10+ Best Day Trips from Rome, Italy

Last Updated on 26th June 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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One of the best ways to fully immerse in the spirit and local vibe in Rome is to get away from its most touristic spots in order to discover a different atmosphere. If you’re ready to leave the chaotic Roman traffic behind to embark on a journey of discovery and exploration, then pick one (or more) of the following day trips from Rome, I guarantee that you will have fun.

So with no further ado, these are my top picks for an incredible day away from Rome… Please note that if you’re visiting Rome on a Sunday then not all public transportation will operate as usual, and many sites might close earlier than usual.

Day trips from Rome

Villa d’Este

Villa d’Este is a gorgeous sixteenth-century villa and gardens located in the nearby town of Tivoli which has made its way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. It also happens to be the perfect escape from the city during winter in Rome.

The villa is known for its magnificent frescoes, but also — and above all — for the imposing terraced and well-manicured garden in Italian Renaissance style decorated with gorgeous waterfall fountains. 

The lush gardens cover an area of more than 35.000 square meters, featuring incredible landscaped corners with pools, ponds, grottos, ancient statues, bushes, and flowers. Among the villa’s highlights, there are over 200 water jets and 50 different fountains that use the force of gravity to maintain the constant flow of water.

Another must-see spot is so-called the Vialone, a large terrace between the villa and the gardens, with a panoramic view of the Roman countryside. The best way to get there is taking the bus from Roma Tiburtina Station, alternatively there is also a bus that leaves from Ponte Mammolo. 

You can combine this visit with a tour of Hadrian’s Villa, both villas can be visited in a day, besides there is a bus service connecting the two sites so you can easily get from one spot to the other with a short trip.

Villa Adriana

Also known as Hadrian’s Villa, this is one more UNESCO World Heritage Site that you can either visit this place on its own or combine it with Villa d’Este.

However, do not expect another Renaissance residence, Hadrian’s villa is a remarkable archaeological complex dating back to Ancient Rome and much bigger even than the archaeological site of Pompeii, in the region of Campania.

The villa, which was both designed and commissioned by Hadrian Emperor, features unique buildings, including the Maritime Theater, lavish palaces and baths, a library, and gardens.

You can get there by train from Roma Tiburtina (the final station is Tivoli) or you can join an organised tour which will make the logistics easier as they normally include hotel pick-up and drop off. There are also interesting day trips that feature visits to both villas on the same day. Find more details here.

Ostia Antica

Perfect destination for those who are fans of Roman history and Ancient times, Ostia Antica is an ancient harbor town and important Roman commercial port that dates back to the fourth century BC.

This seaside town played a key role in Rome’s wealth and trade, as it was the port of call for the arrival of goods and supplies for the whole city of Rome. As such, it was a rich settlement where important merchants and businessmen dwelled during the most prosperous times of the Empire.

Different ruins have been excavated bringing to light places such as an amphitheater, religious temples, baths, a forum, and mosaics of particular interest.

In fact, these mosaics were official signs in ancient times which graphically depicted the use and purposes of different buildings to the Roman citizens that couldn’t read.

The best way to get there is by train (line Roma-Lido) from Porta San Paolo Station. The trip is about 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, you can book this Ostia Antica Half-Day Tour from Rome by Train. If you want to learn even more in depth about Ostia Antica on arrival, then you might consider booking this Ostia Antica Guided Tour with Local Archaeologist.

Viterbo and Gardens of Bomarzo

Probably my favorite day trip from Rome is the one that takes you to the picturesque university city of Viterbo and Bomarzo, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the region of Lazio. 

Viterbo is a city of Etruscan origin, with a fantastic old town and historical center where it’s possible to visit the Papal Palace. It was here where the longest and most Papal election in the history of Catholic Church took place, in fact it took more than two years to choose a Pope in the Viterbo Conclave (from November 1268 to September 1271), due to political differences among the cardinals. 

According to historical sources, the final Pope election occurred more than a year after the magistrates of Viterbo locked the cardinals in and reduced their rations to bread and water.

A few minutes from Viterbo, get ready to discover one of the most magical places in the Lazio region, the Gardens of Bomarzo, also known as the Park of the Monsters or Sacro Bosco (Sacred Woods), this unique garden was created around 1552 by Vicino Orsini, a great patron of the Italian Renaissance, to honor the life of his deceased wife.

The park is populated by grotesque sculptures located among the natural and lush vegetation of the area. The easiest way to get to Viterbo is by train departing from Roma Ostiense Station. The trip is about an hour and 40 minutes.

