one way), then a  Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento (about an hour, from €3.60 one way). Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details and to plan and book your journey. Driving will take about 3 hours.

Take one of these tours: Private Tour: Pompeii and Sorrento from Rome // Capri, Blue Grotto, Sorrento and Pompeii from Rome

Royal palace of caserta (reggia di caserta) (campania).

How to get to the Royal Palace of Caserta from Rome: The journey is extremely easy, with regular Trenitalia or Italo high-speed trains from Roma Termini to Caserta (just over an hour, from €9.90 one way). The Royal Palace is right in front of the station. Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details and to plan and book your journey. By car, it’s about 2 hours.

Take this tour: Full-Day Royal Palace of Caserta tour from Rome with lunch

reggiadicaserta.cultura.gov.it | Every day except Tuesday from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM | €18.00

Bologna (Emilia-Romagna)

How to get to Bologna from Rome: Take a Trenitalia or Italo high-speed train from Roma Termini to Bologna Centrale (2 hours, from €9.90 one way). To reach the city centre from the station, you can either walk for about 20 minutes or catch one of the numerous Tper buses going to Piazza Maggiore (for example line 21 or 30, from €1.50 one way). Take a look at either the Trenitalia website or Trainline for more details and to plan and book your journey.

Take this tour: Day trip to Bologna from Rome

Don’t be treated like a tourist. learn italian with my 80/20 method.

Travelling to Italy? Don’t be treated like a tourist! Live your best travel experiences and learn Italian for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant or a taxi driver who has “taken you for a ride”. I’ve made it easy for you to master the Italian language so you can create lifelong memories as you mingle with locals , get local tips , avoid tourist traps , and make new friends . Who knows, you might even be invited over for afternoon tea by a lovely Sicilian family like I was! Read all about how speaking Italian changed my life  and check out my online Italian video course here.

Here’s what my students are saying:

I really enjoyed the Intrepid Italian course, it certainly exceeded my expectations. The learning methodology is great,  and easy to follow and found that I  progressed much faster in the last 4 weeks than I ever did on my own or using other language apps. Grazie mille Michele, I can’t wait until I can put my new skills into action – Roma Small

Click here for instant access!

Don’t miss these Italy travel guides

• 33 Italy Travel Tips That Will Save You Time, Money and Disappointment
• Best Time to Visit Italy // PLUS Tips to Avoid Crowds and SAVE $$$
• Rome Tips and Tricks: 27 Things You Should Know Before You Go to Rome
• 21 Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy (From Rooftop Views to Private Tours)
• Top 10 Things to Do in Rome That Aren’t On Your List
• Top 10 Absolute Best Views of Rome That Will Blow Your Mind
• Domus Aurea: Visit Rome’s Secret Hidden Palace
• Self-Guided Trastevere Walking Tour: Where to See Rome’s Most Beautiful Streets
• 12 BEST Things to do in Burano, Italy (Tips from a Local Guide)
• Absolute Best Things to do in Verona, Italy | 26 Must-See Attractions
• Top 7 Authentic Tours and Experiences in Rome [Run by Locals]
• Lakes, Mountains & Castles: 21 Best Things to do in Trento, Italy
• Italy Fun Facts: 126 Unique Things You Didn’t Know About Italy
• 29 Amazing Day Trips from Rome By Train, Car & Guided Tour
• Where to Stay in Rome | Best Hotels and Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Rome
• Where to Stay in Verona: Best Hotels in Verona Neighbourhoods
• Where to Stay in Venice | Best Hotels in Venice for Every Budget
• 27 Best Things to Do in Trieste, Italy (PLUS Map, BEST Tours & Day Trips)
• THE 15 BEST Hotels in Trieste, Italy [2023 Edition]
• What it’s like Staying at DoubleTree by Hilton Trieste

Like it? Pin it for later!

Over to you!

Got a question about visiting any of these places? Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

Like what you see? Subscribe using the form below to have all of my posts delivered directly to your email.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Get my best language and travel tips FREE by email...

Subscribe to my newsletter to receive detailed travel guides, exclusive travel and language learning tips, priority access to giveaways and more!

I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

26 Italian Series on Netflix for Learning Italian (Beginners to Advanced)

20 super cheap and free things to do in paris, you may also like, where to stay in rome 2024 // best..., 20 best hotels in rome near the trevi..., 20 incredible hotels near the colosseum in rome..., the 20 best hotels near termini station in..., top 20 best hotels in trastevere rome [2024..., the 20 top hotels near the pantheon in..., 20 best hotels in rome near the spanish..., rome 3 day itinerary: 21 things to do..., 19 best things to do in rome that’s..., 20 best hotels near the vatican in rome..., leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

If you don't know where you are , how do you know where you're going?   Find out how well you know Italian grammar today!

35 Amazing Day Trips from Rome – Best Places to Visit nearby

• 56 Pinterest

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

15 Best Day Trips From Rome in 2024

Written By: ThePlanetD Team

Updated On: February 8, 2024

Rome has so many incredible  things to do  that it is hard to imagine why on Earth you’d want to tear yourself away on a day trip. The Eternal City is revered for its historic center, and it feels as if Rome has a UNESCO World Heritage Site at every corner. But did you know that Rome also has – a train station, a high-speed train (or ten), and many car rentals? You can hop on public transport or hire a rental car and head on some amazing day trips from Rome. And if you have more days than a  3-day itinerary , you definitely have time.

Table of Contents

Top Day Trips From Rome

These Rome day trips are all worth adding to your itinerary when visiting Rome. We’ve included a range of day trips – some less than an hour away from the Old Town by direct trains. And some a few hours by high-speed train or rental car. The city is full of day trip options, so prepare to jot down these inspiring best day trips for your next trip to Rome.

1. Hadrian’s Villa

Hadrian’s Villa is one of the most beautiful archaeological sites and day trips from Rome. The stunning remains include an expanse of water landscape surrounded by traditional Roman columns. Hadrian’s Villa was a bolt hole for the Roman Emperor Hadrian to escape from central Rome, dating back to AD 120. Unsurprisingly, it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While all the marble, statues, and fountains were stolen over the centuries, this adds to the wistful quality of the villa. The little country residence was a symbol of opulence for the Roman Empire, and nowadays, its ruins tell the story of how much character the villa had.

It is an hour and 20 minutes from Central Rome by train and bus. You leave the Roma Termini Station and take a train ride to Bagni Di Tivoli Station, catching a bus or taxi for the final leg of the journey. Alternatively, it is less than an hour by car or you can join a tour . We added Hadrian’s Villa because it breaks the stereotype of the best archaeological sites in central Rome. It’s hugely popular for its good looks and well-maintained structure.

2. Villa d’Este

Villa D’Este is another villa for your ‘day trips from Rome’ list. However, this Villa is from the 16th century, not the ADs. It famously has beautiful gardens – think that ornate, manicured style with plenty of water features. And the garden is a lovely example of Renaissance architecture.

Touring the exterior of this Villa is a real highlight, and its garden architecture (especially the fountains) makes it so popular. You won’t be shocked to hear that Villa D’Este is another UNESCO highlight.

You can reach Villa D’Este in under an hour without having to buy tickets online or any of that hassle – just hop on a quick 50-minute bus and take a five-minute walk. It is perfect for anyone fed up with ancient ruins and wants a slightly more manicured sight to admire. Besides, it is such a short day trip from Rome regarding journey length that it would be a crime to miss out on it.

3. Santa Marinella Beach

Santa Marinella Beach is one of the most popular day trips from Rome if you want a beach day. Adding a beach trip to the middle of your stay in Rome is a great idea in all the heat. And a day of swimming, sunbathing, and gelato makes for one of the most fun day trips you can take.

The journey takes less than an hour using fast trains, and there’s a direct line from Rome to Santa Marinella. Once you arrive, you’ll have warm, shallow waters for swimming and a considerable length of sandy beach. Santa Marinella Beach is also just a short walk from the train station – a definite win for those with small children.

A word of warning; don’t spend on deckchairs, or in the worst case scenario, budget for them. A deckchair with a parasol is rumored to cost 40 euro at Santa Marinella Beach, which is very steep. Bring a comfy beach towel, flip flops to avoid burning your feet on the sand, and plan a cafe visit to break up the beach day and get some well-needed shade for a more budget-friendly experience. Santa Marinella Beach can be one of the most  budget-friendly things to do in Rome  and its wider regions.

4. Basilica Di San Francesco of Assisi

Basilica Di San Francesco of Assisi is a beautiful 13th-century complex with two grand churches. Stepping inside, you can access the Gothic Basilica Superiore and Basilica Inferiore. UNESCO-listed, the complex is one of the most stunning places to visit on a day trip from Rome. If you are keen on religious history and architecture, this spot will be your bread and butter.

While if you just want a scenic place to snap some photos, Basilica Di San Francesco of Assisi is also great. The basilica is famously home to 28 vivid frescoes depicting the life of St Francis, and you can take an audio guide around them all.

Basilica Di San Francesco of Assisi is an ambitious day trip from Rome – but don’t we all love a challenge? It is a 5-hour return trip by public transport, including two trains and a 5-minute taxi ride or mid-length walk at the end. Making the journey by train is a fantastic way to catch up with reading your latest book and sightsee the Umbrian countryside. Alternatively, you can drive the same route in a 5-hour round trip, stopping at Terni or Riserva Naturale Regionale Nazzano Tevere-Farfa, or join a tour like this one.

Pisa is another one of our ambitious day trips from Rome. But this journey is super possible thanks to high-speed trains – especially if you don’t mind reading a book and watching the Italian countryside whizz by your window. The most famous landmark in Pisa is obviously the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a 56-meter white-marble tower on a characteristic slant.

The iconic scene is backed by rows of white buildings, cafes with tiny chairs outside, and the inevitable buskers. There are loads to see in Pisa, though. Save time and maximize your day trip to Pisa by knowing precisely what you want to do beforehand, and you’ll be lined up for success. It is one of the most exciting day trips from Rome.

The train ride from Rome Termini Station to Pisa Centrale is 2 hours and 20 minutes long and cuts through a stunning mix of hill towns and Tuscan countryside. If you have longer, it is well worth spending a multi-day trip in this area, and you can even stop off at Florence on the same train line. But Pisa is a definite must, even if you just have time for a day trip. The architecture and iconic city status make it a fascinating visit. Make sure to book your skip-the-line ticket before you go.

6. Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius is one of the most famous volcanoes in history – never mind just in Italy or as a day trip from Rome. The volcano famously erupted in AD79, wiping out thousands and freezing the people of Herculaneum and Pompeii in time with ash casts. You can still visit the preserved towns and people today (which we’d recommend as a combination for this day trip). However, peering into the smoking crater of Mount Vesuvius is something you can’t miss. Get ready to be humbled by mother nature.

Mount Vesuvius is best accessed by rental car or guided tour . Using public transport, you must take a high-speed train to Napoli and then catch an (expensive) 40-minute taxi to the bottom of Mount Vesuvius. Whereas, with a car, you can reach the volcano in less than a few hours – totally hassle-free. Reaching the summit is a 2.5-mile hike, and it takes between 1.2 hours to complete the out and back trail.

Seeing a smoldering volcano that has wreaked havoc for centuries since the Roman Empire is one of the most fascinating, slightly unnerving day trips from Rome. We suggest you prioritize this day trip.

7. An Amalfi Coast Road Trip

This is another day trip idea that would fit ideally with an overnight visit but can be squeezed into a single day with enough effort. The Amalfi Coast is stunning. It is the film-star-heaving coastal stretch of glitzy bars, coastal cliffs with snaking roads, and tiny lemonade stands in dusty laybys.

The Amalfi Coast is where the rich and famous flock is, and if you want to see the best of the region, you  need  to plan a road trip as one of your day trips from Rome. The Positano to Amalfi section is the prettiest. On this section of the Amalfi Coast, you have Fiordo di Furore, Grotto dello Smeraldo, and Castello Lauritano to visit. Plus, all the beaches and narrow streets of the coastal towns.

Train stations are limited in the region, so you’ll need to hire a car for this day tour. It is a 3-hour and 30-minute drive from Rome to Positano, where you’ll start your road trip. This route hugs the coastline, cutting through tons of beautiful coastal towns. Then the scenic drive is 50 minutes long – taking you to Amalfi – where you’ll drive 30 hours and 40 minutes back to Rome.

Capri is one of the most exciting day trip options and an absolute jet-setter magnet. The island is really glitz and glam, and it is also an adventurous day trip to orchestrate. To reach Capri, you’ll need to take a train trip that lasts just over an hour to Naples , and from there, catch an hour-long ferry to the island. The process should last around two hours, plus extra waiting time between the train and ferry service.

