Best Day Trips from Rome

BySamantha King Published: Updated:
Rome. Cityscape image of Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy during sunrise.

The Italian capital is a city of incredible sights! Known for the impressive Colosseum, the city is also home to historical sites like the Roman Forum and a cradle of many contemporary European customs and traditions.

Rome attracts tourists with its landmarks and attractions, the world’s most prominent museums and institutions, endless shopping opportunities and, of course, an exquisite dining scene.

Whereas Rome has a lot to offer, it does not have it all! Some of Italy’s amazing tourist spots are located outside the capital, so to make your “Roman Holiday” even better, let us guide you through the best side trips from Rome!

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Day Trip from Rome to the Vatican City and Vatican Museums

Vatican City in itself is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been the centre of Christianity since the 4th century when the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great laid the foundation for Vatican’s Saint Peter’s Basilica.

The basilica is raised over St Peter the Apostle’s tomb, and it is the world’s largest religious building. With its double colonnade and a unique, circular square (piazza) in front of it, the basilica is the central (and most remarkable) site within the Vatican City.

Vatican state is also home to a splendid collection of architectural and artistic masterpieces by, among others, Bernini, Raphael and Michelangelo, probably most well-known for his decorations of the Sistine Chapel.

The chapel, located in Vatican’s Apostolic Palace (the pope’s official residence) is a part of Vatican Museums. Fees apply to visit the Vatican Museums Complex, and at the end of your visit, you will reach the Sistine Chapel. Entry to the chapel is included in your Vatican Museums ticket.

To visit Vatican City, you can easily use Rome’s public transport. The Ottaviano-S. Pietro Metro Station (on Rome’s Metro Line A) is located just 5 minutes on foot from St Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums.

Visiting Vatican City and Vatican Museums is one of the best day trips from Rome in December, during the advent (the traditional time leading to Christmas).

Day Trip from Rome to the Vatican City and Vatican Museums

Read more: Where to stay in Rome
Vatican city at sunset in Rome, Italy. On the background the St. Peter Basilica in Vatican. Rome famous landmark. St Peter in Vatican city is the most important church of the world.

Day Trip from Rome to Naples

Located on Italy’s western coast, Naples is the country’s third-biggest city, famous for its incredible landmarks and historical sites that braid with contemporary urban structures, a vibrant dining scene and loads of fun nightlife opportunities.

Make sure to find time to visit Naples’ many museums and cultural and historical institutions. We recommend the Naples National Archaeological Museum where you can find an extensive collection of Roman and Greek items and artefacts.

Also, do not miss “Cappella Sansevero”. Dating back to 1590, the chapel was created as a private building and served as a family burial chapel for the Duke of Torremaggoire. The chapel might not look like a lot from the outside but its interior is spectacular!

Save some time to explore San Gennaro Catacombs too! It is an entire secret underground realm with ancient corridors and passageways lined with historical graves and crypts. Additionally, on the top level, you will find artworks and well-preserved frescos.

You can easily get from Rome to Naples by train! Direct trains leave frequently from Roma termini station, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

Naples is also home to Mount Vesuvius, but with a trip to Mt Vesuvius Volcano, there might be no time left for city explorations, which is why we recommend a separate trip to Pompeii Ruins & Mt Vesuvius Volcano from Rome (see below).

Day Trip from Rome to Naples

Read more: Where to stay in Naples
Naples, Italy. Aerial cityscape image of Naples, Campania, Italy during sunrise.

Day Trip from Rome to Pompeii Ruins & Mt Vesuvius Volcano

One of Italy’s most impressive historical sites that you can visit taking side trips from Rome, is Mt. Vesuvius Volcano and the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii.

To make the most out of your tour to Pompeii Ruins & Mt Vesuvius Volcano from Rome, we recommend booking a small group tour.

You will be sure to have a knowledgeable guide with you, and already during your car ride from Rome, you can start learning about the history and significance of the ruins of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.

As you travel, your guide will show you the traces of the lava streams after the infamous eruption of Mt Vesuvius Volcano in 79 CE (which destroyed the cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii) that are still evident in the area.

First, you will visit Mount Vesuvius (in summer season you can hike up the side of the volcano), and afterwards, your guides will take you to the ruins of Pompeii which was once a thriving Roman city, and nowadays its archaeological digs are listed as a part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Prepare to see well-preserved fossils and even plaster imprints of humans who were buried under lava and volcanic ashes for years! Your tour guide will also tell you about the daily life in Pompeii; back when the streets were bustling with eateries, shops and even brothels!

Day Trip from Rome to Pompeii Ruins & Mt Vesuvius Volcano

POMPEII, ITALY- Ancient ruins in Pompeii, destroyed and buried under volcanic ash during eruption of Mount Vesuvius

Day Trip from Rome to Florence

Known as one of the culturally and historically most important cities in the world, Florence is packed with sights, attractions and spectacular landmarks. The Renaissance movement is said to emerge from Florence, and some of the city’s most notable residents included Dante, Michelangelo, Galileo and Raphael.

