Rome is one of our favourite cities. There’s nothing like wandering the streets and seeing history at your finger tips. That said, you won’t want to miss the incredible things to do outside of Rome. Make sure to take at least one day trip from Rome. Depending on the amount of time you have, you can easily choose either a full day or a half day trip from Rome. You also have great choice as to travel time as there are many options for day trips less than an hour from Rome, day trips less than 2 hours from Rome or, if you don’t mind a long day, even day trips over 2 hours from Rome.
During our visit, we had five amazing days in Rome and took one day outside Rome to visit Pompeii. I had been fascinated by Pompeii since I was a little girl so our choice of day trips from Rome was easy. We hired a private guide who specialized in family tours. It was truly incredible! I’m so glad we and the kids were able to experience such a historic sight. I can’t wait to return so we can visit a few of our fellow travel bloggers’ other favourite day trips from Rome.
Day Trips from Rome less than 1 hour away
Lake Bracciano
By Annalisa at Travel Connect Experience
One of the most beautiful natural areas you can easily visit with a day trip from Rome is the Regional Park of Bracciano and Martignano. The park develops around two lakes of volcanic origin of which the best known, Lake Bracciano, is a huge basin of pure water that supplies the water taps of the northern part of Rome and dozens of municipalities in the Lazio Region. For this reason, and to guarantee safety and well-being to bathers, motorboats are forbidden on the lake. However, it is possible to have fun with water sports: paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing.
The area of Lake Bracciano fills up on summer weekends, when the inhabitants of Rome come here to enjoy a nice swim, a dinner with 0 km products, and walks in the 3 quaint villages overlooking the lake. Among the most interesting places to visit are the medieval Odescalchi Castle in Bracciano, the historic center of Anguillara Sabazia, and the well-kept lakeside promenade of Trevignano Romano. The best beach of the lake is located in Vigna di Valle. If food is one of your major interests, choose one of the trattorias in Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini in Bracciano, such as Pane e Olio Osteria or Trattoria del Castello. If you travel by car, you can visit all three villages on the same day. If you use public transport, you will have time to visit 2 of them.
It’s super easy to get from Rome to Lake Bracciano by public transport. Just take a Trenitalia train from Trastevere or Valle Aurelia stations in Rome and get off at Bracciano or Anguillara Sabazia.
Ostia Antica
By Samantha from The Wandering Wanderluster
The Eternal City is packed full of world class sites and museums, so why would anyone want to leave? You’ll find a host of rewarding activities outside Rome and one of the most underrated day trips from Rome is the ruins of Ostia Antica.
Located just 30km from Rome, Ostia Antica is very easy to reach by public transport. A short 30-minute train ride towards Roma-Lido/Ostia and you’ll arrive just a quick 5 minute stroll from the archeological site that was once one of Rome’s most important cities. For those with a Roma Pass Card, you’ll not only get free transport there, but you can visit Ostia Antica as one of your free sights included in your pass. If not, an all-day travel pass for Rome is approximately €6 per person and the entrance ticket is only € 8 per adult.
Often compared as Rome’s version of Pompeii, Ostia Antica is in many ways superior to the ruins in Pompeii as many of the archaeological remains are very much intact. As you walk around the 50 hectares of this ancient harbour city, you gain a real insight into everyday life during the Roman era. Stroll down the 1km main street, Decumanus Maximus, and see several of the city’s most important buildings, trade establishments and temples.
You could easily spend an entire day exploring Ostia Antica however most people who make the effort to visit the site take a half day trip from Rome. Highlights include the incredibly well-preserved mosaics of the bathhouses and The Square of Guilds, the Capitolium, Necropolis, Bakery, the Toilets, Fishmongers Shop and the Amphitheatre.
Tivoli
By Kenny at Knycx Journeying
The Eternal City of Rome is a celebration of Roman history. The city is filled with magical sights and monuments that may need days to visit them all. While I had a day in Rome and visited some beautiful places, it is a great idea to take a breather from the crowded city and explore some of the amazing things to do outside of Rome.
Tivoli is a small town in Lazio that is merely 30 kilometers away from Rome; it is easy to do a day trip from Rome to Tivoli by either train or bus if you are visiting the town on your own. Both trains and buses take about 45 minutes to an hour to Tivoli from Rome; I recommend taking a bus because it’s cheaper, and they depart every 15-20 minutes. If you have a car, the drive takes only about 35 minutes.
