The Best 6 Day Trips From Rome, Italy

While there’s plenty to see and experience in Rome, you won’t regret venturing further out of the Eternal City to explore its nearby destinations. Fortunately, the surrounding Lazio and Umbria regions are home to an array of spellbinding sites that cater to every type of traveler.

Foodies, for instance, will have the best time at Castelli Romani, a scattering of wine-producing towns set in the volcanic landscape of the Colli Albani, while archeology lovers and history buffs will naturally gravitate towards Pompeii, buried under meters of ash after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.

We’ve compiled a list of 6 best day trips from Rome that’ll take you to discover some of Italy’s most beguiling destinations. Have a look below!

The Best Day Trips From Rome Italy

Here, we embark on a journey to discover some of the most enticing day trip Rome that offer a glimpse into Italy’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

Naples and Pompeii

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Shaped by a turbulent history — cholera epidemics, World War II, and an earthquake all left their mark on the city —, Naples has grown into a beauty of a destination. Now, the regional capital of the Campania draws travelers from all over the world thanks to its vibrancy, bustling markets, rich cultural heritage, and, of course, the food. 

Naples is located 2h30 hours by car from Rome, and it’s a great day trip for foodies and history buffs alike. Top experiences in the city include a free walking tour in Naples historic center, which is filled with Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque-style buildings, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 due to its architectural and cultural fineness. 

Be sure to also visit Naple’s fascinating museums. The Naples National Archaeological Museum, is home to one of the most extensive collections of artifacts of the Roman Empire in the world, while Museo di Capodimonte hosts a dazzling collection of masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, and El Greco.

Between one attraction and the other, don’t forget to stop by Gino e Toto Sorbillo for sampling the best Neapolitan pizza in the city!

From Naples to Pompeii, you can either drive or take two direct trains, the Circumvesuviana or the Metropolitano, from Napoli Centrale train station (journey time: 40 minutes). Located near the coast of the Bay of Naples, the city was buried under meters of ash and pumice after the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. 

Pompeii remained mostly untouched until 1748 when it was rediscovered by a group of explorers. You can visit the vast archaeological site to see excavated ruins of streets and houses, as well as artifacts, and even skeletons, which will certainly take you to uncover how everyday life was in the ancient world.

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Vatican City

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Within Vatican City, you’ll stumble upon majestic sites such as the 4th-century St. Peter’s Basilica. Built over the tomb of St. Peter the Apostle, the basilica boasts precious features, including a full-size statue of the Pietà, by Michelangelo, a gorgeous travertine façade, furnishings by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and 19th-century glass and ceramic mosaics.

Despite being located within the city of Rome, just 15 minutes away from the city center, the Vatican City is so tremendously rich, that you’d need a full day to discover it. Both the center of the Roman Catholic Church and the permanent seat of the Popes, the Vatican is home to some of the most significant works of art and cultural treasures in the world, so no wonder one could spend hours on end exploring every inch of it!

The Vatican Museums, which include the drop-dead gorgeous Sistine Chapel, also leave visitors in awe with its artistic treasures. There, you’ll come across some of the world’s most iconic paintings and sculptures, such as the alluring ceiling with large frescoes by Michelangelo, as well as wall paintings by Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, and Pietro Perugino.

Florence City

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Are you a culture vulture? Then don’t pass up the chance to go on a day trip to Florence. Capital of the dream Tuscany region, Firenze, as they say in Italian, is practically an open-air museum dotted with gorgeous Renaissance buildings, each one with numerous stories to tell.

Start your adventure by visiting the century-old Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral), the third-largest church in the world and the number one attraction in Florence. This whimsical church is best-known for its splendid stained glass windows, and a sumptuous dome featuring frescoes depicting the Last Judgement, and painted by Giorgio Vasari.

After marveling at the cathedral, stop by the Uffizi Gallery to catch a glimpse of ancient sculptures and paintings ranging from the Middle Ages to the Modern period. The highlights? Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, and The Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci.

If you feel ambitious, on the same day you can head over to Ponte Vecchio for great views of the Arno River, and then straight to Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti), which was once the great symbol of the Medici’s power over Tuscany, and now harbors 4 museums.

Amalfi Coast

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Graceful multicolored houses spread flanked on coastal cliffs on the edge of the Mediterranean make the Amalfi Coast one of the most alluring destinations in all of Italy. This 34-mile stretch of coastline along the Sorrentine Peninsula has dotted with a wealth of cinematographic towns and villages like Positano, the picturesque Amalfi, Ravello, and Villa Rufolo.

Aside from visiting some of the quaint towns comprised by the scenic Amalfi Coast, be sure to also visit the Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Cave), in the village of Conca dei Marini. When the sunlight filters through this small karst cave, partly inundated by the seawater, the grotto becomes tinged with a magical emerald color, which is a sight to behold!

Hadrian’s Villa and Villa D’Este

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A day trip from Rome to Hadrian’s Villa is a fantastic way of traveling back to the glory years of the Roman empire. Located in Tivoli, 19 miles east-north-east of Italy’s capital, this fascinating site encompasses the ruins and archaeological remains of a large villa complex built c. AD 120 by Emperor Hadrian.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, Hadrian’s Villa was the largest and most sumptuous imperial villa in the Roman Empire, covering approximately 7 square miles. Significant portions of the complex have survived to modern times, and during a tour of the site, you’ll come across well-preserved structures like an imperial palace, the philosopher’s room, a Greek theatre, and a maritime theatre (teatro maritimo), where the Emperor isolated himself when he wanted some peace and quiet.

The leafy town of Tivoli is also known for its 16th-century Villa D’Este, which comprises a terraced hillside Italian Renaissance garden and a profusion of gorgeous fountains. 

Castelli Romani

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Seeking to explore Rome’s idyllic — and history-filled — countryside? Then the Castelli Romani, aka Roman Castles, region is a must-visit. The area comprises a group of communes spread throughout the southeast of the Italian capital, in the natural park of the Lazio region.

Due to its fresh climate and gorgeous landscape, the lush Castelli Romani region was traditionally frequented by the noblemen of Rome.

If you are lucky enough to explore this scenic area, be sure to stop by Castel Gandolfo. Nestled on the Alban Hills, overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Albano, this small — but immensely charming — town is home to the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, which is the summer residence of the Pope. Surrounded by carefully manicured gardens, this 135-acre complex is open to the public as a museum where you can see 20 rooms of the Apostolic Palace, as well as paintings, relics, and liturgical vestments.

The Castelli Romani region is also famous for its vineyards that produce stellar rosés, meaning that there are great wineries you can visit as well. A must is the Minardi Frascati Winery, where you can sample wine and olive oil tasting on a beautiful deck overlooking Rome!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular day trours Rome?

Day tours Rome include destinations like Pompeii, Capri, Florence, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Venice, Assisi, Orvieto, and Naples.

How accessible are Rome day trips by public transportation?

Rome day trips by public transportation are generally accessible, with options including trains, buses, and sometimes ferries. Many popular destinations like Florence, Pompeii, and Tivoli are easily reachable by train or bus, offering convenient schedules and reliable services. However, some remote or less frequented destinations may require additional transfers or have limited transportation options.

What historical sites or cultural experiences can be explored on a best day trip from Rome?

On a day trip from Rome, you can explore historical sites such as Pompeii, the ancient city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, or cultural experiences like visiting the Renaissance art treasures of Florence.

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