Best Day Trips From Rome: Explore Beyond the Eternal City

Doing a day trip from Rome is all about a change of scenery. Whether you’re looking to explore Italy’s coastal gems or its charming wine country, Rome is a fantastic place to start. 

Italy’s efficient public transportation network makes it easy to get around the country. Taking the train in Italy can take you to cities close to Rome in a bit more than an hour. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the best day trips from Rome.

Popular Day Trips From Rome, Italy

A day trip from Rome can take you to some of Italy’s most popular enchantments. In contrast to the bustling cosmopolitan streets of Rome, these locations, known for their history, culture, and beauty, are only a short distance away. 

Here are some popular day trips to enrich your Rome itinerary.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a phenomenal site of great scientific and historical value, and it’s only around two hours away from Rome by train. Frozen in time, the city of Pompeii was perfectly preserved by Mother Nature herself. Now, millions of people from around the world visit the site every year. 

You can book a Pompeii day trip from Rome or travel independently by train. To get to the UNESCO world heritage site, take the train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale train station. Then buy a ticket and transfer to the Circumvesuviana local train to reach Pompeii.

Tour From Rome to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

This full-day tour to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius from Rome is the perfect way to explore the ancient attraction. The tour includes air-conditioned transportation by bus from Rome to Pompeii. It also features a skip-the-line ticket to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, an experienced tour guide, and entrance to Vesuvius National Park.

Tour Details: Full-day trip from Rome to Pompeii

Florence

Florence is incredibly easy to access from Rome, which makes it one of the best day trips from Italy’s capital city. To get there, take the high-speed train from Rome to Florence. You’ll be in Florence in about an hour and a half.

One of your first stops should be the Accademia Gallery to admire Michelangelo’s David and many of his other works. You also don’t want to miss the Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo, and some of Botticelli’s best artworks at the Uffizi Gallery. 

There is so much to see in Florence that you might find it hard to squeeze everything into one day. To make sure you don’t miss out on any essentials, book a combination ticket to both Galleries. 

Explore Other Tuscan Towns 

No visit to Italy is complete without visiting the rolling hills and quaint towns of Tuscany. This region of Italy offers everything that romantic movies set in the Italian countryside promise; exquisite architecture, art, terracotta roofs, and lush vineyards.

Best Day Trip From Rome to Tuscany

This tour of Tuscany from Rome explores the town of Pienza, Montalcino Fortress, and a renowned Montalcino wine farm. Your experienced guide will take you from Rome to Tuscany’s Val D’Orcia region for a wine tasting and to sample some of the region’s best cuisine. You’ll savor lunch on a farm in Val d’Orcia before visiting the towering Montalcino Fortress.

Tour Details: Take Walks Day trip from Rome to Tuscany

Assisi

The charming town of Assisi is best known as the birthplace of Italy’s patron saint, St. Francis. While visiting the Basilica of St. Francis is what draws most tourists to Assisi, you’ll also find the Umbrian hill town boasts spectacular vistas, a rich culture, and intricate architecture.

One day is the perfect amount of time to see Assisi’s highlights, which is what makes it one of the best day trips from Rome. Make sure to carry your camera. The old town of Assisi is mostly built of limestone, so it beautifully contrasts its surroundings, making for stunning photos.

Between visiting the town’s churches, take a leisurely walk along Via San Francesco. The quaint road will melt your heart with its charm, authentic food, and small shops.

You can travel from Rome to Assisi in around two hours by train. Take the train from Rome’s Tiburtina train station to Assisi for around €11. 

Assisi & Orvieto Day Trip From Rome

This day trip to Assisi and Orvieto from Rome is a fantastic way to experience the region of Umbria. At the Medieval hill town of Orvieto, you’ll get to explore its gothic architecture and the iconic Cathedral of Orvieto. Then, as you part from the ancient city, admire the rolling green hills on the scenic drive through Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti to the final stop, Assisi.

On the way, you’ll stop for a delicious lunch to fuel up for your time wandering through the narrow streets of Assisi. The tour includes entrance to St. Francis Basilica, transportation, lunch, and a multilingual guide.

Tour Details: Day trip to Assisi and Orvieto from Rome

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations. The pristine azure waters and idyllic Amalfi Coast towns are hard to resist. If you’re based in Rome, there’s no reason why you should be left out of the fun. 

Italy’s western coast offers everything from authentic Italian rustic charm to uber-luxurious relaxation. The beaches along the Amalfi Coast are pristine. But, if you want to stay off the sand, simply wander the narrow cobbled alleys of Amalfi town and Positano.

Getting to the Amalfi Coast independently isn’t advised for short day trips. The best way to get to the Amalfi Coast is by booking a tour from Rome. 

Day Trip From Rome to Positano, Amalfi Coast, and Pompeii

This full-day trip to the Amalfi Coast, Positano, and Pompeii is a wonderful option to make the most of your time outside of Rome. You’ll travel in an air-conditioned, private coach for the day and stop at each location’s highlights.

The tour includes a skip-the-line ticket and guided tour of Pompeii, transportation fees, and an English-speaking guide. In each location, you’ll have free time to explore the town and purchase food and souvenirs. 

Tour Details: Day trip from Rome to Positano, Amalfi Coast, and Pompeii

Naples

The city of Naples is an essential stop on your tour through the country. After all, who goes to Italy without celebrating its greatest invention? Pizza, arguably one of the world’s most appreciated creations, was invented right here in Naples. 