Assisi

One of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Italy, the hill town of Assisi is better-known for being the birthplace and final resting place of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity.

The important Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is another Italian building that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The whole complex dates back to the thirteenth century. The church features magnificent frescoes depicting the life of the Saint.

It is divided in two different parts, a lower area for the pilgrims, and a bigger, upper area for the clergy. Both areas of the church boast impressive frescoes and examples of refined religious art.

There are many other religious places and historic churches to visit in Assisi, such as the spectacular Gothic Basilica dedicated to St. Clare and the Cathedral of San Rufino, built between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, and wonderful examples of early medieval architecture.

Again, the train is the best way to get there. The trip from Roma Termini to Santa Maria degli Angeli (at the foothills of Assisi) is about two hours. Once at the destination, it is necessary to take a bus (or a short taxi-ride) to the heart of Assisi town. Alternatively, you can book a Assisi & Orvieto Day Trip from Rome like this one.

Florence

Although one day is not really enough to see the fantastic city of Florence, it can still be a good day trip idea if you catch an early fast train (Frecciarossa) from Rome to Florence. Since Florence is very easy to navigate on foot, some of the most important sites in Florence can be seen in a day. 

Known as the cradle of Renaissance, Florence features incredible Medieval and Renaissance-era buildings and unique works of art exhibited in the two most remarkable art galleries in the country, the Uffizi and the Galleria dell’Accademia. 

To visit any of the two places, it is necessary to book the tickets well in advance. If you’re interested in just discovering Florence, then pay a visit to the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the most remarkable cathedrals in the country

Piazza della Signoria, the Arno River with the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, and the Boboli Gardens inside Palazzo Pitti, built mainly in Renaissance style, located on the southern bank of the River Arno, just a few steps away from the Ponte Vecchio are also all worth visiting. 

You can also explore the house thought to be the birthplace of Dante Alighieri, the most important poet in Italian history, famous for its masterpiece The Divine Comedy. For a full run down of Florence inspiration, check out our suggestions for how to spend one day in Florence.

It is possible to travel to Florence by train (leaving from Roma Termini Station). The trip is about one hour and a half with a high-speed train. Alternatively, you can consider booking a group tour Florence and Pisa Full-Day trip like this one.

Pisa

Since it’s necessary to travel first to Florence if you want to visit Pisa, it is a good idea to combine both trips in one (long) day. Alternatively, you could plan an overnight trip from Rome, so as to really make the most of your trip.

Once you’ve reached Florence from Rome, you can take a regional train to Pisa (the trip is a bit less than an hour). Avoid taking a local train because they tend to be slow as they have frequent stops.

The most important sight in Pisa is its unique leaning tower, which is located within walking distance from the main train station. Keep in mind that if you intend to climb to the top of the tower, booking your ticket in advance is the wisest thing to do.

Although Pisa has many other interesting places to visit, this is the most popular attraction in town and it is often super crowded. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a 55-meter high tower, located in Piazza dei Miracoli (Miracle’s Square).

In the area, there are other important buildings you can check out during the visit, such as the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin, the Cathedral of Pisa and its Baptistery, all three classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Convenient day tours include both Florence and Pisa in a day.

Siena

One of the most beautiful places to visit from Rome is the city of Siena, in the region of Tuscany. A perfect destination for history buffs, Siena is known as the town of Medieval skyscrapers and is easily one of the best towns in Tuscany.

Located in the Tuscany region, a trip to Siena can be combined with a wine tasting tour in the local countryside or it can be an excursion of its own. 

Historic landmarks in town include the Piazza del Campo and Palazzo Pubblico right in the center of the city as well as the spectacular Gothic Cathedral of Siena.

However, the most iconic place to see remains the fantastic Torre del Mangia, a distinctive Medieval belfry and the best-known tower in Siena’s skyline.

Trains from Rome to Siena depart both from Roma Tiburtina and Roma Termini Train stations and the travel time is about three hours with a fast train (Frecciarossa).

Alternatively, those who prefer the transport details taken care of should consider this San Gimignano & Siena: Small Group Wine Tour from Rome.

Pompeii

Located in the south of the Italian Peninsula, in the Campania region, the ancient ruins of Pompeii is one of the most important archaeological excavations in the country. Although the visit can be a bit long for a day trip, it’s not impossible with some good organisation.

To get there, you will need to catch a fast Frecciarossa train to Naples from Termini Station and then, once in Naples, connect with the Circumvesuviana local train to Pompeii. The whole trip can last from two to three hours.

