Best Day Trips from Rome

Although the Eternal City is massive and has an infinite number of sites, there are many places to go for a day trip from Rome.

Small cities and regions nearby include important churches, monuments, and villas that influenced the history of Italy. Moreover, many spots nearby are excellent options to spend a day relaxing near the sea or one of the lakes.

Here is a Google map visualizing the closest cities to Rome for a day trip.

Things to Know about One-Day Trips from Rome

Below is the list of the best options with descriptions and my tips for a one-day trip from Rome:

Florence

There are many ways how to get from Rome to Florence, which are inexpensive.

Undoubtedly, this is one of the most popular cities among tourists, and you will never forget your trip if you decide to go there. Florence is worth visiting for more than one day. Take comfortable shoes and explore fascinating art masterpieces and picturesque streets and buildings.

Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica is one of the most significant archeological sites of ancient Rome.

The establishment of the old castrum of Ostia goes back to the 7th century B.C. By 150 A.D., Ostia served as a commercial Rome’s ancient port. Moreover, the oldest archeological remains were discovered in the 4th century B.C., while the most ancient buildings are from the 3rd century B.C.

There you will find a theatre provided under Emperor Augustus and his successors. Also, there was a first forum and an aqueduct, construction of the port of Claudius, and the port of Trajan, which further became an administrative center for trade. Ostia Antica is enormous, and you will easily spend a whole day there, discovering ancient buildings and the city’s beauties.

Beaches near Rome

Since the Tyrrhenian sea is only about 25 km from the city, it is a great option to visit one of the beaches near Rome.

Moreover, it is possible to reach one of the marvelous beaches by train only within half an hour. You can choose between private beaches with an additional cost for entrance or wild beaches. Many spots have a blue flag that indicates the purity of water, the presence of amenities, and the work of lifeguards—an excellent choice for a day trip from Rome.

Tivoli

Tivoli is an ancient city near Rome, which has an even more extended history than the Eternal City and dates back to 1215 BC.

Previously, it was considered the essential point of convergence among people. Therefore, Tivoli is the best option for a day trip, and I recommend you to visit their famous Italian restaurant Sibilla. Nowadays, the city is linked to its thermal baths and three famous villas:

Villa d’Este

The Villa d’Este has its palace and garden and is one of the best and most stunning examples of Renaissance culture. Moreover, it has an innovative design and plenty of architectural components in the garden. For instance, there are fountains and ornamental basins. It would take more than two hours to discover this huge beautiful villa from the 16th century.

Villa Adriana

Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana) is one of Italy’s best-kept and most famous archeological sites. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Moreover, the villa was built by Hadrian, the Roman Emperor, between 118 and 139 AD. The area consists of about 120 hectares, but nowadays, only 40 of them are available to visitors.

Villa Gregoriana

The Villa Gregoriana was created because of the necessity to protect Tivoli from the ruinous floods of the Aniene. Pope Gregory XVI commissioned the park in 1835. Moreover, the villa was an essential spot in the communications between the people of the Aniene Valley and the Tiber Plain from the archaic age.

In that article, you can read about my experience of one day tour from Tivoli to Rome.

Anzio

Anzio is a city on the coast of the Lazio region, about 51 kilometers (32mi) south of Rome. It is famous for its seaside and is a fishing port. Moreover, Anzio has special historical importance as the site of Operation Shingle, a crucial landing by the Allies at the time of the Italian campaign of World War II.

Genzano

Genzano, located about 30 kilometers from Rome, is above the crater of Lake Nemi. Also, the city is part of the Roman Castles and offers many beautiful panoramic views and archaeological sites nearby. You will find many local restaurants and shops with low prices and tasty food. Overall, Genzano is an excellent option to visit for one day.

Lago della Duchessa

“Lake of the Duchess” is a famous destination for hiking near Rome. It is a mountain lake located 1788 meters above sea level. It is beautiful and offers inexpensive options for those who want to try hiking.

Lago del Turano

Lake Turano is a significant hydroelectric reservoir based on the river Turano. It is about 10 kilometers long, linked to Lake Salto by a tunnel, and supplies the Cotilia power station. The lake is beautiful and offers breathtaking views of nature. It will take about 1.5 hours by car to get there from Rome.

Allumiere

Located a few kilometers from Rome, the Tolfa Mountains territory has the towns of Tola and Allumiere. Allumiere has many quarries all over the city because of the presence of alunite, a mineral of worldwide interest. Moreover, you can visit “Cava del Moro,” one of the famous caves of the city which leads to the ancient village of “Old Cave.” Also, the city has fascinating flora and would be an excellent choice to visit during your trip to Italy.

Cerveteri

Cerveteri has the Etruscan Necropolis, which is an impressively haunting archeological site. The city was built between the 7^th and the 3rd centuries B.C. and is still not fully excavated. Moreover, many stone tombs and other archeological sites will make you spend several hours exploring them. Overall, Cerveteri is less than 1 hour reachable by car, and there are several options to go there by train or Cotral bus, but the trip is worth it.

Calcata

The village of Calcata is a small medieval settlement re-settled by artists. Moreover, the city looks like a typical Italian borgo or hill town. A visit to Calcata will make you enjoy an atmospheric experience where you feel you have a trip back in time.

