Are you looking for the best day trips from Rome? Some cool places to visit for a day out of the city? You are in the right place! Beyond Rome lies a wealth of options for day trips and excursions. Some of the most rewarding tourist destinations can be reached within an hour, either by car, bus, or train.
Whether heading north or south from Italy’s capital, there’s plenty to see and do on a day excursion from Rome. From beautiful beaches to stunning monuments, vineyards to picturesque villages, discover 35 amazing places to visit from Rome – an eclectic mix of day tours out of Rome to meet every budget!
1 – Pompeii
Step into a time machine and take a trip back into the past to the ancient city of Pompeii. Explore the majestic homes as well as modest ones that have been perfectly restored and preserved or visit Roman shops that were once frequented by Pompeii’s citizens. In other parts of Pompeii, baths and brothels stand ready for exploration, while the Villa of Mysteries offers a bizarre experience with frescoes that have confused scholars for many years. Join in on the debate and try to interpret the preserved frescoes or walk through the ancient streets of the city to spot graffiti that can still be seen to this day on some of the city’s walls.
See also: The best Pompeii tours from Rome provide an immersive experience, revealing the rich history and culture of this iconic site.
2 – Naples
Naples is the gateway city to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii and in actual fact, you can visit both places in one day. A city full of history and attractions to visit such as Castel Naples and National Archeological Museum. Also famous for being one of the most famous Italian city for pizza so you might be interested to join a food tour around Naples to get to know their cuisine. You won’t be disappointed.
3 – Mount Vesuvius
Depart for an extraordinary tour and head to the peak of Mount Vesuvius, one of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions. Discover the bay of Naples from another perspective with your volcanologist guide.
4 – Caserta Royal Palace
Referred to as an Italian Versailles, this Royal Palace in Caserta is the largest in the world (UNESCO World Heritage). This royal palace has five floors, 1200 rooms, 34 stairs and 1742 windows. All its decoration, tapestry and frescoes are breathtaking. Make sure you book a guided tour if you decide to visit Casera Royal Palace for the day so you get a comprehensive guide of its history. If you are travelling there by train or car, you can book your tickets in advance to avoid the queue.
5 – Venice
Experience one of the most romantic cities in the world. Heavily touristy but with fascinating architecture, canals to wander around on a gondola and stroll around the labyrinth of cobblestone streets, as well as its world-class museums. If you’re in Rome and want to travel to Venice you may want to travel there on a speed train to save up time. From Venice, you can visit some of the islands on a ferry like Burano, Murano, Torcello.
The main attraction in Venice Saint Mark’s Cathedrals Archdiocese of Venice is one of the most famous churches and one of the best-known examples of Italo-Byzantine architecture.
6 – Calcata
Perched atop a rocky mountain, Calcata is one of the most beautiful and unique villages just 30 km from the city of Rome. Calcata makes an ideal excursion from Rome for those who are looking for something different to do whilst in Rome. Its bohemian atmosphere and medieval architecture are definitely enchanting.
7 – Monte Cassino
Famous for its monastery built by Saint Benedict in 529 for himself and the monks from Subiaco. Just a 2-hour drive from Rome, Montecassino Abbey has a lot of history to learn about. From when it was destroyed by the Langoboards and again during the wartime; to understand fully how much its monastery suffered, you can combine your day trip out of Rome with a tour of WWII battlefields in the Montecassino area.
Day Trips from Rome to Amalfi Coast
Fall in love with one of Italy’s most beautiful coasts on a day trip from Rome, where you will explore the enchanting town of Amalfi. Their beautiful narrow streets spill down the hill and their colourful houses are its true essence. You can also reach the beach and relax while enjoying some sun.
Hot tip: read our review of the best Amalfi Coast boat tours.
8 – Positano
You can also find Positano on the famous Amalfi Coast, perched on a hill which spills down to the water. It is a very popular destination so if you’re planning a day trip to Positano, it’s best if you schedule it during the spring season. As it’s in Amalfi Coast, consider taking a day tour out of Rome to Amalfi Coast and explore Positano and its other beautiful quaint towns.
