All roads lead to Rome. If all roads lead to Rome, then Rome must have some cool places to visit nearby! This guide details the best day trips from Rome, Italy, including some of my favorite day tours (and places to escape the hectic city).
In this guide, I have broken down the top Rome day trips. Some will require testing your patience with public transportation (trust me, it is not bad in Italy!) while others are best seen with a rental car.
If youʻre booking your trip to Rome last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!
🇮🇹 Top Experiences and Tours in Rome:
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill priority ticket & tour (top-selling option!)
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel skip the line ticket (another top seller!)
- Rome food tour with a local guide (a personal favorite)
🛌 Top Hotels in Rome:
- Roma Luxus Hotel (stylish rooms in the Monti district)
- Apartment Vatican Vista (has views over the Vatican)
- The RomeHello (budget option, close to Trevi Fountain)
🚗 Looking for the best way to get around Rome? Click here to check rental car rates for Italy!
However, I have included a couple of day tours from Rome in this guide, allowing someone else to take care of the hard planning part for you so you can just enjoy your day with ease!
At the end of this guide is a map that you can use to help you plan which trips work best with your Italy and Rome itinerary and the duration of your trip to the capital city.
I have left the driving time and distances off of this guide as it really just depends on how you reach the destination (ferry, train, car, etc). Instead, I gave my opinion on the best way to reach each place.
Did I miss any of the best places to visit near Rome? Please let me know your favorite day trips in the comments. Thanks!
In this post...
Best Day Trips from Rome, Italy
1. Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius
➡️ Best way to get from Rome to Pompeii: guided tour
Check out one of the most well-preserved ancient sites in the world, Pompeii.
On this tour, you will get a chance to explore a complete town of ruins full of ancient villas, temples, and the ancient inhabitants’ mummified casts of Vesuvius’ superheated volcanic ash.
Skip the line and start the guided tour through the abundance of highlights within the town: the Villa dei Misteri, a 90-room villa known for its art and wall frescoes; the amphitheater, which is one of the best-preserved and oldest known amphitheaters in Italy; the Forum, a piazza that was enclosed by all of the town’s important civic, economic, and religious centers; and the Temple of Isis, known for its mixed Greek and Egyptian influences.
After visiting the ruins of the city, drive up toward the source of its destruction, Mount Vesuvius. When you reach the farthest point, exit and hike up to the crater for breathtaking views of Capri and Sorrento through the steam of Vesuvius.
If visiting during the winter, the guided tour will alternate with a tour of Naples and its monumental sites due to the volcano’s closing.
>> Click here to check Pompeii day tour rates and availability
2. Tuscany (Wine Day Tour from Rome)
➡️ Best way to get from Rome to Tuscany’s vineyards: guided tour
Experience an authentic and gourmet Tuscan lunch in the heart of the town of Montepulciano in a vineyard wine cellar. You will also get a traditional 3-course meal that will be paired with delicious local wines.
To start the day, you will leave Rome’s metropolis and head over to the countryside with an expert tour guide in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus.
Voyage through the famous Tuscan hills and admire the signature cypress trees bordering the roads along the way. As you drive through the scenic landscape, the guide will provide you with commentary about the rich culture and history of the region.
Your first stop will be at ancient pre-Roman ruins that continue to function today as a wine cellar. Then, you’ll admire the travertine facade of the 16th-century Renaissance church of San Biagio, notable for its stunning interior decorations.
Afterward, you’ll move along to the famous Brunello di Montalcino, a genuine vineyard farmhouse, where you will dine in the wine cellar for an exciting gourmet meal.
Finally, you’ll head over to Pienza, where you can stroll through the streets and shop for local wine, cheese, balsamic vinegar, or other local specialties.
>> Click here to check Tuscany day tour rates and availability
3. Tivoli (Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa)
➡️ Best way to get from Rome to Tivoli: there are nearly 30 trains daily from Rome to Tivoli (without a change)
Tivoli is a city with an older history than that of Rome, dating back to 1215 B.C., and it maintains a variety of spectacular archaeological sites that you can view today.
