It’s no secret that Rome is one of our favorite cities on the planet, and after spending a cumulative few months there exploring the Eternal City’s nooks, crannies, and surroundings, we’ve walked away with a giant bucket list of all the best day trips from Rome!
Italy’s magnetic capital is almost impossible to pull yourself away from, but if you have several days in Rome and want to make sure you see a bit of Italy outside of it, too, here’s where to go.
From bustling cities to adorable towns to plenty of beaches that are just a train ride away, here are the best day tours from Rome–plus how to get there.
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Most Popular Day Trips from Rome
Of all the best day trips from Rome, these first five are the most popular and iconic of all: some are best done independently, some with a day tour, and some work either way, but odds are if you’re brainstorming Rome day trips, you’re considering taking at least one of these!
Tivoli
Located less than an hour from Rome, the ancient villas and gardens of Tivoli are arguably the most popular day trip from Rome, and one well worth taking!
Stroll through gardens where Roman emperors relaxed and held parties, stare out over beautiful landscapes, and admire a stunning collection of ancient fountains.
There are three villas in Tivoli, including Hadrian’s Villa (aka Villa Adriana), Villa d’Este, and slightly lesser-known Villa Gregoriana, which is set in the most magnificent natural location of the three.
How to Get to Tivoli from Rome
Tivoli’s famous villas and gardens are easily accessible via a combo of trains and buses from Rome, and Tivoli is among the best day trips from Rome to take independently.
However, if you’d prefer the context of a tour or don’t want to worry about the hassle of transportation, a day tour like this is also a great option.
Book your day trip to Tivoli today!
Prefer to explore independently? You can still save time by grabbing skip-the-line tickets in advance!
Florence
Beautiful Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance and one of Italy’s most popular cities to visit, is best done as (at least) an overnight visit, but if you have limited time in Italy and want to visit Florence from Rome, you can absolutely do so as a day trip!
Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, admire Florence’s incredible Duomo, gaze out over Piazzale Michelangelo, stare in awe at the statue of David, and, of course, eat your heart out–Tuscan food and wine is some of the best in all of Italy, and deserves to be enjoyed!
How to Get to Florence from Rome
By booking tickets on the high-speed train (ideally in advance, as prices do go up the closer you get to your trip), you can absolutely visit Florence from Rome independently.
If you’d like to get the most out of your visit, a day tour of Florence can really help with that–this popular tour is a fantastic option and will ensure that you see the best of Florence, fast.
Generally speaking, taking a day trip from Rome to Florence that includes transportation from Rome is unnecessary.
Plan ahead: shop train tickets and book your day tour of Florence now!
Pompeii
Pompeii is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, and it truly defies words.
You will not be squinting at ruins and imagining what might have been in Pompeii.
Instead, you will be strolling down roads as well-maintained as many modern ones, walking in and out of intact buildings, and truly walking through a ghost town–a thriving city that one fateful day in 79 AD, simply stopped.
Pompeii is not the simplest or easiest day trip to take from Rome, but the fact that it tops bucket lists around the world means that it is among the most popular!
How to Get to Pompeii from Rome
While you can technically reach Pompeii from Rome independently through a series of trains, it makes for a very, very long and stressful day–and since Pompeii is absolutely better experienced on a guided tour anyway (an excellent tour guide can really bring the city to life), we highly recommend booking a day tour to Pompeii.
This one gets phenomenal reviews, is hosted by one of our favorite tour companies, and makes for an excellent (and stress-free) day at Pompeii.
Book your day tour of Pompeii today!
Amalfi Coast
Taking a day trip to the Amalfi Coast from Rome makes for a very long day, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most popular day trips from Rome: stunningly beautiful and world-famous, the Amalfi Coast is one of the best-known stretches of coastline on the planet, so it’s not surprising that travelers are excited for even a brief chance to visit.
On a day trip from Rome, you likely won’t be able to see more than one village (usually Positano) and enjoy the stunning drive along the coast itself, but there’s no doubt that it’s a day to remember–and if the reviews of this incredibly popular tour are anything to go by, most travelers don’t have any regrets about making the trek!
How to Get to the Amalfi Coast from Rome
Visiting the Amalfi Coast from Rome on a day trip is absolutely best done via tour–otherwise you’re looking at either 4+ hours of driving on unfamiliar roads each way, or a combination of trains/buses that are logistically challenging and take just as long.