9 – Sorrento
Overlooking the bay of Naples, Sorrento is a favourite holiday destination. There are not shortage of fun things to do in Sorrento. Apart from the beautiful scenery, it also offers museums and characteristic markets. You can experience the heart and soul of Piazza Taso where you will find many restaurants or go to the Marina Grande to eat some seafood. Sorrento has many places to explore and its scenery is beautiful. Due to its proximity to Naples, you may want to take a day trip from Rome to Naples and include Sorrento in your itinerary.
Day trips from Rome to Tuscany
Hot tip: Read more about the best things to do in Tuscany.
Interesting history, beautiful countryside and delicious food, Tuscany has a lot to offer. If you only have one day to visit somewhere outside of Rome, this day trip from Rome to Tuscany can be your best option. You get a guided visit of Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa. Explore the city of Siena and the cathedral, Chianti hills for a Tuscan lunch and wine tasting. Wander around the streets of San Gimignano and admire Pisa’s architecture. This type of day trip lasts for 12 hours approximately.
10 – Florence
Florence is a must-visit so make sure you add it to your itinerary. Florence is home to some of the most important Renaissance heritage highlights in the world such as Uffizi Gallery, the Bargello, Santa Maria Novella or the Santa Croce. Also, the library of San Lorenzo is a must-visit as it shows Michelangelo’s pure architecture. After all the museums and monuments that you will visit, you will be mesmerized.
11 – Siena
The ancient city of Siena boasts of UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is famous for its Palio, a horse race which runs in Piazza del Campo two days a year; its medieval architecture, the Palazzo Civico with its stunning frescoes and Torre del Mangia, a 400-steps tower which has amazing views overlooking the city and its surroundings.
Don’t miss the “Palio di Siena” – a horse race that is held twice each year. It takes place on 2 July and 16 August, in Siena.
12 – Pisa
You’ve probably seen thousands of pictures of The Leaning Tower of Pisa, as it is the icon of the city. But it’s not all just about the Leaning Tower, Pisa also has more than 20 historical sites like churches, museums, art galleries and more to explore. Wander around the old town and understand why Pisa is one of the most important cities in Italy, as it used to compete back in the days with Genoa and Venice as a maritime powerhouse.
13 – San Gimignano
San Gimignano is one of the most picturesque villages in Tuscany. It boasts 14 medieval towers, cobblestone streets to wander around in and admire the old medieval architecture of the buildings. It’s small enough to be visited on a day trip from nearby cities such as Siena, Florence and Rome.
14 – Livorno
On the western coast of Italy in Tuscany, Livorno is well-recognized to be similar to Venice. It’s surrounded by canals and it’s one of the oldest parts of the city. Here you can enjoy some local food, wandering around the city with its majestic squares, numerous bridges and architecture.
15 – Cortona
An old town with Etruscan origin easy to enjoy on foot and its beautiful surroundings. Set on an altitude of 600 metres, it has beautiful views. It offers many good restaurants and bars that serve typical dishes of Tuscany and its delicious wines. Near to the Lake Trasimeno, Montepulciano, Arezzo, Siena, Orvieto, San Gimignano and much more other beautiful villages. If you want to maximize your experience in Tuscany, include Cortona in your itinerary.
16 – Arezzo
Birthplace of the famous Giorgio Vasari and Piero della Francesca, Arezzo is an open museum of their art. Nowadays it is an agriculture trade centre and has machine, clothing, jewellery and gold industries, also a touristic place in Tuscany. The piazza Granda is its main place to visit with many cafes and restaurants, pass by Arezzo’s cathedral, the Medici Fortress which offers a 360-view of Arezzo and the surrounding areas. Don’t miss their traditions where each of Arezzo’s neighbourhood has their own team of knights who joust twice a year in June and September.
17 – Capalbio
A beautiful gorgeous village in Southern Maremma that is an easy day trip from Rome. This charming city is best to visit in the summer season for its sandy beaches, its top places to visit is the Fortress of Aldobrandeschi and the Church of San Nicola. Capalbio is rich in history, natural vistas and long sandy beaches. This can be an ideal day trip from Rome if you want to get away from the hustle.
