14 Best Day Trips from Rome: Explore Ancient Ruins, Hill Towns, and Coastal Escapes

If you have a few extra days in Rome, it’s worth venturing beyond the city to explore some of the incredible towns and sights nearby. From ancient ruins like Pompeii and Ostia Antica to charming hill towns like Orvieto, there’s no shortage of amazing day trips from Rome.

Most of these places are easily accessible by train or public transportation, so you can skip the hassle of renting a car. Some of my favorite day trips are just outside the city, like riding bikes along the Appian Way or exploring the extravagant villas in Tivoli.

Whether you’re looking to escape to the countryside, relax on the beach, or wander through an ancient village, these day trips offer a varied taste of Southern Italy.

Day Trips from Rome

1. Appian Way & Park of the Aqueducts

The Appian Way is just outside central Rome. When combined with a visit to the Park of the Aqueducts, it makes for an easy full-day trip.

One of the oldest roads in Rome, the Appian Way stretches all the way south to modern-day Puglia. The best way to explore Parco dell’Appia Antica is by bike.

We rented from Eco Bike Roma – but reserve in advance, especially if you want an e-bike. We waited until we arrived and missed out on one. The rental shop will provide a map of key landmarks along the route, including the catacombs, and the park’s official website has more details on what to see.

From the Appian Way, you can reach Park of the Aqueducts by bus and metro. This 600-acre park is where you’ll find seven of Rome’s ancient aqueducts still standing. It’s a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk among the ruins.

Getting here: Use both bus and metro to get to the Appian Way. The exact route depends on your location in Rome. To get to Park of the Aqueducts, you can take Metro A to Parco degli Acquedotti. Check Google Maps for the best route.

Tour options:

• Rome EBike Tour: Appian Way, Catacombs & Roman Aqueducts: Enjoy a half-day guided tour, including the catacombs.
• Rome Catacomb & Appian Way Small-Group Tour by Golf Cart: A great option for those who’d like a break from walking!

2. Tivoli

Tivoli was once a countryside escape for Rome’s elite, filled with opulent villas. Today, you can visit three of them: Villa d’Este, Villa Gregoriana, and Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana).

I took a day trip to Tivoli via public transportation, and it was pretty straightforward. Both Villa d’Este and Villa Gregoriana are within walking distance from the train station. The lush gardens and fountains at Villa d’Este are absolutely stunning.

Hadrian’s Villa, the grand retreat of Emperor Hadrian, is a bit farther out. You can take a public bus, but expect it to take about an hour. If you want to see it without relying on public transport, I suggest booking a tour or renting a car.

Getting there: Take the train from Roma Termini or Tiburtina to Tivoli station. Walk from the station to Villa d’Este or Villa Gregoriana. Take the bus from Tivoli to Hadrian’s Villa.

Tour options:

• Tivoli Full Day Trip from Rome – Hadrian’s Villa and Villa D’Este

3. Pompeii

Pompeii is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world. I’ve been here a couple of times, once on day trip from Rome.

Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours exploring Pompeii. If you have extra time, you can stop in Naples for dinner before heading back to Rome.

I highly recommend booking a guided tour of Pompeii. I’ve visited both with and without a guide, and my guided experience was much better. There’s so much history here, and having someone explain it all makes a huge difference.

Follow my detailed Rome to Pompeii guide to plan your day trip.

Getting there: Take the high-speed train from Rome to Naples (make sure to book the fast one). In Naples, switch to the Circumvesuviana train and get off at the Pompei Scavi Villa dei Misteri.

Tour options:

• Pompeii Small Group Tour with an Archaeologist: A 2-hour guided tour through Pompeii’s ruins with an expert archaeologist.
• Full-Day Rome to Pompeii Guided Tour (with wine & lunch): This highly-rated tour includes a guided visit to Pompeii with an archaeologist, a visit to a local winery, lunch, round-trip tickets on the high-speed train to and from Rome, and an air-conditioned shuttle between Naples and Pompeii.

Read more: Best Things to do in Rome

4. Naples

Naples is one of Italy’s cultural gems. It’s raw, energetic, authentic, and slightly chaotic. Naples can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but that’s all part of its charm.

A high-speed train gets you here in just 1 hour and 15 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore. Spend the day visiting historic churches, the Archaeological Museum, and the Galleria Principe di Napoli.

And of course, you have to get pizza in the city where it was born. Stop at Antica Pizzeria da Michele one of the most famous spots to try Neapolitan pizza.

Getting there: Take the high-speed train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale. From the train station, you can either walk or take the metro to get around the city.