Hadrian’s Villa is one of the main attractions of the city, built in 120 A.D. by Hadrian, the Roman Emperor at the time.
The ruins and archaeological remains reveal a large complex that takes a time frame of at least two to three hours to see everything (at a minimum).
The ruins of Hadrian’s Villa will take you on a trip to the past, but Villa d’Este is a continuation of it. The famous 16th-century Villa d’Este is a Renaissance garden that is renowned for its terraces and fountains.
It functions as a museum, and it also takes about 3 hours to take in all of its glory. The lush green bushes, trees, and vibrant flora are an impressive sight to behold. Tivoli is one of the best day trips from Rome for history lovers.
4. Naples
➡️ Best way to get from Rome to Naples: there are direct trains frequently and they take about 2.5 hours on average
Naples is a large Italian metropolis with an abundance of ancient cultural sites, castles, museums, and excellent local cuisine (like pizza!).
Embark on a trip through the underground world of Naples: tour through the Catacombe di San Gennaro, where you’ll find early Christian burial grounds. While the Catacombs are one of the top places to visit in Naples, you will find plenty of other sights in store for your day!
The Galleria Borbonica is a tunnel built to connect the Royal Palace to the barracks originally in Via della Pace but now connects to Via Morelli.
Inside, you can find confiscated vehicles from the times when it was transformed into a safe house during the World War II bombings—the Underground Naples, which is a labyrinth of cavities, tanks, and tunnels underneath the heart of the city.
Additionally, there are a variety of museums to check out in Naples: the Museo Cappella Sansevero, a stunning venue with ornate interior design showcasing famous sculptures, such as the Veiled Christ; the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, which includes finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum; and the Castel dell’Ovo, a seafront castle overlooking the Bay of Naples.
Make sure to also check out the Piazza del Plebiscito, which has the Royal Palace and the Royal Basilica.
5. Ostia Antica
➡️ Best way to get from Rome to Ostia Antica: can take a train for under $2 (requires a change) or a taxi for around $50
It only makes sense that Rome had a thriving seaport as well, and two millennia worth of history can be witnessed directly at Ostia Antica.
The ancient harbor city incorporated the typical Roman city structure, which included a forum, numerous temples, a theater, public baths, a shopping district with market centers, toilets, and warehouses, as well as leveled residential areas, some of which went up four stories.
Overall, viewing the entire city takes at least three hours of dedication, which is a worthy investment for those looking to learn about everyday ancient Roman life!
The preserved mosaics and frescoes throughout Ostia Antica depict the importance of the city’s contribution to the empire, primarily for its transportation of grain to Rome.
The huge site also has ruins of statues and pillars, in addition to preserved ones in the small museum on the campus, showcasing portrait busts, wrestlers, cupids, and Roman gods.
The Square of the Guilds is the former center of the empire’s import and export industry, with offices belonging to traders and shipowners, decorated by ancient mosaics depicting both symbolism and history.
6. Orvieto
➡️ Best way to get from Rome to Orvieto: Driving takes 1.5 hours, but I think this guided tour that goes to both Orvieto and Assisi is great value for money!
In central Italy’s hilly valleys of Umbria sits the city of Orvieto. Lodged on top of volcanic stone, the upper town maintains its medieval splendor.
You’ll be greeted by the Duomo di Orvieto, a massive 14th-century Roman Catholic cathedral built in the Italian Gothic and Romanesque styles known for its vibrant facade.
Its stained glass, mosaics, and sculptures are divided by four pillars, and its renowned Chapel of San Brizio features Luca Signorelli’s marvelous fresco of the Day of Judgment and Life after Death.
Inside the cathedral, you will also find the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Orvieto, and behind the Duomo, you’ll find an array of medieval palaces called the Palazzi Papali.
For pre-Christian civilizations, there are ancient caves, tunnels, and wells that form an underground network, believed to be from the era of the Etruscans.