Assisi

Assisi is a town and commune in Italy, famous as the birthplace of several important figures as St. Francis, who founded the Franciscan religious order in the city in 1208.

Moreover, Assisi is very picturesque, especially throughout seasons when everything starts to thrive. You will find several churches there, the Temple of Minerva and the Roman Amphitheater.

See detailed instructions on how to get from Rome to Assisi.

Siena

Of course, spending more than one day on a trip to Siena will be better. Your way to this city will take at least 2.5 hours. The old town is small enough to explore on foot.

There you will find tiny streets, where you will have to head up or down since Siena is a hill town. Also, there is a local specialty sweet, panforte, similar to spicy fruitcake without the booze.

Naples

Naples is another famous city for a day trip with inexpensive and various options for getting there. The city is impressive; there are delicious local sweets, cheap shopping, places with the best pizza, and breathtaking views. However, many tourists and locals prefer to avoid the city because of the high level of crime and dirty streets.

Be careful during your trip, but undoubtedly, it is worth visiting Naples!

Civita di Bagnoregio

Civita di Bagnoregio was founded by the Etruscans dating back to 2500 years ago. It consists of two remote towns. Civita is on a hill, where you must climb on foot, while Bagnoregio ends right before this road. Previously, Civita was the larger community, and Bagnoregio was the satellite. It is a beautiful medieval city worth visiting for a day trip.

Lake Bracciano

Lake Bracciano has three small towns: Bracciano, Trevignano, and Anguillara, located near each other along its coast.

Bracciano

Bracciano is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) northwest of Rome. It is famous for its volcanic lake and medieval castle – Castello Orsini-Odescalchi. Moreover, its lake is used for sailing, and there are many tourists annually. The castle hosts events, especially weddings.

Trevignano Romano

Trevignano Romano is a small town with a population of about 5000 people. It is also on Lake Bracciano, about 47 kilometers (29 miles) from Rome. You will find Etruscan tombs from the 8^th-6^th century B.C. at the Museo Civico Etrusco Romano.

Anguillara Sabazia

Anguillara Sabazia is a town located around 30 kilometers (19 miles) northwest of Rome. It is popular among tourists for its medieval center and beautiful beach on the coast of Lake Bracciano.

Capri

Capri is an island located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, on the south side of the gulf of Naples in the Campagnia region of Italy. The town of Capri is the island’s leading center of population, with two harbors: Marina Piccola and Marina Grande. Moreover, it is famous for the Belvedere of Tragara, a high panoramic promenade with villas. Capri is considered one of the most expensive resorts in Italy and one of the most beautiful spots for vacation.

Ischia

Ischia is a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea on the northern end of the Gulf of Naples. Compared to Capri, it is less famous, so it has lower prices, but it isn’t less beautiful at all. Since its primary industry is tourism, there you will find thermal spas, a variety of fruits, volcanic mud, and hot springs.

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San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a small medieval hill town in the province of Siena, Tuscany. It is famous for its medieval architecture and many tower houses. The Palazzo Comunale, the Collegiate Chruch, and the Church of Sant’Agostino have frescos from the 14^th and 15th centuries. Moreover, don’t forget to try their saffron, golden ham, and local white wine – Vernaccia di Sam Gimignano.

Spoleto

Spoleto is an ancient city in the province of Perugia, Umbria. Its historical center is easily walkable and modern in many terms. Moreover, the origins of the city date back to 241 BC. According to its history, Hannibal attacked Spoleto and repulsed its inhabitants. However, the town recovered in the 6th century when one of the Dukes of Longboard made it an official residence. Also, you will find many shops, local specialties, and red wine from Montefalco.

Viterbo

Viterbo is an ancient city in the Lazio region, located in a wide thermal area. It is popular among tourists for its beautiful architecture, museums, and thermal spas. It is a great option to go there for a day trip. One of the most famous thermal centers is Terme dei Papi. The bus leaves every day from Rome at 9 am and returns to Rome at 4 pm. More info you can read here

Pompei & Vesuvio

Mount Vesuvius is the only active volcano in Europe. It is famous for destroying the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in A.D. 79. Moreover, it has erupted more than 50 times. The city of Pompeii is one of the most popular tourist spots because of its breathtaking history. You must first go to Naples and then take a bus to Pompeii to get there. Undoubtedly, one of the best options where to go near Rome.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is located on the southern coast of Salerno Gulf on the Tyrrhenian Sea in the Province of Salerno. It is one of the most popular touristic destinations in Italy, and the coast is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The coast is unbelievably beautiful, and there are many things to see and enjoy. Undoubtedly, it is worth more than a day trip.

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a medieval town in southern Tuscany not too far from Siena, with Renaissance palaces, ancient churches, beautiful squares, and tiny streets. Moreover, there are stunning panoramas of the Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana valleys. The town is full of shops and restaurants with local food and wine, and worth a visit.

Alberobello

Alberobello is a small town located in Puglia, south of Italy. It is 500 km from Rome, but still, it is possible to make a day trip to this fantastic place. It is famous for its Trulli houses. Also, you can enjoy excellent all-natural products since Puglia is an agricultural region.

Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. If you are going to Rome for several days, visiting at least one of these cities near the Eternal City is worth visiting. Have you already seen any of them? Tell us about your experience in the comments.