On Capri, you’ll have the whole day to explore. You could shop for classic handmade Capri leather sandals, visit the Blue Grotto, or see Villa San Michele. While not one of Italy’s largest islands, Capri is still of a decent size. You’ll need to catch a bus or funicular to get around if the attractions you are interested in are spread out. Capri ticks that island box for people, making it so popular. It is also famed for designer brands and a beautiful coastline with novel attractions like the Blue Grotto.

We couldn’t just bypass Naples as a mention in other day trip options without mentioning it as a day trip in its own right. Naples is seen as a nitty gritty kind of second city to Rome. Still, it makes a great day trip destination. It is the birthplace of pizza, for a start. And if that isn’t enough to sway you, we don’t know what is. Naples also has some pretty famous archaeological sites, including the Catacombe di San Gennaro and Parco Archeologico del Pausilypon. It is a compact city.

And despite the age-old sneer that comes with taking Naples seriously as a tourist destination, the city provides hundreds of riveting activities with what can only be described as nonchalant rebellion. It is perfect for sightseeing and tasting delicious pizzas in the home of the original pizza.

You catch the train direct from Rome to Naples Central Station. The journey takes just over an hour – barely enough time to get into a good book. It is one of the most accessible day trips from Rome and a definite recommendation for anyone fancying a new city experience after a few days in Rome.

10. Pompeii

Pompeii; does it need any introduction? Pompeii is an ancient Roman town buried under ash and preserved for centuries before being rediscovered in the 16th century. Everything is intact, from streets to cobblestones and even the remains of people. The stat that most blew us away was that around 13% of the population perished during the eruption.

Terrifyingly, but also fascinatingly for archeologists, many of these people were preserved by ash. It is also one of Italy’s proudest, most well-known additions to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

A Pompeii day trip is one of the best day trips from Rome. It is best carried out with a rental car if you want to combine it with a climb up Mt Vesuvius. But you can catch a train directly to Pompei in just 1 hour and 40 minutes (with a single change at Napoli Centrale), just minutes away from the archeological site on foot.

Alternatively, purchase a day trip tour like  this small group skip-the-line tour on Get Your Guide . Pompeii has fascinated people for decades and decades – take advantage of this tragic but incredible archeological site.

11. Wine Tasting

The hill towns surrounding Rome are in the Lazio region and are full of wineries to go wine tasting. You can take the train to most of these wineries or organize day tours from the city center  directly to the winery doorstep. But if you are in Italy, of course, there are other options besides Lazio. Other wine regions a little further away include Tuscany and Chianti. For these, you’ll need a slightly more expensive tour.

To be honest, it doesn’t matter which vineyard, region, and wine-tasting experience you choose. It is undoubtedly one of the most romantic things to do when day-tripping from built-up Rome. It is thought that the Romans began drinking wine in the 8th Century BC – which seems like a ridiculously long time for people to have been sipping on vino, but actually gives the experience a historical edge.

Unsurprisingly, wine tasting continues to be one of the most sought-after activities when people visit Italy. We highly recommend you give it a go. There is a massive association between Italian cuisine and wine. In short, keep things classic, indulge in traditional alcohol, and embrace the Italian way with a wine-tasting tour from Rome.

Ostia is a less common suggestion in a conversation about Rome day trips. But it is a suggestion that should crop up more often. Ostia is a huge beachside region that was once a major port in the Roman Empire and now has a gorgeous beach and plenty of history because of this.

It is said that Ostia was the Roman’s first colony. And you can walk around the Parco Archeological di Ostia Antica grounds to see the early city’s remains – including a giant amphitheater and Roman temple. Check out the ‘first Roman colony’ before heading down for a beach day and swimming to cool off from sightseeing.

Ostia is one of the easiest day trips from Rome if you are okay with getting a 20-minute taxi for the last leg. The journey involves a 40-minute train from Roma Tiburtina to Fiumicino Parco Leonardo, then a taxi to the city center. It is a breeze, really. It’s easy to see why those in the know love visiting Ostia as a day trip from Rome – the beach, easy access, and archeology make it impossible to resist.

13. Florence

Florence is the widely declared home of Renaissance art and architecture and the capital of Tuscany. If we were to conjure up a postcard for reference, you’d see a terracotta-domed Duomo cathedral bravely jutting its head over the skyline of mismatched apartment-style buildings.

Florence is roughly an hour and 30 minutes by train from Rome, and while distance-wise it is one of the longest day trips from Rome, the high-speed trains save a lot of time. A train journey to Tuscany cuts through some of the most beautiful Tuscan countryside, so get ready to bag a window seat.

Florence is the place to be for art galleries and architecture. Tick off the Duomo, Palazzo Piti, Galleria Dell’Accademia, and Gli Uffizi on a day trip. Try the gelato, as Florence is hailed for delicious sweet treats. We had to add Florence to this guide as it represents so much and is an essential part of Italy’s culture.

14. Cerveteri

Chances are, you’ve not heard of the Etruscans before because they are quite a niche, a small proportion in history. The Etruscans had incredibly advanced technologies. Unfortunately, by the 3rd century BCE, the Etruscans were either wiped out or assimilated by the Romans.

So, where do Etruscans come into this? Well, Cerveteri is home to one of the most famous archaeological sites belonging to Etruscan civilizations. The small town has Necropoli della Banditaccia – a remarkably well-preserved necropolis that was once part of an ancient city belonging to the Etruscans.

Many tombs still feature painted frescos, and you can take a self-guided tour at your own pace. Or alternatively, book a guided experience if you are interested in a more detailed history. After, you can consolidate your learning at the National Archeological Museum of Cerveteri – a small but detailed local museum in the town center.

Aside from Necropoli della Banditaccia and Etruscan history, Cerveteri has some beautiful waterfall hikes. You can fit your sightseeing into the morning and then go hiking through shaded, woody undergrowth in the afternoon. Cerveteri is an hour and 20 minutes from Rome – so easy to reach and spend a whole day. You’ll likely catch two trains, swapping at Ladispoli, but there are a few other route options. Otherwise, it is just over an hour by car.

15. Orvieto

A throwback to medieval Italy? Yes, please. This small city is set on a cliff as a remote hill settlement, and most of its medieval charm survived Mussolini’s ‘re-architecturing’ of Italy. You can wander through those deliciously narrow streets, passing Gothic cathedrals, more cobbles than you can count, and traditional buildings as you go. Orvieto is a welcome break from the chaos of Rome’s hectic streets.

It is also renowned for its ceramics industry, so watch for any potential souvenirs when visiting. The practices date back to the Etruscan times, specializing in tin-glazed pots in the Medieval era. Orvieto really is a step back in time. And visiting as one of your day trips from Rome is a brilliant way to embrace Italy’s history outside the capital.

Getting to Orvieto takes an hour and 30 minutes, but it is a bit of a mission (in the most fun way possible). You’ll have to catch a train first to Orvieto train station, which lasts approximately an hour and 10 minutes. Then you have a funicular ride to the old town and main tourist area. The funicular ride lasts a matter of minutes. Still, it saves your legs and makes the experience much more entertaining.

Best Day Trips from Rome FAQ

When it comes to day trips from Rome, be prepared to enter day trip heaven. You are well and truly spoiled for choice. There are so many options, some just a train ride away. Before diving straight in and heading to the train station, though, check out some essential FAQs. Here is what you need to know before taking the best day trips from Ancient Rome.

What day trips can you take from Rome, Italy?

You can take many day trips from Rome, including Villa d’Este, Santa Marinella, and Mount Vesuvius.

Can you take day trips from Rome?

Yes, you can easily take day trips from Rome. You could easily visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pompeii, or stay closer to Rome with attractions like Hadrian’s Villa. The Umbrian countryside is connected by plenty of high-speed trains and roads, with the main Roma Termini Station in central Rome.

What city is close to Rome by train?

Naples is one of the closest cities to Rome by train, just an hour and 15 minutes away by high-speed train. However, you can reach Pisa, Florence, and Bologna in under 3 hours. And there are plenty of large towns to visit nearby as well.

Why Should You Take a Day Trip From Rome?

There are  off-the-beaten-track spots  near Rome, like charming hill towns and archeological sites that are ridiculously empty of crowds. Rome was the original hill town in the Roman Empire. However, don’t let that dissuade you from day trips; it never harms to spread your wings a little.

Actually, you’ll be rewarded tenfold for your efforts. But there are also classic escapes from the ancient city – like the Leaning Tower in Pisa and Mount Vesuvius near Naples. Day trips from Rome are varied and, most importantly, very exciting.

Planning Your Trip To Rome Right Now?

Below are some of the top day trip tours from Rome. Don’t forget to plan ahead when  visiting Italy!

Top Day Trip Activities and Tours from Rome:

• From Rome: Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, and Positano Day Trip (Most Popular Day Trip from Rome)
• From Rome: Tuscany Day Trip with Lunch and Wine Tasting (Our Favorite Day Trip)
• From Rome: Day Trip to Florence with Lunch & Accademia Entry (Likely to Sell Out)
• F rom Rome: Capri Island Day Trip (Best Deal)

Looking for more inspiration on visiting Rome? We’ve got a jam-packed guide on  where to stay in Rome , plus specific inspiration guides on activities that include a  Roman gladiator school experience.  Trust us when we say that while you can never go wrong with a trip to Rome, there are plenty of ways that you can boost your experience – so take some time researching these other factors.

Plan Your Next Trip to Rome With These Resources

• 3 Days in Rome: Planning the Perfect Rome Itinerary
• 23 of the Best Things to Do in Rome, Italy
• How to Visit Rome on a Budget
• Where to Stay in Rome – A Guide To The Best Neighbourhoods
• Places to Visit Near Rome – 10 off The Beaten Path Destinations

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

Where to Stay in Venice, Italy in 2024: 5 Best Areas for First-Time Visitors

23 Best Things to Do In Sicily, Italy in 2024

Best Florence In One Day Itinerary for 2024: How To See the Most In 24 Hours

About ThePlanetD Team

Guest writers for The Planet D offer insider tips and information on destinations that they are experts in. We can't be everywhere at once, and it is important to have the highest level of travel information from local writers and experienced travelers.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

2 thoughts on “15 Best Day Trips From Rome in 2024”

a train station, a high-speed train (or ten), and many car rentals ?

Really a awesome blog.

From iconic ancient sights to tiny trattorias, Rome has no shortage of wonders. We’re honored to hav...

Our tours in Rome

Pristine Sistine at Closing Time: Late Entry Vatican Tour

Premium Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Pristine Sistine™ Early Entrance Small Group Vatican Tour

The Complete Vatican Tour with Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica

Rome in a Day Tour: Including Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center

Gladiator’s Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor

Pompeii Tour from Rome with Amalfi Coast Drive

Crypts, Bones & Catacombs: An Underground Tour of Rome

Welcome to Rome: City Stroll with Gelato Tasting

Rome Pasta-Making Class: Cook, Dine & Drink Wine with a Local Chef

Colosseum & Roman Forum with VIP Caesar's Palace Tour

Borghese Gallery Tour & Tickets: With Bernini, Caravaggio & Raphael

Taste Rome Like a Local: Jewish Quarter & Trastevere Food Tour with Rooftop Aperitivo

Alone in Rome's Catacombs: Exclusive After-Hours Tour with Bone Crypt

Boat-Hopping on the Amalfi Coast: Day Trip from Rome

Tuscany Day Trip from Rome with Winery Lunch & Medieval Towns

St. Peter’s Basilica from Top to Bottom with Dome Climb & Crypt

Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food & Wine Tour

Tastes & Traditions of Rome: Testaccio Food and Market Tour

VIP Vatican Key Master’s Tour: Unlock the Sistine Chapel

Best of Rome Walking Tour with Quick Access Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Alone In The Vatican: Exclusive VIP Access Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour

Pompeii with Panoramic Winery Lunch on Vesuvius: Day Trip from Rome

Roman Icons: Castel Sant'Angelo to Pantheon Tour with Panoramic View

Rome Pizza Making Class in Trastevere

VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

VIP Colosseum at Night Tour with Underground & Arena Floor

What to know about rome from our local guides.

“If you're visiting Rome for the first time and staying for a few days, you definitely should see the historic center , the important squares (like Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps ) the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon , the Vatican Museums (even better, do the Key Master’s Tour where you get to unlock the various rooms of the Vatican Museums together with the clavigero of the Vatican) and St. Peter's Basilica , Trastevere and of course the Colosseum . If you’re a returning visitor or are staying for more time, you should definitely include other museums such as the Capitoline Museums, Palazzo Altemps, Castel Sant'Angelo or even a day trip to Tivoli or the Castelli Romani area.”

