Day trips from Rome
Day Trips from Rome: Explore Beyond the Eternal City
Rome is breathtaking, but the regions around the city are full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From ancient towns to scenic coastlines, a day trip outside the city offers a perfect escape from the crowds and a glimpse into Italy’s rich history and natural beauty. Here are a few top picks for day trips from Rome
Tivoli
A perfect day trip from Rome: take the train to Tivoli, a hilltop town steeped in history and charm. Explore the vast ruins of Hadrian’s Villa, then wander the elegant fountains and gardens of the Villa d’Este. For lunch, head into town—try to book a table at the historic Ristorante Sibilla (reservations well in advance are a must). If it’s full, don’t worry—Tivoli is full of cozy local trattorias serving up delicious Roman dishes.
Best Tours in Tivoli
From Rome: Tivoli Day Trip with Villa d'Este and Villa Adriana by bus
From Rome: Tivoli and Villa d'Este Private Tour
From Tivoli: Entrance Ticket to Villa Adriana
From Tivoli: Skip-the-Line Villa d'Este Ticket
From Tivoli: Villa Gregoriana Entrance Ticket
Ostia Antica
For an easy escape from the bustle of Rome, take the Roma–Lido train from Piramide Station (connected to Metro Line B). In about 30 minutes, you’ll arrive at Ostia Antica, once the bustling port of ancient Rome.
From the station, it’s a short walk to the site—an atmospheric maze of mosaics, temples, taverns, bathhouses, and an ancient theater that still hosts performances. Unlike Pompeii, Ostia Antica is rarely crowded, so you can wander freely and imagine life in a Roman harbor town two millennia ago.
Plan to spend a few hours exploring, then enjoy lunch at a nearby trattoria or head to Ostia Lido for a seaside meal before returning to the city.
Best Tours in Ostia antica
Ostia Antica Archaeological Park Ticket & Audio guide
Castel Gandolfo
Just 40 minutes by train from Rome’s Termini Station, Castel Gandolfo offers a perfect blend of history and serenity, perched above the calm waters of Lake Albano. The highlight is the Papal Palace and its Barberini Gardens, built over the ruins of an ancient Roman villa.
For lunch, book a table at Antico Ristorante Pagnanelli (Via Antonio Gramsci 4), a historic restaurant with spectacular lake views and an impressive wine cellar. Reservations should be made well in advance, as it’s one of the most sought-after dining spots in the Castelli Romani area.
It’s an easy, scenic day trip from Rome—where you can enjoy history, views, enjoy the lovely little hill top town with a taste of Italy at its most relaxed.
Best Tours in Castel Gandolfo
Papal Apartments and Secret Garden Ticket
From Rome: Visit of Pope's summer residence Private trip
Castel Gandolfo: Vatican Observatory experience
From Rome: Trip to Roman Hills & Lunch by Vintage Classic Car
NAPOLI
A day trip from Rome to Naples is a fast-paced plunge into southern Italy’s raw energy and flavor. Just over an hour by high-speed train, Naples offers an unforgettable mix of history, art, and street life. Start your day with an espresso at the elegant Gran Caffè Gambrinus, then explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with narrow alleys, Baroque churches, and vibrant markets. Visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum, home to treasures from Herculaneum and Pompeii, and take a walk down Spaccanapoli, the street that slices through the old heart of the city. For lunch, there’s no debate—try the original Neapolitan pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele or Sorbillo. End your day with a stroll along the seafront promenade toward Castel dell’Ovo for sweeping views of the Bay of Naples before catching your train back to Rome.
Best Tours in napoli
Naples Underground Entry Ticket and Guided Tour
National Archaeological Museum of Naples Guided Tour
Veiled Christ Guided Tour and Ticket
Naples History & Culture: Private Walking Tour
pompeii
A day trip from Rome to Pompeii offers an incredible journey back in time. Take the high-speed train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale (just over an hour), then transfer downstairs to the Circumvesuviana line toward Sorrento—a local train that stops at both Pompeii Scavi–Villa dei Misteri and Ercolano Scavi. From there, you can explore the hauntingly preserved streets of Pompeii, with its temples, baths, and frescoed villas frozen in time by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Don’t miss the Forum, the Villa of the Mysteries, and the beautifully restored House of the Faun. If you have extra time, head to nearby Herculaneum, a smaller but remarkably well-preserved site that offers a more intimate look at ancient Roman life. For an unforgettable finale, take a taxi or guided tour up Mount Vesuvius itself, where panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and the ancient ruins below await before your return to Rome.
Complete Pompeii Experience: Skip the Line Tour & Archaeologist Guide
From Rome: Early Entry Pompeii & Amalfi Coast Tour
Pompeii and Vesuvius Guided Day Trip with Lunch
Herculaneum Entry Ticket with Optional Audio Guide
Herculaneum: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with Archaeologist
FIRENZE
FIRENZE
Thanks to Italy’s high-speed trains, Florence is just 1.5 hours from Rome—perfect for a day trip. Take a Frecciarossa or Italo train from Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella and explore the heart of the Renaissance on foot.
Start at the Duomo and climb Brunelleschi’s dome for city views, then stroll to Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio. Art lovers can visit the Uffizi Gallery or see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia. Enjoy a leisurely Tuscan lunch before returning to Rome in the evening—an unforgettable taste of Florence in a single day.
Hotels near transportation
Monti is a fantastic base for exploring Rome, with excellent transportation links that make day trips easy and convenient.