Day trips from Rome: explore beyond the city

Rome offers an array of ancient history, world-renowned architecture and delectable cuisine, yet the appeal of Italy’s capital doesn’t mean your adventure should stop there. We’ve chosen eight of the best day trips from Rome, so you can make your Italian getaway unforgettable. Picked based on their charm and how accessible they are via public transport or car, you’re sure to find your next adventure.

For historical immersion, Ostia Antica is the perfect place for your Italian trip. Once a port city, Ostia Antica now offers a slice of Roman history. Expect frescoes, theatres and classic architecture. 

Great for lovers of the outdoors, the city is home to the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica. Boasting a whopping 150 hectares of land, this is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Here, you’ll find archaeological sites, museums and thousands of trees. The site also has many flat walking paths, making it extremely accessible. Plus, there are plenty of spots for photos to capture a memory or two from this day trip.

Getting there:

• Approximately one hour by train
• Around 25 kilometres by car

Castelli Romani is a small town in the Alban Hills, located within the province of Rome. Just a short trip from the capital, it still offers a distinct character despite being so close in proximity.

If you’re looking to reconnect with nature on your getaway, Castelli Romani Regional Park offers around 15,000 hectares of land filled with woods, volcanic lakes, hiking trails and vineyards. The area’s past volcanic activity has made the soil particularly fertile, meaning there’s no shortage of freshly grown produce. So, make sure to stop for some wine tasting or a few meals on this day trip.

Castelli Romani Regional Park is also home to various villages and towns within its boundaries, including spots like Ariccia, which boasts Baroque architecture, Castel Gandolfo, where the pope used to reside and Frascati, a popular tourist destination.

Getting there:

• Approximately one and a half hours by train
• Around 35 kilometres by car

For one of the closest day trips from Rome by train, Tivoli is your spot. Most famed for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa (Villa Adriana) – this is a place of cultural immersion. Experience Villa d'Este’s renowned water gardens and Hadrian's Villa’s acres of land and unforgettable architecture, which includes an eclectic mix of palaces, libraries and swimming pools. 

In fact, Tivoli’s allure is so appealing that it’s inspired other cities worldwide to create their own  landscapes, such as Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens. Aside from its global appeal, Tivoli’s cuisine makes it a standout destination. Dive into classic dishes from the area, including abbacchio (lamb), pizzutello (a type of grape distinct to the area) and pagnotta (a soft Italian loaf that feels reminiscent of ciabatta).

Getting there:

• Approximately 40 minutes by train
• Around 36 kilometres by car

Originally inhabited by creatives in the 60s, Calcata is now only home to around 900 people and its small town vibe makes it feel distinctly unique. There’s very limited service in some spots of town, so it really is the place to unplug. Wander down the car-free streets and discover the artistic happenings of the area. From workshops sprawled across the winding streets to handmade souvenir shops, you’ll easily feel the creativity of Calcata.

The Museo della Civiltà Contadina also offers insight into local life, showing a collection of tools that were used by locals who used to tend to the land. Originally a church, the building was converted into a museum in the late 70s and has remained in the same location ever since.

Getting there:

• Approximately two hours by public transport – note, no direct trains are available
• Around 50 kilometres by car

If you’re looking to escape the bustle of Rome for the day, Orvieto is a peaceful counterpart. From sweeping hills to medieval landscapes, this area is just the place if you're in search of a picturesque landscape. 

One of the most fascinating parts of the area is The Underground Orvieto – a network of underground tunnels discovered 2,500 years ago by Orvieto’s residents. Used historically for various reasons, the tunnels still remain open for exploration. There are many tours that explore the underground network too, including the Duomo and Orvieto Underground Caves tour, which also throws in an aperitif for good measure.

Getting there:

• Approximately one and a half hours by train
• Around 125 kilometres by car

For lovers of Italian food, Naples is a must. After all – it’s the birthplace of pizza. This city offers a traditional mix of Italian cuisine, making it one of the best day trips from Rome. From pizza margherita to rum baba (a rum cake), there’s something for every kind of palate. Why not go on a Guided Naples Street Food Tour to experience Naples’ taste profile? Sample frittatine (Neapolitan pasta fritters) followed shortly by sfogliatelle (a sweetly-filled shell-shaped filo pastry) and then finish your day with a glass of limoncello. 

Food aside, in Naples there are plenty of things to get up to. Explore the fascinating Naples National Archaeological Museum, then stop by the Gesù Nuovo Church that’s full to the brim of Baroque furnishings and then end your day at the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish quarter), formed in the 16th century.

Getting there:

• Approximately one hour and 20 minutes by train
• Around 230 kilometres by car

Pompeii, located in the modern town of Pompei, was immortalised by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 C.E.. Buried under ash, the city offers a remarkably well-preserved glimpse into ancient Roman life. There are many tours to choose from here, including the Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Tour, where you’ll be led by an archaeologist who will show you the excavated ruins, alongside Mount Vesuvius’ impressive vistas.

Sure to appeal to history buffs, much of Pompeii’s past is buried under volcanic ash. So, you can still explore the streets, homes, public spaces, bakeries and taverns that have stood the test of time. 

Getting there:

• Approximately two hours by train
• Around 247 kilometres by car

Nestled in the region of Tuscany, Florence is just the place to visit if you’re in search of distinct culture, food and architecture. Plucked straight from a postcard, there’s a certain twinkle to the city that makes it well worth the day trip. 

As the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, the city’s architecture offers a glimpse into Florence’s past. Wander over the Ponte Vecchio (translating to old bridge) to discover the city’s many jewellery shops and watch the water flow underneath you. Then stop by the Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell'Accademia and soak in Michelangelo's David. 

Top tip: looking to stay overnight? Make sure to research where to stay in Florence before your trip, as each nook of the city has a distinct character.

Getting there:

• Approximately one and a half hours by train
• Around 280 kilometres by car

With all these destinations just a stone’s throw from Rome, you can find something refreshingly different right on your holiday’s doorstep. From the artsy Calcata to the rich history of Pompeii, each of these day trips from Rome offers a charm that’s well worth a venture beyond Italy’s capital. What are you waiting for? It’s time to explore.