If you’re lucky enough to have it as your home city, then why not make full use of it? Why not escape the hustle and bustle for a day? And what better way to do that than by taking in some of the most beautiful day trips from Rome. These quick getaways will help you see beyond the city walls, giving you access to some of Italy’s most stunning scenery. If you want to spend more time exploring, we recommend extending your stay with an extended vacation. That way, you can explore even more sights and activities for longer. And who knows? You might just find a new favorite place in Italy! Here are our top five hidden day trips from Rome.
Visit the Vatican
The Vatican is one of the most popular day trips from Rome. It’s easy to see why: the city and its surrounds are absolutely breathtaking. And it’s not just tourists who are in awe of the city: locals flock here, too. So, the lines here may be long, but they go quickly. If you can’t make it in one day, opt for an early morning visit. You’ll be able to beat the crowds and get to see the city at its best.
Even if you don’t have time for a visit to the Vatican, you can easily explore the city and see stunning views of the city. You’ll find the city center is relatively compact and you can easily walk around the center and take in some of Rome’s famous architecture. Plus, the city center is home to some of Europe’s most iconic sights, including St. Peter’s Basilica.
Explore Naples and the Amalfi Coast
If you’re visiting the area around Naples and the Amalfi Coast, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the city of Pompeii. This ancient Roman city has been preserved remarkably well thanks to ash and volcanic ash that blanketed it following the nearby Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD. Today, it’s regarded as one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world, and exploring it, is one of our top day trips from Rome.
If Pompeii isn’t your thing, we also recommend exploring the coast from Naples to Sorrento and Capri. The coast here is made up of beautiful seaside towns, each with its own unique charm. For example, you might want to stop in the fishing town of Amalfi for a taste of old southern Italy, or visit the hip beach town of Salerno for a taste of modern day Southern Italy. If a day trip isn’t enough to explore the area, you can also choose to stay nearby and explore the surrounding countryside and hill towns, like Ravello and Vietri.
Riviera of Chieti and Sorrento
The Italian Riviera is a dream destination for many travelers. It’s home to some of Italy’s most iconic sights, including the Cinque Terre, Portovenere, and the Rooftop Gardens at the Villa Carlotta. Developed as a seaside resort during the early 20th century, the Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited places in Italy. The area is also a good day trip from Rome. It’s accessible by train from both Florence and Milan and is a great option for travelers with limited time who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a hotel.
The Riviera of Chieti and Sorrento is another popular day trip from Rome. This region is home to some of Italy’s most beautiful scenery and is often described as the “Greek Riviera.” If you have time for only one day trip from Rome, this is a great place to start.
Go wine tasting in Tuscany
Tuscany is one of Italy’s most visited destinations and is also one of its most vibrant and interesting places to explore. The region is best known for its world famous Renaissance art, but it’s also packed with beautiful countryside, delicious food, and a lively cultural scene. If you have just a few days in the area, we recommend exploring the top wine-growing area of Chianti.
This compact region is home to some of Italy’s most famous wineries. You can visit each of these wineries, taste their wines, and learn about the region’s history and culture along the way.
You can also choose to explore the area outside of the Chianti region, which is home to some of Italy’s most stunning vineyard scenery. And if you have more time, you can choose to extend your trip with a trip to Florence, the heart of the Italian Renaissance.
Stay on for a night in Florence
Florence is one of Italy’s most popular day trips from Rome, with many travelers staying on for a night or longer. It’s easily accessible by train from both Rome and Milan, making it a great option for visitors with limited time.
If you’ve only got a day in Florence, we recommend exploring the city’s incredible architecture and taking a trip to its most famous sights. Our favorites are the Uffizi Gallery, the Boboli Gardens, and the Ponte Vecchio. And if you have time for a longer stay, the city is also a great option for exploring Tuscany’s many other gorgeous towns. For example, you could spend a night in Pisa, visit the coast from Lucca, or head up to the hill town of Siena.
Take a scooter ride to Rome’s Castelli Romani
If you’d like to explore the area around Rome, but don’t have the time for a full-blown trip, consider taking a day trip to the Castelli Romani. This region is home to some of Italy’s most stunning scenery, including the city of Rieti. While it may not be directly on the main day trip route from Rome, it’s easily accessible via a short train ride and is a great option for travelers with limited time who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a hotel.
The region is also home to some great restaurants and is a great place to relax and unwind. And if you have more time, consider extending your trip with a visit to nearby Lazio’s capital, Rome.
Stay on for a night in Florence
If you’ve got a day trip to Florence planned, we recommend staying on for a night. The city is one of Europe’s most iconic and beautiful cities, and it’s also a great place to experience Italy’s vibrant cultural scene.
If you’ve only got a day in Florence, we recommend exploring the city’s incredible architecture and taking a trip to its most famous sights. Our favorites are the Uffizi Gallery, the Boboli Gardens, and the Ponte Vecchio. And if you have more time, the city is also a great option for exploring Tuscany’s many other gorgeous towns. For example, you could spend a night in Siena, visit the coast from Lucca, or head up to the hill town of Montalcino.
Take a day trip to Naples
Neapolitan food is one of Italy’s most popular exports, and the city of Naples is its biggest hub. While there are many day trips from Rome to explore the area, we recommend taking one from Naples. It’s the best option for travelers with limited time who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a hotel.
The city is home to some of Italy’s most iconic sights, including the world-famous Gioielli del Duomo, the Cathedral of San Severo, and the Galleria dell’Accademia. Plus, the city is also a great place to experience the vibrant cultural scene. You’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants, making it a great option for foodies looking for a night out.