The city is also notable for its Classico wine and even has wineries that continue ancient traditions in ancient tufo stone cellars, also from the Etruscan era, at Tenuta Le Velette winery.
Close the trip down the stairway of the Well of Saint Patrick!
7. Ponza
➡️ Best way to get from Rome to Ponza: take the train to Formia and then a ferry to the island
Ponza is the Mediterranean escape people are looking for without the tourists. The island has around 3,500 inhabitants and offers a peaceful ambiance no matter what time of year you visit.
During the summer months, however, the beautiful water on the Tyrrhenian seaside attracts visitors from afar, so tourism is at its peak.
Ponza’s Spiaggia di Frontone is a popular beach destination for an open-air disco and beachfront partying with music from its live DJ. The Chiaia di Luna is closed off but is worth a visit for its otherworldly views of the island coast and sea, and is accessible by boat instead.
The arch-shaped Arco Naturale is a beautiful part to sail around as well.
For something more adventurous, there is a system of tunnels from the Roman era networked in the Grotte di Pilato cliffs.
There are also the Roman Cisterns on Via Dragonar and the La Chiesa dei Santi Silverio e Domitilla, in addition to the vibrant and colorful artisan boutiques, traditional seafood restaurants, and fresh food markets in Centro Storico.
8. Civita di Bagnoregio
➡️ Best way to get from Rome to Civita di Bagnoregio: It is easiest to drive there but you can also take a train to Orvieto and then the Cotral Bus to Bagnoregio (but they are infrequent).
Enter a 2,500-year-old entrance into Civita di Bagnoregio; initially carved by the Etruscans, it was later renovated with Romanesque characteristics to make an arch.
The medieval world of the city provides an authentic perspective on Italian cultural heritage, from architecture, daily lifestyle, and cuisine to its quiet charms.
The Italian village is perfectly preserved and identical to itself from centuries ago, with its narrow valleys, artisanal shops and boutiques, small gardens spread throughout, and the smell of food, courtesy of the various delicatessens and trattorias around.
Find the center of activity in the main piazza, where, throughout the year, a variety of events, processions, and festivals take place.
Below the city, there are ancient cellars shaped like a honeycomb, making it a perfect location for storing wine. Additionally, there are ancient cisterns for collecting rainwater dating back to the Etruscan era and a tunnel believed to be from the pre-Roman time period.
Saint Bonaventure Cathedral was once an Etruscan and Roman temple and now stands proudly with ancient pillars as the church of the village.
9. Florence
➡️ Best way to get from Rome to Florence: trains run between Rome and Florence every 15 minutes or so and take anywhere from 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes
Florence is a masterpiece of a city, and it is home to some of the most beloved sites and pieces of art around the world. From Renaissance architecture to the beautiful terracotta-tiled cathedrals, there is something for everyone who embarks on a day trip to Florence.
One of the top things to do when visiting Florence is to visit the most iconic place in the city: the Duomo di Firenze (Florence Cathedral).
It is formally known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, and you can take a tour of the place or simply visit on a self-guided tour with a simple entrance ticket.
There are 463 stairs that will take you to the top of the structure’s lantern for one of the best panoramic views over the city center!
The Piazza della Signoria is also one of the main places to go sightseeing in Florence. This square is located in front of the Palazzo Vecchio and adjacent to the Uffizi Gallery, making it one of the top things to see in Florence, regardless of whether you visit in winter or in summer.
You will find more historical masterpieces in the Galleria dell’Accademia, which is where Michaelangelo’s David is located. Additionally, there is the Piazzale Michelangelo, Cappelle Medicee, and Mercato Centrale.
10. Caserta Palazzo Reale
➡️ Best way to get from Rome to Caserta Palazzo Reale: several trains are going (with a connection in Naples) daily for 2-2.5 hours one way.
Caserta Royal Palace is an Italian Baroque masterpiece consisting of 11 acres of gardens, fountains, pools, and cascades. It was designed by one of the greatest architects of the 18th century, Luigi Vanvitelli, and is especially known for its telescopic effect.