“ Testaccio , where I actually live. It's basically 10 minutes away from all the most important tourist areas but without being touristy itself. There you can find the ‘locals’ and learn about their habits.” Federica, Rome guide since 2007

“My favourites are the church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, the Villa Borghese and the Theatre of Marcellus.” Andy, Rome guide since 2012

“I love Aventine Hill with its churches and gardens, the lesser-known part of Trastevere around Piazza dei Mercanti, Capitoline Hill, and the Roman Aqueducts.” Chiara, Rome guide since 1998

Rome is a fantastic city to explore with little ones in tow. For families looking to get an overview of Rome’s most iconic sights on a low-impact walking tour, our Welcome to Rome City Stroll is an excellent option that includes a gelato break.

Want to experience Rome's most iconic location in a family-friendly way? Kids of all ages will love the chance to step out onto the arena floor of the Colosseum just like the gladiators did!

Last but not least, don’t miss the chance to make your own homemade pasta or take a food tour in the family-friendly Testaccio neighborhood complete with freshly baked pastries, pizza, pasta, Roman-style panino sandwiches, and gelato for dessert! There’s no better way to introduce kids to Rome’s delicious cuisine.

Rome offers something for everyone no matter what time of year you visit. We polled our expert guides and found that there’s really no bad time of year to visit—it all depends on the experience you’re hoping to have!

“The best moments to visit Rome are spring and autumn because of the good weather, but I also suggest winter because of the peaceful moments that are easily found due to the low season.” Cristina T, Rome guide since 2011

“The Lungotevere is wonderful during July and August when the kiosks and restaurants by the river are open in the evening.” Andy, Rome guide since 2012

“I would prefer January and February because the city is very quiet and not busy as in summer and spring.” Flavia, Rome guide since 2016

Italy is famous for its food—but even in Rome, not all restaurants are created equal. So how can you tell the authentic spots from the tourist traps?

First, head away from the big attractions—at least a few blocks. That’s not to say there are absolutely no good restaurants near the Colosseum or the Trevi Fountain—but most eateries near major monuments don’t exactly cater to locals.

Next, pay no attention to places with staff outside inviting you to eat there, or with large photos of the food visible. Romans don’t need to be told where or what to eat!

Finally, if a place is crowded and full of the sounds of chatter in Italian, it’s likely a safe bet that you’re in a local spot. This might mean shifting your mealtimes a bit later than what you’re used to (most Romans won’t eat lunch or dinner until at least 1 and 8 pm respectively), but it’s well worth the wait.

Looking for a few specific recommendations to get you started! Here are a few of our guide team’s favorite restaurants in Rome.

“Go to Checco er Carrettiere for vintage Roman vibes in the heart of Trastevere, some of the best supplì, and an extensive wine list.” Mirko, Rome guide since 2015

“PopiPopi in Trastevere (where I live) is still a typical Roman restaurant where a lot of local families go. The food is great and the waiters are professional but also caring and warm with every client. Cul de Sac has an unusual menu with top quality products and wines. And Court Delicati is an excellent, authentic Asian restaurant in a city where good ethnic food may be harder to find than in other European capitals.” Chiara, Rome guide since 1998

There’s a lot to love about Rome, but one major plus is its central location in Italy, making it easy to travel all around the boot. A day trip to Tuscany makes a wonderful addition to your Italian holiday, with the opportunity to explore charming hillside villages and the famed Chianti wine region. Heading south, the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii are well worth the trip, and for the wine lovers, a winery visit on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t soon forget.

Check out our popular Rome articles

View our tours in these other cities

Contact Information

• Help Center
• Terms & Conditions
• Cancellation Policy
• Health & Safety
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Settings
• Travel Agents

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

Italy Tours & Trips from Rome

Find your perfect adventure! We have 332 tours of Italy that start in Rome, Italy. The most popular month is September, and tour lengths range between 3 and 23 days.

250+ Italy tour packages from Rome with 5,906 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Christmas & New Year

Italy from North to South

Great trip and great adventure

Italian Holiday (7 Days)

Great tour. Lots to see but they had lots of breaks too. Tour guide Clarisse was great so friendly and helpful. Would def do again.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Discover Italy end Milan

The instruction sometime is not clear The tour guide is not easily visible when is very crowded or raining with rain coat on Sometime due to the accent tour guide, mistake happened like 15 or 50 meeting places. If in paper even han hand written,we can take a picture to remember

The Italian Dream

The hotel in Rome was 3km further away from the central square. Equivalent does not just mean same number of stars, it also means similar distance from areas of interest. The hotel in Florence was very poor. It was dark, crowded and very poorly designed. There was too much time allocated to commercial push and being forced to buy chocolate etc.

UNESCO Jewels: Best of Italy - Rome, Florence, Venice in 5 days

The five-day UNESCO Jewels tour was great! We saw a lot at a fast pace, and Clara is an excellent guide. Not only did she know a lot, she also informed of us of the things she didn't know, and they were taken care of by the local guides. Clara was also hilarious and friendly and really made the trip a blast. Pasquale is also—I think I felt one bump during the entire trip. Also, the free time was just the right amount: after seeing so many places in such a short time, it was nice to be able to stroll or even take a break at the hotel. My only complaint was that a couple of the meals weren't very good. However, the other meals were great! I highly recommend this trip and fantastic guide and driver.

Italian Discovery

I thought the trip was well organized and hit the main historical areas any tourist would like to see!

UNESCO Jewels: Best of Italy - Rome, Florence, Venice in 8 days

Clara is an amazing tour guide, very knowledgeable and informative. This was our first time going on a tour so we were not sure what to expect. Needless to say we are hooked. Big shout out to giggi our driver as well, he made me feel safe throughout our journey. I would definetly recommend to other travelers and we look forward to our next adventure.

Classical Italy

Amazing tour well organised, our guide Patricia was Spanish energetic lady, very helpful and professional,

Italy City Break - 5 Days

Good overall. Pretty exhausting - sooo many cities - but very well organized and excellent tour leader. On time, she disciplined us all the way. We achieved all the objectives. I am happy overall and I will book again with them.

Best of Italy (Summer, 13 Days)

Overall I had a wonderful experience but the included meals were not great and in some situations the booking expectations did not meet what was given (many of the optional items that were included in the booking tour itinerary cost extra). Again good trip, but be forewarned it is a lot. You spend a lot of time on the coach, as expected since you’re traveling the distance, and often there is very little time left to rest and relax for the entirety of the trip—I was worn out and glad I baked in some days after to just chill out. I will note, our driver and tour guide were fantastic and extremely knowledgeable!

• Local Living

Local Living Italy—Tuscany San Gimignano

Very nice tour. Elisabetta did an excellent job!

A Taste of Italy: 8 Days

At least one emergency contact phone number did not work. In several incidences, we were left to find our own ways back to the hotels from the tourist spots. Since the radio is not always clear and some tour guides have heavy accents, It would be much better if all the important instructions could be available on printed paper.

The Essential of Italy end Milan

My room at the first hotel in Rome (Ergife) was cold. Otherwise everything went as well as I could have expected. Someone I met during the trip felt that arriving at many of the cities occurred so late that it was dark and there wasn't any opportunity to see the sites. Considering the logistics of travel by bus, I'm not sure how that could have been avoided. Perhaps an option of travelling via Frecciarossa would be useful. One simple improvement would be adding information about the Hop-On buses in each city (especially Rome). I figured that out, but it could have been included on the flier and maybe I did not pick the best bus.

Discover Italy

I thought this tour was pretty good. There were plenty of stops to see and so many fun experiences. I only had a few problems with the tour overall. First, we were allowed to book optional excursions on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, after confirming they would be available. However, when we arrived, we were told those excursions were no longer possible, so we had to scramble to find something to fill those timeframes. When the tour is billed as 9 days, but there are no activities planned for the first and last day, it really is a bummer to hear that a day and a half of the seven other days were canceled.

• Sightseeing

Deluxe Italian Escape with picturesque Cinque Terre

Great agency. They are with you from start to finish. They were really helpful throughout the trip and worked their best to answer questions or fix any issues that came during the trip. They chose really good hotels, that are convenient and comfortable. I highly recommend them, as I may be booking with them in the near future. The few negative experiences had nothing to do with them. Wanderful did an amazing job.

What people love about Italy Tours from Rome

I would recommend it to my friends.

Everything about this tour was outstanding! I have no comment only praise!

Tours starting from Rome

• Rome to Rome tours (173)
• Rome to Venice tours (71)
• Rome to Milan tours (17)
• Rome to La Spezia tours (12)
• Rome to Palermo tours (11)
• Rome to Taormina tours (9)
• Rome to Sorrento tours (8)
• Rome to Florence tours (7)
• Rome to Naples tours (7)
• Family from Rome (242)
• Explorer from Rome (220)
• In-depth Cultural from Rome (160)
• Coach / Bus from Rome (86)
• Private from Rome (46)
• Self-Guided from Rome (30)
• Train & Rail from Rome (16)
• Custom from Rome (16)
• Food & Culinary from Rome (10)
• Active from Rome (8)
• Italy Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Itinerary Ideas for 10 Days in Italy, 2022-2023
• Best 7 Day Italy Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Discover the Best Italy Vacation Packages 2024/2025
• What is the best time to visit Italy in 2024/2025?

Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

11 Best Day Trips from Rome

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.

Share this post:

How To Spend One Week in Italy: DIY Itinerary

14 Best Places to Visit in Lazio, Italy

8 Most Beautiful Churches in Rome

10 Best Museums in Rome

Where to Stay in Rome: Best Neighborhoods & Hotels

Rome Alone: 8 Things to Do Solo in Rome

25 Top Tourist Attractions in Rome

Best Time to Visit Rome: Month-by-Month Guide

How to Spend 3 Days in Rome: The Perfect Itinerary

14 Gorgeous Small Towns in Italy

Reader interactions.

October 23, 2016 at 1:19 pm

Another easy day trip to Rome is Frascati. Frascati is famous for their white wine and is an easy 25 minute train ride from Roma Termini and costs only 2.10 euro. The town is charming and if you’d like to go on a great laid-back tour I recommend The Old Frascati Wine Tour The tour is run by an American woman who lives in Frascati and is part of one of the wine making families on the tour. Buon Viaggio!

October 10, 2015 at 11:03 am

Pompeii is absolutely feasible for a day trip. The Frecciarossa train takes 70 minutes from Termini to Naples and there the Circumvesuviana train departs every 20 minutes or so, so it won’t take more than 2 hours door-to-door. A must see

April 24, 2015 at 10:35 am

The trips you suggested from Rome sound very interesting. As we will not have a car, are they accessible by public transportation (train/bus)?

June 29, 2014 at 12:43 am

Your list is quite interesting but I would like to make some further suggestions to it. Instead of having only one list “Day trips from Rome”, you create two lists based on the distance from the upper mentioned tourist sites to the nearest big city. Here is my suggestion:

a. 5 Day Trips from Rome 1. Ostia 2.Tivoli 3. Cassino (here you can visit the old Monte Cassino abbey and the ruins of the old roman city Cassinium) 4.The Volcanic lakes around Rome (Lago di Albano- the deepest in Italy), Lago di Bolsena, Lago di Nemi, Lago di Bracciano 5. The city of Gaeta (with a lot of medieval buildings and narrow streets) and Parco Nazionale di Monte Orlando (located in the city)

b. 5 Day trips from Napoli 1. Pompeii 2. Amalfi/Positano (Costiera Amalfitana) 3. Sorrento 4. Caserta (in this city you can find Reggia di Caserta the royal palace, an UNESCO World Heritage site) 5. Capri/Ischia

July 4, 2013 at 12:30 am

Most of these destinations are too far for a reasonable day trip. Who wants to spend 5 hours getting to/from Assisi?

July 4, 2013 at 3:47 am

For a round-trip this sounds pretty acceptable imho. However, if you find this too long for just one place it is also possible to take an organized trip and combine it with Orvieto.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

20 Best Weekend Trips From Rome, Italy

By Josh Band. This guide to weekend getaways from Rome contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

There are so many unforgettable weekend trips from Rome , and if you’re interested in learning about them, you’ve come to the right place!

Visiting Rome is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for millions of travelers each year.

Personally, it’s one of my favorite cities to visit as it’s packed with rich history, culture, and famous attractions you’ve likely seen on postcards and in movies.

That being said, a trip to Rome should also take advantage of the equally as impressive surrounding towns, cities, and villages.

And to help you get perfectly planned out, here are some of the best weekend trips from Rome to take during your visit to the Italian capital!