Start your explorations in the centre of Florence Old City. Visit Florence Cathedral (Duomo); its monumental exterior and front facade will take your breath away. While the Duomo is Florence’s most important religious building, the Palazzo Vecchio is a significant administrative structure.

You will recognize it by its castle-like look and its remarkable bell tower. Florence’s Uffizi Palace and Gallery are also a must-see on your day trip!

Get ready for a remarkable collection of Renaissance art with works by, among others, Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, Titian and Raphael. If you want to see more classical art, make sure to visit Galleria dell’Accademia.

You will find the original David sculpture by Michelangelo there! When in Florence, do not miss the Ponte Vecchio old bridge that spans over the Arno River. On the bridge, you will find small stalls and vendors selling accessories and jewellery. 

How will you get to Florence? Take the train from Rome to Florence. The direct train journey from Roma Tiburtina station will take less than 1 hour 30 minutes.

Day Trip from Rome to Florence

Read more: Where to stay in Florence
Florence Italy. Skyline cityscape of Firenze with Florence Duomo, Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore and bridge Ponte Vecchio over the river Arno.

Day Trip from Rome to Venice 

Venice is one of the Italian cities that do not need an introduction. Tourists pilgrim to the charming city of Venice to wander down the beautiful, cobblestoned alleyways, to enjoy the delicious wonders of the Italian cuisine, and every other year, Venice becomes the centre of the contemporary art world, as it hosts the Venice Biennale – one of the most important art events in the world.

One of the most well-known sites in the city are St Mark’s Square and St Mark’s Basilica. Wander around the main piazza or stop for a coffee, and continue walking down, alongside the harbour. (Venice and its lagoon have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage since 1987.) You can travel by Vaporetto (special water “buses”) to go between the different parts of the city.

Explore the campos (squares) and calli (narrow streets) of Venice; soak up the romantic atmosphere that the city is praised for.

Make a photo-stop by the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge over the grand canal. The bridge we can admire today is built in marble; designed by a Swiss engineer named Antonio da Ponte.

With the Italian high-speed train, a getaway to Venice is one of the easy-to-arrange day trips from Rome by train! From Roma termini station you can take the train to Venezia S. Lucia; your journey will take around 3 hours.

Day Trip from Rome to Venice 

Read more: Where to stay in Venice
Panorama of Venice at night, Italy. Beautiful cityscape of Venice in evening. Panoramic view of Grand Canal at dusk. It is one of the main travel attractions of Venice. Romantic water trip in Venice.

Day trip from Rome to Milan

Ready to explore the Italian capital of fashion and design? Wander around Milan’s streets and piazzas, admiring the architecture and the ornamented building facades.

If you want to experience the city’s bustling contemporary art scene, head to Milan’s countless art galleries and internationally renowned institutions like Pirelli Hangar Bicocca and Fondazione Prada.

Head to the city’s main square with the world-renowned Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), a part of UNESCO World Heritage.

Tourists are allowed to visit the cathedral’s roof (additional fees apply) and come closer to Duomo’s impressive sculptures. Pre-book your Duomo tickets, and remember that the cathedral complex spans wider than the main church! Adult fares start at 8 EUR (around 9 USD) and the reduced fees at 4 EUR (approx. 4,5 USD).

Milan is also a shopping mecca for both established designers and independent brands. Go shopping for garments, accessories, design and home decor!

One of the most popular places for shopping is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Situated in a four-story double arcade in central Milan, the gallery is the oldest active shopping arcade in Italy, and it is named after Italy’s first king – Victor Emmanuel II.

An excursion to Milan is one of the easy day trips from Rome by train. In just over 3 hours, you can go from Roma termini Station to Milano Centrale.

Day trip from Rome to Milan

Read more: Where to stay in Milan
MILAN, ITALY - street view of Milan Cathedral, Dome de Milan is the cathedral church

Day Trip from Rome to Tivoli

We highly recommend a Tivoli day trip from Rome; you will find there two world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Villa d’Este and the ruins of Hadrian’s Villa (also known as Villa Adriana). 

Villa d’Este used to be a popular vacation spot of the Renaissance period, it is known for its well-maintained gardens and impressive water features including the Oval Fountain and Hundred Fountains.

At Villa Adriana, the ancient estate of Roman Emperor Hadrian, you will tour the archaeological remains of thermal baths, libraries and even temples! There is also a man-made island at the centre of a round pool where you will find the Maritime Theater. 

Depending on the season, the Villa d’Este is open from 8.30 AM to either 5 PM or 7:45 PM, and the opening times for Villa Adriana are from 9 AM to either 5 PM or 7 PM, also varying with the season. Try visiting Tivoli in the Spring to see the gardens in bloom!

Tivoli is located approximately 30 km east of Rome and can be easily reached from the city by public transport.

You can either take the public bus from the Ponte Mammolo metro station or jump on Roma-Pescara train line from Rome’s Tiburtina Station. With the short travel time, Tivoli is also recommended for half day trips from Rome.