A trip to Naples is one of the best day trips from Rome because traveling between the two cities is so easy. Simply hop on a high-speed train from Roma Termini Station and arrive at Napoli Centrale in about an hour.

Once in Naples, you’ll find all sorts of gems both above ground and below the city. Be sure to visit the intricate Veiled Christ sculpture at Sansevero Chapel and take a stroll along the idyllic Via San Gregorio Armeno during your time in Naples. 

If you’re feeling a little braver, venture to Naples’ underground ancient aqueducts and Catacombe di San Gennaro.

Naples Street Food Tour

Naples is celebrated for its culinary scene, offering some of the most authentic flavors along with stunning scenery and culture. This Naples street food tour is a great way to indulge your senses by taking in the sites, sounds, and tastes of Naples.

As you wander through the historic streets with your guide, you’ll sample some delicious treats, visit a limoncello factory, and try authentic Italian gelato.

Tour Details: Naples Street Food tour

Lesser-Known Rome Day Trips

These day trips from Rome are a little less known than the popular tourist attractions but offer just as much charm, history, and culture.

Visit Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli

You can expect a short journey of about an hour from Roma Termini to Tivoli train station. Between the two locations, there are around thirty direct trains throughout the day.

This town is home to many places on the UNESCO World Heritage list, such as the once-opulent Hadrian’s Villa, an interesting combination of Greek and Roman architecture. You can also visit the beautiful gardens of Villa d’Este with its magnificent fountains and renaissance architecture.  

Tour Details: Hadrian’s Villa and Villa D’Este

Explore Orvieto – One of the Best Day Trips From Rome

The small town of Orvieto is definitely worth visiting, especially if you can appreciate a quaint hilltop village with stunning architecture. The main draw to Orvieto is its impressive cathedral, Duomo di Orvieto, which was built in the fourteenth century.

In Orvieto, you can admire the many impressive structures and gardens, as well as visit the Etruscan ruins, Orvieto Underground, and St. Patrick’s well. There are also a plethora of local restaurants to sit down and enjoy some delicious food. Make sure to try Orvieto’s regional dishes like ragù di Chianina and some local wine.

Since you’re nearby, why not book a tour to the magnificent hilltop town of Civita Bagnoregio? Perched precariously on a plateau between two valleys, Civita Bagnoregio is a stop you won’t want to miss.

Tour Details: Day trip from Rome to Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio

Tour Ancient Rome in Ostia

Tour the ancient Roman city of Ostia for a glimpse into the lives of Romans before the 9th century. Ostia was once ancient Rome’s port city, boasting a large theater (which is still sometimes used for cultural events), many public baths, and one of Europe’s oldest synagogues. 

The city of Ostia survived many civil wars in the hands of Roman rulers like Julius Caesar, as well as the sacking by pirates in 68 BC. Much later, the ruins of Ostia were used as a storage park for slabs of marble that Baroque architects used in Rome. 

Excavation of the site began in 1939 but was disturbed by World War II. Currently, only about a third of the ancient Roman sites of Ostia have been excavated.

Tour Details: Visit the ancient Roman sites of Ostia

Take a Walking Tour of the Pope’s Villas at Castel Gandolfo

The Pope’s Villas at Castel Gandolfo is the summer residence of the Pope, who usually lives at the Vatican City. The villa at Castel Gandolfo has been used by every Pope since 1929 and served as a refuge for pregnant women during World War II.

Pope Francis declared the Pontifical Villas open to the public. It now holds historical artifacts such as the “popemobile,” uniforms of the Swiss Guards, the Pope’s throne, a gallery of portraits of the Popes, and more.

Be sure to end your visit with a relaxing stroll in the stunning Papal Gardens. 

Tour Details: Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo and Papal Gardens

Coastal Day Trips From Rome

If you’re looking for the best places to lounge around in the sun, these coastal towns near Rome tick all the right boxes.

Visit the Beach Town of Sperlonga

The town of Sperlonga is nestled along the coast between Rome and Naples. Here, you’ll find the perfect environment to enjoy the summer heat.

At Sperlonga, make sure to take a boat tour to the Grotto of Tiberius, where you can snorkel in the Tyrrhenian sea or enjoy the sunshine while sipping on wine and eating pizza. When you’re not on the water, you can explore the ancient ruins of Tiberius Villa near the historic center. 

Because Sperlonga is so close to the capital city, it’s one of the most fun day trips from Rome. However, to get there, you’ll need to take the train from Roma Termini to the town of Fondi and then take the bus from Fondi to Sperlonga.

Tour Details: Sperlonga Private Cruise with Snorkeling

Take a Trip to Santa Severa

Santa Severa is another small beach town near Rome, and it makes for the perfect day trip out of the city on warm summer days. This coastal town is a great spot to enjoy the sunshine, but it also has a lot to offer if you’re interested in history. 

At Santa Severa, you can visit Museo del Territorio, Santa Severa Castle, and other nearby treasures. Above all, be sure to play some beach volleyball with the locals near the castle and try the delicious seafood dishes at the restaurants along the coast.

Tour Details: Visit Santa Severa Castle

Which Best Day Trips From Rome Will You Choose?

So, there you have it, the best day trips from Rome. Now comes the hard part, which one will you choose? The good news is that you don’t have to limit yourself to just one day trip from Rome. And if you don’t see it all this time, you can always visit Rome again. 

Now that you know what to do around Rome, check out this guide on Rome’s best places to stay.

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