You could spend a month in Rome and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface of all the Eternal City has to offer. But it’s more likely that you have just a few days to spend here as you travel to some of the other best cities in Italy. In either case, it’s a great idea to carve out some extra time for a day trip from Rome, Italy, to other incredible sites nearby.
Pompeii, Naples, Tivoli, Sperlonga. These are just a few of the coolest day trips from Rome that you could take to see more ruins, eat more food, and fall even more in love with Italy. Along with your other travel apps, the Rosetta Stone App is the perfect travel companion since it works offline so you can use it as you ride the treno (train) from city to city. Plan your excursions from Rome with our helpful list of places you don’t want to miss!
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Travel tips for navigating your day trips from Rome
Trains are by far the easiest way to get around Italy, except if you’re heading to the Amalfi Coast where it’s too mountainous and populated for trains. We recommend using the Trenitalia website or app to book your tickets in advance for the best price and preferred cabin.
Roma Termini stazione (station) is the most common choice for a Rome day trip by train, but you might use Tiburtina or Piramide too. Be sure to arrive at each train station about 30 minutes before your train departs to make sure you’ve validated your biglietti (tickets) and located the right departure platform. Some locations will require a little extra transportation to get to the main sites, but others are perfect for walking around the città (city).
If you’re looking for a day trip from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, your best bet is a private or small group tour. While you could get to Sorrento by train from Rome, you’ll need an experienced driver or guide to navigate the incredibly narrow roads in Positano, Maori, and other tiny towns. It’s not recommended to drive yourself here. Still, it’s worth booking a guided trip to see those unbelievable views.
1. Herculaneum: the best-preserved ruins from Mount Vesuvius’s eruption
Train stations: Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale then Ercolano Scavi on Circumvesuviana line
Travel time: 80 minutes to Naples; 25 minutes to Herculaneum
Admission price: starts at €14
We’ll start with the often-overlooked ruins of Parco Archeologico di Ercolano or the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum. Located near Pompeii, this smaller, less-visited site also experienced total destruction when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. The biggest difference is that Herculaneum experienced more earthquake damage before being buried in over 18 meters of mud and pyroclastic debris that managed to preserve more frescoes and even papyrus. On the other hand, Pompeii was buried in about 9 meters of ash and pumice, which damaged most surfaces and was harder to excavate.
The buildings and frescoes are some of the best ruins you’ll see, even compared to Pompeii. Make sure you stop to see the remains of a boat in the museum and see the hundreds of skeletons found in the bay as they waited for boats to escape the calamity. Also famous here is what’s known as the Ring Lady: a hand with jeweled rings and bracelets. To get to Herculaneum, take a high-speed train to Naples, then book tickets on the Circumvesuviana train line that stops at both Herculaneum and Pompeii before going to Sorrento. The station is about a 5-minute walk from the park.
>> Discover other incredible ruins in Rome you can explore.
@whatalifetours An easy day trip from Rome, Italy for history lovers, this is Ostia Antica!
♬ Lo-fi hip hop – NAO-K#whatalifetours #ostiaantica #romedaytrip #daytripfromrome #ancientruins #rome #italy #travel #traveltips #travelguide #romeguide #foryoupage #4upage #4u #fyp #fypシ #whatalife #tourrome #rometour #rometours
2. Ostia Antica: Rome’s most important harbor city
Train stations: Piramide station on commuter line C and get off at Ostia Antica
Travel time: 30-45 minutes
Admission price: starts at €20
Ostia was Rome’s biggest port city of 60,000 people during the height of the Roman Empire. Today, it’s still a busy city, but the area worth exploring is Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica or Ostia Antica Archaeological Park. It’s where you’ll find the best remains of an amphitheater, temples, and other sites of this ancient harbor city. One thing that’s cool about Ostia Antica is that there are grassy areas among the stones, buildings, and walls. If that seems odd to point out, you’ll understand after spending time in Rome and Pompeii where grass isn’t common.
