If you’re looking for the best day trips from Rome, Italy, consider the following suggestions.
Rome is a city rich in ancient history, stunning buildings, and delectable cuisine. If you have already visited all of the city’s top attractions and are looking for something new to discover, dare to go off its beaten paths and check out the cool and unusual things to do in the Eternal City.
A day trip from Rome is also a fantastic way to discover something new.
Numerous locations within easy reach of Rome provide a plethora of things to see and do. There is something for everyone, from exploring the ruins of Pompeii to viewing the beautiful beaches of the Amalfi Coast.
Today we’ll look at some of the best day trips you can take from Rome. We will provide you with all of the necessary details, such as how to get there, what to see, and where to eat. There is a day trip for everyone, whether you are interested in history, culture, or the environment.
So pack your bags and get set to discover the best places to visit near Rome.
12 Best Day Trips from Rome, Italy
Take a look at the following list of the best day trips from Rome we have handpicked for you.
1. Amalfi Coast
Travel time from Rome: 3 hours 35 minutes by car or train
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most well-known stretches of coastline in the world, so it’s no surprise that visitors are eager for even a brief opportunity to visit. A day trip to the Amalfi Coast from Rome is a very long day, and yet it remains one of the most popular day trips from Rome.
Even though it’s not possible to visit more than one village (typically Positano) and take in the breathtaking drive along the coast in a single day from Rome, this trip is guaranteed to be one for the books. And if the reviews of this wildly popular tour are any indication, visitors rarely look back with regret.
Check out the best restaurants in Positano if you choose to go there.
Haven’t decided yet? This post on the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast should help.
2. Assisi
Travel time from Rome: Around 3 hours by car or train
In addition to the Basilica of Santa Chiara and the Rocca Maggiore, this stunning town in Umbria is home to the Basilica of San Francesco, which is renowned for the exquisite paintings by Giotto that it houses.
The magnificent medieval hilltop town of Assisi is known for its winding streets that are lined with quaint stores, cozy wine bars, and authentic trattorias. Visiting it is one of the best things to do in the Central Italian region of Umbria.
Assisi is a popular destination for pilgrims. It is also an excellent starting point for those who are interested in learning more about the life of Saint Francis and the development of the Franciscan order. You must pay a visit to the cathedral that contains his tomb as well as frescoes painted by Italian artists Giotto and Cimabue.
3. Capri
Travel time from Rome: (to Naples) 1 hour 15 minutes by high-speed train, then 50 minutes by ferry to Capri
Capri, one of the most beautiful islands in Italy, is not the most practical day trip from Rome; but despite this, it is one of the most popular ones, and for good reason: a journey to Capri is like going on a vacation to a different dimension.
When viewed from Capri, the azure hue of the sea appears to be slightly more vibrant. The mountains have a more stately appearance thanks to their undulations.
In general, the location has an otherworldly quality to it, almost like it was plucked from a myth or fairy tale.
During your time there, you shouldn’t miss out on taking a boat ride around the island, taking in the scenery from the Garden of Augustus, and exploring Villa San Michele.
For the best dining experiences, check out our list of the best restaurants in Capri.
4. Caserta Palazzo Reale
Travel time from Rome: Around 2 hours and 30 minutes by car or train
Many have made the comparison between the 1,200-room royal residence of the Bourbon dynasty that reigned here from 1734 to 1860 and the more famous Palace of Versailles.
The Caserta Palazzo Reale, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has served as a film location, has been meticulously maintained and still contains many of its original works of art and furnishings.
The 116-step Grand Staircase, the Royal Apartments, the theater, and the Cappella Reale are among the highlights. The vast park featuring an English garden, fountains, and a Grand Cascade can be found behind the castle.
The German armies in Italy signed the surrender document there in 1945, signaling the impending end of the war, and the palace served as the headquarters of the Allied Middle East Command after the conflict.
The railway station in Caserta, which connects Rome and Naples, is directly across from the palace.
5. Castelli Romani
Travel time from Rome: 45 minutes by car
During the summer, rich Roman nobles and, later, the popes, would escape to the hill towns of Castelli Romani, which are located just outside of Rome. Today, it’s a great place to experience the cuisine and beverages of the region.
Frascati and Castel Gandolfo are the best choices for those without a rental vehicle because both can be reached in under an hour on the train.
Enjoy a glass (or a bottle!) of wine with your lunch at one of Frascati’s traditional fraschette (taverns) before exploring the art-filled villas of the fading Roman nobility. Take in the scenery over Lake Albano from the pope’s summer residence and gardens in Castel Gandolfo, or organize a winery tour and tasting in the area.
- ALSO READ: Top 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy
6. Florence
Travel time from Rome: 3 hours by car, 1 hour 26 minutes by high-speed train
Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often called Italy’s “cultural capital.” Numerous museums and galleries in Florence showcase the works of the many Italian Renaissance painters who learned their craft there.
Another must-see on any fashionista’s itinerary is the Gucci Museum. Florence is also home to David, Michelangelo’s most famous figure, as well as a charming and alluring historic district.
