The best day trips from Rome, from Tivoli to Florence. Explore all the beauty that Italy has to offer a few hours away from the capital.
Rome, the eternal city, boasts an abundance of historical treasures and cultural marvels. When it comes to day trips, Rome offers an array of captivating destinations that promise unforgettable experiences. From the remarkably preserved ruins of Ostia Antica to the Renaissance splendor of Florence, each excursion promises a unique adventure. In this guide, we’ll unravel the best day trips from Rome, considering factors like proximity, cultural significance, and accessibility. Whether you’re looking for ancient wonders or you are an art enthusiast craving Renaissance masterpieces, there’s a day trip tailored just for you. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the hidden gems waiting to be explored.
When in Rome
During any holiday, don’t forget to buy travel insurance to cover any possible medical expenses, loss or damage of luggage. Heymondo offers great deals and prices for any need. Furthermore, we recommend you to buy an eSIM with Airalo to avoid being short on data and be able to be connected at any time.
Pro-tip: don’t forget to join a free walking tour of Rome, a great idea to visit the city and discover the best places. Speaking of other places, there are some which are worth being included in the best day trips from Rome.
Best day trips from Rome
Italy has so much to discover, probably not even a lifetime would be enough. Here you’ll be able to find out some of the best days trip from Rome, to explore even more of this beautiful country.
Ostia Antica
Nestled just a stone’s throw from Rome, Ostia Antica offers a mesmerizing step back in time. This remarkably preserved ancient Roman port town unveils a tapestry of history, with its well-preserved mosaics, amphitheater, and the hauntingly beautiful Baths of Neptune. Visitors can wander through the cobbled streets, imagining life in a bustling maritime hub. For an immersive experience, consider joining a guided tour. Alternatively, opt for a self-guided exploration, allowing you to meander at your own pace. Ostia Antica is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts and photographers alike. This is one of the shortest best day trips from Rome: you will need to catch the metro B to Laurentina and stop at Magliana. From here, get the train to Ostia Lido and stop at Ostia Antica.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN ROME: find all the offers for accommodation
Tivoli Gardens and Villa d’Este
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with one of the best day trips from Rome. Tivoli, a serene retreat graced will surprise you with the beauty of Villa d’Este and the lush Tivoli Gardens. Stroll through meticulously manicured gardens adorned with enchanting fountains, where every step is a journey through Renaissance artistry. For an in-depth exploration, consider a guided tour of Villa d’Este. Knowledgeable guides unravel the stories behind the exquisite frescoes and ingenious water features. Take a moment to pause by the famed Hundred Fountains, their cascading waters a testament to engineering brilliance. Tivoli is a verdant oasis, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. You can also enjoy a relaxing picnic amidst the verdant foliage or savor local delicacies at a quaint trattoria. To reach Tivoli, take the regional train from Tiburtina station to Tivoli.
Florence, one of the best day trips from Rome
Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, beckons with its unparalleled cultural riches. It’s one of the best day trips from Rome that unveils masterpieces at every turn, from Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” to Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring David. Consider a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery, where expert curators shed light on the evolution of art. Venture to the Florence Cathedral, an architectural marvel adorned with Brunelleschi’s iconic dome. Climb the bell tower for panoramic views of the city’s terracotta rooftops. We recommend buying tickets in advance to avoid long queues. If you have time, join a free tour of the city to explore the heart of Florence walking around. Immerse yourself in the local culinary scene with a visit to a traditional trattoria. Savor Florentine specialties like ribollita and pappa al pomodoro. Florence is conveniently located just under 2 hours by train from Rome.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN ROME: find all the offers for accommodation
Best day trips from Rome: Orvieto
Perched atop a picturesque hill, Orvieto enchants with its medieval allure and captivating vistas. Take the train and in just two hours you’ll be able to begin one of the best day trips from Rome. Alternatively, you can rent a car and save some time. Explore the Duomo di Orvieto, a Gothic masterpiece adorned with intricate mosaics. Lose yourself among the hidden gem of Orvieto, the underground city, where a labyrinth of tunnels and caves unveil centuries of history. A guided tour it’s perfect to gain deeper insights into the city’s fascinating past. Knowledgeable guides lead you through the subterranean passages, recounting tales of ancient civilizations and medieval craftsmanship.
Capri
Another one among the best day trips from Rome is the luxurious Capri, a gem in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Getting there requires a bit of planning, but if you don’t have that much time while in Italy, visiting Capri while in Rome is an option. This guided tour, for example, is perfect. Otherwise, get on a high speed train to Naples and then catch a ferry to Capri. Sail through the mesmerizing Blue Grotto, where sunlight dances on the azure waters, creating a surreal spectacle. With a guided boat tour you can uncover hidden coves and rugged coastal beauty. Stroll through Anacapri and explore the enchanting Villa San Michele and the lively Piazzetta, a gathering spot for celebrities and discerning travelers alike. Capri offers a myriad of culinary delights. Savor fresh seafood in a cliffside restaurant, or indulge in the island’s famed limoncello.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN ROME: find all the offers for accommodation
The best day trips from Rome: Tuscany’s countryside
Escape the urban hustle to embrace the tranquil landscapes of Tuscany, one of the best day trips away from Rome. Rolling vineyards and medieval towns like San Gimignano and Siena await your exploration. Joining a guided wine tour is a perfect option to savor the robust flavors of Chianti amidst the very vineyards that birthed it. If you wish to visit San Gimignano and Siena, we recommend renting a car to have complete freedom of what to visit. Admire the medieval towers in San Gimignano and explore the Palio square in Siena, along with the Cathedral. You can also visit a local agriturismo, for a farm-to-table lunch. Tuscany’s countryside offers a respite for the soul, where the harmony of nature and human artistry blend seamlessly.
Bracciano
As the last day trip from Rome, drive to Bracciano, a hidden gem just an hour from Rome. Nestled around the pristine Lake Bracciano, this medieval town exudes timeless charm. The crowning jewel is the stunning Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, an impeccably preserved fortress offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding countryside. Stroll through cobbled streets, lined with artisan shops and quaint trattorias serving authentic local cuisine. The lake itself invites you for a leisurely promenade along its shores or a tranquil boat ride. We recommend renting a car to drive here and explore the beauty of this place at your own pace.
