Exploring Rome and its surroundings can be a lifelong journey, what with it being full of ancient sites, historic landmarks, and captivating ruins. If you're considering mixing up your stay in the Eternal City with a few day trips, you're in for a treat.
We know Florence and Venice, but there are plenty of other lesser known places near Rome!
Here are some top day trip ideas from Rome, most of which are conveniently accessible via public transport. While some of these trips may take a bit longer, they are definitely worth the effort when you need a break from the bustling atmosphere of Italy’s largest city.
Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
Visiting Pompeii for a day barely scratches the surface of this vast and intriguing archaeological site, which was preserved under ash after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Starting early can help you cover significant ground.
Catch a morning high-speed train to Naples’ Central station, followed by the Circumvesuviana regional line to the Pompei Scavi stop. Spend at least four to five hours exploring the ruins. You’ll find homes, shops, temples, stadiums, and public squares, some still adorned with original wall paintings and mosaics. The National Archaeological Museum of Pompeii displays many artifacts found here.
For an adventurous addition, climb the cone of Vesuvius. You can drive most of the way up and then hike to the crater to look into the still-active volcano.
To journey independently to Pompeii from Rome, take the train from Termini Station, changing lines in Naples.
📸 Main things to see:
Pompeii ruins,National Archaeological Museum of Pompeii, Vesuvius crater.
🕘 Time taken to get there:
About 1 hour 45 minutes by train and regional rail from Rome to Pompeii, additional time for climbing Vesuvius.
Naples
A fast train ride to Napoli Centrale will take you to Naples in just over an hour. Spend your morning exploring Spaccanapoli, a narrow street that bisects the historical part of the city. Don’t miss out on walking into all the side streets while you’re here. Explore churches, visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum, and indulge in street food like pastries and fried pizza. In the afternoon, head to the waterfront by taxi or subway, enjoy a stroll along the sea, visit Castel dell'Ovo, and perhaps finish your day with a sunset aperitivo or dinner before returning to Rome.
📸 Main things to see:
Spaccanapoli, Naples National Archaeological Museum, Castel dell'Ovo, waterfront views.
🕘 Time taken to get there:
Just over an hour by train.
Tivoli
Just about an hour east of Rome, Tivoli is a historical gem worth exploring. Start your visit at Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana), a grand complex inspired by Emperor Hadrian’s travels. This vast site features architectural marvels from ancient Rome. In the afternoon, head to the 16th-century Villa d’Este, renowned for its elaborate gardens filled with fountains, waterfalls, and hydraulic music devices. Both attractions offer a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyles of the past.
📸 Main things to see:
Hadrian’s Villa, Villa d’Este and its gardens.
🕘 Time taken to get there:
About 1 hour by train from Rome.
Castelli Romani
The Castelli Romani region is known for its scenic hill towns, which were summer retreats for Roman nobility and later for popes. Easily accessible by train, the towns of Frascati and Castel Gandolfo are under an hour away. In Frascati, visit historical villas and enjoy local wines at traditional taverns. Castel Gandolfo offers views of Lake Albano, the pope's summer palace and gardens, and local vineyards.
📸 Main things to see:
Art-filled villas in Frascati, the pope's summer palace in Castel Gandolfo, Lake Albano.
🕘 Time taken to get there:
Less than an hour by train.
Orvieto
To dive into medieval Italy, take a train to Orvieto, a town perched on a cliff in the Umbria region. A short funicular ride from the station takes you to the ancient town, where you can spend a day exploring its stunning duomo, walking through narrow streets, visiting underground sites, and enjoying local Orvieto Classico wine along with traditional dishes.
📸 Main things to see:
Orvieto Cathedral, medieval streets, underground tours.
🕘 Time taken to get there:
About 1.5 hours by train from Rome.
Ostia Antica
If your schedule doesn't allow a trip to Pompeii, consider Ostia Antica, just about an hour from central Rome by train. This archaeological site was once Rome’s bustling port and offers a well-preserved glimpse into ancient Roman life. Explore the ancient theater, apartment complexes, bathhouse, and the Piazzale delle Corporazioni, a market area with intricate mosaics.
📸 Main things to see:
Ancient theater, apartment complexes, Piazzale delle Corporazioni.
🕘 Time taken to get there:
About 1 hour by train from central Rome.
Caserta
The Royal Palace of Caserta, modeled after Versailles and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a longer but manageable day trip. This 18th-century palace features grand interiors and expansive gardens with fountains, water features, and an English garden. The best bit It's conveniently located right across from the train station.
📸 Main things to see:
Royal Palace, gardens, English Garden.
🕘 Time taken to get there:
About 1 hour by train from Rome.
Assisi
Reachable by a couple of direct trains daily, Assisi is just over two hours from Rome. This hill town is famous for its connections to St. Francis, including the basilica where he is buried, decorated with frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue. Other attractions include the Basilica di Santa Chiara, a Roman temple, and the ancient forum.
📸 Main things to see:
Basilica of St. Francis, Basilica di Santa Chiara, Roman temple.
🕘 Time taken to get there:
A little more than 2 hours by train.
Amalfi Coast
The stunning Amalfi Coast can be reached by combining a train ride to Salerno and a bus or ferry to Amalfi. Renowned for its breathtaking views, each turn along the coastal road is here to show you sights you haven’t really seen before - gorgeous little villages perched on cliffs. Explore the town of Amalfi, its decorated streets, the famous church, and perhaps, with some time on your hands, take a boat ride to the Blue Grotto.
📸 Main things to see:
Amalfi town, coastal views, Blue Grotto (by boat).
🕘 Time taken to get there:
Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes by train and bus, or train and ferry.
Capri
The beautiful island of Capri, favored by Emperor Tiberius, is accessible by ferry from Naples or Sorrento. Visit the ruins of Villa di Tiberio, take a boat to the Blue Grotto, or relax at Marina Piccola. Capri offers a charming mix of natural beauty, history, and upscale shopping, especially around the Piazzetta.
📸 Main things to see:
Villa di Tiberio, Blue Grotto, Marina Piccola.
🕘 Time taken to get there:
Early morning train to Naples, followed by a high-speed ferry, totaling around 2 hours.
Hill Towns of Tuscany
The medieval hill towns of Tuscany, such as Montepulciano and Montalcino are full of rich cultural heritage in art and architecture. Easily accessible from Rome, these towns offer stunning views, historical sites, and excellent local wines. Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also nearby.
📸 Main things to see:
Historical centers, art and architecture, local vineyards.
🕘 Time taken to get there:
About 2 hours by car or train.