The incorporation of the natural environment into the aesthetic of the palace and garden is perhaps its most notable feature, which has thus encouraged additional botanical research to expand the gardens of Caserta.
The garden’s horticulture, the hunting lodges, woodland forests, and the English Garden of ancient ruins, decorations, and a lake are beautiful additions to the complex.
Caserta Royal Palace presents a display combining the influences of Versailles, Rome, and Tuscany. The palace’s theater room features blue velvet seats with cerulean and gold tarps draped on granite pillars with ornate golden embroidery.
The Royal Gardens, which stretch for 120 hectares, are decorated with waterfalls, highlighted with a variety of scenic statues, and are an integral part of the estate.
Inside, there are a variety of paintings, collections of artwork, and artifacts throughout the palace.
11. Assisi
➡️ Best way to get from Rome to Assisi: Driving takes 2 hours, and 20 minutes and is the best way to go independently. However, this guided tour takes you to Assisi and Orvieto and is much easier.
Assisi is an important place of pilgrimage in the hills of Umbria and is the birthplace of Saint Francis. In the crypt of the Basilica of St. Francis lies his stone sarcophagus, and its 13th-century frescoes on the walls of the church depict his life.
The town is a religious relic in its own right, so don’t be surprised when you catch devoted monks in long robes or groups of pilgrims venturing through the town!
Assisi is also home to many artisans and thus artisanal shops and products, from dried pasta and specialty Umbrian cured meats and chocolates to local crafts such as religious sculptures, leather goods, ceramics, and even medieval weapons.
The 14th-century castle of Rocca Maggiore sits at the crown of Assisi, and from there you can descend into the valleys of the hilly town for the rest of the attractions.
The city has seven churches to see: the Basilica of Saint Francis, the Duomo di San Rufino, Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, Santa Maria degli Angeli, San Damiano Church, Chiesa Nuova, and the Basilica di Santa Chiara.
12. Amalfi Coast
➡️ Best way to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast: guided tour
Beware! This makes for a long day trip, but it is a worthwhile one if the Amalfi Coast is on your bucket list!
Take a tour of the magical Amalfi Coast with a high-speed train and ferry; depart from Roma Termini railway station for Salerno, where upon arrival, you’ll board a ferry to Amalfi.
Discover the picturesque and colorful town surrounded by stunning cliffs with fantastic views of the clear blue waters.
Once there, you will get a chance to travel through the historic narrow streets of the town to its public squares and shops and to the stunning Duomo di Sant’Andrea, which is known for its shining gold mosaic at its top and adjacent bell tower.
Check out the Fontana Sant’Andrea and the Spiaggia Grande, and take a souvenir with you from the variety of ceramic shops. Or, purchase some limoncello liqueurs and chocolates to take home!
After seeing Amalfi, take the next ferry to Positano, which is known for its beaches, such as the Marina Grande, the Fornillo, and the Arienzo beaches. It also has colored buildings, shops, and the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta.
At the end of your adventure, take the ferry back to Salerno and head toward the railway station for the train back to Rome, where you will return by evening.
>> Click here to check Amalfi Coast day tour rates and availability
13. Sperlonga
➡️ Best way to get from Rome to Sperlonga: Taking a train from Roma Termini to Fondi-Sperlonga (they leave hourly and take 1 hour, 16 minutes). Buses also go there, but they take 2.5 hours.
Look over the Tyrrhenian Sea from the medieval village of Sperlonga, which was built atop a cliff and is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Italy.
It is less known to tourists abroad and more renowned for Italians, and for now, it remains a hidden gem for the country.
The village’s authentic narrow staircases and passageways direct you toward the vast array of shops, cafes, and the beach-view piazza at the top of the cliff, all decorated in vibrant flowers. You’ll find people strolling amidst the gorgeous scenery throughout the day and night.
Visit the Villa of Tiberius, a museum of ruins showcasing the remnants of statuary from the grotto with a spectacular setting and view of the surroundings.
Centro Storico is the old town square and has a nice selection of restaurants, bars, and shops to choose from.
