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Day Trips From Rome
If you’re putting together your Italy itinerary 10 days, Rome will probably be the star of your trip. The city offers ancient ruins and an irresistible cuisine that appeals to millions of travellers worldwide. However, to make the most of your holiday, you should explore some of the day trips from Rome for further exploration of Italian life.
This article will show you the best day trips from Rome. We also include recommendations on what to do and how to get there, so let’s get started!
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1. Naples
Naples has a distinct charm that will pull you in. Photo by Mugur on stock.adobe.com
If you travel by high-speed train from Rome, it only takes an hour to visit Naples. When you arrive, you can immediately feel how energetic, stunning, absolutely Instagram-worthy, and charismatic it is.
Rome is polished and majestic. Naples is none of those things. Naples is loud, gritty, chaotic, and completely intoxicating. But honestly? It’s arguably the most fun you can have on an Italian trip. Walk down Spaccanapoli for a sensory overload in the best way possible.
Naples is also famous for being the birthplace of pizza. The classic Margherita pizza is said to have originated in Naples in 1889, created by Raffaele Esposito in honour of Queen Margherita of Savoy. We recommend going to Tavolo Riservato for an authentic taste of this iconic dish.
Naples is also a dream for art lovers. The National Archaeological Museum shows treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum. The Capodimonte Palace holds works by Caravaggio, Raphael and Titian. You could spend hours here and still have more to see.
2. Assisi
The stunning Basilica of San Francesco perched high above the Umbrian valley. Photo by DD25 on stock.adobe.com
If you’re looking for peaceful day trips from Rome, Assisi is hard to beat. Nestled in the rolling hills of Umbria, this small town is forever linked with St. Francis, Italy’s beloved patron saint, and still carries the quiet, contemplative spirit that made it famous.
Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi should be on your checklist if you want to experience the beauty of Gothic and Romanesque design. A short walk away is Piazza del Comune, which is known as the heart of the town. It’s surrounded by the Temple of Minerva and its elegant columns, and the tall Torre del Popolo. To immerse in “the vibe”, take a cup of coffee and sit there.
3. Tivoli
Calm waters and ancient arches at the Canopus in Villa Adriana, Tivoli. Photo by marcorubino on stock.adobe.com
Among the most rewarding day trips from Rome is Tivoli. Just 30 kilometres east of the capital, it has been a retreat for every type of traveller worldwide.
One of Tivoli’s famous attractions is Villa Adriana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site once built as Emperor Hadrian’s grand retreat. The site covers more than 100 hectares, so give yourself at least two hours to wander through its gardens, pools, and marble ruins. There are also lots of stairs, so you do need a good pair of shoes.
Also worth visiting is Villa Gregoriana, built in the 19th century. You’ll love to see how the trail passes through an ancient Roman villa and the old acropolis. As you keep walking, caves and striking cliffs appear around you.
4. Florence
Florence is elegant, compact, and distinctly fancy. Photo pillerss by on stock.adobe.com
If you only have time for one cultural deep dive, we suggest you make it to Florence. You should know that this is the birthplace of the Renaissance, a place where Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli once lived and created.
In the morning, order a cup of coffee and stroll from the Duomo to the Ponte Vecchio. Both of them offer the same warm atmosphere and beautiful old architecture that define Florence.
You’ll still have time to visit the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s most important art museums. Inside, you can see many masterpieces, such as Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Primavera, Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation, and Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo. We’ve all seen these works of art via photos and videos, but standing in front of the real pieces in real life? It hits different.
5. Tuscany
Saturnia, Tuscany is like a heaven on earth. Photo by Earth Pixel LLC. on stock.adobe.com
Another day trip from Rome that we would love to recommend is going to Tuscany. The trip will offer unforgettable experiences like checking out Pisa and the Learning Tower.
The region is also home to Siena, where you will wander through charming old streets and lively squares. You will be amazed by the Siena Cathedral and the Palazzo Pubblico, two of the city’s most iconic sights.
Furthermore, don’t hesitate to spend a day at San Gimignano, a small hill town often called the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” because of its tall stone towers. You will love walking through its old streets and pretty squares, and you can climb the Torre Grossa for amazing views over the Tuscan hills. Don’t forget to try the famous gelato at Gelateria Dondoli — many say it’s one of the best in the world!
6. Castel Gandoflo
Tranquil beauty unfolds in the gardens of Castel Gandolfo. Photo by maudanros on stock.adobe.com
Until recently, regular folks like us couldn't get anywhere near the Apostolic Palace. It was strictly private. Thankfully, Pope Francis opened it to the public as a museum in 2016. Now you can walk through the Pope’s private chapel and even see the Popemobiles of the past (including a BMW used by Pope John Paul II).
Castel Gandolfo is also a worthy destination for the best day trips from Rome. If you go in the summer, you are in for a treat as the Apostolic Palace is absolutely gorgeous in the sunshine.
Barberini Garden is a highlight. It’s a landscape of geometric hedges, fountains, sculptures and peaceful tree-lined paths. Think perfectly manicured hedges and ancient Roman ruins scattered around casually,
The palace sits on the rim of a dormant volcanic crater that is now Lake Albano. Thus, visitors can paddle out to see submerged prehistoric ruins like the "Village of the Millstones" or Roman villas that are only visible from the water.
