14 Of The Best Day Trips From Rome
Fancy a day trip from Rome? You’re in luck as there are a whole host of spectacular sights to see just a stone’s throw from the enchanting city center.
While Rome itself is bursting with exciting and romantic things to do, it would be a travesty to miss out on some of the marvelous gems that lie beyond its vicinity. Drop by iconic nearby Italian cities or explore natural attractions and historical sites.
The city is exceedingly well connected by bus and train so you won’t encounter too many issues during your expeditions. If you’re looking to veer off the beaten path, it’s always a good idea to rent a car but for most of the sites on the list, you won’t have too much trouble arriving via public transport.
Whether you only have a few hours or the freedom to dedicate an entire day to your city escape, here are some of the best day trips from Rome, Italy that will help you plan the most incredible break in the chic Italian capital.
- Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
Undoubtedly one of the best day trips from Rome, visiting Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius is an absolute must when vacationing in the Eternal City. What’s better, these iconic destinations are actually very easy to get to, lying just a 2-hour train ride away.
The immense eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 transformed the buzzing town below, Pompeii, below into ash. Nowadays, you can wander around the open-air museum and see the remains of the city, including intact mosaics and preserved bodies of those who died during the eruption.
- Hadrian’s Villa
Visit the second century AD holiday home of the Roman Emperor, Hadrian, who craved a dream hideaway where he could take a break from his busy life in the city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this glorious estate is without a doubt one of the best day trips from Rome.
Wander around the magnificent estate of grand buildings and enchanting gardens, exhaling a sigh of relief as you recover from the hustle and bustle of the Italian capital, just like Hadrian himself. His villa makes the perfect oasis for anyone visiting Rome.
- Florence
While Florence is a cultural hotspot 300 kilometers outside of Rome, the captivating city can be reached in a day as long as you wake up early and hit the road. There’s so much art and culture to explore here that you’ll need to narrow down your to-do list to the best museums and sites for you to see and investigate.
Start by visiting Michelangelo’s David statue in Galleria dell’Accademia, before venturing onto the city’s famous cathedral, Duomo di Firenze. Stop by the Ponte Vecchio Bridge to take in the views and be sure to squeeze in some delicious Tuscan pizza.
Boasting breathtaking architecture, a plethora of fascinating museums, mesmerizing artwork and a wonderful food scene, an outing to Florence makes an excellent day trip from Rome.
- Tivoli
Despite being a little mountain town, Tivoli has it all. Between World Heritage Sites, ancient architecture and natural beauty, there’s not much you can’t find in this charming haven.
Located just 30 kilometers east of Rome, the town itself is a beautiful sight to see as it lies amongst flourishing green mountains, effortlessly establishing itself among the best one-day trips from Rome.
Do not miss out on wandering around Villa d’Este during your visit. A stunning Renaissance villa, here you can take a look at the fountains before getting some lunch at one of the top-notch restaurants. You’ll also want to visit the luxurious Villa Adriana; the massive country estate of Emperor Hadrian.
- Villa d’Este
A spectacular 16th-century villa famed for its remarkable array of fountains, a visit to Villa d’Este is certainly not to be missed for anyone seeking a day trip from Rome.
The gardens are thought to exemplify the pinnacle of Italian landscaping and have proved highly influential due to their experimental use of water. Prepare to see transparent liquid cascading into pools, and streaming through fountains.
On the solid side of things, you should also be prepared to be amazed. There are grottos, terraces and pavilions to explore. The best part? All of this is set upon the idyllic hills of the Italian countryside.
- Orvieto
Located in Umbria, Orvieto is a beautiful hill town and a fabulous place for a day trip from Rome, especially for those wanting to relax amidst dazzling scenery. The town is small but full of fascinating architecture and history.
Make the Duomo di Orvieto your first stop as it’s sure to impress with its awe-inspiring beauty. You can take a tour of the underground labyrinth, Orvieto Underground, and get lost wandering the center of town.
One of the less-common day trips from Rome, this is the perfect place to go to escape tourist crowds and chill out in peace and quiet.
- Assisi
Assisi is a gorgeous medieval city situated within the wild landscapes of Umbria. Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site, this beautiful metropolis is truly stunning. Sprinkled with charming cafes, family-owned restaurants, and small cobblestone streets, you are sure to fall for this beautiful city as soon as you set foot in it.
Assisi has so much to offer, from one of the most unique basilicas in the country to majestic mountains that endow it with a wonderfully romantic atmosphere. For the fitness-orientated amongst us, the area is home to the famous hiking trail of St Francis.
The route guides you through sacred woods, Roman remains, medieval ruins and ancient forest land in an enchanting adventure that provides the perfect break from city life.