Day Trip from Rome to Tivoli

Organ Fountain with a rainbow in the water jets at Villa D'Este in Tivoli, Italy

Day Trip from Rome to Tuscany 

Even though today’s Tuscany is among the wealthiest regions of Italy, it remains predominantly rural, and its beautiful sights and tranquillity attract Italian and international tourists. Whereas it is not possible to see the entire region in one day, we still highly recommend a Tuscany Countryside day trip from Rome.

You can book a small group tour and try wine tasting in Tuscany. The region is home to many top-rated wineries, and your trip could be a great opportunity to learn more about the traditional methods of wine production.

If you book your wine tasting in Chianti, you will also see the Etruscan tombs from around 600 years BCE located in the city of Castellina.

You can also look into cultural and themed tours. Tuscany is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like the hill town of Pienza (with superb Renaissance architecture), named after Pope Pius II, who was born there.

Even shopping enthusiasts might be tempted to go to Tuscany! There are special tours to The Mall Luxury Outlet in Tuscany from Rome.

The mall is a well of affordable items from famous designers, and if you do not feel confident going there on your own, you can easily jump on a small group tour! Tourist agencies guarantee a hassle-free pickup and drop-off and free time for shopping!

Day Trip from Rome to Tuscany

Typical Tuscany stone house with spectacular vineyard in Chianti region, Tuscany, Italy, Europe

Day trip from Rome to the Amalfi Coast

Tours to the Amalfi Coast are easy-to-arrange day trips from Rome by train. You can travel by high-speed train, admiring the Italian countryside. You will catch some beautiful views if you go by road too! Many praise the winding roads along the Amalfi Coast to be Italy’s most scenic drive!

Some of the most picturesque on the Amalfi Coast are the beautiful, tranquil towns of Praiano, Positano and Amalfi itself, known for their small houses with multi-coloured facades.

The pastel-hued houses of Positano are said to be best viewed from the sea (so you see the oceanfront architecture with the mountainous backdrop). Taking a short boat tour might be a good idea, especially if you have your camera with you and want to bring home some stunning pictures!

When you visit the Amalfi Coast, we also recommend you simply take some time to relax and enjoy yourself. Sit back with a coffee or a limoncello, try some of the locally produced cheeses and make sure to eat some of the exquisite seafood for lunch!

For even more relaxation, try spending some time by the water. The two neighbouring towns of Maiori and Minori are said to have some of the best beaches, and in case you need refreshments, you will easily find many cafés and small shops in the area.

Day trip from Rome to the Amalfi Coast

Read more: Where to stay in Amalfi Coast
Positano. Aerial image of famous city Positano located on Amalfi Coast, Italy during sunset.

Day Trip from Rome to Castelli Romani 

The name Castelli Romani directly translates to “Roman Castles” and refers to an area of Colli Albani (Alban Hills) and small Italian towns southeast of Rome.

Castelli Romani have provided a serene, nature refuge from Rome’s urban bustle for years, and the area is a popular destination for short day trips Rome for international tourists and locals alike. 

There are 2 volcanic lakes within the Castelli Romani area: Lago di Nemi and Lago Albano. The latter is a popular meeting spot. The lakeside is filled with trattorias and restaurants, and if you’re visiting in the summer, make sure to go there for dinner!

On the shores of Lago di Nemi, you will find Museo delle Navi Romane. It was originally built by Mussolini, meant to house two ancient Roman boats, but they were destroyed by fire in 1944. Nowadays the museum hosts scale models and shows exhibitions about the local history and the ancient cult of goddess Diana.

Castelli Romani is a great destination for half day trips from Rome. Rent a car and tour on your own or book a guided tour with an agency.

Castel Gandolfo with the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo is also located in the Castelli Romani area, but to explore the papal apartments and wander the palace’s marble halls, we recommend a separate trip. 

Day Trip from Rome to Castelli Romani 

Rocca di Papa a small italian town on Alban Hills one of Castelli Romani Rome province Lazio Italy

Day Trip from Rome to Castel Gandolfo

In the Lazio region if Italy, you will find the town of Castel Gandolfo. This little town houses several places of archaeological and historical interest, like the remains of Albanum Domitiani (Villa of Domitian).

A vast Roman palace built by the Roman Emperor Titus Flavius Domitian in the 1st century CE. The villa consisted of a large complex of gardens, courtyards and thermal baths, and it even had its own theatre and a hippodrome (a form of a stadium designed for races).

The city’s main site, however, is the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo (also known as the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo). Overlooking the Albano Lake, it is a huge building complex, oldest parts of which date back to the 13th century.

In the late 16th century, the complex was acquired by the Vatican from their previous owners, the Savelli family, who could not pay their debt to the Papacy. The Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo now serves as a summer/vacation residence for the pope, however, its main structure, the Papal Palace, has served as a museum since October 2016.

Another remarkable site is the Church of St. Thomas of Villanova. The church was rebuilt by the famous Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the middle of the 17th century when the restoration of the apostolic palace also found place.

Day Trip from Rome to Castel Gandolfo

Albano Lake shore and city of Castel Gandolfo Lazio Italy

Recommended Best Day Trips from Rome

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Best Day Trips from Rome
Best Day Trips from Rome
Best Day Trips from Rome

Author

  • Samantha King

    Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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