Tour options:

• Naples Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: Get a taste of Naples on this 3.5-hour food tour.
• Neapolitan Pizza Making Class: Learn to make a traditional pizza on this 2-hour cooking class.
• Naples Half Day Private Tour: Explore Naples hidden gems and highlights on this local-guided tour.

5. Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities and an easy half-day trip from Rome. Founded between the 4th and 6th century BC, Ostia was a thriving port city and Naval base with a population of around 60,000 people.

The ruins give you a glimpse into everyday Roman life, with a well-planned grid of streets, shops, homes, restaurants, and public baths.

After Rome fell, the city was eventually abandoned. Thanks to its location near the mouth of the Tiber River, it was preserved under layers of mud, keeping it remarkably intact.

Getting there: Take metro line B from Roma Terimini to Basilica S. Paolo and transfer to the Metromare line. Get off at Ostia Antica. From here, it’s a short walk to the archaeological site.

Tour options:

• Ostia Antica Semi Private Tour from Rome: Spend a half-day exploring this ancient city with an expert guide.

Read more: 3 Days in Rome Itinerary

6. Orvieto

Just over an hour from Rome by train, Orvieto is a beautiful hilltop town in Umbria. While you only need a few hours to see the highlights, I recommend making it a full-day trip.

The Duomo is a must-see, with its splendid mosaics on the facade and vibrant frescoes inside. Don’t miss St. Patrick’s Well, a 175-foot-deep masterpiece from the 16th century, built at the pope’s request. For a scenic walk, follow the Rupe, a path that circles the town and offers incredible views.

Getting here: Take the train from either Rome Termini or Tiburtina (whichever fits your schedule) to Orvieto. Take the funicular from the train station up the hill until you reach the center of Orvieto.

Tour options:

• Small Group E-bike Experience from Orvieto to Civita with Lunch: This full-day bike tour is a great option for those looking for an outdoor adventure.
• Private tour of Orvieto including the famous cathedral: A private 2-hour walking tour around Orvieto exploring the town’s highlights.

7. Florence

The Cradle of the Renaissance. Italy’s artsy city. La Bella. Whatever you call it, Florence is marvelous and is a must-see on an Italy itinerary.

While Florence deserves a minimum of 2 full days, a day trip from Rome is very doable. I suggest following my One Day in Florence itinerary for a detailed outline of what to do and where to eat.

A few tips:

• Book tickets several weeks in advance for the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Accademia.
• Reserve restaurants ahead of time. Florence is busy and it’s hard to get last-minute reservations.
• Start your day early. Plan to arrive in Florence no later than 9:00 AM.

Getting here: Take the high-speed train from Roma Termini to Firenze S.M. Novella. The journey takes 1.5 hours each way. Once you arrive, everything is within walking distance.

Tour options:

• Skip the line: Uffizi and Accademia Small Group Walking Tour: A great option if you want to see both museums in a day with a guide and skip the hassle of getting tickets and waiting in line.
• Florence: Accademia’s David, Uffizi and Duomo Walking Tour: A 6.5-hour guided tour of Florence’s highlights, including the Uffizi and Accademia.

8. Amalfi Coast & Positano

I hesitated to include this because, truthfully, Positano and the Amalfi Coast deserve at least three days. But I know many people try to squeeze it into a day trip from Rome because it’s all the time they have.

If you’re going to do this in a day, book a tour. Trying to navigate public transportation with multiple trains and buses is overwhelming and stressful. A tour will give you direct transport and a guide, making the long journey much more manageable.

With a day, you’ll have time to explore Positano and possibly Sorrento, depending on the tour you book. Many tours also include a stop at Pompeii.

Expect a long day, at least 12 hours round-trip, most of it spent in transit. With a tour, you’ll typically get about 2 hours in Positano and 1.5 hours in Pompeii.

I’m including this because I know people do it, but honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it. If you want to experience the Amalfi Coast properly, plan for at least three days.

Tour options:

• Pompeii Tour with Positano & Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Rome: Explore Pompeii and Positano with a guide on this day trip from Rome. It includes transportation.
• Private Day Trip from Rome to Pompeii and Amalfi Coast: This tour includes a transfer service from Rome to Pompeii, Sorrento, Positano and back. Does not include admission fees or a guided tour of Pompeii.

9. Assisi

Known as the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi is a deeply spiritual and religious city located in the heart of Umbria. The main highlight here is the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis, one of the most splendid churches in all of Europe.