- Ostia Antica
Lying just 30 kilometers from Rome, Ostia Antica is an ancient settlement and one of the best day trips from Rome, especially for history buffs! Tracing back to the fourth century BC, this city was once home to more than 100,000 people and a major port that played an incredibly important role in Rome’s commercial business.
During your visit, you will be able to check out fascinating ancient ruins including temples, public baths, and a spectacular semicircular amphitheater.
Pay special attention to the mesmerizing mosaic floors of the Bath of the Neptune. Ostia Antica is an absolute breeze to get to, just jump on a train from Rome and you’ll be there in 40 minutes!
- Naples
Calling all foodies: you simply cannot miss an opportunity to visit Naples. This buzzing city is the birthplace of pizza itself, meaning you will be able to tuck into exquisite traditional dishes in some of the oldest pizzerias in the world.
The Margherita pizza is the traditional pick, but there are also plenty of more experimental topping options to choose from. Visiting Naples is certainly one of the best day trips from Rome, and we recommend taking a tour of the oldest pizzerias in the area to get a real taste of the city.
If you’re short on time, hit up Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba. This eatery hasn’t just been serving up pizzas for the longest time in Naples but is one of the oldest-known restaurants in the world.
Beyond the incredible cuisine, Naples is a very pretty city whose center is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that traces back to 460 BC.
- Tuscany
Tuscany tours and day trips from Rome are always a good idea. This beautiful region lies in the north of Italy and is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rolling hills, food and wineries. A trip to this slice of paradise is sure not to disappoint.
People are often drawn to Tuscany by the appeal of food festivals, wine trail tours and the chance to take an authentic, Italian cooking class. If you are looking to explore the wonderful wineries in the area, why not check out our blog on the best vineyards to visit in Tuscany?
You might also want to stop by some of the beautiful towns in Tuscany that are drenched in historic charm all the whilst nestled along the rolling Tuscan hills.
- Amalfi Coast
If you’re on the lookout for the best day trips from Rome, you simply could not miss out on the awe-inspiring Amalfi Coast.
The town of Amalfi clings to the side of a gorge that lies before the iconic waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The combination of the dramatic cliffscape, turquoise-blue waters and enchanting architecture creates the most stunning setting.
Along with sunning by the shoreline, you should take some time to wander around the villages, pop into the restaurants, and wander around the small, intricate streets. Boat rides along the coast are also popular with visitors, especially for those who want to check out the small coves and inlets that lie in and around the area.
- Capri
Located in the Bay of Naples, the island of Capri is another of the best day trips from Rome. A luxurious gem, you will find a whole host of chic boutiques and lavish eateries to choose from during your time here.
A boat trip is the best way to see Capri in all of its splendor, from its remarkable coastline to its buzzing ambience.
Renowned for its limoncello, a trip to Capri could not be complete without a sip (or several) of this liquid luck. Also worthy of note, the Blue Grotto is a magnificent sea cave that was thought to be one of Emperor Tiberius’ favorite swimming holes.
- Sorrento
If you’re craving a coastal paradise during your time in Rome, do not hesitate to head toward the stunning town of Sorrento. One of the most picturesque day trips from Rome by train, this little spot of paradise is perched aside the Bay of Naples and dishes out a heap of quintessential Italian charm.
Enjoy fantastic coastline views of Mount Vesuvius and Capri while stopping by excellent cafes and restaurants! The town offers absolutely breathtaking, panoramic views adored by photographers.
After taking in the scene, wander around the narrow streets and alleys and do a bit of window shopping at the small boutiques.
You will have plenty of opportunities in Sorrento to sample the regional favorite, Limoncello, as it is offered by many of the charming trattorias in the area. We recommend dining al fresco so you can enjoy your food while gazing over the sublime scenery around you.
- Lago Di Bolsena
Located just north of Rome, Lago di Bolsena is a wonderful spot of serenity, most commonly visited for its lake. It’s also famed for fantastic local wine and olive oi, so prepare to be treated to some delicious delicacies during your time here.
Wander around the quaint town and check out the churches, the coastline of the lake, and the charming little fishing boats that surround it. Lago di Bolsena is one of the best day trips from Rome for those looking to escape to a touch of quiet peacefulness before returning to city life.
Summary
While Italy’s magnificent capital offers so much to do and see, it is a fantastic idea to take a day trip from Rome to see what life is like outside the bustling metropolis. From stunning seaside villages perched upon the cliffs to the ancient ash city of Pompeii, the allure of Italy certainly extends far beyond its glorious capital. If you’re planning a vacation to Rome and want more advice on where to go and what to do, get in touch with Italy4Real and speak to one of our team about our bespoke range of tours.