7. Lazio
A peaceful corner of Lazio, just a one-hour drive from Rome. Photo by e55evu on stock.adobe.com
Travellers often think Rome has it all. But step outside the capital, and you’ll discover an underrated hidden gem: Lazio. In fact, some of the most fascinating day trips from Rome happen right here.
Lake Bracciano and Lake Bolsena are perfect for when you need a pause from monuments. These water-filled volcanic craters are swimmable and usually motorboat-free. And if you crave adventure, the Apennines and Circeo National Park offer trails where history and nature cross paths at every turn.
Then there is the Bomarzo Sacred Forest, the so-called Monster Park. A 16th-century prince was sad about his wife dying, so he commissioned a garden full of giant, screaming stone monsters. As one does.
If you really want something different, take a ferry to the island of Ponza. It’s where the locals go for their summer holiday to avoid the tourist crowds in Carpi.
8. Amalfi Coast
Colourful Positano city by the Amalfi Coast. Photo by monticellllo on stock.adobe.com
The Amalfi Coast has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, celebrated as one of the world’s most remarkable Mediterranean cultural landscapes. That alone should put it on your list of must-do day trips from Rome.
You’ll fall in love with the scenery straight away. Cliffs plunge into the sea, villages cling to hillsides, and every bend in the road delivers another view you’ll want to photograph.
Definitely stop by Positano to take pictures of the lemon and tangerine-colored houses, then spend some time in Amalfi wandering around the Duomo Square. The ladies will definitely love Ravello, with its beautiful villas and terraced gardens for some romantic photo ops.
Of course, no trip here would be complete without food. Amalfi is famous for its limoncello, made from local lemons. If you have a sweet tooth, we highly recommend stopping by Pasticceria Pansa to try Torta Ricotta e Cioccolato, a unique ricotta and chocolate cake with a distinctive hard yet crispy crust.
9. Umbria
Don’t forget to visit the majestic Marmore Falls here. Photo by puckillustrations on stock.adobe.com
Take a day trip to Umbria, and you’ll understand why Italians call it the Green Heart of Italy. Fun fact: It is the only Italian region that has neither a coastline nor a border with another country.
Don’t miss the spectacular Marmore Waterfalls, among the tallest man-made cascades in Europe. The Romans built this waterfall to drain a swamp.
This is a place for nature and history lovers. Perugia, Spoleto, Orvieto, Gubbio and Todi all have their own character, with ancient churches and long cobblestone streets. If you hike through the Sibillini Mountains around May, you will also admire Fiorita di Castelluccio, a picturesque wildflower field that will leave a lasting impression.
10. Viterbo
Viterbo, a quiet town full of old stories. Photo by Claudio Quacquarelli on stock.adobe.com
When you want a day trip from Rome that feels a little less "Epcot Center" and a little more Game of Thrones, you need to hop on a train to Viterbo.
Viterbo’s historic centre, encircled by 11th- and 12th-century walls, offers cobblestone alleys and stone palaces that have witnessed centuries of history. Beyond its architecture, the city is also a sanctuary of wellness, thanks to its natural hot springs and the Bagno del Papa.
Just a short bus ride away (in the fraction of Bagnaia) is Villa Lante. If you think the Trevi Fountain is cool, wait until you see this. It is widely considered one of the most perfect Renaissance gardens in Italy.
11. Villa d'Este
Come to Villa d’Este in Lake Como for breathtaking scenery and timeless Italian elegance. Photo by Simone Polattini on stock.adobe.com
At first, the villa looks unassuming from the outside. But once you step inside, the fresco-covered rooms and the gardens take your breath away. Moreover, the Villa d’Este has inspired gardens across Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.
The gardens were built in the 1500s for Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este. They have dozens of fountains, hundreds of water jets, waterfalls, and pools. Don’t miss the Grand Cascade or the Fountain of the Great; both are magical spots for photos or just enjoying the view.
12. Ostia
A peaceful winter beach in Lido di Ostia. Photo by Kagan Kaya on stock.adobe.com
Take a day trip from Rome to explore Ostia Antica, one of the few Roman towns that has retained its original charm. In fact, it was once a bustling seaport of ancient Rome, founded around 620 BC. It later became an important centre for shipping grain and goods by sea.
The peaceful and ancient atmosphere here can be enjoyed without the crowds, as it’s a lesser-known day trip from Rome. Walk around the large archaeological park, which spans approximately 150 hectares, and pass by public baths, temples, and an amphitheatre. If you have more time, you can also enjoy wine in the ancient apartments, from the windows looking out to admire the houses decorated with mosaics and frescoes.
Wrapping Up
Exploring beyond Rome opens up so many possibilities for adventure, culture, and relaxation, all within easy reach. Day trips from Rome let you discover more of Italy’s attractions with unforgettable memories.
Have you tried any day trips from Rome yourself? Drop a comment below to share your experience, and don’t forget to share this article with friends planning their Italian getaway!
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