The Ultimate  Day Trips from Rome with Map

There's a very good reason Rome is known as the Eternal City: this captivating and ancient city brims with awe-inspiring architecture that has been around forever, intoxicating culture, some of the best shopping on earth (here's our Shop Rome Guide to tempt you to spend), and of course there is the cuisine, one of Italy's top 5 cuisines, with dishes like the world-famous carbonara.

It is no exaggeration to say that Rome needs an eternity to truly explore. Sadly, most people I know don't have that long, and they'd still like to see something else of Italy beyond this spectacular city. We're here to make that happen with lots of amazing day trip destinations from Rome, some that go as far as Florence. We recommend spring (May to June) and fall (September to October) as the best times of year for these trips, as the weather is generally pleasant and the tourist crowds are smaller.

Florence

The quintessential Italian city of love and art. You absolutely must visit the Uffizi Gallery, which houses one of the world’s most important collections of Renaissance art, as well as the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to the fabulous Statue of David by Michelangelo. Also, Piazza del Duomo and its iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore are not to be missed. The shopping in Florence is fabulous too. 

A day is way too short to do justice to Florence; if you have the time, stay a few nights. The train from Rome to Florence takes about 1.5 hours. 

Naples

I've often heard it said that you haven't seen Italy until you've seen Naples. So much of what people think of as Italian comes from Naples, like pizza, espresso, many types of pasta, and much more too.

This is a metropolis with a rich history, filled with life and inhabitants who live with a passion as if every moment may be their last (I guess living under a volcano does that for you). Naples is also Italy's biggest southern city and the third biggest overall (after Rome and Milan).

Visit the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the National Archaeological Museum, and, of course, try a pizza at a local pizzeria.

Is Naples safe, though? That's a question I am often asked. Well, violent crime is rare compared to many big cities around the world and is mostly in peripheral areas tourists don't visit. The main issue is pickpockets, scammers, and bag snatchers. Don't wear flashy jewelry and keep your wits about you, and you will likely be fine.

Naples is about an hour away from Rome by train. To get started with your planning, read this local guide to Naples. 

Pompeii and Herculaneum

Two of the saddest places I've ever been both had me in tears. Pompeii and Herculaneum, frozen in time by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, a tragedy relived over and over by all who visit. A bus tour from Rome is the easiest way to visit. Alternatively, go by train, with the new fast train service from Rome to Pompeii taking around two hours. The bad news, though, is that the service currently only runs on Sundays.

Orvieto

This Etruscan town, with its stunning cathedral and quaint old town, is a wonderful choice for a day trip. I love this gorgeous town upon a hill in Umbria, and the cathedral is one of the most awesome in Italy.  Above ground, the little cobbled lanes, medieval buildings, and pretty piazzas are fabulous, but it doesn't end there; there's an entire hidden, eye-opening underground world that takes you back to Etruscan times. Not as impressive as the one in Perugia, but amazing all the same.

It's easy to get to as well; the train ride from Rome takes about an hour. Here's more about Orvieto.

Tivoli

Renowned for its beautiful Roman villas like the Villa d'Este with its stunning water fountains and the UNESCO-listed Hadrian’s Villa. 

Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica is a well-preserved city that was once bustling with commerce and trade. Awash with buildings, amphitheaters, and even mosaics that paint a vivid picture of Rome’s glory days, this destination is great for both history enthusiasts and casual tourists. The round-trip train from Rome is very affordable, though note that there's an additional entrance fee to the archaeological park.

Frascati

Best known for its world-class wines and picturesque vineyards, it is a must-visit destination for any wine lover. The undulating hills and pristine landscapes seem to stretch on forever, while its vineyards are best explored with a wine-tasting tour. Boasting multiple family-owned wineries, Frascati offers an intimate window into Italy's rich viticulture and gives you a chance to taste the wines the Romans drank while watching the Colosseum gladiator battles unfold. 

Civita di Bagnoregio

This gorgeous hilltop village offers beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere that feels almost surreal. This town is only reachable by a pedestrian walkway, adding to its charm. It’s a veritable gem, preserved in time, with ancient buildings, winding cobbled streets, and the occasional local selling homemade goods. There are many convenient bus tours from Rome.

What to do in Civita di Bagnoregio, where to eat, what to see, and lots more info is available in my Civita di Bagnoregio guide.

Our Tip: Don't wait too long; experts say the town is slowly crumbling and may soon no longer exist.

Bomarzo Mostri Park (Parco dei Mostri)

Also known as the Park of Monsters, Bomarzo Mostri Park is a unique garden filled with grotesque sculptures and sculptures of mythical creatures, created during the 16th century. Some of it is a little creepy, but most of it is simply breathtaking in its magnificence. It is a great place for kids too; I have yet to meet a kid who doesn't like monsters. Travel Time: Around 1.5 to 2 hours by car. Here's our guide. 