Lido Le Tre Conchiglie, Lido Beluga, Lido Valle Corsari, Lido Grotta dei Delfini, and Il Fortino are all the beaches of Sperlonga that tourists and locals alike go to for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
14. Bracciano
➡️ Best way to get from Rome to Bracciano:Driving or taking the tarin from Rome Tiburtina to Bracciano station (takes 1 hour, 23 minutes)
Bracciano is a city on a hill overlooking the clear waters of the volcanic Lake Bracciano and an excellent destination for sailing, canoeing, and scuba-diving.
It is known to be comfortably warm during the summer, and the town is cuddled up against the Parco Naturale di Bracciano-Martignano, which has another lake also born from the same volcano.
The park is abundant in sports activities, such as hiking, cycling, and trekking, and its marked pathways are rich in colorful biodiversity and flora.
Bracciano’s main attraction is the medieval Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, a popular venue for events such as weddings, which also houses a museum in some of its rooms. The museum’s collections include medieval weapons and armor, and it also has a historic center adjacent to it.
Belvedere della Sentinella is a beautiful spot for a panoramic view of the city, and the Church of Santa Maria del Riposo has stunning local architecture.
Additionally, there are the Civic Museum and Italian Air Force Museum, the latter showcasing planes, gear, equipment, and tools from its experimental flight labs that took off near the lake.
15. Parco Naturale Regionale Sirente-Velino
➡️ Best way to get from Rome to Parco Naturale Regionale Sirente-Velino: Driving (it is 1 hour and 17 minutes from Rome)
Parco Naturale Regionale Sirente-Velino is one of the best natural parks in central Italy and an ideal location for numerous sports activities, such as hiking, trekking, orienteering, biking and mountain biking, horseback riding, skiing, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, Nordic walking, snowboarding, and alpine skiing.
Try hiking one of the many marked trails available in the park, such as Trail 15, which leads to the top of the mountain from Chalet Sirente. It is a bit challenging, but worth it in the end!
It takes you through the lovely medieval hamlet of Castel di Ieri, which has an archaeological site of an Italic Temple from the 2nd century B.C. as well as a Quadrangular Watchtower and its church and hermitage of Santa Maria di Pietrabona.
Admire the medieval old town of Pescina, with its valuable monuments, ancient towers, civilian buildings, and rich churches.
Its highlights include the Saint Antonio Church, the San Berardo Church which is known for its bell tower, and the Saint Maria delle Grazie Cathedral. Breathe in the pure air quality especially and enjoy it while you’re there!
16. Capri
➡️ Best way to get from Rome to Capri: guided tour
Beyond the Bay of Naples and past the Amalfi Coast and mainland Sorrento is the Isle of Capri, a famous tourist spot for even big celebrities!
There are two towns in Capri: Anacapri, which is quieter and more affordable, and Capri Town, which is where all the action is (if your budget allows for it, of course).
The Piazzetta, officially known as Piazza Umberto I, is a famous square where everyone meets to socialize and get drinks; it’s the heart of the island and is lined by pavement cafes.
The scenic charm of the island’s rocky seashores makes it alluring enough to go on long walks. Stop along the way for gelato or treats to take with you on your stroll!
You’ll be mesmerized by the panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, the Faraglioni Rocks, and the Gardens of Augustus. Some of the top historic sites on Capri are Emperor Tiberius’s Villa Jovis and the 14th-century monastery and fortress of Certosa di San Giacomo
The island is not the ideal beach location, but it is the perfect place to go boating. Be sure to check out the blue-lit cave of Grotta Azzurra.
>> Click here to check Capri day trips rates from Rome
Best Rome Day Trips: On a Map!
Did I miss any of the best day trips from Rome? Let me know in the comments!
More Rome Travel Guides
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- Rome in 48 hours
- Best cooking classes in Rome
- Colosseum travel guide
- Ziplining near Rome
Pin this Rome Day Tours and Trips Guide
Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now splits her time between Frankfurt, Germany and Arctic Finland after also living in Norway, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.