While you may see most of Tivoli’s main attractions in half a day, explore the town at a slower pace and make it a full day excursion. Villa d’Este is a must-see in Tivoli and probably the most well-known. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a definitive example of Italian gardens, and it has been a model for many gardens in Europe for a long time. The garden has a lot of dreamy photo-taking spots and you would probably feel like walking in a Disney fairy tale with all the fountains, pools, cascades, terraces, and grottos. The garden, in fact, was featured in a Disney movie “The Lizzie McGuire Movie”. Don’t forget to visit the terrace and enjoy a spectacular view of the town. You can also see all the way to Rome on a clear day.
If you still have time, visit the many other nearby villas like Hadrian’s Villa, Villa Gregoriana, and Via delle Cascatelle to soak in the layback Roman charm.
Day Trips from Rome less than 2 hours away
Florence
By Kate at Our Escape Clause
Spending a day in Florence is always a treat, and luckily, it’s entirely doable to take a day trip from Rome to Florence!
While a day trip between two of Italy’s most popular cities will no doubt leave you exhausted by the end of it, it’s well worth the effort!
With one day in Florence, you can easily visit the city’s famous Duomo (if you’d like to climb the cupola, though, be sure to make reservations in advance!), visit Michelangelo’s famous David (also with advance reservations), shop for Italian food in Mercato Centrale, pursue leather goods in markets throughout the city, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, admire Piazza Signoria, and marvel at the sweeping views of the skyline from Piazzale Michelangelo of San Miniato al Monte–all without using anything but your own two feet to get around!
Of course, no day trip to Florence would be complete without a hearty Tuscan meal, so be sure to pause for lunch, as well as a scoop (or three) of gelato–by many accounts, gelato was invented in Florence.
Getting from Rome to Florence for a day trip requires taking the fast train (be sure not to book a regional train–they’re too slow to make a day trip feasible), which takes about 90 minutes each way and should be booked in advance if possible, as the tickets increase in price the closer to your travel date that you get.
Luckily, Roma Termini (Rome’s main train station) is easy to reach from most places in the city, and Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station is located within a 15-minute walk of the Duomo, so the transportation itself is fairly simple.
Because of the ease of taking the fast train, with an early start and a late finish, you can spend a full day in Florence on a day trip from Rome!
Civita di Bagnoregio
By Rachel and Clark at Seeking Our Someday
Civita di Bagnoregio is a small village perched on an eroding hilltop in central Italy located 108 km (67 miles) North of Rome. With limited public transportation options from Rome to Civita, the easiest way to reach this iconic ‘castle on a hill’ is by car. The drive to Civita is a scenic one hour and forty-five minutes from Rome and there is a large parking lot at the overlook just before the city. For those that do not have a car, there are a number of tour companies operating out of Rome that provide transportation and tours to Civita di Bagnoregio, and most include stops in the nearby city of Orvieto. These full-day tours typically cost between $200-700 per person.
The village itself is only accessible by a footbridge and visitors must pay a small €1.50 toll to cross into the city. Civita di Bagnoregio is known as the “dying city” with only 16 locals living within its walls, a handful of restaurants, and a couple of small bed-and-breakfasts for those who wish to spend the night.
The city is revered for its ancient, 2500-year old crumbling architecture, and dramatic photo opportunities. It is fascinating to walk these small cobbled streets and look out at the countryside views between the stone buildings. For a unique dining experience in Civita di Bagnoregio check out Il Pozzo dei Desideri for an intimate setting at the bottom of an ancient cistern. Italy has so much history outside of Rome and spending a half-day at Civita di Bagnoregio is a fully immersive experience into Italy’s past.
Orvieto
By Katy at Untold Italy
Transport yourself to another world when you visit Orvieto from Rome. This beautiful hilltop town is the perfect day trip from Rome to get a taste of the Umbria region and discover a slower pace of life. Orvieto is famous throughout Italy for its stunning cathedral that dominates the highest ground of the town. Dating back to the 14th century, it is full to the brim with precious art.
You can go further back in time when you explore the complex set of cave systems carved by Etruscans out of the local tufa stone on which the city is built. And don’t miss St Patrick’s well, an impressive double helix staircase built to ensure water supply for a pope in hiding. Orvieto is also a great place to eat. Make sure to try the local truffle dishes for which the city is famous. Of course you should enjoy them with the local Orvieto Classico wine!
