Top 11 Day Trips from Rome: From Ancient Relics to Renaissance Marvels

While Rome offers a plethora of sights to explore, don’t miss out on the treasures that lie beyond its borders. The region of Lazio, of which Rome is the heart, is filled with delightful attractions waiting to be discovered.

With its vast array of historical landmarks, year-round outdoor activities, and hidden culinary gems, the area surrounding Rome is just as captivating as the city itself. Just a short trip away, Florence, Naples, and Pompeii make for perfect day excursions—after all, it is known as the center of the universe for a reason.

Discover the top spots near Rome worth visiting on a day trip—and learn the best ways to reach them.

1. Discover the ancient remains at Ostia Antica

Travel time: 30 minutes

A perfect day trip from Rome is a visit to the Scavi Archeologici di Ostia Antica, home to the exceptionally preserved ruins of ancient Rome’s port city. Be sure to explore the Terme di Nettuno, a 2nd-century bathhouse featuring stunning floor mosaics and a steeply terraced amphitheater that remained in use until the 4th century CE. You can also spot the Thermopolium, an ancient eatery with remnants of a menu painted on the wall. If those ancient dishes don’t appeal, Ristorante Monumento offers hearty pasta and local seafood just outside the site’s main entrance.

Getting to Ostia Antica from Rome: Catch the Ostia Lido train from Stazione San Paolo in Rome (adjacent to Piramide metro station) and disembark at Ostia Antica.

2. Explore the Etruscan City of the Dead in Cerveteri

Travel time: 55 minutes

The ancient Etruscans left a profound legacy, yet much of their culture remains enigmatic. One of the finest Etruscan sites lies just outside Rome at the Necropoli di Banditaccia in Cerveteri. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a captivating necropolis, resembling a city of the dead with its streets, plazas, and circular grass-topped tombs known as tumuli.

After your visit, deepen your understanding of the Etruscans at the Museo Nazionale Cerite in the historic center. Nearby, Da Bibbo offers a dining experience that exceeds typical osteria fare.

Getting to Cerveteri from Rome: Regular Cotral buses depart for Cerveteri from Cornelia metro station. By car, the town is located 28 miles (45 km) north of Rome, accessible via the A12 autostrada. The necropolis is a mile from the town center.

3. Spend a Day in Pompeii

Travel time: 2.5 hours

For history enthusiasts, journey south to the Pompeii Archaeological Park nestled at the base of Mount Vesuvius, just beyond Naples. While you could dedicate a lifetime to exploring this frozen-in-time city, a day is sufficient to witness many highlights. Don’t miss the Lupanare, the sole surviving ancient Roman brothel, and the Stabian baths, which offer insight into everyday life in Pompeii. The Villa dei Misteri showcases exquisite private residences with murals illustrating Dionysian ceremonies. Interestingly, archaeologists recently uncovered a second fresco in Pompeii featuring mensa flatbread, a precursor to modern pizza—clearly, Pompeii residents had a passion for their snacks!

Getting to Pompeii from Rome: High-speed trains regularly depart from Termini station to Naples. From there, catch the Circumvesuviana train to the Pompeii stop. Rumor has it that a direct high-speed train to Pompeii may launch in 2024, significantly shortening travel time, so keep an eye out for updates if you're planning a visit next year.

4. Experience two World Heritage sites in a single day in Tivoli

Travel time: 50 minutes

Despite its small size, Tivoli offers a wealth of unique experiences for visitors. Located just over 15 miles east of Rome, it's a quick journey to Villa d’Este, a stunning Renaissance estate perched in the hills. After admiring the vibrant Mannerist frescoes and lavish garden fountains, indulge in a special meal at Ristorante Sibilla. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Villa Adriana, the former country retreat of Roman Emperor Hadrian. Its breathtaking grounds are dotted with majestic ruins nestled among twisted olive trees and towering umbrella pines.

Getting to Tivoli from Rome: You can reach Tivoli via regular Cotral buses from Ponte Mammolo metro station, taking about 50 minutes. Alternatively, take a train from Stazione Termini to Tivoli, with departures every 15 minutes. To visit Villa Adriana from Tivoli’s historic center, catch local CAT bus number 4 or 4X from Largo Garibaldi.

5. Relax in thermal baths and encounter monsters in Tuscia

Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Venture north of Rome to uncover some of Italy's best-kept secrets that many overlook while dashing through the capital. Begin your adventure at the Parco dei Mostri in Bomarzo, a 16th-century sculpture garden filled with striking figures commissioned by its original owner as a way to cope with the loss of his wife.

The region known as Tuscia, bordering Umbria and Tuscany in northern Lazio, is perfect for enjoying thermal waters that bubble up naturally from the volcanic ground. The Terme dei Papi once served as private baths for popes residing in Viterbo during the Middle Ages, and it remains a favorite spot for wellness seekers year-round. After a relaxing soak, wander through the medieval San Pellegrino quarter of Viterbo and enjoy a cocktail at Magnamagna in Piazza della Morte.

Getting to Tuscia from Rome: Viterbo is accessible by train from Termini or Ostiense stations, and to reach Parco dei Mostri, disembark at the Attigliano-Bomarzo station on the same line. If you're driving, the A1 motorway provides good access to Viterbo and Bomarzo, or opt for the more scenic Cassia route for a leisurely drive.