Day trips from Rome to Umbria region
Explore the Umbria region from Rome and discover everchanging, untouched landscapes in the green of stunning valley.
18 – Assisi
A small Umbrian town in central Italy, Assisi is a short drive away from Rome. It is best known for being the birthplace of Italy’s patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi, who is also one of the most popular Catholic saints in history. The main attraction of the town is the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco, which houses sacred relics of St. Francis along with gorgeous frescoes depicting his life.
19 – Orvieto
Sitting on a grand stone throne a thousand feet above the valley floor, the town of Orvieto in the Umbria region is an absolutely stunning day trip destination. Orvieto is the most striking and memorable of all of Italy’s hill towns and features a 13th-century cathedral and former papal residences as well as an extensive and intricate network of underground tunnels.
The town is separated into two distinct sections: the old-town on the hilltop and the relatively modern part of town below. While there are some points of interest in the new part of town, your time is best spent at the top of the hill where the lively Orvieto cathedral beckons.
Day trips from Rome nearby
20 – Tivoli
Just an hour away from Rome, the historic town of Tivoli is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Hadrian’s Villa and the Villa d’Este. They are composed of a large number of structures, lakes, libraries, temples and gardens. Not be missed are the Fountain of the Dragons, the Hundred Fountains and the Water Organ Fountain in the Villa d’Este.
21 – Ancient Ostia
This ancient city was the main port of Rome and of major commercial importance. Nearly all of the city of Antica is an incredible excavation site which dates back to the 7th century although there are some sites that are still uncovered and date back to the 3rd century.
It’s must-visit attractions are Baths of Neptune, the theatre, Capitolium and Forum, Decumanus Maximus and much more… Make sure you visit Ostia Antica with a tour guide in order to get a comprehensive explanation of its rich history.
22 – Castelli Romani
Castelli Romani is home to several beautiful towns. Great villas and palaces can be found all over the villages, as the area was once a favourite retreat for wealthy Roman residents in the past.
For those who are keen on tasting some of the region’s white wine, make sure to visit the town of Frascati. Meanwhile, the town of Castel Gandolfo is home to the Papal Palace and its magnificent garden. Other towns to visit include Velletri, home to an archaeological museum dating back to the Iron Age, Arricia, which is famous for its roast pork, and Albano Laziale, a town with a lengthy history.
Castel Gandolfo
Easily accessible side trip from Rome due to its proximity (40 minutes approximately). You can learn from history, art and culture in Castel Gandolfo by visiting the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo. Go up to the castle to enjoy the views over the Lake Albano. Castel Gandolfo has a lot to enjoy from so if you’re looking to visit more than just the typical attractions in Rome.
23 – Matera
It boasts very well preserved rock-cut settlements that are considered World Heritage. It is recognized for its caved houses on limestone rocks. If you’re looking for something different and unique, Matera will fulfil your expectations.
It is a city full of hidden treasures, museums, festivals, concerts and much more.
24 – Giardino di Ninfa
A great example of Italian medieval architecture, the Giardino di Ninfa is a park situated in Cisterna di Latina of central Italy. There are tour guides in this garden between the months of April and October only.
The availability to visit the garden is due to preserving the garden, the remains of a medieval castle, churches, clock towers, palazzos and plenty more to see.
25 – Cerveteri
Famous for its well-preserved Etruscan Necropolis, just a 50 minutes drive from Rome. Its main attraction is the Necropolis of the Etruscans but not only this, it also has many historical sites and cultural attractions: the Ruspoli Castle, Cerite National Museum where you can see artefacts from the necropolis, Piazza San Pietro and many other attractions.
Day Trips from Rome to Apulia region
26 – Apulia
Apulia is a region in Southern Italy towards the eastern coast which offers a lot of things to see. It has many UNESCO World Heritage such as Trulli in Alberobello, the castle of Frederick II in Castel del Monte, Longoboard sanctuary in Monte Sant’Angelo. It also has beautiful traditional houses full of history in Ostuni, baroque buildings and Romanesque-gothic churches all over this region.