Overall, there’s a lot to explore at Ostia Antica from docks and mansions to baths and shopping malls. There are fewer frescoes here than Herculaneum and Pompeii, but there are plenty of statues and mosaics to see too. You can get here in just 30 minutes, making this a great, short day trip from Rome to see preserved ruins. In fact, it even made our list of the best things to do in Rome!
@kelseyinlondon ♬ Sunny – Boney M.
9 best things to do in Florence
1. Florence Duomo – marvel at this stunning architectural masterpiece, with its iconic red dome designed by Brunelleschi. 2. Buchetta del vino – experience a unique tradition of wine served through the historic wooden windows. 3. Statue of David – admire Michelangelo’s Statue of David at the Galleria dell’Accademia. 4. Eat a panini – from one of Florence’s many acclaimed sandwich shops, I recommend I Fratellini & Pino’s Sandwiches. 5. Ponte Vecchio – walk across this medieval stone bridge lined with charming shops and views of the Arno River. 6. Uffizi Gallery – home to a collection of Renaissance art, including works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo 7. Rooftop cocktails – enjoy a spritz with a view at Butterfly Terrace or View on Art Rooftop Bar. 8. Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella – visit one of the world’s oldest pharmacies, where you can purchase luxurious perfumes & herbal remedies. 9. Palazzo Vecchio – discover the Florence’s elaborately adorned town hall and former residence of the Medici family.
3. Florence: home of the David, Ponte Vecchio, and the Florentine steak
Train stations: Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella
Travel time: 90 minutes on the high-speed train
Yes, you can do a day trip to Florence from Rome! There are high-speed trains that can take you to the heart of Tuscany in about 90 minutes, so book your biglietto (ticket) for early morning to maximize your time. Florence has so much to explore, but you can see Caravaggio’s Medusa at the Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo’s David at Accademia Galleria, Fontana del Porcellino (the lucky wild boar), Ponte Vecchio, and the famous Florence Duomo in a single day!
And you’ll have time to grab a lavender-flavored gelato from our favorite gelateria (ice cream shop) called Perché No? (Why Not?). If you can grab a late train back to Rome, we definitely recommend stopping at Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view of Florence or taking your passeggiata (evening stroll) through the Boboli Gardens. Florence may seem like a big city, but it’s easily walkable. It’s the perfect place to spend a day away from Rome enjoying some Tuscan food and buying that authentic Italian leather jacket you wanted.
>> Find out the best things to do in Florence and recommended day trips from Florence.
@louisealicet Best day in Italy at Castel Gandolfo
♬ Originalton – Kati
4. Castel Gandolfo: known for the pope’s summer residence
Train stations: Roma Termini to Albano Laziale but get off at Castel Gandolfo
Travel time: 40 minutes by train; 30 minutes by car
Admission price: starts at €15
Devout Catholics and lake lovers will enjoy taking a trip to the Castelli Romani where Castel Gandolfo is located. Dating back to about 1628 A.D., Palazzo Pontificio (papal villa) has attracted visitors for decades due to the beautifully manicured giardini (gardens) that overlook Lago Albano (Lake Albano). You’ll find luxurious apartments, an observatory, and panoramic views of this quieter community when you buy a ticket to enter the residence.
However, the little villages of Castel Gandolfo and nearby Albano Laziale are worth exploring, so don’t hesitate to wander through the streets to sample some local vino (wine). If you’re an active traveler, you can also rent kayaks and explore Lago Albano, the deepest volcanic lake in Italy. Or just opt to sunbathe along the northern spiagge (beaches) if you have a couple of extra hours to relax. You can book a train, grab a taxi, or rent a car to get here.
