Rome is the kind of city that could keep you busy for a lifetime, and there is a famous saying that a lifetime is not even enough to see it all. Yet one of the greatest pleasures of staying in the Eternal City is realising that some of Italy’s most enchanting destinations are just a short train ride away. The high-speed and regional rail networks fanning out from Roma Termini make it almost absurdly easy to be in a completely different world within an hour or two, which is precisely the kind of effortless adventure that makes a holiday memorable.
The beauty of these escapes is the sheer variety on offer. On any given day, you can choose to step back into the Roman Empire at an ancient port city, find yourself marvelling at Renaissance gardens, or suddenly be walking through the ruins of a city frozen in time by a volcanic eruption. My wife and I often found that these day trips provided the perfect counterbalance to the intensity of Rome, offering a change of pace and a fresh perspective on the incredible diversity of Italian culture.
A little planning goes a long way with these excursions. While you do not need to book every train ticket weeks in advance, it is wise to check the schedules and, crucially, to book entry tickets for major attractions like the villas in Tivoli or the archaeological sites of Pompeii ahead of time. For the guided tours, booking in advance is essential, as they are incredibly popular and sell out quickly during peak seasons.
Here, then, is my curated list of the very best day trips from Rome, each one a gem that offers a distinct flavour of Italy beyond the capital.
Before reading further, please take the time to ensure you have packed everything you need for your trip to Italy. See the checklist here.
1. Tivoli
Tivoli is the quintessential Roman escape and one of the closest day trips you can make, yet it feels worlds apart from the city’s hustle. This ancient hilltop town is a treasure trove of history and beauty, most famous for its magnificent Villa d’Este and the sprawling ruins of Hadrian’s Villa. The journey is incredibly simple, taking less than an hour by train from Roma Termini, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed and culturally rich day out.
Villa d’Este is a spectacle of Renaissance extravagance, celebrated for its breathtaking gardens and elaborate network of over five hundred fountains that cascade, gush, and trickle through the terraced landscape. In contrast, Hadrian’s Villa offers a more contemplative experience, inviting you to wander through the vast archaeological complex that was once Emperor Hadrian’s imperial retreat. The town itself is also charming, offering the chance to sample local dishes like abbacchio, a traditional lamb dish, and the unique pizzutello grapes.
2. Orvieto
Perched dramatically on a volcanic rock, Orvieto is a hilltop jewel that offers a wonderful change of scenery from the Roman bustle, despite being in the neighbouring region of Umbria. Reaching it is a pleasure in itself, involving a scenic train journey through the rolling countryside that gives you a taste of central Italy’s pastoral beauty. The cathedral here is one of Italy’s great Gothic masterpieces, with a facade so intricately decorated it looks more like a piece of jewellery than a place of worship.
Beneath the town lies an underground city of caves and tunnels that were carved out of the soft tufa rock over thousands of years, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who sought refuge here. The town is also known for its white wine, and a leisurely lunch with a glass of Orvieto Classico while overlooking the surrounding valley is one of life’s simple pleasures. The funicular railway from the station up to the old town adds a touch of theatricality to the arrival, setting the tone for a thoroughly delightful day.
3. Ostia Antica
If you are looking for an ancient Roman experience but want to avoid the crowds and the heat of the city, Ostia Antica is the perfect alternative to a trip to Pompeii. This remarkably well-preserved archaeological site was once the bustling port city of Rome, and walking through its streets today offers an unparalleled sense of what daily life was like in the Empire. The journey is straightforward, with a direct train from Rome taking about half an hour to reach the site.
Unlike Pompeii, which was destroyed in a single catastrophic event, Ostia Antica was gradually abandoned, which means its buildings are wonderfully intact, with stunning mosaics, frescoes, and public buildings like the impressive theatre still standing. The site is vast, so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, and you could easily spend a whole day getting lost in its fascinating ruins. It is a place where you can hear the echoes of ancient voices, where the thermal baths, the granaries, and the apartment blocks still tell the story of a city that once throbbed with life.
4. Castelli Romani
The Castelli Romani is a collection of charming hill towns and lakeside villages that are nestled in the volcanic hills just south of Rome, offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s intensity. These are the towns where Romans go to escape the summer heat, and they are a wonderful place to experience a more authentic, laid-back side of life. The train from Roma Termini can get you to towns like Frascati or Marino in about half an hour, making them incredibly accessible.
Frascati is famous for its white wine, and a visit here should involve a stop at a local winery for a tasting, perhaps followed by a traditional lunch at a trattoria overlooking the vineyards. The town of Castel Gandolfo, perched on a hill above Lake Albano, is the site of the Pope’s summer residence, and the views across the lake are truly stunning. These towns are perfect for a slow, wandering day, filled with good food, beautiful scenery, and the quiet rhythm of local life.
5. Assisi
Assisi is one of Italy’s most spiritual and beautiful towns, famously the birthplace of St. Francis, and it is a wonderful day trip from Rome, accessible via a train journey that takes about two hours. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its pink-hued stone buildings climbing the hillside and offering incredible views over the Umbrian valley. The Basilica di San Francesco is the main attraction, a magnificent two-level church adorned with stunning frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue.
Beyond the basilica, the town is a delight to explore, with medieval streets, charming piazzas, and a peaceful atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and appreciate the moment. The Rocca Maggiore, the fortress that looms over the town, offers the best views of the surrounding countryside. This is a place to wander, reflect, and enjoy a simple meal of local Umbrian specialties like truffles and cured meats.