💡 Quick Tips For Planning A Weekend Getaway From Rome: ✈️ Rome Airport Transfer: Book that here 🚅 Public Transportation: Omio can help you research and book the best train, bus, and ferry routes 🚗 Renting A Car: Discover Cars  can help you save up to 70% using their comparison tool ☔ Safety: While Italy is safe, it’s still smart to pack  travel safety essentials . One top pick is the  She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include  Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments  and  Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves . 🏨  Accommodation: This map  can help you pinpoint top-rated and budget-friendly accommodation in the Italian cities you visit. It’s currently set to Roma Termini in Rome, but you can easily change it to your intended destination in Italy. 🎉  Experiences: Viator  (tours),  GetYourGuide  (tours), and  EatWith  (cooking classes & dining in local homes) 🏥 Travel Insurance: SafetyWing 📞 Staying Connected: Airalo eSIM

Table of Contents

Plan A Weekend Trip From Rome With Confidence [Free Toolkit]

But first, before we go over our list of amazing Rome weekend trips , I invite you to grab Jessie’s free  Ultimate Travel Planning Kit .

The kit comes with 40+ travel resources — from printables to quizzes to itineraries — all meant to help you explore the world beyond the guidebook and have more meaningful trips.

On that note, let’s dive into our Italy travel guide sharing weekend breaks from Rome.

How To Get Around Italy

The two main ways to get around Italy are by car or train.

Renting a car in Italy

Need to rent a car for your weekend away from Rome or for a longer Italy road trip ? Check out Discover Cars to quickly compare your rental options.

Taking the train in Italy

If you plan to get around Italy by train, Omio is a must!

The site is straightforward and user-friendly — and you can pre-book your tickets in advance at a discount. They even offer flight and car deals!

Where To Stay In Rome

The best area of Rome to stay is near the Roma Termini (central station) for a number of reasons, though the transport and travel options are one of the best selling points. It’ll make enjoying a few Italy weekend trips from Rome much easier.

Click here for a list of top-rated hotels near Roma Termini .

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals .

You can also use the map below to search for local stays:

Best Weekend Trips From Rome, Italy

If you spend more than 3 or 4 days in Rome, you’ll want to head outside the city and explore some nearby places. This is the right amount of days in Rome , so any extra can be used to see a bit more of Italy!

Whether you’re traveling solo in Rome or in a group, some of the top places to enjoy a weekend or day trip include:

Distance: about 2 hours from Rome via high speed train

One of the most popular weekend trips from Rome is without a doubt Pompeii. Not only is it close to Rome, but the ancient Roman city is famous around the world for its ruins and artifacts.

Pompeii was destroyed by an eruption from the nearby Mount Vesuvius volcano in 79 A.D. Today, you can see the Pompeii Archaeological Site for yourself and spend hours walking through the ruins and seeing the old buildings — like the amphitheater, forum, houses, villas, and more.

It’s also possible to see some of the plaster casts of the citizens of Pompeii from when Vesuvius erupted.

Thankfully, it’s very easy to get to Pompeii, as there are numerous Pompeii tours from Rome , as well as the option of getting the train yourself.

There’s no debating that Pompeii is one of the most fascinating trips from Rome and it’s clear to see why it is so popular. It’s also a popular option for those traveling solo in Italy , as it’s easy to get to and very interesting.

Pompeii Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Pompeii . Pompeii Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Pompeii .

2. Florence

Distance: about 1.5 hours by high speed train and 3.5 hours by regional train

Florence is a beautiful and historic city that makes for a fantastic weekend or even day trip from Rome.

The journey from Rome to Florence is, like most weekend trips as you will come to find, easily accessible by train.

Once in Florence, you can discover the city’s rich cultural heritage by exploring world-class museums, stunning architecture, and beautiful art collections.

Additionally, there are a number of unique art experiences in Florence — like taking a fresco class !

Highlights of the city include the Uffizi Gallery , the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore , the Ponte Vecchio bridge, and the Piazza della Signoria .

Additionally, Florence is known for its delicious food and wine, so make sure to eat as much as you can. A few Michelin star restaurants worth the splurge include Enoteca Pinchiorri , La Bottega del Buon Caffè , and Borgo San Jacopo .

Florence Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Florence . Florence Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Florence .

Distance: about an hour and 10 minutes by high speed train

Naples is one of the nearest big cities to Rome, and there is so much to do, see, and experience here. It’s also considered one of the top cheap breaks from Rome, so if you’re looking to travel on a budget this could be a good option.

When visiting Italy, you most likely want to enjoy a delicious pizza (or six) throughout your trip. Where better than in the birthplace of pizza itself? You are guaranteed to have one of the tastiest pies of your life in Naples!

For something more interactive than having a meal at a restaurant, you can also opt for a pizza cooking class or food tour with pizza tasting .

Aside from the cuisine, Naples also offers attractions like the beautiful Naples Cathedral , the underground Catacombs of San Gaudioso , and the fascinating Museo Cappella Sansevero art museum.

Naples is also pretty near to the archeological parks of Pompeii and Herculaneum , so you can easily combine these into one Rome weekend trip if you wish.

Naples Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Naples . Naples Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Naples .

Distance: about 35-90 minutes dependingon the type of train you take

Tivoli, located just outside of the city, is one of the closest Rome day trips or weekend getaways.

This charming town features a rich history and beautiful landscapes, two of the best things you can ask for when visiting a place.

You can easily reach Tivoli by train or bus. Once there, make sure to explore the town’s stunning Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa.

Villa d’Este is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful fountains and gardens, while Hadrian’s Villa is a complex of ruins dating back to Roman times.

And yes, while you can find ancient ruins that make Rome worth visiting in the capital itself, it’s worth it to head to Tivoli to explore even more too.

Tivoli Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Tivoli . Tivoli Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Tivoli .

5. Ostia Antica

Distance: about 30 minutes by train

Weekend getaways from Rome don’t get much better than Ostia Antica, an ancient Roman port city located just a short distance from the capital.

It’s located near the modern day town of Ostia, hence the similar names. Within Ostia Antica, you can explore one of the best-preserved cities of Ancient Rome and see historic streets, public buildings, and even a theatre.

It’s the perfect weekend or day trip from Rome for those who don’t have time to go to Pompeii, though it also offers its own special highlights.

Spending a day here is a great way to step back in time and experience the wonders of the ancient world. If you’d like to learn more, check out the video above for a mini tour of Ostia Antica.

Ostia Antica Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Ostia Antica . Ostia Antica Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Ostia Antica .

6. Sperlonga

Distance: about 60-90 minutes by train

As you head down the western coast of Italy, pretty much every place you come to is absolutely breathtaking.

This is especially true of Sperlonga, a picturesque coastal town located just an hour and a half from Rome. Sperlonga features a charming old town center with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and stunning sea views.

Here you can relax on beautiful beaches — including the Grotta di Tiberio , a stunning cave beach named after the Roman emperor Tiberius who once frequented the area. It’s one of the most attractive beaches in all of Italy!

Sperlonga also boasts the impressive Sperlonga Archaeological Museum , featuring a collection of ancient sculptures and artifacts.

Sperlonga Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Sperlonga . Sperlonga Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Sperlonga .

7. Positano

Distance: about 3 hours by car or 2.5-4.5 hours by train and ferry (you’d take a regional or high speed train to Salerno and then hop on a direct ferry)

The village of Positano is charming and visually stunning. Picture colorful buildings and narrow streets that beckon you with local restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and lush greenery.

It’s a place straight out of a fairy tale, making it one of the best Rome weekend breaks out there.

To reach Positano from Rome, you can take a combination of trains and ferries. It’s one of the further away weekend trips from Rome, but it’s definitely worth the journey — especially for the stunning views around every corner.

In Positano, the main attraction for most people is the beaches showcasing golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Spreading out on a towel with a good book and a spritz in hand is the perfect way to spend the day.

Positano is actually part of a gorgeous region known as the Amalfi Coast, which actually brings me to my next Rome weekend getaway…

Positano Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Positano . Positano Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Positano .

8. Amalfi Coast

Distance: it takes about 2-4 hours to reach Sorrento by regional or high speed train

The Amalfi Coast is so good that it deserves its own weekend trip!

The beauty of this stretch of Italian coastline sitting on the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno is tough to put into words, though one thing is for sure: you won’t regret taking a trip here during your time in Rome.

The region is comprised of 13 coastal towns and villages featuring beautiful beaches, amazing mountains, and restaurants serving delicious seafood and local wine.

A few popular places to stay include:

• Sorrento – the beginning of the Amalfi Coast and the easiest to get to from Rome
• Positano – the most glamorous and bustling option (mentioned above)
• Amalfi – the largest town along the Amalfi Coast with beach access, historic sites, medieval architecture, and delicious food
• Ravello – which sits on a beautiful cliff overlooking the sea and is great for escaping the crowds as it doesn’t have direct beach access

Love the outdoors? Don’t miss the Path of the Gods hike , a gorgeous 5-mile trek that takes you from the small village of Bomerano to the hilltop village of Nocelle, just above Positano. It will show you some of the best views in the Amalfi Coast!

And if you’re looking for the best weekend tours from Rome, check out this 3-Day Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri excursion .

Amalfi Coast Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Amalfi Coast . Amalfi Coast Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Amalfi Coast .

Distance: 1-2 hours to get to Naples by train and then it’ll take about 45 minutes via ferry to reach Capri from there

Looking for an island getaway in Italy? Then Capri is the perfect choice for your long weekend from Rome!

The island — which is about 45 minutes off the coast of Naples via ferry — offers unreal sights in every direction.

One not-to-miss Capri attraction is the stunning Blue Grotto , a sea cave where the water is so blue it reflects onto the cave walls.

You can also take a scenic chairlift to the highest point of the island, Mount Solaro , where you can enjoy a postcard-worthy view.

Want something a little lesser-known? Nearby, you can explore the many things to do in Ischia , another island near Capri.

Capri Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Capri . Capri Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Capri .

10. Lake Bracciano

Distance: about 45-60 minutes by car

While Rome is rich in history, culture, and experiences, it can also be quite hectic. Luckily, taking a weekend trip to Lake Bracciano is the perfect way to escape the mayhem of city life and get close to nature.

This stunning volcanic lake provides the opportunity to relax and unwind, or get active and take part in water sports or fishing if you like.

In terms of local attractions, make sure to visit Castello Orsini-Odescalchi , a 15th-century castle found on the shore of Lake Bracciano. Stepping into the castle provides a wonderful view of the lake and surrounding area.

Plus, being only an hour away from the capital, you can’t go wrong with taking a day or weekend trip here. If you have a car, it’s also a great relaxing addition to a road trip from Rome.

Lake Bracciano Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Lake Bracciano . Lake Bracciano Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Lake Bracciano .

11. Tarquinia

Distance: about 75 minutes to 2 hours by train

The medieval city of Tarquinia is famous for its Necropolis of Tarquinia (also known as the Necropolis of Monterozzi). This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 7th century BC and features 6,000 graves cut into the rock as well as 200 painted tombs.

When it comes to weekend Rome trips, Tarquinia is a quick and easy train ride away.

Once in Tarquinia, the city’s historic center is easily walkable, and there are plenty of taxis available for those who want to visit the necropolis.

With so much history, it’s not surprising that Tarquinia is home to numerous other historic sites, like the:

• Palazzo Vitelleschi , an architectural masterpiece constructed between 1436 and 1439 for the cardinal of Corneto (the former name of Tarquinia)
• Tarquinia National Museum , which resides within the Palazzo Vitelleschi and showcases artifacts excavated from the local necropolis
• many historic churches like Cathedral of Santa Margherita and its amazing bell tower and the Church of Saint Mary in the Castle , which showcases gorgeous Romanesque architecture

Tarquinia also has several beaches — including the popular Lido di Tarquinia . Here, you can soak up the sun, swim in the Mediterranean sea, and enjoy the local cuisine at one of the many beachside restaurants.

Tarquinia Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Tarquinia . Tarquinia Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Tarquinia .

12. Orvieto

Distance: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour and a half by train

Looking for the best weekend and day trips from Rome that aren’t too far? Then you won’t want to miss Orvieto, a picturesque hilltop town in the region of Umbria that offers visitors a glimpse into Italy’s rich history and culture.

The town itself dates back to 9th century BC — when the Etruscan civilization experienced great prosperity — and it will have you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time.

Within the historic center you’ll find several notable landmarks, including the impressive Orvieto Cathedral , which dates back to the 14th century. The cathedral boasts stunning Gothic architecture, intricate frescoes, and a beautiful rose window.

There are also many museums to explore in Orvieto, like the Claudio Faina Museum , which is focused on archaeology and showcases Etruscan artifacts.

Additionally, another highlight of visiting Umbria is visiting the local vineyards and enjoying samples of Umbrian wine and truffles. One of the most popular wineries and vineyards is the Madonna del Latte , where you can enjoy delicious certified organic wine along with cheeses and meats.