There are some tours that include a stop in Naples before reaching the archaeological site. Alternatively, you could book a Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius Volcano Full-Day Trip like this one.

Once a thriving Roman village, Pompeii, perished under the ashes of the Vesuvius volcano back in  79 AD. The excavations brought to light a fascinating insight into Roman life.

Today, it is possible to admire the homes and streets where hundreds of residents perished under the constant flow of lava, ashes, pumice, and poisonous gas from the terrifying volcano. You can even see the leftover graffiti around Pompeii.

Orvieto

Another favorite destination for a day trip from Rome, Orvieto is a small fortified city on top of a large cliff in the region of Umbria. Orvieto’s most impressive characteristic has to bi its unique location, on the flat summit of a large isolated hill of volcanic rocks surrounded by impressive defensive walls built of the same material.

You can reach the top of the defensive walls and the fortress of Orvieto either hiking or using the funicular. The settlement features characteristic cobblestone alleys. An unmissable sight in the town is the Duomo of Orvieto, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, boasting a unique mosaic facade. 

Only meters from the cathedral, you can access the city’s extensive mysterious underground tunnels and caves that have served numerous different purposes in history, fro WWII bomb shelters, to wine cellars and wells. Right after, you can explore the ancient Etruscan Necropolis, one of the most enigmatic places in the area.

The best way to get there is also by train from Rome Termini Station and the trip is about 90 minutes. Alternatively, you can book a day trip that combines both Orvieto and Assisi in a day like this one.

Tuscan Countryside

If you love Italian wine paired with excellent rustic food, then it is a good idea to join an organised tour that takes you to the heart of the green Tuscan countryside.

Most of these tours include a three-course meal with local wines in one of the many countryside guest houses and farms in the region, and feature visits to different wineries and engaging wine tasting experiences. 

One of the best Tuscany tours includes a visit to the region known as Val d’Orcia, not far from the Medieval town of Siena. Here, you will be able to explore different hill towns, including the famous Montepulciano and Montalcino, known for wines such as Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, Nobile di Montepulciano, but also for the so-called super Tuscan wines, a remix of French grapes with Italian terroir.

You can reach the Tuscan countryside on your own, traveling first to Florence from Rome and then from Santa Maria Novella Train Station (Florence) board a train to Siena, or join a well-organized tour (either from Florence or from Rome), to discover the different farms and wineries like this one.

Civita di Bagnoregio

Located between the regions of Tuscany and Lazio, the so-called dying city (La città che muore) of Civita di Bagnoregio is a fascinating day trip from Rome. The Etruscan town founded over 2500 years ago, receives that curious name because land on which it stands is slowly falling away.

Evenetually, it will inevitably disappear into the underlying Valle dei Calanchi due to constant erosion and deforestation. The charming, almost ghost town is inhabited by less than twenty people.

It can only be reached by a long bridge. Civita features a maze of narrow alleys and old houses as well as impressive Romanesque and Renaissance buildings, including an imposing Palace and the ancient Square.

The best way to get to Civita di Bagnoregio is from Viterbo. It is also possible to get there by taking the train from Rome to Orvieto and then a local bus that goes to Bagnoregio. Otherwise, there are different organized tours that allow you to discover several sites in a day, including Civita di Bagnoregio, Bomarzo, and Viterbo. 

As you can see, there are plenty of interesting places to visit when spending time in Rome, some of them close to the capital, easily reached with a local train, others a bit further away but equally interesting and unique to learn more about the fascinating Lazio and several other Italian regions.

Cooking Lesson and Lunch in the Countryside

This day trip from Rome is not only a cooking class but also the chance to take an excursion from the Eternal City, to Mazzano Romano to be precise. Included in the price of this class, you’ll be taught how to cook classic courses of a traditional Italian lunch before sitting down to enjoy your feast with a glass of Italian wine. Book the class now.

A final note

Italy is a truly spectacular destination that deserves to be savoured. Whether you’re interested in millennia of history, indulging in local cuisine, or simply soaking up some beautiful scenery, there’s truly something for everyone when it comes to the boot-shaped country.

For even more inspiration, check out our suggested itinerary for one day in Rome, how to spend 72 hours in Rome, and our suggested two weeks in Italy itinerary. Finally, here are some Italy quotes which are sure to spark wanderlust and our very best Italy tips to help you plan your trip!

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Gabi Ancarola is a journalist and travel writer who has lived over 20 years in Italy, and has been living in Crete for the last five years. She hosts culinary tours, translates and writes for her Crete travel blog The Tiny Book. She’s written for Greek Reporter and published several travel guides about Greece.