You can easily spend a full day trip from Rome to Orvieto. Once you’ve explored the cathedral, wandered through the streets and discovered the city’s Etruscan past and enjoyed a delicious lunch, make sure to stroll along the city walls. From here you’ll see stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It’s beautiful any time of year but in spring the fields below are adorned with wildflowers and in autumn they are busy with the harvest.
Orvieto is just over a one-hour train ride from Roma Termini if you take a fast, intercity train or a little longer if you use the regional services so it’s easy to add when planning your trip to Italy. When you arrive at the station, cross the road and take the funicular to the old town and enjoy your day in beautiful Umbria.
Viterbo
By Wendy at The Nomadic Vegan
Viterbo is an easy yet fascinating day trip from Rome, particularly for those interested in history and the Catholic Church. If you’ve visited the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, you may already know about the conclave held there each time a new Pope must be chosen. But did you know that the very first conclave was held in Viterbo’s Palazzo dei Papi (Palace of the Popes) in the 13th century? The word “conclave” comes from the Latin phrase “with key”. Essentially, the indecisive bishops were locked inside the palace and forced to stay there until they came to an agreement. You see, their meeting had already gone on for three years, and the townspeople of Viterbo were sick of paying taxes to keep them lodged and fed.
Locking the bishops inside still didn’t work, so the folks of Viterbo had to resort to more drastic measures. They reduced the bishops’ rations to bread and water and even removed the roof from the building. When you visit the palace today, you can see marks on the stone floor where the bishops set up tents as shelter.
For nine euros, you can buy a combined ticket that includes entry to the Palace of the Popes, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, the sacristy and the attached museum. This includes an informative and entertaining audio guide as well. Other sights in Viterbo include the Museum of the Knights Templar and “Viterbo Sotteranea” — a series of underground tunnels. Plan to spend a full day in Viterbo to see everything. For lunch, stop in at Buongusto Piadine Artgianali e Stuzzicheria, which serves traditional piadine wraps. Some are made with lard, but they also have vegetarian and vegan piadine, though nothing that compares to the great vegan options in Rome. Regional trains travel between Roma Ostiense and Viterbo Porta Romana stations roughly hourly and take about one hour and forty-five minutes.
Herculaneum
By Megan Starr
One of the best day trips from Rome is Herculaneum, an ancient town that was swallowed by lava and ash from the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79AD.
Many people think of Pompeii when it comes to preserved towns from the Vesuvius eruption, but Herculaneum is actually far less crowded and is also better preserved, making it a great Rome day trip if you’re a history buff.
Herculaneum can be reached by taking a tour from Rome or by train. From Rome, you will need to get the train to Naples and it will be easy to get to Herculaneum from Naples once at the main station. You will need to go to the Circumvesuviana train from Platform 3 in the direction of Sorrento. The stop you need to disembark at is called ‘Ercolano’ which is the modern-day name of Herculaneum. At the train station, you will need to follow the signs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is not too far of a walk (just head toward the sea). On this same route is Pompeii, which is a sight you will likely be visiting on the same day trip from Rome if you make the effort to head down there.
Visiting Herculaneum is a fantastic day trip as it will dive into an era of history that is so intangible but all the more fascinating because of it. There are Roman mosaics that are well-preserved after being buried in ash. You can also see skeletons frozen in time.
Herculaneum was a rather affluent place with a captivating history that many of the residents were former slaves. This discovery at Herculaneum gave so much insight into Roman history and lives and archaeologists are uncovering more and more history every year. It’s truly one of the most fascinating attractions outside Rome.
It is best to purchase your Herculaneum ticket alongside one for Pompeii if you plan to visit both. It will allow you to see both sights on one ticket and it will save you money. Herculaneum is one of the most interesting sights in Italy and is the perfect day trip from Rome.
Day Trips from Rome over 2 hours away
Pompeii
By Mark at Wyld Family Travel
Out of all the day trips from Rome, Pompeii would have to be one of the most popular. Some 3 million tourists annually visit Pompeii with many making a day trip from Rome.
Pompeii is world-famous as a snapshot in history. The town was engulfed with lava from the nearby Mount Vesuvius and has since been excavated over the centuries. While there, you’ll have a chance to see casts of the residents of Pompeii along with their pets. They were frozen in time by the rolling lava.
Pompeii is also home to the House of the Faun and the Villa of Mysteries, home to some of the most amazing ancient paintings. Make sure to find the amphitheater of Pompeii as it’s huge and remember to look up to see Mt. Vesuvius, the volcano which is still active today.