Many people claim it to be the highlight of their Umbria trip. It’s recommended to book in advance.

Orvieto Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Orvieto . Orvieto Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Orvieto .

Distance: about 2 hours by train

Known as the birthplace of Saint Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order, Assisi is a medieval hilltop town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is also a popular weekend excursion from Rome.

In Assisi, one shouldn’t miss visiting the important Basilica of San Francesco and its beautiful frescoes by Giotto, an Italian painter from the 1300s.

You can also explore the town’s many churches and monasteries, with a few other notable ones including Santa Maria degli Angeli , Cathedral of San Rufino , and Santa Chiara — the latter of which has a piazza offering a beautiful view of the local countryside.

For those interested in museums, Assisi is also home to institutions like the Pinacoteca Comunale Palazzo Vallemani, a religious art museum, and the Museo Missionario Indios , which tells the story of the Franciscan missionars who traveled to the Amazon.

Assisi Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Assisi . Assisi Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Assisi .

Distance: 3 hours by train

One of Italy’s most beautiful medieval destinations is Siena. Located just a short ride from Rome, it’s yet another great option when it comes to weekend trips from Rome by train.

Once you’ve arrived, you can head to the Siena Cathedral to take in beautiful Gothic architecture and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. While here, make sure to also check out the Piccolomini Library and its impressive frescos.

For more breathtaking views, climb to the top of the Torre del Mangia — a historic tower dating back to 1325 that reaches 290 feet high — or walk along the Fortezza Medicea , a giant red brick fortress built between 1561 and 1563 that looks out over the landscape.

While there are many other historic sites to enjoy in Siena, you should also make sure to enjoy the local food and wine. One suggestion: take a Tuscan cooking class or opt to dine in a local home .

Siena Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Siena . Siena Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Siena .

15. Perugia

Distance: about 3 hours by train

Perugia is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, and is yet another hilltop city near Rome.

There are many things to do in Perugia . For instance, you can visit the various local monuments and landmarks — like the Piazza IV Novembre , a lovely square known for its beautiful buildings.

Here you’ll also find the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria (National Art Gallery of Umbria), one of the city’s main attractions. Home to an impressive collection of Umbrian art spanning from the 13th to the 19th century as well as gorgeous frescoes, it’s another of the possible UNESCO World Heritage sites you can visit during a weekend getaway from Rome.

If you’re up for an interesting walk, you can stroll around the surviving sections of Perugia’s Etruscan city walls to take a step back in time.

Love sweets? Perugia is also known for its chocolate, so consider heading to the Perugina Chocolate House for a tour and tasting.

Perugia Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Perugia . Perugia Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Perugia .

Distance: about 2-3 hours by train

One of the best nature trips from Rome is Spello, a medieval hilltop town surrounded by Roman walls.

Located in Italy’s Umbria region, it’s known for its stunning scenery, rolling hills, medieval architecture, and narrow walkable streets full of history and attractions to explore.

Spello is worth visiting for anyone looking to take advantage of incredible hiking and cycling opportunities, like the Acquedotto Romano Trail that follows the ancient Roman route up to the gates of the Monte Subasio Regional Park .

Along the way, you get views of olive groves, woods, forests, and other features of the Italian countryside — which is Spello in a nutshell; an outdoor lover’s paradise.

That being said, there are other types of attractions and experiences too. One not-to-miss site is Porta Consolare , a massive archway dating back to the 1st century BC that was once one of the main entrances into the ancient Roman city. You’ll even see three original Roman statues attached to the top of it!

Walking through this entrance leads you into one of the prettiest parts of town, with a main street that features narrow stone lanes veering off. Take a fragrant stroll down Via Borgo San Sisto to see a lush array of flowers and potted plants. It’s definitely photo-worthy!

Also check out the Venus Gate , which is another one of Spello’s six Roman gates, and Villa dei Mosaici di Spello (Villa of Mosaics in Spello) — an archaeological discovery featuring a villa with stunning mosaic floors, among other things.

Umbria Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Umbria . Umbria Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Umbria .

17. San Gimignano

San Gimignano is famous because of its well-preserved medieval architecture, including its tower houses , which have earned it the nickname “Medieval Manhattan.”

These towers were built between the 11th and the 13th centuries by noble families and upper middle-class merchants as symbols of wealth and power . The tallest of these towers is Torre Grossa , which was built in 1310 and stretches up 54 meters (177 feet).

Standing tall over the other local buildings, the towers add to the town’s well-maintained feudal appearance.

Walking the city is a great way to take all of this in, particularly within San Gimignano’s Centro Storico . Every corner and every turn of this medieval center reveals another charming street.

Within the historic center, make sure to visit the Piazza della Cisterna , a town square that is home to a 13th century cistern, and the Piazza del Duomo , the town’s largest square that is full of churches, museums, and palaces.

One not-to-miss attraction within the Piazza del Duomo is the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral , Italy’s third-largest church. Along with its size, its ornate exterior and grand interior are sure to impress.

Additionally, if you enjoy a nice glass of wine you’ll fall in love with San Gimignano, which produces the popular Vernaccia di San Gimignano . As this crisp white wine is rarely seen outside of Tuscany, it’s best to have a glass or two during your visit.

San Gimignano Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in San Gimignano . San Gimignano Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in San Gimignano .

18. Maratea

Distance: 3.5-6 hours depending on what type of train you take

Fans of relaxing by the sea should consider Maratea, the only town of Basilicata on the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Since it’s a bit farther away than many of the other options on this list, it’s best as an overnight trip from Rome.

Maratea is a beautiful example of where the mountains meet the sea, creating some incredible landscapes. The statue of Christ the Redeemer — yes, that’s the same name as the one in Rio — overlooks the town and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Of course, you can also enjoy the town’s many beaches, which offer crystal-clear waters and stunning natural beauty. One recommendation is Fiumicello Beach , a lovely stretch of swimmable rocky coastline surrounded by lush trees, hills, and small caves.

Another highlight of Maratea is its many churches and chapels . In fact, it holds the nickname “the town with 44 churches!”

Maratea Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Maratea . Basilicata Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Maratea .

19. Cinque Terre

Distance: Take a high speed train from Rome to La Spezia in about 4 hours then switch to the regional line to reach your Cinque Terre village of choice. You can reach Riomaggiore in about 30-45 minutes.

Cinque Terre is one of the most popular regions for tourists to visit in Italy. The colorful houses stacked on the cliffside are famous around the world, and are even more stunning to see in person than on a postcard.

The best part? This beautiful destination is close enough to justify it as a weekend trip from Rome.

Of course, one of the best things to do in Cinque Terre is to take photos of the five picturesque villages, which include (in order from closest to Rome to farthest):

• Riomaggiore

Each of these towns offers a slower place of life, with the highlights mainly including relaxation while enjoying good wine, delicious food, and beautiful views and beaches.

In terms of where to stay, it makes sense to base in Riomaggiore or Monterosso so that you can easily see all of the villages along a scenic coastal trail known as the Sentiero Azzurro or the “Blue Trail.” It takes you through all five villages and takes about five hours to walk, though make sure to add time to explore each destination.

You can find full trail information here .

Note that you do need a ticket to get access to the trail too, which you can buy onsite.

You can also relax at one of Cinque Terre’s many beaches — like the popular Fegina Beach in Monterosso, which is great for swimming.

One of Italy’s most famous restaurants is also found in Cinque Terre, Nessun Dorma . Located in Manarola, you’ll get 5-star food as well as a 5-star view! Having a meal at sunset is a moment not to be forgotten.

There are also no cars in much of Cinque Terre, making it a perfect contrast from city life, and the perfect Rome getaway destination.

Cinque Terre Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Cinque Terre . Cinque Terre Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Cinque Terre .

Distance: 1 hour 30 minutes by train

Gaeta is a charming coastal city located in the Lazio region. Fun fact: along with being the capital of Italy, Rome is also the capital of this region — making Gaeta a great day trip from Rome!

The city is known for its delicious cuisine, including fresh seafood and local specialities such as tiella , a savory pie made with rice, potatoes, and mussels. You should also try Oliva di Gaeta , a dish of olives grown in the area and served as an appetizer.

Italian cuisine often has up to eight courses, so make sure you go to local restaurants with a hungry stomach!

On top of trying some delicious food, you can also explore the Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata — a chapel built into the side of a sea-faced cliff. This is pretty unique in itself, but combined with the stepped-trails, it’s more than worthy of a visit.

Gaeta Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Gaeta . Gaeta Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Gaeta .

Weekend Trips From Rome: FAQ

Below are answers to some frequently asking questions related to weekend trips from Rome to help you get perfectly planned out:

Q) Where can I go by train from Rome?

You can go pretty much anywhere in Italy and beyond from Rome. Roma Termini is one of the best transport hubs in all of Europe. Popular day trips and weekend trips from Rome by train include Naples, Pompeii, and Cinque Terre.

Q) What are good day trips out of Rome?

The most popular day trips from Rome are to Pompeii, Naples, and Florence. As they are only 2 hours or so away from Rome, you can easily have a great day trip to any of these places.

Q) Is a day trip from Rome to Florence worth it?

Yes, most definitely. A day trip from Rome to Florence is one of the most popular Rome day trips, as it only takes between an hour and a half to two hours by train. Florence offers some amazing cultural experiences with outstanding museums and galleries.

Italy Travel Insurance

When visiting Italy — or anywhere else in the world — it’s wise to get travel insurance.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Final Thoughts On Enjoying A Weekend Trip From Rome

And there you have it, 20 of the best weekend trips from Rome. Each of these options will provide the perfect Rome weekend getaway, and whether you choose to spend a day in Pompeii or 3 days in Cinque Terre, you are guaranteed to have a great time.

Rome is in the perfect place for day and weekend trips, as the Roma Termini train station provides transport to quite literally anywhere in Italy. If you wish, you can even go as far as Milan for the weekend!

While Rome is incredible, if you have some spare days you should definitely consider taking a trip elsewhere. You won’t regret it!

What are your favorite weekend trips from Rome?

Enjoyed this guide to the best Rome weekend trips ? Pin it for later!

About The Author

Josh Band is the creator of A Backpacker’s World , where he shares his love of backpacking the globe. From Southeast Asia to Europe and everything in between, Josh loves to explore and spend as little as possible while doing so. You can also follow also follow his adventures on Instagram .

Related posts:

Hi, I’m Jessie on a journey!

I'm a conscious solo traveler on a mission to take you beyond the guidebook to inspire you to live your best life through travel. Come join me!

Want to live your best life through travel?

Subscribe for FREE access to my library of fun blogging worksheets and learn how to get paid to travel more!

Turn Your Travel Blog Into A Profitable Business

Subscribe to my email list to snag instant access to my library of workbooks, checklists, tutorials and other resources to help you earn more money -- and have more fun -- blogging. Oh, and it's totally FREE! :) //  Privacy Policy . 

Check your inbox for your welcome email + resource library password!

A good read. The photo looks so tempting. It will help in planning a trip to Rome. Thank you for writing this blog. Which would be the must-visit place?

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Hotels + Resorts
• Hotel Reviews

This Luxury Hotel in Rome Was Named One of the Best Hotels in the World by T+L Readers — and Has the Most Beautiful Courtyard I've Ever Seen

Here's what makes Hotel de Russie Travel + Leisure readers' favorite hotel in Rome.

Food and Drink

Amenities and experiences, family-friendly offerings, accessibility and sustainability, how to get the most value out of your stay.

Courtesy of Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Walking through Rome’s Villa Borghese gardens, my husband and I came to a lookout point with a view of Piazza del Popolo. I, however, paid little attention to the neoclassical elliptical square, even with a 79-foot obelisk in the center. I was too busy photographing the most enticing courtyard I’d ever seen. It had three rows of bright-white umbrellas abutting a pale-pink building with turquoise shutters — the kind of scene that made me crave a Spritz and castelvetrano olives because I couldn't help but picture the chic, linen-clad folk enjoying aperitivo on that patio.

About three hours later, I checked into Hotel de Russie , which I picked because it was named T+L readers’ favorite hotel in Rome in 2023 and among the best city hotels in Europe . These 2023 World’s Best Awards landed the Rocco Forte hotel — one of two in Rome — a coveted spot on this year’s T+L 500. 

Hotel de Russie, Rome

• The location: it's a minute's walk to Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps and five to 10 minutes on foot to the Villa Borghese gardens and the Trevi Fountain.
• The idyllic courtyard is one of the most iconic in Europe and the perfect place for aperitivo .
• The luxurious rooms — with turquoise-trimmed shutters on the windows — made me feel like I was staying at my own chic apartment in Rome, with all the amenities of a Rocco Forte hotel.
• The spa has a hammam, a sauna, Irene Forte facials, and a gym.

