11 Unmissable Day Trips from Rome

From the legendary Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain, to the Vatican Museums… Rome is a city with plenty to see and do and you could spend weeks exploring it. However, tourists often forget to look outside of the city, where there are countless more treasures to be explored. In fact, Rome is a fantastic launchpad for exploring the Lazio region and beyond—they don’t say ‘all roads lead to Rome’ for nothing! Of course, many of these destinations could be better enjoyed over the course of multiple days, but don’t let that stop you—a short visit to the destination of your dreams is far better than no visit at all.

So, today at Civitatis, we’re gonna let you in on the top 11 day trips from Rome—some will take the full day and others are just a short drive/train ride away, so there’s sure to be something to suit your itinerary.

1. Ostia Antica: Ancient Rome’s Principal Seaport (90 Minutes)

Just a short drive from the city center, visiting the ancient ruins of Ostia Antica offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Eternal City. This fascinating archeological site is around 19 miles (30 kilometers) from the city and will take around 90 minutes to reach by public transport, and 30 minutes by private transfer. 

Ostia, built around 335 BCE, was once Rome’s principal seaport, serving both military and commercial purposes. However, following the fall of Rome, the city was abandoned and eventually buried by silt from the river. It remained hidden until its rediscovery in the 1800s, with the silt largely protecting the site from the elements over the centuries. The result is a fascinating archeological site, including stunning mosaics.

As you walk around, you might find you recognize Ostia. Aside from its invaluable archaeological features, this town is also featured in Emily in Paris as the town of Solitano, where Emily first meets Marcello’s mother.

The best way to visit this site is accompanied by an expert tour guide, who can really bring it to life. Check out this Ostia Antica half-day tour from Rome, which also includes transport!

2. Florence: The Epicenter of the Renaissance (1.5 Hours)

Thanks to the fast train (which takes about an hour and a half), Florence is very easy to get to from Rome, and can quite easily be visited as a day trip—check out this Florence day trip from Rome by train. The Tuscan capital is a bucket list item for good reason. The cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is the world’s art capital, home to countless priceless masterpieces. You can see Michelangelo’s David on a tour of the Accademia Gallery. More works by Michaelangelo, as well as such greats as Botticelli, da Vinci, Cimabue, and Giotto, can be seen on this guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery—one of the world’s finest art collections.

The city’s architecture is equally stunning, with Gothic spires, Romanesque arches, Renaissance domes, and ornate Baroque facades, creating a harmonious skyline that spans centuries of innovative European design. The Duomo of Florence is perhaps the city’s crowning jewel, whose construction began in 1294. If you book in advance (and don’t mind waiting in a queue for a little while) you can climb its 463 steps, and enjoy probably the best panoramic views in the city, from the largest masonry dome in the world. You can see the Duomo and many other highlights on this free walking tour of Florence!

• Check out more tours and activities in Florence with Civitatis.

3. Tivoli: Rome’s Beautiful Resort Town (30 Minutes)

Tivoli is a no-brainer if you’re looking for a quick day trip from Rome. You can easily grab a 30-minute train from Roma Termini to Tivoli for just a few euros. This little town was somewhat of a resort town in ancient Rome, frequented by such figures as Augustus, Horace, and Catullus. Today, Tivoli is a fairly quaint town, with gorgeous art and architecture, gardens, and a palpable history. The most prominent landmark is Villa d’Este, a highly ornate palace and gardens that has been granted a UNESCO World Heritage status. Other highlights include the Villa Gregoriana, Tivoli Cathedral, and just a couple miles away (4 kilometers), you’ll find the Villa Adriana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in honor of Emperor Hadrian.

4. Venice: The Floating City (3 Hours 45 Minutes)

Another iconic Italian city (there are quite a few to choose from…) Venice is a romantic, highly cultural city, best known for its labyrinth of canals, which serve as the city streets. The best way to explore the city is on a gondola ride along the canal, which gives you a true sense of the spirit of Venice.

A must while you’re in Venice is St. Mark’s Square—the main square of the city. Here, you’ll find the 14th-century Doge’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered a jewel of Gothic architecture. This grandiose building served as the residence of the rulers of Venice and subsequently became the seat of the government. The square also features St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice’s main cathedral, and a masterpiece of Byzantine art and architecture, featuring stunning, golden mosaics, domes, and grand marble columns. You can see both for yourself, accompanied by a guide on this St. Mark’s Basilica + Doge’s Palace combo tour.

Venice is quite far away and requires a lot of traveling for a day trip. However, if you’re up for it, it can most certainly be done. The easiest way to make the journey is as part of this day trip to Venice by high-speed train from Rome, which includes transport each way, giving you six hours to explore the city at your own pace.

5. Pompeii: Step into Ancient Rome (2.5-3 Hours)

Next on our list is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, Pompeii. Here, you’ll find the best preserved ancient Roman town in the world. This middle-class town once had a population of 20,000 residents, over a hundred bars, dozens of bakeries, along with baths and brothels galore. Then, in 79 AD, the nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted and covered the once bustling town with ash, dust, and rocks, under which Pompeii was preserved for over 1,700 years.

In the 19th century, Archeologists uncovered a snapshot into the dramatic day that buried this ancient town—bread baking in ovens, fast food stalls, shop signs… Pompeii deserves every bit of its fame. The best way to visit is on this day trip to Pompeii from Rome with Civitatis, which includes a 2-hour guided tour of the site.

