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
Castle Gandolfo is one of the most common day trips to pair with a visit to Rome. It’s a pretty village on a hill overlooking Lake Albano that’s easy to get to both by train or car. Historically, Castel Gandolfo has been a favourite retreat for emperors, wealthy families, and even the Pope, who still has his summer residence here. On this day trip from Rome, you can visit the grand Pope’s summer residence and its picturesque gardens, shop, see the sights (including Bernini’s Church of San Tommaso da Villanova) in the historic centre, and have lunch down by the lake. Sporty types will also find lots of water activities and hiking trails.
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
With the splendid UNESCO-listed Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa, Tivoli is a great day trip from Rome. Perched on the hills, its cool climate and healing springs made it a popular summer resort for ancient Rome’s elite. Hadrian’s Villa is a stunning example of Roman architecture, evoking the places Hadrian admired during his travels across the empire.
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)
There’s a place near Viterbo you won’t find anywhere else. It’s so unique that Salvator Dalì even made a movie about it. It’s the Park of the Monsters also called “Sacro Bosco” (Sacred Grove), a patch of woodland near the village of Bomarzo full of bizarre sculptures hidden in the greenery. Created in the mid-1500s, it is one of the oldest sculpture parks in the world. Pirro Ligorio – who completed St. Peter’s after Michelangelo died – designed it for Prince Pier Francesco Orsini, an art patron distraught after the death of his wife who wanted to create something that would shock visitors instead of pleasing them. Some of the strangest sculptures include a giant brutally shredding a character and an enormous head with its mouth wide open in a scream.
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
Spend a day relaxing at Lake Bracciano after visiting all the unique things to do in Rome. Lake Bracciano (Italian: Lago di Bracciano) is a picturesque volcanic lake northwest of the capital, circled by a panoramic road. The main town of Bracciano is home to the 15th-century Orsini Odescalchi Castle, one of the most beautiful castles near Rome, and the Air Force Historical Museum (Museo Storico dell’Aeronautica Militare). On the lakeshores are also the ancient fishing village of Trevignano Romano and Anguillara Sabazia, which has one of Western Europe’s oldest Neolithic settlements. A summer ferry service connects the three towns. There are also many opportunities for water sports at Lake Bracciano, from diving to parasailing.
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)
If you’re visiting Rome in spring, you shouldn’t miss the Garden of Ninfa, one of the best gardens in Europe. This 8-hectare park was created by Prince Onorato Caetani and his British wife Ada Wilbraham in the 1920s. They landscaped the long-forgotten medieval town of Ninfa with a unique English style, combining architectural ruins with lush vegetation. Colourful roses climb over ancient walls, ornamental cherry trees bloom spectacularly in spring, and stone bridges cross ponds and streams. Over the years, many artists have found inspiration here, including Virginia Woolf and Truman Capote. The trip to the Garden of Ninfa is often complemented with a visit to the medieval town of Sermoneta, home to a splendid castle and a 13th-century Cistercian monastery with beautiful frescoes.
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
Take a trip back in time to Civita di Bagnoregio, a magical medieval village perched high above the Badlands Valley at the border with Umbria and Tuscany. Only reachable on foot via a long, narrow walkway, Civita is called the “dying town” (il paese che muore) because of the fragile ground it stands on, which causes the village to shrink. Despite this nickname, the village is beautifully preserved and well maintained. You’ll find stone-paved narrow streets leading to hidden squares, quaint restaurants, and beautiful viewpoints. A €5 ticket is required to visit the village, which you can buy near the walkway.
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
Santa Marinella is another great option for a lazy day of sunbathing. It’s an easy day trip from Rome by train, and its sandy beaches are among the most beautiful on the Roman coast. Cool bars and seafood restaurants are scattered along the shoreline, and if you head into the village, you’ll find beautiful Liberty-style villas. Less than a 10-minute train ride away, you can visit an impressive castle right by the sea at Santa Severa, where those intrigued by life at sea can visit an interesting maritime museum. It’s especially pretty once the crowds thin out, so it’s great for a day trip during the off-season.
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
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
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
Viterbo
For a change of scenery, Viterbo is another super easy day trip from Rome by train. This pretty medieval town is only 90km north of the capital and offers beautiful artistic attractions, artisanal workshops, and a peaceful atmosphere typical of small-town Italy. Its history has Etruscan roots, but the town has a striking medieval look, especially in the San Pellegrino neighbourhood, where lancet windows and high terraced balconies abound. There are many religious buildings recalling the time when Viterbo became the papal seat in the 13th century and excellent thermal baths that can be accessed for as little as €15.
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
Ponza
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
Villa Farnese is one of the most important and intriguing late Renaissance monuments in the country. Commissioned by the influential Farnese family in the 16th century, it’s one of the world’s two only examples of a pentagonal-shaped palace (the other one is the US Pentagon). It boasts over 6000 square metres of frescoes, a gorgeous spiral staircase by the esteemed architect Vignola, and stunning Italian-style gardens. With this palace, Caprarola went from being a goat-breeding village to a popular destination for high society, and today it makes for a great day trip from Rome.
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
Calcata
Of all the day trips you can take from Rome, Calcata is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating. Not just for its panoramic position atop a tuff cliff but most importantly for the squad of artists who saved it from abandonment. After the cliff began crumbling in the 1930s, Calcata became a ghost town, but then in the 1960s and 1970s, a group of artists and eccentric personalities moved in and revitalised the hilltop town. Today Calcata is known at the “village of the artists” and its winding streets ooze a fairytale vibe.