Having someone who knows the way (and is comfortable driving along the Amalfi Coast, which is a difficult route to drive) is imperative for making your day go smoothly.
This popular tour is one of the best-selling and best-reviewed Amalfi Coast day trips from Rome out there and gets absolutely phenomenal reviews.
Due to their proximity, an Amalfi Coast day trip is often combined with a trip to Pompeii–if you’d like to get a taste of both places, this fabulous tour is the perfect way to do so.
Book your Amalfi Coast day trip or Pompeii + Amalfi Coast combo tour today!
Tuscan Countryside
The Tuscan countryside, with its beautiful rolling hills, soft golden light, and an endless number of vineyards and villages, is a bucket list destination for many–and as Tuscany is located just to the north of Rome, it makes one of the best day trips from Rome!
Several of the other day trips outlined in this post also take place in Tuscany, including Montepulciano and (obviously) Florence, but the countryside is a destination in its own right.
How to Explore the Tuscan Countryside from Rome
While you can access any number of towns in Tuscany from Rome via train, to explore the countryside, you’ll want to either rent a car or even better, take a tour.
Taking a tour of the Tuscan countryside will ensure that you see some of the best spots, experience beautiful overlooks, and enjoy a wine tasting or two without anyone in your party having to worry about scheduling a winery visit or driving after the fact.
This day trip is extremely well-reviewed and popular, and is an excellent way to experience the Tuscan countryside for a day!
For something a bit more budget-friendly, this day tour is another great choice.
Small Towns to Visit from Rome
While Rome is an absolutely fantastic Italian city, there’s a huge shift in pace, tone, and culture when you travel from Italy’s large cities to small towns–so as you plan your day tours from Rome, consider mixing up your trip by adding one of these villages to your list!
Orvieto
Orvieto is a dream of a hilltop town in the Italian region of Umbria, offering gorgeous views, a beautiful town center, plenty of interesting things to do, and some unique local foods definitely worth trying (starting with pigeon–yes pigeon–and Orvieto Classico wine).
While you’re in Orvieto, definitely stop by the Duomo (including the fascinating Cappella di San Brizio inside), step inside St. Patrick’s Well, visit the Orvieto underground, tour the Etruscan necropolis, and climb the Torre del Moro for beautiful views over the city.
How to Get to Orvieto from Rome
Orvieto is easily accessed from Rome via train, and unlike many of these fun day trips from Rome, you don’t even need to take the high-speed train!
The commuter, or regional, train, which has set ticket prices that don’t increase in cost as your travel time gets closer, is perfectly adequate for reaching Orvieto, making this one of the easiest day tours from Rome to pull off independently–especially if you’re planning at the last minute.
Assisi
As the birthplace of Saint Francis, one of the patron saints of Italy, Assisi is an enormously popular day trip for Catholic travelers–but even if you’re not a practicing Catholic, the history and beauty of Assisi is sure to draw you in.
No trip to Assisi could be complete without a visit to the UNESCO-recognized St. Francis Basilica–but once you wrap up there, be sure to also check out Assisi’s Roman Forum, the Rocca Maggiore fort, the Roman Temple of Minerva located in the center of town, and the Cathedral of San Rufino.
How to Get to Assisi from Rome
You can reach Assisi from Rome in as little as 2 hours by train, however, some routes take far longer, so be sure to plan ahead and book high-speed train tickets in advance! You will generally need to make a change during the route.
Alternatively, you can rent a car for the day and enjoy a drive to Assisi, which takes a little over 2 hours each way as well but gives you much more flexibility in your day.
Shop rental cars for your day trip to Assisi now!
Bracciano
When visitors to Italy think of sparkling lakes overlooked by beautiful villages, Lake Como is usually the place that first comes to mind–but beautiful Bracciano also meets that definition, and is located only an hour from Rome by train!
Most famous for gorgeous and imposing Castello Odescalchi, which dominates the skyline of the small medieval town, Bracciano makes the perfect independent day trip from Rome.
Stroll along the beautiful streets, tour the castle, admire views of the lake, and enjoy a leisurely lunch before catching your train back to Rome.
How to Get to Bracciano from Rome
Trains leave roughly every half hour (except Sundays and holidays) from Rome and head to Bracciano, and drop you off right at the edge of town, making Bracciano one of the easiest and best day trips from Rome to complete yourself–no tour necessary!