• If you have more time in Pompeii, check out more tours & experiences in Pompeii.

6. Live the Dream on the Amalfi Coast (3.5 Hours)

If you’re dreaming of visiting the Amalfi Coast… make it your reality! Now, there’s no direct train to the Amalfi Coast. If you want to go by public transport, you’ll want to get the fast train to Salerno first thing in the morning (ideally at around 6 am) and then a ferry to Amalfi, which will take between 3.5 hours and 4.5 hours in total, depending on which train you get. Alternatively, you could rent a car, which will take 3-4 hours each way, and parking can be very difficult, especially in the summer.

Once you’re in Amalfi, it’s all about soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the coastal views—how better to do that than on this Fiat 500 tour from Amalfi to Positano—another of the Amalfi Coast’s gorgeous gems.

7. Wine Tasting in Tuscany (3 Hours)

A slightly different day trip option… it’s time now to turn to the rolling hills of Tuscany. The fifth-largest region in Italy, Tuscany is home to the aforementioned Florence, as well as Pisa, Sienna, San Gimignano, Arrezzo… the list goes on. Known as the ‘golden land’, this much-loved region is best known for its landscape, vineyards, and medieval villages.

The best way to visit this region is as part of this Montepulciano & Montalcino day trip from Rome, you’ll explore some of these medieval villages, and taste some of the region’s most fabulous wines. The first stop is in Montepulciano, featuring gorgeous cobbled streets that were featured in the Twilight saga! Then, after stopping for a wine tasting in a 13th-century wine cellar, you’ll see Montalcino, a true fairytale hilltop town, retaining its walls and a beautiful medieval castle.

If you want to explore Tuscany’s rolling hills for yourself, we’d recommend renting a car, as getting between villages in the region can be very tricky via bus. However, if you want to visit Pisa, Arezzo, or Florence—you can easily make the trip via high-speed train.

8. Capri: Island Paradise (4 Hours)

A day trip from Rome to Capri is the perfect way to experience one of Italy’s most famous islands. Known for its stunning cliffs, shopping options, and out-of-this-world food, Capri’s fame is well-earned. To get to Capri via public transport, you’ll want to get the high-speed train to Naples, and then the ferry to Capri. However, take the stress out of travel and join Civitatis on this Capri day trip from Rome!

As part of this day trip, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Capri, seeing the Piazzetta, Capri’s iconic square, and wandering its charming narrow streets along the way. You’ll also see the Grotta Azzurra or Blue Grotto, a stunning, sparkling, water-filled cavern, lit by azure blue light—definitely a highlight of the trip! Capri is a perfect mix of natural beauty and laid-back luxury, even if you only have a day to explore.

• Check out more tours & experiences in Capri.

9. Ponza Island: An Island Experience Closer to Rome (1.5 Hours)

A day trip to Ponza Island is a slightly off-the-beaten-path experience compared to somewhere like Capri. On this day trip to Ponza Island from Rome, you’ll get a ferry to the colorful island of Ponza to enjoy a wholesome breakfast at a seaside eatery, before embarking on a gorgeous 5-hour cruise along the Tyrrhenian Sea, passing by ruins and caves, and stopping to swim and snorkel along the way.

10. Assisi and Orvieto: Umbrian Hilltop Gems (2 Hours 45 Minutes)

A day trip to Assisi and Orvieto offers a perfect mix of history, art, and stunning scenery in the heart of Umbria. Both towns are easily accessible from Rome by train, making them ideal for exploring Italy’s charming hilltop destinations.

In Assisi, you’ll step into a medieval world known for its spiritual significance as the birthplace of St. Francis. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with frescoes by Giotto, and wander the cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops and cafés. The serene atmosphere and breathtaking views of the Umbrian countryside make it unforgettable.

Orvieto, perched on a dramatic volcanic tuff cliff, is equally captivating. Don’t miss the Duomo, a Gothic masterpiece with striking mosaics and intricate carvings. Take a tour of the underground caves, and a labyrinth of ancient Etruscan tunnels, and enjoy the local white wine, Orvieto Classico. These two towns are rich in history and charm, perfect for a day of exploration.

• Day Trip to Assisi and Orvieto from Rome

11. Cerveteri: Discover Italy’s Etruscan Legacy (30 Minutes)

Ancient Rome is great and all, but Italy is home to an older, more mysterious people: the Etruscans. In fact, many of the Romans’ own cultural and artistic traditions were heavily inspired by this civilization, which flourished in central Italy from the 8th until the 3rd century BC.

In just half an hour, you can easily make your way to Ladispoli-Cerveteri station to explore Cerveteri. This city is home to the incredible Etruscan Necropolis of Cerveteri, a 2,900-year-old burial site, which features thousands of domed tombs. This UNESCO World Heritage site is also significant as it provides the only surviving evidence of Etruscan residential architecture.

There you have it! Those are our top picks for the best day trips from Rome. Whether you’re in search of culture, tranquility, or whatever else, there are options for you! Don’t let travel times put you off making your dreams come true… where there’s a will there’s a way! You can check out some private day trip options here. If you’re still looking for ways to fill your Rome itinerary, check out more tours and experiences in Rome with Civitatis!