6. Embark on a hike in Monti Simbruini

Travel time: 1 hour

If the seven hills of Rome aren't enough to get your heart racing, head east to one of Italy's premier national parks, Monti Simbruini. Just a short distance from Rome, it's easily reachable by public transport or car. The park features hundreds of kilometers of bike trails, walking paths, and historical sites. Spanning nearly 30,000 hectares, it’s well-marked and dotted with charming towns that serve as perfect reference points or rest stops. Take in unique flora and fauna, and enjoy a picnic amidst geological wonders like the Karst formations in Piano di Camposecco or Mola Vecchia.

Getting to Monti Simbruini from Rome: A drive to Subiaco, one of the larger towns within the park, takes about an hour from central Rome, where you can explore the park freely. All towns in the park are accessible via local Cotral buses. Check the map on the Park’s website for trip planning.

7. Discover the Bohemian Village of Calcata

Travel time: 1 hour

Italy is home to countless stunning, dilapidated hill towns, but few can claim a revival thanks to hippies. Just outside of Rome, the historic center of Calcata was deemed unsafe by local authorities in the 1930s, leading to an evacuation of residents and leaving the town deserted until artists began squatting there in the 1960s. Gradually, these squatters bought their homes, prompting the government to lift the ban, and restoration of the ancient buildings began. Today, Calcata is a small yet lively community filled with cafes, art galleries, and stories to last a day. Experience the charm at Latteria del Gatto Nero, a restaurant and café that has been serving visitors since the early days of the hippie revival.

Getting to Calcata from Rome: Calcata is easily reachable by car via the Cassia/SS2bis motorway, taking approximately one hour.

8. Discover the Duomo and stroll through the medieval streets of Orvieto

Travel time: 1.25 hours

Nestled between Rome and Florence, the cliffside town of Orvieto makes for an ideal day trip for good reason. Its charming medieval streets invite exploration, complemented by excellent restaurants, shopping, and stunning views at every turn. However, what truly sets Orvieto apart is its magnificent cathedral, one of Italy's finest Gothic structures. The striking zebra-striped Duomo boasts a captivating facade and a breathtaking fresco cycle by Luca Signorelli illustrating the Giudizio Universale. After visiting the Duomo, enjoy panoramic vistas from Torre del Moro. But there's more to discover—take the Orvieto Underground tour to explore ancient Etruscan caves, marveling at the underground city carved from tuff stone. For a special dining experience, make reservations at the intimate I Sette Consoli for a taste of local culinary delights.

Getting to Orvieto from Rome: Regular trains connect Rome Termini to Orvieto, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes. If driving, it's conveniently located just off the A1 autostrada that runs north-south.

9. Discover Renaissance masterpieces in Florence

Travel time: 1.5 hours

Florence is just an hour and a half away by fast train, making it feasible for a day trip. While you won’t have time for everything, you can definitely visit the must-see attractions, especially if you’ve secured museum tickets in advance through Firenze Musei. Upon arrival at the train station, head towards Piazza del Duomo, where you’ll find a trio of iconic landmarks: the Duomo with its striking red dome, the Giotto-designed campanile, and the Battistero di San Giovanni.

Next, make your way to Piazza della Signoria, where you can explore Florence’s ornate town hall, Palazzo Vecchio, and admire Renaissance masterpieces at the Galleria degli Uffizi. To refuel, enjoy a creative lunch at #Raw, a vegan eatery founded by locals who returned after traveling the globe. For a taste of tradition, don’t miss Gilli, one of the city’s historic cafes that’s worth a visit.

Getting to Florence from Rome: Regular trains run between Rome Termini and Florence’s Stazione di Santa Maria Novella.

10. Castelli Romani is an ideal day trip for food enthusiasts

Travel time: 30 to 45 mins

Nestled on Rome's southern edge, the picturesque Castelli Romani offers a delightful escape for food lovers. This region is renowned for its porchetta, a succulent, deboned pig seasoned with spices and fennel pollen, slow-roasted to perfection. If you're heading toward Ariccia on a Sunday, prepare to see throngs of eager Romans lined up for their indulgent panini filled with this savory treat. Frascati, one of the most accessible towns in Castelli Romani, makes it easy to enjoy both porchetta and local white wine at Cantina Simonetti, one of several historic cellars in the area.

How to reach Castelli Romani from Rome: Direct trains to Frascati take about 30 minutes, while Castel Gandolfo, located on the Albano Laziale line, requires approximately 45 minutes. Both trains depart from Termini station in Rome.

11. Embark on a street food adventure in Naples

Travel time: 1 to 1.5 hours

While Rome is impressive, Naples is a city like no other – it's filled with passion. The best way to dive into its culture is to explore its street food. Begin your day at the bustling Pignasecca market in the heart of the city, where you'll experience the vibrant energy that Naples is famous for. Continue to the Quartiere Spagnolo, where the aromas of food will surround you. Prepare to indulge in fried delights: pizza, crocchè (potato croquettes), calamari, octopus, or zucchini, all golden and crispy. Pair your feast with a renowned coffee from the legendary Caffe Gambrinus, and don’t forget to pick up a bag of sfogliatelle pastries for the journey back to Rome.

How to travel from Rome to Naples: There are excellent train connections between Naples and Rome, including the high-speed Frecciarossa service.