Montepulciano
Perched high on a hill overlooking one of the prettiest parts of the Tuscan countryside, Montepulciano ranks among our favorite Tuscan towns–and not just because of its delicious, world-famous wine.
Due to its tiny size, Montepulciano is perfectly set up for exploring on a day trip and has one of those peaceful atmospheres that you just want to savor.
While you’re there, be sure to stop by the beautiful Piazza Grande, admire views of the nearby Church of San Biagio that is located just outside of town, and to taste the local wine, vino nobile di Montepulciano.
How to Get to Montepulciano from Rome
While you can technically reach Montepulciano from Rome by train in about 3 hours, once you arrive, you’ll still need to catch a bus or taxi from the train station in Chiusi to Montepulciano’s historic center.
In this case, it’s much easier to either drive the 2 hours yourself (Rome to Montepulciano makes for a lovely short road trip!), or visit Montepulciano briefly as part of a broader Tuscany day tour like this.
Book your Tuscany day trip or rental car today!
Civita di Bagnoregio
There’s only one way into the stunning hilltop town of Civita di Bagnoregio: by foot.
Connected to the rest of the country only by a pedestrian bridge, Civita di Bagnoregio is one of the most unique hilltop towns in all of Italy, as logistics have spared it from most potential changes to its architecture or topography.
Tiny and beautiful, Civita is one of those towns that is best summed up by its laid-back vibe and beautiful cobblestone streets rather than any particular list of things to do.
As you enter the town, be sure to take note of the gorgeous stone entrance you pass under–it was built by the Etruscans a mere 2500 years ago.
How to Get to Civita di Bagnoregio from Rome
The best way to reach Civita di Bagnoregio on a Rome day trip is by renting a car and driving yourself.
You’ll need to park nearby, then go to the ticket desk and purchase a ticket to cross the pedestrian bridge and enter the town–be prepared for about a 20-25 minute walk to actually reach the town!
Interesting Cities for Day Tours from Rome
Naples
When it comes to Italian cities, Naples often gets a bit of a bad rap, often being called too crowded, too dirty, too hilly.
And yes, it’s definitely a bit rougher around the edges than some Italian cities, but it’s also beautiful and complex, with a history that rivals Florence or Venice, a fascinating underground, stunning views over the Bay of Naples, and, of course, some of the best pizza on Earth.
A day trip from Rome to Naples is the perfect way to get a taste of one of Italy’s most controversial cities, and see for yourself what you think–personally, the first time we visited Naples, we were surprised by how quickly we came to love it.
Stroll through the Piazza del Plebiscito, sip coffee at the opulent Caffe Gambrinus, snack on a sfogliatella, explore Via Toledo, visit Naples’ incredible archaeological museum, and be sure to visit at least 2-3 of the best pizzerias in Naples.
How to Get to Naples from Rome
Naples is about an hour and a half via the fast train from Rome, and there’s no need to book a day trip to get there (though you may want to book a walking tour or food tour to make the most of the city once you arrive!).
Since the high-speed train tickets do increase in price as your trip gets closer, try to book your train tickets as soon as you’re able to commit to a day trip from Naples!
Shop train tickets to Naples today!
Bologna
As the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, Bologna is known primarily for its absolutely phenomenal food–and if your plan for one of your day trips from Rome is simply to eat your heart out, this is the place to do it!
The Emilia-Romagna region is the original birthplace of many of the dishes that are synonymous with Italian food abroad, though most people who visit agree that the original versions are far tastier.
Parmigiano-reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar, mortadella (aka bologna), and tagliatelle al ragu (aka spaghetti bolognese) are just a few of the delicacies worth sampling on a day trip to Bologna.
In between meals, consider heading to the top of Asinelli Tower for some amazing views of the city, hunting down Bologna’s hidden canals, visiting the anatomical theatre and library of Archiginnasio, and strolling through Bologna’s markets.
How to Get to Bologna from Rome
Bologna is about 2 hours away from Rome on the fast train, but some routes take far longer, so be sure to plan your schedule in advance to ensure your day tour from Rome goes off without a hitch!
Sorrento
Easier to access than the Amalfi Coast or Capri but absolutely lovely in its own right, Sorrento makes an excellent Rome day trip for travelers looking to explore an Italian city with similar vibes to the Amalfi Coast (it’s located just across the peninsula from the famed coastline), but do so independently and therefore on a much more manageable budget.