And yet somehow, even knowing the details of Hotel de Russie’s accolades, I was shocked when, after check-in, I walked across the lobby, through the open doors, to the exact venue I’d painstakingly photographed a few hours before. I didn’t even make it up to my room. I asked the concierge if he could hold our bags while we had a drink on the patio, and a few minutes later, I was seated beneath a bright-white umbrella as a server put down a Negroni for me, a gin martini with a twist for my husband, and a trio of snacks — potato chips, almonds, and olives. I couldn’t believe my luck. I was a pair of really short bangs, a striped silk scarf, and a vintage Vespa away from living out Audrey Hepburn’s "Roman Holiday" life.

Maya Kachroo-Levine/Travel + Leisure

We lingered for a few hours, leisurely succumbing to the snack menu — tissue paper–thin prosciutto on crusty bread, the perfect complement to a second Negroni. I checked my Google Map of Rome recommendations and found we were stumbling distance from my cousin's go-to Roman wine bar, Buccone Vini e Olii , and a cozy restaurant favored by one of my colleagues, Hostaria Da Pietro . Evening plans? Check. The problem? I had no interest in ever leaving this courtyard.

Here, my review of the iconic Hotel de Russie — a Rocco Forte hotel and longtime T+L reader favorite.

Once we wrapped up our prolonged patio stint, we ascended to our spacious Deluxe Room. It was nearly 450 square feet, which is impressive for a standard hotel room in a major European city (the entry-level rooms are just a touch smaller, at about 375 square feet; the junior suites start at 540 square feet; and the Superior Suites start at 650 square feet). For a true taste of Roman luxury, the special suites and Forte suites have terraces or French balconies, with heavenly views of the hotel's courtyard or the surrounding historic buildings.

When I got to our room, I twisted the gold knob on one of three dual-paned windows. I poked my head out the window — no screens, this is Europe — taking in the light yellow, beige, and bright coral facades of the apartment buildings across the street, all with bright blue and green shutters. Across the street, I could see friends gathering on a balcony for sunset and laundry swinging in the breeze on an adjacent rooftop. It felt like I had my own little Roman apartment — with a marble bathroom and Rocco Forte hotel amenities.

Hotel de Russie has two restaurants; the Stravinskij Bar is a magical, umbrella-shaded terrace with a small indoor operation as well. The main restaurant is Le Jardin de Russie, which inhabits the upper terrace (up a set of alfresco stone stairs from Stravinskij Bar) and an adjacent dining room. Le Jardin serves a fantastic breakfast buffet and elevated classics — like grilled whole branzino. For something a little less formal, Stravinskij Bar serves dinner, too, and makes a lovely pasta all'Amatriciana, which is admittedly plentiful in Rome, but can you ever really have too much crispy guanciale?

The concierge team at Hotel de Russie can help you set up tours or book tickets to museums or attractions. We visited in the summer when advance ticketing was crucial, but the concierge could easily book us same-day entry to the Colosseum. The hotel also offers tours that are exclusively available to de Russie guests; one of the newest experiences, called a Journey Through Time at the Roman Forum, visits sites such as the Basilica Ulpia with an art historian, with the option to add on an extravagant tasting menu at Rimessa Roscioli afterward.

My husband and I spent a fantastic morning in the spa, starting with a seven-mile run in the gym, an ill-conceived attempt to work off all the amatriciana. From there, we went to the hammam, slipping into the massive blue-tiled warm pool. After a long soak, he hit the sauna while I read my book on a poolside lounge chair, enjoying the calming effect of the silver- and blue-tiled walls that seemed to glow as if the room were encrusted with precious gems. The spa also offers facials using Irene Forte skin care products and massages, and the hotel is expanding the space.

Hotel de Russie can make a family room by connecting two Deluxe Rooms. While I didn't encounter a lot of children during my stay, I love to see families bring children of any age to a European city — There's so much to experience! The food and culture more than make up for the transatlantic flight! — and would definitely return to the hotel with a kid in tow. The concierge can assist parents in coordinating family-friendly activities, and there is a Rocco Forte kids program for children aged 0 to 16, where each young visitor gets a Rocco Forte passport.

Six of the hotel's 120 rooms are accessible, and wheelchairs are available upon request. The hotel's ground-floor common areas are accessible, though there are "some limitations in the upper side of the historical garden," according to a hotel spokesperson. As a brand, Rocco Forte is keen to reduce its carbon footprint, and at de Russie, there is an electric e-tuk for guest rides and charging available for electric cars. To reduce energy use, all Rocco Forte hotels (including de Russie) do candlelit evenings once a week, where the restaurants and bars are illuminated only by flickering candles. The hotel also prioritizes digital check-in to eliminate paper waste and frequently donates furniture and amenities to local charities (recently, while refreshing the de Russie gym, all the old equipment was donated to the Blind Association on nearby Via Margutta).

Check the hotel website for deals because Rocco Forte offers generous ones. The occasionally offered Forte Escapes discount, for example, gets guests up to 25 percent off a stay of two nights or more. I'm a traveler who swears by her American Express Platinum card, and card members will be glad to know that Hotel de Russie is indeed part of Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts. Those booking their stay with an American Express will get a 12 p.m. check-in, 4 p.m. check-out, room upgrade if available, daily breakfast for two, and $100 credit for food and drink.

Best Tours in Rome for Families That Won't Disappoint! (2024)

T he Italian capital is a great city to visit with kids of all ages. Rome’s history stretches back thousands of years and the city’s ancient ruins are sure to impress the whole family. Sometimes the size and grandeur of the Eternal City can overwhelm younger kids. Luckily, many tour companies in Rome offer family-friendly tours allowing you to skip long lines, learn from enthusiastic guides, and create lasting memories. This guide includes only the best tours in Rome for families from city tours to cooking classes to full-day excursions.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our  disclosure policy  for more details. Thank you for your support!

Best Rome Tours with Kids

Free walking tours in rome italy, city walking tour.

First time visiting Rome? Traveling on a budget? No problem, the  Free Walking Tours of Rom e  is the perfect tour for you and your family.

This two-hour city tour meets at the Spanish Steps in the city center twice during the peak season. They offer morning and afternoon tours.

In the morning, your English-speaking tour guide will lead a group of no more than 20 through the historic center. Along the way, they will provide a brief overview of ancient Roman history and modern daily life.

Some of the sights you will visit date back to the Roman Empire, including the Column of Marcus Aurelius, the Temple of Hadrian, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Castel Sant’Angelo with a view of St. Peter’s Basilica.

If you take the afternoon tour, expect to explore different landmarks like an ancient Roman Aqueduct, the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, the Imperial Forums, and outside the Colosseum.

Most major European cities offer free walking tours where you can tip your guides at the end of the tour. Due to their huge popularity, Rome Free Walking Tours requires a deposit of €1 to confirm your booking. We recommend a tip in cash or card once the tour is finished!

These cheap tours are a great way to see the highlights of a new city and welcome travelers of all ages.

Best Food Tours Rome

Pizza making class.

Booking a pizza-making class on a vacation to Rome is a no-brainer. This local, unique experience is something the entire family (and your taste buds) will enjoy! Rome4Kids Tours runs some of the best family tours in the city. They offer both private and group pizza-making classes in Rome for kids .

This one-hour workshop is located in a real pizzeria near Piazza Navona so it’s in a super central location. The class is held twice a day around lunch and dinner time. It is the perfect amount of time for the attention spans of young children. They will love learning new cooking skills in a fun, hands-on way. 

Drinks are included and, of course, you get to eat your creation at the end! 

Gelato Making Class

Everyone knows the best way to enjoy pizza is to follow it with a scoop or two of gelato afterward. Learn how to make authentic Italian gelato (different from ice cream!) in this highly-rated,  private gelato-making class .

Private classes allow the chef to give you special attention. Families will have ample time to ask questions about the gelato-making process. Everyone can wear fun aprons and chef hats and try a second gelato flavor in addition to the one you will make together.

Rome Culinary Food Tour

A walking tour of the city’s top culinary delights is one of the best Rome tours you can take, with or without kids. Secret Food Tours runs fantastic food tours all over the world. We highly recommend adding their top-rated Rome food tour  to your vacation.

Sample Roman pasta, authentic cannoli, lots of ham, salami, cheese, fresh pizza, gelato, and a signature secret dish. The company offers a private option which is a sensible idea when traveling with younger children. You can easily skip visiting coffee shops for espressos and wine pairings if you would prefer.

This tour lasts over three hours, which is great value! Another option is a tour with a private guide. This will allow you to travel at your own pace to make sure the whole family has a great time.

Twilight Trastevere Food Tour

Most will agree the best area for authentic Roman dishes and a true Rome experience is the neighborhood of Trastevere across the River Tiber. Check out this  perfect tour of the culinary scene in Trastevere at Twilight  if you’re traveling with older kids.

On this incredible four-hour tour, dine out on the best street food at restaurants like Da Enzo al 29 and ‘Spirito Divino . Expect to visit ancient wine cellars and listen to interesting stories about the neighborhood as you walk through it. You will learn how to spot fake gelato while gorging on the best gourmet scoops you’ve ever tasted.

It’s hands down one of the best tours in Rome for families with teenage kids , though children aged four and up are very welcome. You can choose the group tour option or enjoy a private tour to explore Trastevere your way!

Riding Tours in Rome

Bike ride at night.

Rome’s historical center is  huge . It’s full of incredible archaeological sites and iconic landmarks which would take you many days to explore on foot. Get out of the midday heat and save little legs by booking this cool  e-bike tour of Rome by night !

Over three hours, you can tick off many iconic spots on your Rome hit list as well as have a fun time with your family. Just some of the stops include Oppian Hill (one of the best views of Rome!), the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and Capitoline Hill.

Enjoy the sunset as well as the architecture of this beautiful city. This is one of the best Rome kids tours because they offer options for kids of all ages. You can request child seats, a trailer bike, or a child-sized bike so no one is left out.

Rome Golf Cart Tours

Another fun way to explore Rome on wheels is to book a golf cart tour for the whole family. Venture on a  golf cart tour along Rome’s Appian Way or explore Rome’s seven hills on a golf cart tour with Rolling Rome .

On a two-and-a-half-hour tour of the  Appia Antica  Roman road, head out of the crowded city and see important ancient sites. You will travel past the Aurelian Walls and the Baths of Caracalla followed by an underground tour of the Catacombs of Rome.

On the three-hour tour of Rome’s hills, you will visit over a dozen places including the famous Mouth of Truth from  Roman Holiday,  the Arch of Janus, and the Knights of Malta keyhole. Most of these spots are in or close to the historic center on top of famous Roman peaks like Capitoline, Aventine, and Palatine Hill.

Both of these tours of Rome are private. Not only are they two of the best kids’ tours of Rome, but they are both ideal if you’re traveling with older family members with limited mobility too. 

History Tours in Rome

Gladiator school.

Rome’s Gladiator School  is exactly as awesome as it sounds. We are sure your kids will be talking about this experience for years.

Known as  Gruppo Storico Romano  in Italian, your children can take part in a two-hour lesson where they will learn how to become gladiators. They will be just as fierce as those who fought in the Colosseum during the times of Ancient Rome.

Passionate child-friendly guides with years of experience will teach your kids about the history of gladiatorial fights. They are provided with armor and (wooden) weapons as instructors teach them the skills necessary to ‘compete’ in one of the ‘bloody’ games at the end of the session.

Free drinks, a small snack, and free entrance to the Gladiator Museum of Rome are included in this experience.

Sistine Chapel

Visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel can be a busy, overwhelming experience for adults, let alone kids! But you can’t visit Rome with kids without witnessing the beauty of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.

Make the most of your visit to the holy Vatican City by booking an early morning express tour of the Sistine Chapel  or a  Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour  with Context Travel.

Both tours offer skip-the-line tickets. The early morning express tour of the Sistine Chapel is semi-private for up to six people and lasts one hour and 45 minutes. On the Vatican tour of both the museums and the Sistine Chapel, you can book the small-group or private option which lasts around three hours.

There are two of the best tours in Rome for families visiting Vatican City. You can choose the tour that makes sense for the age and interests of your kids. We promise your family will be glad you booked ahead and aren’t stuck waiting in a huge line outside in the baking sun!

Visiting Rome without a stop at the Colosseum is like visiting Australia’s Great Barrier Reef but not snorkeling. It has to be done! Luckily, the scale and history of this Seventh Wonder of the World are sure to impress even the most unfazed kids.

If you want to take a Colosseum family tour, there are so many great ones. This express Colosseum tour for kids  is a classic. The private family tour lasts two-and-a-half hours and includes a skip-the-line ticket, games, a treasure hunt, and prizes to engage little ones. 