6. Bracciano
Bracciano is a hidden gem that is easily overlooked by visitors to Rome, but it offers a wonderfully picturesque day trip centred around its magnificent castle. The Odescalchi Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Italy, dominating the town with its imposing towers and sturdy walls. It is a breathtaking sight, and exploring its halls and courtyards gives you a real sense of life in the Middle Ages.
The journey from Rome to Bracciano takes about an hour by train, and the moment you step off the train and see the castle looming above you, you will know you have made the right choice. The town itself is quiet and unassuming, a perfect place for a leisurely lunch and a wander through its narrow streets. If you have time, take a walk to the edge of Lake Bracciano, a beautiful volcanic lake that adds a serene dimension to this delightful day out.
7. Civita di Bagnoregio
Civita di Bagnoregio is a place that defies belief, a tiny hilltop town that sits on a plateau of crumbling tufa rock, connected to the modern world only by a narrow pedestrian bridge. It is known as the “dying city” because the erosion of the rock beneath it is slowly claiming the land, but its precarious position is precisely what makes it so breathtakingly beautiful. Reaching it requires a train to Orvieto and then a bus, but the journey is well worth the effort.
Walking across the bridge to the town is a surreal experience, as if you are entering a place that exists outside of time. The town itself is tiny, with a handful of residents, a beautiful Romanesque church, and a couple of delightful cafes where you can sit and contemplate the extraordinary view. This is a destination for those who want to see something truly unique, a place that feels like it belongs in a dream rather than on any ordinary map of Italy.
If you want to hit two birds with a single stone, you can do a guided trip that combines this town and Orvieto. Check it out here.
8. Pompeii and Positano
Although you can do Pompeii separately, this is, however, a guided day trip.
The journey begins early in the morning with a comfortable coach ride south through the fertile plains of Campania, past the imposing silhouette of Mount Vesuvius, setting the scene for the extraordinary day ahead. Arriving at Pompeii, you will step into a city frozen in time, and your guide will lead you through its remarkable ruins, bringing the ancient streets, villas, and temples to life with stories of the fateful eruption in 79 AD.
The scale of Pompeii is immense, and a guided visit is invaluable for navigating its vast expanse and understanding the significance of what you are seeing. You will walk along ancient cobblestone streets, step into homes with their original frescoes and mosaics, and see the haunting plaster casts of the victims who were caught in the disaster. The forum, the amphitheatre, and the thermal baths are just a few of the highlights that make this a genuinely unforgettable experience, a profound connection to a moment in history that still resonates today.
After the guided tour of Pompeii, the coach continues along the stunning Amalfi Coast road to Positano, a town that seems to tumble down the cliffside in a cascade of pastel-coloured houses. Here, you will have free time to explore the narrow streets, browse the chic boutiques, and soak in the incredible views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The beach, the beautiful church of Santa Maria Assunta, and the charming cafes all invite you to experience the dolce vita that has made this part of Italy world-famous.
The contrast between the solemn ruins of Pompeii and the vibrant, sun-drenched beauty of Positano makes this tour particularly special, a day that captures the incredible diversity of Italian culture. The return journey to Rome is a time for reflection, your head full of images of ancient streets and dramatic cliffs, of history and beauty intertwined. This is a long day, but it is utterly magical, the kind of experience that stays with you long after you have returned home.
Check out the trip details here
9. Amalfi and Positano
This is another guided trip
The journey by comfortable coach takes you south through the beautiful Campanian countryside, past the iconic profile of Mount Vesuvius, and into the dramatic coastal landscape that has captivated travellers for centuries. As you wind along the famous coastal road, the views become increasingly spectacular, with the deep blue sea stretching out below and the pastel-coloured villages clinging to the cliffs above.
Your first stop is Amalfi, the ancient maritime republic that gives the coast its name, where the magnificent Cathedral of Sant’Andrea dominates the main square with its striking Arab-Norman architecture. Your guide will lead you through the historic centre, sharing stories of Amalfi’s glorious past as a major sea power and pointing out the hidden corners that make this town so enchanting. After the guided portion, you will have free time to explore the charming streets, visit the fascinating Paper Museum, or simply sit at a cafe and watch the world go by.
From Amalfi, the tour continues along the coast to Positano, the jewel of the Amalfi Coast, where the town cascades down the cliffside in a beautiful jumble of pastel-coloured houses, winding streets, and flower-filled balconies. Here, you will have ample free time to wander through the narrow lanes, browse the stylish boutiques, and perhaps take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The view from the town’s main beach, looking up at the colourful houses climbing the mountain, is one of the most iconic images in all of Italy.
The combination of the historic charm of Amalfi and the breathtaking beauty of Positano makes this tour a truly unforgettable experience. The return journey to Rome is a chance to relax and reflect, your heart full of the beauty you have witnessed and your camera full of images that will transport you back to this magical place for years to come. A day on the Amalfi Coast is a gift, and this guided tour ensures you experience it in the most enjoyable and stress-free way possible.
Have you done any of these day trips or planning to do one soon? I would love to hear more about it in the comments.
NOTE BEFORE YOU GO: Italy rewards travelers who go prepared. And it is easy to ruin your trip. I have a checklist for you of things you should never go to Italy without. CHECK IT OUT HERE. I have also curated a list of some of the best hotels in Italy. I would highly recommend checking them out before booking. THESE ARE THE BEST HOTELS IN ITALY. And for unique experiences, attractions, and tours, don’t book before CHECKING THIS OUT. Thank me later!