The easiest way to get to Pompeii is via train from Rome. Any train trip to Pompeii is made up in 2 parts: Rome to Naples and then Naples to Pompeii. The Naples to Pompeii train can be packed and you may have to stand. The average journey by train between Rome and Pompeii, with a brief stop in Naples, is 2 hours and 15 minutes. There are around 26 trains per day. We recommend spending around 3-4 hours at Pompeii in order to see the best parts of the Pompeii site.
Before you head back to Rome we recommend you have some pizza in Napoli as it is said to be its birthplace!
Pontedera
By Paulina at Paulina on the Road
Suppose you happen to be by Rome, intending a visit to Pontedera from Rome is-a-must. It’s indeed one of the best day trips from Rome that you can barely imagine, as mentioned in a few outdoor adventure books, like Rome and Tuscany by Edward Alan Kurtz.
For a day trip from Rome to Pontedera, you can either opt for a train, bus, or car. The fastest way to reach Pontedera-Casciana Terme from Rome would be by train, covering around 248 km in 2h 25m. There are about 30 trains per day, pricing from €13.50 – €113. Alternatively, you can rent a private car for covering around 331.5 km road distance. Otherwise, if you prefer to spend more time in Pontedera, you can travel by bus. It’s the cheapest way but requires almost 7 hours.
Situated between Pisa and Florence in Tuscany, central Italy, Pontedera is just off the highway but in a peaceful location. It’s a small-harmonious, industrial town in the Terre di Pisa where the Era and Arno rivers meet. You can choose to spend a half-day or a full day in Pontedera, depending on what you want to do. You can explore the traces of ancient-settlements or visit the Piaggio museum, PALP Palazzo Pretorio, Ponte Napoleonico, Teatro Era, Tarpons Wake Park ASD, and more. You can also experience outdoor activities such as taking a bike ride or horse-riding. Further, make sure to appreciate the delicious traditional-cuisines and wine, along with enjoying local coffee and pastries. Lastly, end the day by enjoying boat rides or relaxing nearby the charming lakes. So, you must plan your visit to Pontedera someday, as the town offers exquisite landscapes from every corner, besides a soothing climate.
Bologna
By Noel at Travel Photo Discovery
An easy day trip from Rome is the culinary capital of Bologna located in the Emilia Romagna region – less than a two-hour fast speed train ride from Rome. Once in the Bologna train station, it is very easy to walk around the city and into the historic center of the ancient medieval capital. Walking towards the historic district, you’ll be traveling under the famous porticoes of the city with elaborate covered portals that lead you directly to the heart of the city. The information center is in the center of town where you can drop by to check out all the highlights or even take a guided tour.
One of the most famous places to visit in the city is the food district market called the Quadilatero which is bustling, vibrant and a real slice of daily life. As you visit Bologna’s famous markets and specialty vendors, you’ll enjoy shopping, dining and visiting with local vendors and growers from the area. You’ll also have an opportunity to enjoy all the wonderful regional food specialties of the area. Consider signing up for a tour to give you some fantastic tastes of the city.
Sorrento
By Hadas at Luxury Voyager
Sorrento is a great place to visit from Rome. Overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is famous for its breathtaking views which has made it a popular destination for tourists. Sorrento, located on the Amalfi coast, has earned attractive names such as “land of mermaids” and “land of orange and lemon groves”. It is the perfect Italian destination especially for luxury lovers due to its selection of high-end hotels and gourmet restaurants.
Traveling to Sorrento from Rome is easiest and fastest by train. The trip takes around 2 hours and be aware, you might have to change trains in Naples. Otherwise, you can also take a taxi or rent your own car.
Apart from sweeping views of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento also has great hiking trails across the peninsula. Other activities include sampling limoncello liqueur, watching a musical at Teatro Tasso or even taking a private boat to Capri (but for this you’d need to stay overnight). The city center includes narrow alleys and Piazza Tasso which is Sorrento’s famous square. It features a variety of restaurants.
Indeed, visiting Sorrento as a trip from Rome is highly recommended especially if you love the Italian coast. Amalfi’s stunning views are well worth a visit whether you are traveling as a family, a couple or even with friends.
Positano and Amalfi Coast
By Lori at Travlin Mad
When staying in Rome, Positano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast should be at the top of your list for a fun day trip from Rome. Despite its reputation for being luxurious, it’s actually quite laid back and the scenic location on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast make it a photographer’s dream. It may look daunting at first, but most of the town is walkable and accessible via the narrow cobblestone streets that wind through the steep mountainside.