Booking a private, underground Colosseum tour will give you access to areas of this ancient ruin which are usually restricted to the general. Both the  underground tour of the Colosseum  and the  underground Colosseum tour with LivTours include skip-the-line tickets.

On either tour, you can visit the underground where animals were kept for gladiator fights, all levels of the structure, access to the exhibition, and further exploration at the Roman Forum.

Visiting the subterranean burial chambers of Rome’s Catacombs is a fun thing to do with children who are intrigued by spooky and macabre places. One of the best tours in Rome for families of the Catacombs is this  private Catacombs tour .

With over 2,000 years of history underneath Rome, it is a great place to learn about Roman gods, pagan temples, and Christian crypts. There are even graves of some of the first popes in the Rome Catacombs!

This tour goes the extra mile by offering luxury transfers to the city center. It lasts three hours and since it’s a private tour, you can linger at places or skip whatever you want.

Day Trips in Rome

Only two and a half hours south of Rome, Pompeii is the perfect place for a fascinating and educational day trip. However, the hassle of renting a car and driving on windy Italian roads is no one’s idea of fun!

LivTours offers a fantastic  semi-private, small-group day tour of Pompeii  or you can book a  private day tour to Pompeii and Capua with Tours of Pompeii.

Pompeii is an ancient Roman city near Naples whose residents tragically perished in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. They were preserved under the ash for over a century until excavations began and unearthed this window to the past.

LivTours works with an archaeologist in Pompeii who will show you around the site and answer any questions. Tours are limited to six people and include transfers to and from Rome in a luxury van.

Tours of Pompeii also includes transfers but has an extra stop in Capua, a city north of Naples with some fabulous ruins. This is also an opportunity to visit the second-largest Roman amphitheater after the Colosseum and all the top sites in Pompeii including the Vettii House, the Baths, the Forum, and the House of Faunus. 

Ostia Antica

Do you only have space in your itinerary for a half-day tour? Viator offers five-hour  private tours of Ostia Antica from Rome . 

This ancient Roman port town is only 17 miles away from Rome. Kids of all ages (even those in strollers!) are welcome on this tour which includes hotel pick-up, a driver, and a child-friendly guide.

Check out the ancient Roman buildings in Ostia Antica including the necropolis, dye houses, cleaners, large baths, city center, apartments, and bakery!

It’s a completely flexible tour and you could easily turn it into a full-day trip. The beach is only two miles away from Ostia Antica so it’s the perfect place to enjoy a family picnic.

Enjoy the Best Tours in Rome for Families on Your Vacation

Whether you’re looking for private tours with a dedicated, expert guide or budget-friendly tours for small groups, you won’t regret booking as many tours as possible on your family vacation. They take the pressure off you to entertain and inform so that you get to be hands-off, learn something, and enjoy a fun tour too. Happy kids plus happy parents is a win-win!

Hopefully, this list of the best tours in Rome for families has given you plenty of inspiration when planning your trip to this ancient city. 

The post Best Tours in Rome for Families That Won’t Disappoint! (2024) appeared first on Kids Are A Trip™ .

5 of the Best London to Rome Tours

The zenith of cultural tourism, any journey from London to Rome is one of outstanding beauty and historical significance, passing through countless other world class destinations and bookended by two dazzlingly different capitals.

Amsterdam, one of the first stop offs for most London to Rome trips ( Courtesy Bookmundi )

All roads lead to Rome, as they used to say, which today is another way of expressing that when it comes to routes to choose on your way from London to the Eternal City, your options are eyewatering. Below we’ve listed both more meandering tours that strike out east, as well as some the shorter, more direct ones, which still can’t help passing through a breath-taking breadth of culture.

London to Rome Highlights A tour that doesn’t mess about. Reasonably priced and direct, this ten day journey nevertheless scales some of the highest peaks of European culture, places whose names alone are enough to inspire the most romantic of dreams: London, Paris, Venice, Florence, Rome. And because you’re travelling overland, there’s no shortage of stunning natural vistas to gaze on as well, from the White Cliffs of Dover to the vineyards of Burgundy and the Swiss Alps. Accommodation is modern and comfortable; what you’ll experience, unforgettable. From 1,407 euros

Book at Bookmundi

Trekking Through the Continent

London, still the biggest city in Western Europe ( Courtesy Bookmundi )

Taking a slightly more meandering approach, by pitching east out of London to head first to Amsterdam, this tour really highlights Europe’s extraordinary variety. From the multicultural buzz of Britain’s capital to the watery ordered beauty of the Dutch one, then down into the chic sophistication of Paris. As you head further south, so the culinary wonders really take hold as you head through French wine country and into Lyon, one of the undisputed gastronomic capitals of the world. Then, it’s back into the modern clean metropolises of Switzerland before settling into Italy’s baroque indulgence. You’ll find it hard to believe so much contrast can be fitted into such a short space and time. From 1,924 euros

Book at TourRadar

European Flair

Because as well as history and culture, Western Europe is also one of the great homes of luxury. Sumptuous is the byword for this journey, which makes its way even further east into the chocolate box elegance of Salzburg and Prague. An excellent year round trip this is even more evocative in winter, when the Christmas lights and markets shine. By the time you make Venice, you’ll feel like you’re drowning in honey, awed that Rome still awaits. From 3,456 euros

London to Rome Vistas

Paris, always a good idea ( Courtesy Bookmundi )

One for younger travellers, richer on time than on money. This twenty day trip is London to Rome the long way round and a real European starter pack. From the bars of Berlin to cruising on the Danube through Budapest to cycling through the natural beauty of the Austrian Tyrol, this is a journey of experience, one that will make you grow as an individual and might just make you see the world in a different way. And all while making friends for life, and having no small amount of late night fun. Accommodation is basic, though mostly avoids hostel dorms. From 2,931 euros

European Traveller

And here’s the one for people with a surplus of money over time, threading as straight a line as you can between the two capitals – with only a slight detour to go to Venice, because when in, or at least on your way to, Rome, why not? With slightly higher end accommodation, it’s a week that takes you through more than two thousand years of European history, from Big Ben to Saint Peter’s basilica with the Eiffel Tower, the Alps, and the Grand Canal in between. From 1,995 euros

Book at Trafalgar

Latest Articles

• 5 Authentic Sushi Making Classes in Tokyo April 24, 2024
• A Comparison of Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tours April 23, 2024
• 5 of the Best London to Rome Tours April 23, 2024
• 5 of the Best Student Accommodation in Toulouse April 23, 2024
• 5 of the Best Corfu Walking Tours April 22, 2024

• Share full article

Tracing the Long, Winding Path of an Ancient Roman Aqueduct

The Aqua Marcia was the longest of the city’s aqueducts, running nearly 60 miles from its source in the countryside to the heart of ancient Rome. The author followed its course, above and below ground.

In the Park of the Aqueducts, 20 minutes by metro from central Rome, ancient aqueducts that once supplied the Eternal City with water have been preserved. Credit... Roberto Salomone for The New York Times

Supported by

By David Laskin

David Laskin, a frequent visitor to Rome for the past four decades, has written numerous articles on the history, culture, art and architecture of the Eternal City.

• April 24, 2024

The stone arches looped solemnly over their shadows, some teetering above the grass, some sinking into it. It was a dazzling January morning, and I was standing in the Park of the Aqueducts , about 20 minutes by metro from central Rome. Here, the ruined arcades of six of the 11 aqueducts that once supplied the Eternal City with an astonishing volume of water — by some counts double the per capita water allotment of a typical 21st-century American city — have been preserved.

My aim was to trace the course of one of them: the Aqua Marcia, built between 144 and 140 B.C. by Julius Caesar’s ancestor Quintus Marcius Rex.

Hailed by Pliny the Elder as “the most famous of all waters in the world for coldness and wholesomeness,” the Marcia was also the longest of the capital’s ancient aqueducts, running some 56.8 miles from source to city. Only about 6.2 miles stood above ground.

I had always assumed that Rome’s aqueducts were a kind of aerial plumbing, their water channeled atop arches. But the Marcia, like all classical aqueducts, ran largely underground. The water moved by the force of gravity, and arches and bridges, which were expensive and vulnerable to attack, were only used to span ravines, valleys and other dips in the terrain that would have interrupted the flow.

The arcade of the Marcia is now dry, but the same water still feeds mountain springs east of the capital. And though it now travels through a modern network of tunnels and tubes, the water is still referred to by its ancient name and is still considered Rome’s best drinking water.

One of the series of arches that rose before me once carried this current to Rome. But which one?

In the Park of the Aqueducts

The roughly 600-acre Park of the Aqueducts has few signs, maps or directions. Romans come here to jog and walk their dogs. The few tourists wander through a bucolic landscape — green, tranquil, its imposing ruins seemingly untouched by modernity — that has appeared in such iconic Italian films as “La Dolce Vita” and “La Grande Bellezza.”

Michele Alfonsi, a lawyer who heads up Pons Iani , a volunteer group devoted to aqueducts, offered to guide me. “See that?” he asked, pointing to a stone passageway atop massive arches. “That’s the specus of the Aqua Marcia.”

Specus is the Latin term for a roofed channel built at a slight downward slope so that water would run through it without gushing or puddling. This one was nearly high enough to stand up inside.

We clambered up the keystone of the arch, now just a few feet above ground level. When it was completed during the heyday of the Republic, the Marcia was the first aqueduct to bring water to the Capitoline, Rome’s most sacred hill. A small fountain there has been chiseled with the words “Acqua Marcia,” but like modern Rome’s taps, it now spouts a mixture of water from five different founts.

To sample pure Marcia water, I’d need to travel to the source.

‘Where’s the water?’

Sextus Julius Frontinus, the first-century commissioner of the aqueducts, wrote that the fount of the Marcia is near the 36th milestone of the ancient Roman road Via Valeria (roughly 35 miles east of Rome). But I had been warned that the original trenches had been obliterated in 1870 when the Marcia’s long-defunct classical aqueduct was reincarnated as the Acqua Pia Antica Marcia.

“You’ll get close,” said Peter J. Aicher, author of “Guide to the Aqueducts of Ancient Rome,” “by searching for Centro Casetta Rossa Idrico on Google Maps.”

I found the “casetta,” a small red stucco house used by the modern aqueduct’s maintenance personnel, at the edge of a green field. Aside from the inscription “Acqua Pia Antica Marcia 1870” carved over the front door, and the shed-like structures built above springs alongside the road, there was no indication that Rome’s best drinking water originated here.

I took in the rounded hills, hazy blue in the distance, and the Italian cypresses striping their shadows across a little-traveled, two-lane highway. “Where’s the water?” I asked a maintenance man. He pointed down: The underground springs that Quintus Marcius Rex first channeled over 2,000 years ago still bubble beneath this bucolic spot. The only way to plumb Marcia’s depths was to go spelunking.

Which is how, a few days later, I found myself clinging to an exposed tree root on the side of a ravine dropping to the Aniene River east of Rome. “Put your right foot there,” Alfonso Diaz Boj coaxed. “Two more steps and we’ll be at the Marcia’s specus.”

Mr. Diaz Boj, a guide with Sotterranei di Roma , which offers tours of Rome’s underground treasures, was leading a jaunt into the ancient, now-dry aqueduct channels buried near the town of Vicovaro, about eight miles west of the Marcia’s source. Twelve of us met at the Convent of San Cosimato, whose property contains the ruins, to suit up in hard hats and headlamps.

Once we had negotiated the hand- and toeholds and were hunched into the shoulder-high specus, Mr. Diaz Boj pointed to a lozenge of light slanting down from a shaft: “Teams of workers excavated these shafts every 15 meters. When they reached the proper depth, two teams dug toward each other laterally until they joined up.”

We passed bats clinging to the walls, and quills attested to the presence of porcupines. Over the centuries, the Marcia’s water had deposited multicolored bubbles and stripes of calcium on the concrete that Romans used to seal the specus. Mr. Diaz Boj pointed to graffiti scratched into the concrete — mysterious crosses, doodles and the possibly faked signature of Thomas Ashby, the British archaeologist and author of the 1935 “Aqueducts of Ancient Rome.”

After a lunch of lasagna, saltimbocca alla Romana and roast potatoes at the convent, I had a drink from a spigot in the garden. Only later did I learn that Vicovaro is inside the zone that receives the Marcia’s water unadulterated. It was delicious and refreshing, though I can’t say I detected much difference from the mixed water of central Rome.