While you’re there, be sure to spend plenty of time admiring the fishing boats and coastal views in the picturesque harbor of Mariana Grande, stroll through Sorrento’s old town, and check out the Church (and nearby cloister) of San Francesco.
Sorrento overlooks the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, so whatever else you do with your day trip, be sure to enjoy plenty of time admiring the views!
How to Get to Sorrento from Rome
Sorrento can be reached from Rome in as little as 2 hours each way by high-speed train, however, be sure to check the schedule and book in advance if you have your heart set on this Rome day trip, because it can take much longer depending on the route!
Shop train tickets to Sorrento today!
Coastal Breaks from Rome
Rome is not a city that tends to be associated with beach vacations, but take a look at it on a map, and you’ll notice that Rome is tantalizing close to the coast.
If you’re visiting Rome during the hot summer months and gelato isn’t enough to cool you down, here’s where to hit the coast near Rome!
Ostia Beach
While far from the most glamorous beach near Rome, Ostia Beach (Lido di Ostia) is local, laid-back and–perhaps most importantly–close to the city.
Come here to kick back and relax on the beach the local way (though be prepared for crowds if you visit during a weekend day in the summer). There are private beaches where you can pay to obtain access as well as rent umbrellas and cabanas, but you can hang out for free on parts of the beach as well.
How to Get to Ostia Beach from Rome
In the absolute most technical sense, Ostia is a part of the municipality of Rome–which means it’s extremely inexpensive to get there by public transportation! While you’ll often see it touted that Ostia Beach is 30 minutes from central Rome, plan around an hour if you’re taking public transport.
For traffic reasons, we wouldn’t recommend a car unless you want to visit multiple spots in one day–the beach is about a 10-minute walk from the train station, so a car is unnecessary!
Sperlonga
Beautiful and historic, Sperlonga is a popular seaside retreat in Italy–and yet, it remains unknown to most North Americans.
With tiny, delightful old town, the ruins of an impressive villa built by the Roman emperor Tiberius, and a beautiful beach, Sperlonga is one of the best day trips from Rome for someone who wants to relax on a beautiful beach, explore a bit of Italian history, or–even better–do a bit of both.
How to Get to Sperlonga from Rome
The train station for Sperlonga (which is shared with the town of Fondi and is therefore not in the center of town) is a bit over an hour from Rome via regional train.
From there, you’ll need to catch a bus or grab a taxi in order to reach the center of Sperlonga and hit the beach!
While the route is fairly simple, we recommend heading out early in the day to beat the crowds and leave yourself time to get to Sperlonga and back without any stress.
Santa Marinella Beach
Beautiful Santa Marinella Beach is generally touted as the Just Right option for beaches near Rome: easier to reach than lovely Sperlonga and a bit prettier than basic Ostia Lido, Santa Marinella beach (along with its neighbor, Santa Severa) is among the best day trips from Rome for those hoping to hit the water.
This small port town has plenty of boats and fishermen about (and therefore plenty of fresh seafood to choose from for lunch), and the beach is both lovely and a short walk from the train station, making it easy and relaxing to access on a day trip!
How to Get to Santa Marinella Beach from Rome
Santa Marinella is easily accessible from Rome by regional train, and takes about an hour to reach–perhaps a bit under, depending on the day and the train.
There’s no need to book a tour here, as the train drops you off near town and Santa Marinella is easy to explore independently.
Capri
Capri is far from the most practical day tour from Rome, but it’s frequently sought after anyway, and for good reason: visiting Capri is like taking a trip to another dimension.
From Capri, the blue of the water glistens just a little brighter. The curves of the cliffs are just a bit more majestic. The location, in general, is just a bit otherworldly–like something out of a legend.
While you’re there, be sure to take a boat tour around the island, take in the views from the Garden of Augustus, and tour Villa San Michele.
How to Get to Capri from Rome
The only realistic way to visit Capri as a day trip from Rome is with a tour–this one gets excellent reviews.
Keep in mind that this makes for a long, long day, as you’ll need to travel first to Naples and then to Capri from there, but if you’ve dreamed of seeing Capri for years and this is your best opportunity to do so, it may be worth the long ride and heavy eyes!
Book your day tour of Capri today!
Other Cool Day Trips from Rome
Bomarzo
Of all of the interesting day trips from Rome outlined in this blog post, Bomarzo is probably the most unique.