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
Subiaco
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
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)
Visiting the breathtaking cathedral of Orvieto is one of the most popular day trips out of the region. This religious building is among the finest examples of Romanesque and Gothic art in Europe, boasting a grand ensemble of spires, mosaics, sculptures, and works of art. The town is high on a volcanic plateau, accessible by funicular from the train station. Its cobblestone streets are filled with historical treasures, like St Patrick’s Well, an impressive Renaissance engineering feat.
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)
Assisi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Umbrian hills home to an impressive cathedral dedicated to St. Francis, the town’s most famous native son. Traditionally a pilgrimage site, Assisi is also a wonderful destination for art lovers, culture buffs, and foodies. Plus, you’ll get to see some seriously stunning scenery on the way here. Make sure to visit some important sites from when Assisi was a Roman municipium, like the ancient Temple of Minerva with its massive Corinthian columns, the splendid Roman Forum, and the Amphitheatre.
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)
Florence is a fascinating city that deserves time to be explored, but you can still see the major highlights with an exciting day trip from Rome by train. While the city is small enough to explore on foot, you’ll need to pre-purchase skip-the-line tickets to the places you want to visit to make the most of your time. See the David in the Accademia Gallery, discover art masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery, and climb Giotto’s campanile. Then, enjoy the dizzying number of beautiful buildings dotting the historic centre and fuel up with Tuscan delicacies before watching the sunset over the city from Piazzale Michelangelo.
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)
Chase your inner Eat, Pray, Love fantasies and spend an exciting day in Naples eating delicious pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. The city boasts a UNESCO-listed historic centre brimming with art, culture, and monuments that bear witness to the dynasties that ruled Naples. See the Veiled Christ in the San Severo Chapel, wander through the atmospheric Spanish Quarters, and learn about the ancient cult of the dead at the Church of Santa Maria delle Anime del Purgatorio ad Arco. Then, enjoy a seafront passeggiata for beautiful views of Mount Vesuvius volcano.
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)
Rome has plenty of sites narrating Roman history, but nothing gives you a better insight into Roman life than Pompeii’s archeological site. Once a bustling port town, Pompeii was hit by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD and has remained incredibly well-preserved thanks to the volcanic lava and ash that covered it for centuries. Today, we see a Roman city perfectly frozen in time, with its patrician villas, shops, graffiti, brothels, and even casts of some inhabitants – all precious testimonies of everyday life back in ancient Roman times.
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)
Italy’s most famous stretch of coast is an intriguing mix of natural beauty, glamour, and rustic Italian charm, awarded UNESCO designation. Visiting it as a day trip from Rome is doable, but chances are you won’t want to go back. Think historic villas overlooking sparkling blue waters, the cutest fishing villages hiding secret beach coves, roads lined with lemon groves, and lazy seafood lunches in the sun. Buses connect all the villages but rarely run on time because of traffic. Driving can be a bit challenging because roads are narrow and bendy, but the views are worth it.
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 // Pompeii And Amalfi Coast Day Tour from Rome // Amalfi Coast Positano and Amalfi full day from Rome
Capri (Campania)
Even a long day trip from Rome is an option to see Capri, a must-see on many Italy bucket lists. Located just in front of Naples, this magical island has been enchanting visitors since ancient Roman times. Emperor Tiberius, for example, had his summer retreat at Villa Jovis, which you can still see today. You’ll find buildings draped in colourful flowers, crystal-clear waters, sophisticated beach clubs, and high-end designer stores. But there’s a wilder side to Capri, too, with footpaths leading inland into the scenic countryside and farming communities cultivating the island’s precious produce. Don’t leave without a farewell drink in Capri’s iconic Piazzetta, the world’s most glamorous square.
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)
Sorrento is a beautiful coastal town that offers a perfect combination of nature, history, and relaxation. Although many call it part of the Amalfi Coast, it’s actually part of the less famous but equally fascinating Sorrentine peninsula. Sorrento is a small town with a picture-perfect landscape of sun-soaked villas, scenic natural pools, and lush citrus groves. Furthermore, its Correale di Terranova Museum was named Italy’s most beautiful provincial museum. Fresh fish feature highly on local menus, but the town’s specialty is gnocchi alla sorrentina served with a divine sauce made of tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil.
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 about visiting one of the world’s grandest palaces? One hour by train south of the capital, Caserta is home to the stunning royal residence the Bourbon king Charles III commissioned Luigi Vanvitelli in the 18th century. The result was a monumental complex of 1,200 rooms lavishly decorated in Baroque style (including a theatre) and a gorgeous 120-hectare park where pools and fountains are arranged using the innovative “telescope effect”. Before you return to Rome, leave time to explore the fascinating history of the Bourbon silk factories in San Leucio, on the outskirts of Caserta. It’s a real gem and easily accessible with a minibus from the station. Both the palace and the factory have earned UNESCO World Heritage status.
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)
In just two hours, you can zip through central Italy and find yourself in Bologna, the country’s gastronomic capital. Arrive hungry because there are tons of local delicacies to discover, like tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini, mortadella sandwiches and many more. But before delving into local gastronomy, explore Bologna’s historic centre with its two leaning towers, iconic porticoes, and the world’s oldest university. Don’t miss my guides on what to eat in Bologna plus what to do in Bologna in a day (includes a Bologna itinerary).
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
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Don’t miss these Italy travel guides
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- 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
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