The Marcia surfaces on arches and bridges several times between Vicovaro and the Park of the Aqueducts, most spectacularly at Ponte Lupo, about 10 miles south of Tivoli. This colossal bridge spanning a deep gorge has been in the hands of the Barberini family since 1633, when Pope Urban VIII acquired the surrounding estate. Guided tours (reserve by email, [email protected] ) are offered occasionally and during the festivals held here in the summer. Fortunately for me, a friend in Rome had arranged a private visit.

Ponte Lupo’s present owner, the actor and activist Prince Urbano Barberini, was waiting for us at the unpaved access road. A trim, handsome man in his early 60s, the prince recounted the site’s recent vicissitudes as he led us down a sloping meadow. When he regained title to the property after a long legal battle, the field and stream around the bridge had been buried in rubbish and frequented by sex workers.

I had seen images of Ponte Lupo, but nothing prepared me for its size and complexity. The original tuff arches carried the Marcia across a steep ravine. Subsequent retaining walls and buttresses have transformed the bridge into a palimpsest of building styles.

“It’s a difficult scramble,” the prince said, gazing up to the precipitous, densely vegetated summit above a dry creek. “Would you like to try?”

I eyed the rugged, tangled sides of the ravine. “Maybe not.”

“Good,” the prince replied, smiling. And we strolled back to the highway.

‘Engineering on a monumental scale’

The Marcia entered Rome on arches at Porta Maggiore , chosen as the entry point for eight ancient aqueducts because of its high elevation on Esquiline Hill. At first glance this busy crossroads near the Termini rail station struck me as rough and forlorn, but I gave it a closer look. Aqueduct arches converge or radiate from every direction. The Marcia’s specus is slotted above a chunky pier built of a volcanic stone called tuff that abuts the gate.

If you tune out the traffic, there is no better place to savor what one historian calls the Roman “knack for practical engineering on a monumental scale.”

It takes about half an hour on foot to trace the Marcia’s path through ancient Rome. From Porta Maggiore, the aqueduct tracked the Aurelian Wall as far as the elegant Augustan arch called Porta Tiburtina. From there, it veered off to follow today’s Via Marsala before emptying into a distribution basin now buried beneath the train station.

The Fountain of the Naiads

After the Marcia was reborn as the Marcia Pia in 1870, the Fountain of the Naiads was conjured up to showcase its purity in the Piazza della Repubblica, a 10-minute walk from Termini station.

Some of Baroque Rome’s most cherished monuments are display fountains, or mostre, celebrating the newly restored aqueducts that once again brought spring water to Rome. The Trevi Fountain is the mostra of the Acqua Vergine, the only aqueduct that has run continuously since antiquity.

But the Fountain of the Naiads is different. Unlike the gravity-fed aqueducts of pre-modern times, the Marcia flowed under pressure created by mechanical pumps, which allowed the fountain’s jets to shoot nearly seven feet high.

Katherine Rinne, the author of the forthcoming “Walking Rome’s Waters,” calls this “the Hugh Hefner fountain” because of its cavorting naked nymphs. It rises in the middle of a busy major intersection. “If you are brave enough to face six lanes of horrendous traffic,” Ms. Rinne said, “you can dangle your feet in it on a hot day.”

Just don’t drink it. Today, the naiads frolic in water that is periodically drained for cleaning and maintenance.

If you are inspired to sip from the source, do as the Romans do and cup a hand under one of the nasoni (big noses) that spout from goose-necked spigots all over town. Two thousand years after Pliny lauded the Marcia as a gift from the gods, Rome’s aqueducts are still lavishing cold, clear spring water on the Eternal City.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Advertisement

Protect Your Trip »

The 8 best neck pillows for travel.

Avoid a literal pain in the neck with these expert-approved travel pillows.

The Best Neck Pillows for Travel

Courtesy of Cabeau

The Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow is one of the best neck pillows for travel.

Just like the pillow you use at home , the best neck pillow for travel is the one that makes you feel most comfortable, allowing you to relax, rest and ultimately fall asleep on the go. The difference, however, is that a travel pillow is typically used when sitting up, which means it needs to provide enough support to keep your head from bobbing.

Based on recommendations from travel experts and advice from physicians, these are the best neck pillows for travel.

Best Overall: Cabeau Evolution S3

Best affordable: mvloc travel pillow, best for long flights: trtl travel pillow, best multipurpose: huzi infinity pillow, best inflatable: sunany inflatable travel pillow, best silk: slip jet setter travel pillow, best for backpacking: marchway ultralight inflatable camping pillow, best for kids: bcozzy double support neck pillow.

Frequent travelers praise the design of the Cabeau Evolution S3, which is made of a special dual-density memory foam. "My pillow at home is made with memory foam so it's like bringing a piece of home on my travels," says travel blogger Jasmine Cheng of The Wandering Girl . "The sides are also raised, which prevents my head from moving when I'm sleeping." Travelers also appreciate the patented seat strap system that attaches the pillow to a seat or chair headrest as well as the slim flattened back, both of which prevent the head from bobbing.

A handy storage pouch on the side of the pillow allows you to keep your earbuds or other small items close by, and the pillow comes with a clasp that attaches to carry-on luggage . The removable pillow cover, which comes in a variety of colors, is machine-washable. What's more, this travel pillow can be stored in an included carry bag that condenses it to half its size.

Price: $39.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Cabeau

Travelers appreciate the support (and the price tag) of this memory foam travel pillow. An adjustable rope lock allows you to secure the pillow to your neck for maximum support and comfort. The breathable and machine-washable cloth exterior prevents overheating. This travel pillow also comes with earplugs and an eye mask for ultimate relaxation.

Price: $29.99 or less Shop now: Amazon

Courtesy of Trtl

The patented design of the Trtl Travel Pillow – with a hidden internal neck support surrounded by soft, hypoallergenic fleece – makes it a favorite among travelers, particularly for long flights. "Something about it just hits right in a travel accessory category where nothing previously worked for me," explains Meaghan Clawsie, luxury travel advisor at Elated Escapes . "I no longer have any back or neck pain when resting on long-haul flights." Simply wrap the pillow around your neck like a scarf, secure it in place with its built-in fastener and rest your head on the support.

If you tend to overheat easily, there's also the Trtl Pillow Cool , made with Tencel fibers to keep you at a comfortable temperature; a mesh panel makes the pillow particularly breathable as well. Both pillows are machine-washable.

Price: $59.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Trtl

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Courtesy of Huzi Design

If you're not sold on the classic U-shaped neck pillows for travel, consider this snake-like option instead. Able to be twisted into a variety of positions, the versatile Huzi Infinity Pillow provides whatever support feels best – even if that means resting your head on the tray table for a bit. You can also wear it around your neck like a scarf for neck and back comfort (even when you're not snoozing), use it as an eye mask, or drape it over your head if you get cold or want to block out noise.

Travelers love the pillow's bamboo fabric, describing it as soft, smooth and cool. Since it's filled with polyester, the whole pillow can be tossed in the washing machine , unlike its memory foam counterparts. The Infinity Pillow is available in nearly a dozen different colors, including gray, navy and pink.

Price: $45 or less Shop now: Amazon | Infinity Pillow

Read:  What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

Courtesy of Sunany

Travelers love the H-shaped design of this inflatable pillow because it allows for use in multiple directions and supports both sides of the head and neck with a flat back. A removable hood on the pillow is a bonus: It encourages a cozy feel and prevents cold drafts from too much air conditioning. For optimal comfort, it is recommended to inflate the pillow about 80% to 90%.

A pocket for your earbud case on this travel pillow provides convenient access for listening to music, and the removable velour cover is machine-washable. The lightweight inflatable pillow can be stored in the included waterproof drawstring bag, which can also be attached to luggage. This travel neck pillow is available in black, gray and blue.

Courtesy of Slip

Travel pillows don't get softer than this luxurious new option by Slip. The Jet Setter Travel Pillow is made with the highest-grade long fiber mulberry silk, which helps to prevent skin creases and bedhead. It also comes with a carrying case with handles. The Jet Setter Travel Pillow is available in three prints and a pretty solid blush color.

Price: $99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Slip

While you can often bring your pillow from home for tent camping, backpacking requires something more lightweight, such as this inflatable option by Marchway. "An inflatable pillow is a game-changer when it comes to backpacking, and an ultralight pillow can't be beat," says Leilani Osmundson , digital producer for travel at U.S. News. "The Marchway pillow fits the bill: It's comfortable, packable and extremely lightweight." This pillow is designed for both back and side sleepers, and doubles as a lumbar support for everyday travels and needs. Once it's deflated, you can machine-wash the cover before folding the pillow into an included drawstring bag.

Price: $13.99 or less Shop now: Amazon

Courtesy of BCOZZY

The BCOZZY neck pillow is ideal for all travelers – including kids, with small sizes for youngsters between 3 and 7 years old, and medium options for ages 8 and 12. Travelers like the ergonomic design of the patented pillow, which supports the head and neck by propping the chin up. Overlapping pillow arms, which wrap around the neck and under the chin, can be tightened based on the level of support you need.

If you or your child is a side sleeper, fold the pillow in half, double up the sides and place it on your shoulder, leaning your head to the side. An elevated side option allows you to overlap the pillow arms on top of each other and rotate it 90 degrees to the side for double support for the neck and chin.

This travel pillow is available in a variety of colors and patterns, including light blue and pink hearts. A snap strap attaches the included travel bag to your child's luggage , and you can throw the pillow in the washing machine after your trip.

Price: $44.97 or less Shop now: Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Experts agree a supportive pillow is essential for travel. "The biggest issue many travelers experience when sleeping on a plane is that the seats don't recline enough," explains Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a sleep/wake and performance specialist who is dual board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. "This often results in the head being just on the brink of tipping forward – which is not a comfortable sleeping position. Because of this insufficient recline, it is important to keep padding behind the head and neck minimal to reduce the tendency for the head to tip forward."

Most travel pillows are designed to be worn around the neck, providing enough support to prevent the head from tipping forward.

When shopping for a neck pillow for travel, experts recommend considering the following factors:

Proper head support:  What's most important is ensuring your head is supported in the right places by your travel pillow – and, in particular, not being pushed forward by excessive padding. "A good pillow would provide support for side sleeping, rather than a lot of padding behind the head, which just pushes the head forward too much," says Dimitriu.

Material: Consider both the external and internal material of the pillow:

External: Chiropractic physician Eric Smith advises to make sure the material of your travel pillow is breathable and won't subject you to an overheated sleep, since one of the main reasons for moving around a lot as you sleep is getting too hot. "When your face gets too hot on one side, even if you're sleeping, you're going to move from it because it's too warm," Smith explains.

There's no real consensus on which material is best for a cool, comfy sleep – and different people will have different preferences – so Smith's advice is to try before you fly (and don't hesitate to request a refund if your chosen pillow isn't working out).

• Internal: Memory foam pillows tend to offer more firm support – something Smith recommends for anyone, but especially older travelers. "The majority of patients I have that get older, we actually need a more firm pillow, we need a more firm bed, we need more support," Smith says. Pillows filled with microbeads mold more to the neck and head, while inflatable pillows can be adjusted to your preferences based on how much air you use to blow them up.

A travel pillow for your neck isn't considered a carry-on or personal item (and the same generally goes for small, loose items like jackets and umbrellas). That said, it's always best to review your airline's carry-on luggage size restrictions before traveling.

A good neck pillow for travel isn't the only key to achieving a decent sleep while in transit. "From the standpoint of evolution, we're kind of hardwired to be a little bit more on high alert in those situations," explains Rebecca Robbins, an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and scientist at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital. "We're a little bit more in fight or flight mode; our brain is subconsciously scanning the environment for threats and there are new sounds and new smells."

She recommends finding elements that are relaxing to you, which might include some of the following:

• Travel blanket: Look for something lightweight, such as the EverSnug Travel Blanket on Amazon. This blanket comes with a carrying case, which can double as a pillow when the blanket is stored inside.
• Essential or aromatherapy oils: Scents like lavender and peppermint can be especially calming.
• Earplugs: Choose headphones that block some or all external noise. The Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Headphones are especially well rated.
• White noise app: There are a variety of free apps, or you can try a paid option like Calm (which offers a free trial).
• Eye mask: An eye mask like this cotton option on Amazon helps to block out the bright light on planes.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Compression Socks for Travel
• The Top Walking Shoes for Travel
• The Top Carry-on Backpacks
• Can I Use My Own Airplane Seat Belt Extender?
• The Best Travel Medical Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best east coast beaches.

April 19, 2024

The Best Carry-on Luggage

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024

The Best Luggage Brands

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

John Rodwan April 17, 2024

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024

Best Alaska Tours

Lyn Mettler April 16, 2024

The Best Fredericksburg Wine Tours

The Best Personal Item Bags

Rachael Hood April 16, 2024

The 17 Best Costa Rica Tours

Lyn Mettler April 12, 2024