The region of Apulia, in general, has a vibrant vibe so if you’re looking for relaxing on a beach, culture, art and tradition, you should come here. There are plenty of day trips from Rome to Apulia region where you can have a thorough tour of almost everything there is to see in Apulia.
Day Trips from Rome to the seaside, lakes and islands
27 – Capri
Escape to an island in the Tyrrhenian Sea for a day trip from Rome. Tours usually take you to Naples and from there they take you to Capri on a boat. In Capri you shouldn’t miss out on Blue Grotto, a small beautiful cave and Anacapri where you can get on a cableway. It’ll take you up to the top of Monte Solaro and have breathtaking views of the gulf of Naples and Salerno.
See also: Best boat tours in Capri
28 – Ponza island
Ponza island is just off the coast of Italy south of Rome and north of Naples. Ponza has plenty of Etruscan, Roman and other remains. Most famous site in Ponza is probably the Roman Gallery which is a Roman tunnel that connects the town of Ponza to the beach of Chiaia di Luna. You can enjoy snorkelling and swimming in the clear blue sea and other many water activities.
29 – Santa Marinella
If you’re visiting Rome in the summer and want to explore more than just city, Santa Marinella is a great place for a day trip to cool off, eat some fresh seafood and relax on the beach. Santa Marinella is a perfect seaside day trip from Rome, just 50 minutes away.
30 – Lake Trasimeno
One of the best things to do in Lake Trasimeno is a tour of the islands by ferry: Island Polvese and Island Maggiore. Not only this, but you can also go round the Lake Trasimeno by bike to explore the Lake quicker and enjoy the views. There are castles to visit, palaces and much more to explore perfect for relaxation and wander around. Since there are plenty of things to do, consider looking for day trips from Rome to Lake Trasimeno. You won’t regret it!
31 – Lake Martignano
Lake Martignano, a very calm lake to enjoy the peace and tranquillity. It is a perfect day trip from Rome to get away from the hustle. Not only you can spend the day, but you can also stay overnight at a campsite. You can visit the Agriturismo il Castoro where you can enjoy grass beach and hammocks to make your stay more comfortable, as well as a restaurant in the area to enjoy grilled meat.
32 – Lake Bracciano
Located in Bracciano, the Lake Bracciano is a volcanic lake which is characteristic for its clear waters. Many water activities can be enjoyed here like sailing, canoeing, scuba-diving. Lake Bracciano belongs to the Bracciano-Martignano Natural Park so it is well-preserved. You can visit Lake Bracciano on a day trip from Rome and visit the town of Bracciano whilst you’re there. The town of Bracciano has a medieval castle worth visiting.
33 – Lake Vico
An unspoiled area in Lazio with fresh, clear and calm waters. The perfect place to enjoy some paddle boarding, kayaking around the lake and canoeing for adventurous travellers. In addition to a good variety of water activities, Lago di Vico has a lot of nature to explore and bird species to watch. It has plenty of treks to walk in and picnic tables to stop at and eat whilst being in total nature. You can find Lago di Vico just an hour and 20 minutes from Rome.
34 – Anzio
About 1 hour away from Rome, Anzio is a fishing port famous for its delicious fish plates and for being a significant site during World War II. It also has a harbour for ferries and hydroplanes to the islands of Ponza, Palmarola and Ventotene. You can combine a day trip from Rome to Anzio and Ponza islands if you’re feeling adventurous.
35 – Sperlonga
Its main attraction is the beach, Sperlonga is a famous summer destination for families. Famous for its grotto (cave) which has sculptures representing scenes of Odysseus. Not much more to see, Sperlonga is a destination to relax in, on its beaches, walk its promenade, go up its watchtower and visit its archaeological museum.
We hope this comprehensive guide helps you find out more about the many day trips from Rome. If you have any queries please do not hesitate in commenting below!