All that’s required to enjoy a lovely day may be a cup of coffee and some idle wandering. It’s only about three hours from Rome to Florence, so it’s possible to make the trip in a single day if you get an early start.
Want to make the most of a day trip to the Tuscan capital? Then check out this one-day Florence itinerary.
- ALSO READ: 15 Best Things To Do in Tuscany, Italy
7. Naples
Travel time from Rome: 1 hour 15 minutes by high-speed train
Naples is one of the largest cities in Italy and can be reached from Rome by high-speed railway in approximately an hour and a half, or by slower train in approximately three hours.
There is a significant amount of World War II history there, some of which are fairly horrific. Despite this, Naples is a wonderful place to visit if you have an interest in history because there are so many fascinating places to discover there.
In addition, Naples has a very long history, and a great number of cathedrals, and it is the site of the miracle that Saint Januarius performed. There are several museums, castles, and even an opera theater. It is a sizable and culturally diverse metropolis.
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8. Orvieto
Travel time from Rome: Around 3 hours by car or train
Orvieto, a hilltop town in Umbria, is well-known for its breathtaking church, which is renowned for its beautiful façade and incredible frescoes.
The Umbrian hill village of Orvieto, about 1.5 hours north of Rome, offers a taste of medieval Italy. The top of the tufa cliffs, originally settled by the Etruscans but destroyed by the Romans, was rebuilt in the 12th century and is now accessible via a short funicular ride from the railway station.
Enjoy the region’s white wine – Orvieto Classico – and some hearty local fare while gazing upon its magnificent duomo and wandering its narrow streets or investigating its underground remains. If you have two nights to spare, you can easily spend them here.
9. Ostia Antica
Travel time from Rome: 1 hour 37 minutes by train
If you’re looking for a great day excursion from Rome, the Archeological Park of Ostia Antica is right up there with Pompeii in terms of historical and artistic significance.
Founded in the 4th century BC, Ostia Antica stood at the mouth of the Tiber River as the old Roman harbor city.
Ostia Antica is a stunning archaeological site that will captivate history buffs and Roman history enthusiasts with its ruins of a theater, public baths, a Christian basilica, a Jewish synagogue, and dozens of temples dedicated to the Persian deity Mithra.
10. Pompeii
Travel time from Rome: 2 hours 40 minutes by car or train
The ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE preserved the city of Pompeii as if it had been frozen in time, but a day’s journey will only enable you to scratch the surface of this vast and intriguing archaeological site. But if you get an early start, you can accomplish a lot in a day.
Fast trains (Trenitalia or Italo) can get you to Naples Central Station in the morning, where you can transfer to the Circumvesuviana regional route and get off at the Pompei Scavi station. It will take you at least four or five hours to explore the remains on foot. Daily shuttle buses run from Rome’s downtown area to the remains.
11. Tivoli
Travel time from Rome: 45 minutes by car, 30 minutes by train
The distance between Rome and Tivoli is so short that it can be covered in under an hour.
Tivoli is well-known for its abundance of beautiful gardens and historic villas, some of which stretch back to the time of the Roman Empire.
Villa Gregoriana, Villa d’Ester, and Hadrian’s Villa are the best of many landscapes and smaller houses. Avoid the holiday throngs by visiting Tivoli outside of the holiday season.
Ancient Roman Emperor Hadrian commissioned the construction of house Adriana, a beautiful house with gardens and fountains, in the town of Tivoli.
12. Viterbo
Travel time from Rome: 1 hour 45 minutes by train
This lovely town in Lazio is famous for its thermal baths, which have been in use since Roman times, and its medieval building which includes the Palazzo dei Papi. It’s a great spot to go when the heat and crowds of Rome become too much to bear.
Viterbo’s primary draw is its medieval city center, which is almost entirely encircled by walls that have been meticulously maintained over the centuries.
The Duomo of San Lorenzo and the Church of Santa Maria Nuova are also must-sees. San Pellegrino is the oldest section of town, and it is a labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets and charming plazas.
Tips When Going on a Day Trip from Rome
1. Plan ahead
Explore your desired destination and plan your schedule. Factor in travel time and attraction hours.
2. Consider transportation
Research transportation choices for your destination.
3. Dress appropriately
Wear attire that’s suitable to the weather and activities of your destination. Opt for comfy shoes since you’ll be on your feet quite a bit.
4. Don’t forget the essentials
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and a map.
5. Beware of pickpockets
Tourist spots are a magnet for pickpockets, so stay alert and safeguard your valuables.
6. Honor the local culture
Respect customs and traditions, and dress suitably for religious or cultural locations.
7. Rise and shine
Start your day trip early to beat the crowds and make the most of your time at the destination.
8. Be flexible
Remember that unforeseen circumstances like traffic or weather can occur. Be flexible and prepare a contingency plan in case your original schedule falls through.
9. Savor the moment
Enjoy your day trip; don’t hurry. Savor the moment as you discover the history, taste the local flavors, and admire the natural wonders.