Siena

A stunning UNESCO medieval city boasts one of the best mixes of history and culture in all of Italy. Known for its beautiful Old Town and the iconic Piazza del Campo, a trip to Siena has to be near the top of everyone's list. To be honest, I love this city more than Florence.

The train journey from Rome takes about 3 hours, making Siena a just doable choice for a day trip, but you will need to leave Rome early to make it worthwhile. Rather stay at least two nights in Siena. Heck, I could easily spend a lifetime here.  You'll find everything you need to know about Siena in our comprehensive city guide.

Gardens of Ninfa

The Gardens of Ninfa are a romantic, English-style garden surrounding the ruins of the medieval town of Ninfa. I love this haven of peace and the romance of the place; it's the kind of place that makes you want to paint Monet-style landscapes and write poetry. See why in my Ninfa Garden Guide.

The gardens are approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) southeast of Rome; it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car. You can go by train too; the journey takes 30 minutes to the nearest station, which is Latina Centrale. From there, you'll need to get a bus, and there are only a few of them, which makes a day trip with public transport difficult. Honestly, a car rental is best.

Bracciano

Bracciano is one of those places that steals your heart the second you get there. It’s tucked into gorgeous rolling hills, with the incredible Castello Orsini-Odescalchi towering over it all, a massive 15th-century castle that feels like it’s straight out of a fairy tale.

Inside the castle, you step right back into the Middle Ages. Everything’s beautifully kept—the stonework, the old furniture, the ancient treasures—and the views from the top stretch right across the lake and the town. It’s unforgettable.

And Lake Bracciano? It’s just magical. The town and the lake feel like they grew up together. The water’s crystal-clear, perfect for kayaking, sailing, or just sitting by the shore with a picnic and a good book. 

But honestly, the town itself is just as special. You can get lost (in the best way) down narrow cobbled streets, stumble onto cute little piazzas, and find cozy cafés where the coffee tastes even better when you sip it slowly and watch the world go by. Chatting with locals over a cappuccino or a scoop of gelato is one of the best ways to really feel the heart of Italy.

Don’t miss the Shrine of Our Lady of the Oak either. It's tucked away, peaceful, and full of history. If you’re looking for a quiet moment, this is where you’ll find it.

Getting to Bracciano is super easy—hop on a train from Rome, and in under an hour you’re there. Round-trip tickets cost very little, and you get a full day packed with beauty, history, and pure Italian magic.

If you’ve got a little more time, you’ll want to check out Anguillara Sabazia too; it is another beautiful town by the lake.

I’ve put together a full guide to Anguillara Sabazia with all my favorite places to eat, stay, and explore. You’re going to love it!  You can access it here.

Other Options—including the Amalfi Coast

With an early start and a bit of planning, Assisi, Perugia, and even Salerno can all be enjoyed as day trips, each in its own way.

Assisi is the most peaceful of the three.  It’s a hill town that feels calm, spiritual, and timeless, and the Basilica of Saint Francis alone makes the journey worthwhile. The compact historic center is perfect for a slow wander before heading back to Rome in the early evening.

From Rome Termini, trains typically take around 2 to 2½ hours, usually with one change (often at Foligno). You arrive at Assisi station (Santa Maria degli Angeli), then take a short bus or taxi ride up to the historic center. The connection is easy and well set up for day-trippers.

Perugia rewards you with real Umbrian life. It’s a lively university city with grand views, medieval streets, and wonderful food. You won’t see everything in a day, but you’ll see enough to fall in love.

Getting to Perugia from Rome takes about 2 to 2½ hours by train, depending on the connection. Some routes are direct; others require one easy change, usually at Terontola or Foligno. 

From Perugia’s main station (Perugia Fontivegge), the Minimetrò funicular-style system takes you straight up into the historic center in just a few minutes. It’s easy, frequent, and part of the fun.

Salerno is the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, sea air, palm-lined promenades, and a very different rhythm from Rome. Long day? Yes. Memorable? Absolutely.  High-speed trains reach it in about 2 hours, and you can get a bus to nearby Amalfi Coast towns or take the ferry.

Best Way to Explore

In terms of transportation, we recommend the Italian train network as the top choice for its speed, comfort, affordability, and broad coverage of routes. Our guide to Italy's trains has everything you need to know about clinching the best deals, the routes to take, and essential information you need to know.

Buses (like the Flix Bus) are budget-friendly, though not as fast as trains. On the other hand, car rentals offer flexibility, but remember that Italian traffic rules could be different from those in your home country; you need to know about things like ZTL zones. Also, Italian driving is quite unique too and rather exuberant; it takes a bit of getting used to

While it's an undeniable truth that Rome wasn't built in a day, with these day trips, you can see the best of what was built outside of it, one day at a time. And when in Rome, you will want to consider staying at the Santa Maria.