To take a day trip from Rome there are options. There is no train service directly from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, but you can take a bus or a train to nearby Sorrento and hire private transport from there. It’s an easy 20-minute drive from Sorrento. Driving the tight winding roads up and over the mountain is not for the faint of heart and parking is a hassle, so a private shuttle is best. It’s slightly more expensive, but it’s the fastest and most comfortable way to visit Postiano and Amalfi Coast. You can always make new friends and split the cost with other day trippers.
Once there, it’s time to relax and there are so many things to do in Positano. Start by taking a walk on the beach. Italians take a beach holiday very seriously so there are amenities galore on the somewhat rocky beaches. Make sure to have a lunch of fresh seafood at Chez Black right on the beach. The atmosphere is festive, and they arguably have the best pizza in town.
Positano is also a shopper’s paradise. Wander the streets and you’ll find everything from artwork, ceramics, jewelry, liqueurs, to gifts and home decor items. There are even shops that will custom make leather sandals while you wait.
Be sure and try locally produced limoncello, a traditional digestivo served after a meal in a chilled ceramic Capodimonte cup. Sorrento lemons are huge, aromatic, and bursting with flavor making limoncello very popular here in southern Italy. Buy a bottle or two to take home!
Spending a half day is not worth the amount of time it takes to get from Rome and return. Absolutely, spend a whole day and wait until after dinner to return to Rome.
Final thoughts on the Best Day Trip from Rome
I love all of these day trips from Rome but I think the top of my list, having already visited Pompeii, are Tivoli, Herculaneum, Viterbo and the Amalfi Coast. Which are your favourite day trips from Rome? Tell me in the comments. I’d love to know!
15 Comments
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Stuart Fahy · September 12, 2020 at 7:05 am
So many great places here, it’s difficult to choose! I’ve been several times to Rome but never really left the city. Next time I visit I’ll be sure to add some of these recommendations. I’d love to explore more of the surrounding area.
Nicole · September 11, 2020 at 2:27 pm
Wow I’ve never heard of this place before. It looks really beautiful
Ketki · September 11, 2020 at 5:50 am
Wow, I did not know there were so many amazing day trip options from Rome. I would love to check out Lake Bracciano because of its unending blue waters which are soothing and perfect after an hour’s drive from the city! Great compilation.
Mei from Travel with Mei and Kerstin · September 10, 2020 at 4:09 pm
We spent a week in Rome a few years ago and wanted to go to Tivoli and Ostia Antica but didn’t have enough time. I’ve also visited Herculaneum and Pompeii but not as day trips from Rome but from Naples. Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast are so beautiful, unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to explore in depth when I was there because it was during an archaeological fieldwork. I wanted to go back with Kerstin this year, but then came corona… hopefully next year then!
Jordan · September 8, 2020 at 9:34 pm
I have been wanting to road trip around Italy for SO long so this list is the perfect inspiration! Will be saving this for a future trip. All your pictures are beautiful!
Amy Butterfield · September 8, 2020 at 4:10 pm
We also love Rome! It is so easy to have as a main base and day trip from. First time we branched out, and our second trip when we had more time we were able to then know where to spend additional days exploring. Florence and Positano were our other favorites from this list.
Alison · September 8, 2020 at 2:34 pm
What a fabulous compilation. Now I’d like to go back to Italy and explore more! Having been to several of the places listed, my top picks would for sure be Herculaneum and Pompeii. We were set to do a day trip to Pompeii from Positano and the road was closed due to a landslide! But from reading this post I think if I had to choose I’d put Herculaneum at the top of the list. Tivoli also interests me, as does Civita di Bagnoregio.
Cate · September 8, 2020 at 11:26 am
I love how you organized this by distance from Rome! I hope to take my Mum there when we can travel again and I really really want to visit Orvieto! So many cool trips here – gosh we will have to spend 3 whole weeks!
Nancy Hann · September 7, 2020 at 3:14 pm
Oh, so many places so little time! What a great list you have here. I can’t wait until I can get to Italy one of these days.
Emma Riggs · September 7, 2020 at 6:49 am
Far out, there is just so much to pack in for a day trip or two from Rome. I’m particularly enamoured with the ‘dying city’ of Civita di Bagnoregio. The views look spectacular! To spend half a day wandering around and exploring all of the nooks and crannies would be such an adventure. I’d also definitely have to have Orvieto, the other hilltop town on my list.