Built on the burial site of St. Francis, the basilica is dedicated to his life and legacy. Inside, you’ll find the walls and ceilings covered with spectacular frescoes, making this one of the most impressive artistic and architectural sights I’ve ever visited.

Beyond the basilica, there’s plenty more to see and do in Assisi. Visit the Basilica of St. Clare, wander the remains of the Roman Amphitheater, and explore Piazza del Comune, the heart of the city.

Don’t miss a walk up to Rocca Maggiore, the medieval fortress with stunning views.

To make the most of your visit, plan to spend a full day in Assisi. Be sure to catch one of the earlier trains from Florence so you’ll have plenty of time to see it all.

Getting there: The train from Roma Termini station to Assisi takes 2-2.5 hours each way. It’s a longer day trip but is doable if you leave earlier in the morning.

Tour options:

• Assisi Private Walking Tour including St. Francis Basilica
• Small Group Tour of Assisi and St. Francis Basilica

10. Cerveteri & Tarquinia

The Etruscans were an ancient civilization that thrived in Italy long before the Romans. You can visit two of their massive burial sites in Cerveteri & Tarquinia.

This is a fascinating day trip for those that love history. Many of the Etruscan Tombs have beautiful frescoes that offer a glimpse into their culture and beliefs.

I suggest booking a tour or renting a car for this day trip, as it’s tricky getting here by public transportation.

Tour options:

• Ancient Etruscan Civilization Tour from Rome: A full-day guided tour to Cerveteri, Cervi, Banditaccia, including round-trip transportation from Rome.
• Day trip Rome – Tarquinia and Cerveteri, Etruschi tour: A more affordable option with an expert guide.

11. Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo is a scenic hilltop village overlooking Lake Albano. The main attraction here is the Papal Palace and the Barberini Gardens, owned by the Vatican.

From the 17th century until 2016, this served as the Pope’s summer residence. In 2016, Pope Francis opened up the palace to the public, turning it into a museum for visitors to enjoy and explore.

Getting here: Take the train from Roma Termini to Castel Gandolfo. The journey takes 45 minutes each way. The station is partway down the hill, so be prepared for a short walk up to get into town.

Tour options:

• Castelli Romani Tour from Rome: Spend the day exploring the hilltop towns in the Castelli Romani region with a guide, including Castel Gandolfo.

12. Bracciano

For a countryside escape, head to Bracciano, a charming town on the shores of Lake Bracciano. Visit the 15th-century Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, wander the medieval streets, and enjoy lunch with a lakeside view.

You can easily spend a half or full day here, depending on how much time you have.

Getting here: Take the train from Roma Ostiense or Roma Tiburtina to Bracciano (just over one hour).

Tour options:

• Day trip Rome in Bracciano, Anguillara and Trevignano Romano: A full-day trip to 3 towns around Lake Bracciano, including Bracciano.

13. Caserta Palace

The Caserta Palace, or Reggia di Caserta, is a massive 18th-century royal palace north of Naples. Built by the Bourbon family, it’s actually larger than Versailles, making it one of the biggest royal residences in the world.

Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the palace and sprawling gardens.

Afterward, get lunch or dinner at Masanielli – Francesco Martucci, which was voted the best pizzeria in the world. It’s just a short walk from the palace. Be sure to make reservations well in advance.

Getting there: Take the high-speed train from Roma Termini to Caserta. Make sure to time it with the fast train that only takes an hour. From the station in Caserta, it’s only a short walk to the palace.

Tour options:

• Caserta Royal Palace & Gardens Small Group Tour with Shuttle: A 3-hour guided tour of the royal palace.

14. Sperlonga

Sperlonga is a popular seaside resort town south of Rome, perfect for a relaxing beach day. The historic center is filled with cute shops and nice restaurants for lunch.

If you have time, visit the Villa of Tiberius, the ruins of an ancient Roman villa once owned by Emperor Tiberius.

Getting there: Take the train from Roma Termini to Fondi-Sperlonga, about 1 hour 15 minutes each way. From Fondi-Sperlonga, take a bus or taxi to Sperlonga. The bus is run by a private company called Piazzoli, you can check the timetable here.

Tour options:

• Boat Tour of Blue Grotto: A half-day boat trip to the Blue Grotto with several stops along the way, including the Villa of Tiberius.

Renting a Car in Rome

If you can, avoid renting a car in Rome. The streets are chaotic and it’s very stressful getting around.

However, if you want to rent a car for the day, then I suggest renting from one of the train stations in the city, like Roma Tiburtina or Termini stations.

For car rentals, my go-to booking site is Discover Cars. I’ve used them all over Italy (and Europe) and have always had a positive experience.

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