While Bomarzo is technically a town, when you hear tourists referring to Bomarzo they typically mean one place in particular: the Park of the Monsters, also known as the Garden of Bomarzo or the Sacred Grove.
Commissioned in the 16th century by Pier Francesco Orsini, the park was built as an expression of grief over the loss of his beloved wife.
Featuring many larger-than-life sculptures, some of them carved literally into the bedrock of the land, there’s nowhere in Italy quite like Bomarzo.
How to Get to Bomarzo from Rome
Though you can technically reach Bomarzo by public transportation by taking a train to Viterbo and then catching a bus to Bomarzo, on a Rome day trip with limited time, you’re much better off visiting Bomarzo by car–your day will be both much easier and much more flexible for it!
Shop rental cars for your day trip to Bomarzo today!
Ostia Antica
Hoping to explore some Ancient Roman ruins outside of Rome itself on your trip, but don’t want to make the trek to Pompeii or Herculaneum?
Consider heading to Ostia Antica!
Located less than an hour from central Rome at the mouth of the Tiber River, Ostia Antica makes an easy and fascinating day trip from Rome for those interested in archaeological ruins.
Once the port city of Ancient Rome, Ostia Antica of today is well-preserved, even featuring Roman mosaics in their original locations!
How to Get to Ostia Antica from Rome
Ostia Antica is easily reached by regional train in less than an hour from Rome. The ruins themselves are about a five-minute walk from the train station, making Ostia Antica one of the simplest day trips from Rome!
Just came across your site, and enjoy it!
My daughter and family live in Rome and we have the good fortune to visit frequently.
We look forward to seeing your hidden gem suggestions.
We also could use your recommendations for 3 weeks that we will have in November/December .
Thinking of using our timeshare in Tuscany right after Thanksgiving weekend, when we will be in Florence..
Then traveling to the Dolemites, which we haven’t seen,or up to Liguria.
Then heading south to Sorrento or Puglia and renting a place locally for a couple of weeks.
We will be back in Rome for Christmas.
Need help deciding which way to go and if we should rent or do hotels.
Suggestions welcomed 😊
Hi Natalie,
Sounds like you’re having the same issue with planning Italy trips that we often do, LOL: too much to see and difficulty narrowing it down!
Of course, all of the coastal destinations you mentioned will be well into their off-season, but that has its charms as well.
Unless you’re planning to ski, the Dolomites will be very quiet as well–if you want to go up there, I’d plan on doing it in December and hitting up the Christmas markets, starting with Bolzano. The Austrian influence in South Tyrol means that the best Christmas markets in Italy can be found there!
We’ve written a lot about where to go in Puglia, including some hidden gems, here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/best-places-to-visit-in-puglia-towns/
Winter is also a wonderful time to visit Matera, so if you head to Puglia, I’d recommend detouring over there, too.
Pompeii/Herculaneum/Naples are all wonderful in November/December–uncrowded and not hot. The Amalfi Coast itself, though, will be pretty shut down for the season. If you’re looking for cultural activities and great food, Campania is a great idea. If you want to enjoy coastal views, you’ll likely want to stick with larger towns and need to expect plenty of hotel/restaurant closures in smaller ones.
As far as renting vs doing hotels in general, that’s completely personal choice. We usually mix it up with some of both, to keep things fresh.
Hope that helps! Everywhere on your list has its charms, so anything you don’t do this year you can save for your next trip to see your daughter. 🙂
Ive been looking at your site for ideas for day trips in Italy. I was wondering if it is possible to visit Sicily by train from mainland Italy?
Also what is the best way to get to the Amalfi Coast by train. We plan on visiting Florence, Siena, Pisa, and other cities in the Tuscany area.
Hi Martha,
If you’re referring to a day trip to Sicily, no, it’s not really possible. Simply getting to Sicily from mainland Italy by train is very simple, though! It is a very long journey from Rome and an even longer one from Tuscany (12+ hours, usually more, one-way).
As far as the Amalfi Coast, trains don’t actually run there! You’ll be able to take a train from Tuscany to as far as Sorrento or Salerno (though you’ll likely need to change trains along the way), and then need to take a car, bus, or ferry the rest of the way.
You can also book a ferry directly from Naples, though it’s a longer journey by boat that way.
Good luck with your planning!