@livevirtualguide We made a longer video on our Youtube channel – see comments below
♬ Je te laisserai des mots – Patrick Watson#rome #daytrip #hadriansvilla #hadrian #hadrianswall #tivoli #romeitaly #italy #rometours #romeplaces #hiddengems #thingstodoinrome
5. Tivoli: where you’ll find the biggest villa of all the Roman emperors
Train stations: Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina to Tivoli Villa Adriana or Tivoli Villa d’Este
Travel time: about 90 minutes
Admission price: starts at €17 (Hadrian’s); starts at €16 (Villa d’Este); free (Villa Gregoriana)
Technically, you can explore three villas if you decide to plan some day trips from Rome to Tivoli: Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa), Villa d’Este, and Villa Gregoriana. Hadrian’s is the most popular and the largest of all the emperor’s villas built during the Roman Empire. Over 10 years, the beloved emperor Hadrian built about 7 square miles of a garden city that includes baths, sculpture gardens, theaters, libraries, and villas. He strongly believed in meditating outdoors, and the designs of his gardens reflect that, earning a spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
Also noteworthy is Villa d’Este, which has some of the most beautiful fountains you’ll ever see—the organ fountain spilling from the front of the villa is captivating. This villa is newer and has a history as a Benedictine convent before being the home of composer Franz Liszt for a while. On the other hand, Villa Gregoriana is where you want to go to see natural waterfalls and landscapes. A group tour from Rome is an easy way to explore Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este.
@deccadotcom Here are our 10 must sees (and do) in Sorrento
♬ Evergreen – Richy Mitch & the Coal Miners1. Day at Peter’s Beach. 2. Hop on a boat! 3. Cool off with a lemon granite. 4. Dive into the breakfast buffet at Antica Murra. 5. Hike the “Path of Gods” from Sorrento to Positano. 6. Day trip to Pompeii, Positano, or Capri. 7. Enjoy southern Italian food at Da Emilia or Bagni Delfino 8. Explore Via San Cesareo. 9. Sunset looking over Peter’s. 10. Enjoy Piazza Tasso! #sorrento #sorrentoitaly #amalficoast #italytraveltips #italytiktok #travelguide #fyp
6. Sorrento: the closest Amalfi Coast town known for lemons
Train stations: Roma Termini to Sorrento Circumvesuviana (train change in Naples)
Travel time: approximately 2.5 hours
The Amalfi Coast is within reach of Roma! In fact, a day trip from Rome to the Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular activities you can do. Sorrento is the closest city to Rome to experience the cliff sides of Italy’s famous southern coast. You can either book a group tour to explore Sorrento and even Positano, or you can book a train to Sorrento from Rome on your own. It’s only 2.5 hours away, so we highly recommend planning this day trip if you aren’t going to spend a few days in Amalfi.
Sorrento is home to the most famous and authentic limoncello, thanks to the prevalence of fragrant lemon trees. Start in Piazza Tasso to snap a picture of the dramatic ocean view over a plunging, winding road. Then wander along Via Corso Italia to shop on the famous street, but don’t miss the smaller Via San Cesareo for local shops. For a view of the crowded beaches below, head to Villa Comunale di Sorrento, an open garden that overlooks the Mediterranean. And of course, you’ll need to dine on delicious seafood at Refood Sorrento or Azz! Italian Tavern.
@yuco_keza ♬ Classical & modern mid-tempo pop(1458879) – JIISE RAHAIA
7. Sperlonga: a tiny village on the coast with the best sunsets
Train stations: Roma Termini to Funds-Sperlonga
Travel time: approximately 80 minutes by train; approximately 2 hours by car
Most people haven’t heard of Sperlonga, but this little village has some hidden gems that you just might want to explore. You’ll want to start in Centro Storico (historical center) where you can wander on foot through narrow alleys between white-washed buildings. For a moment, you may wonder if you’ve been transported to Greece, until you smell the aroma of Italian caffè and pizza.
You can spend a few hours lounging on the little spiagge (beaches), but you’ll also want to head to Torre Truglia for a view of a tower that sits on the edge of the rocky peninsula. It’s a great spot for watching the sunset if you’re not already sitting on a terrace of a bar or ristorante during your evening aperitivo. There may not be as much to do here for kids, other than the beach, but it’s a great place for solo travelers and couples.
@aprilchutravels ♬ Belonging – Muted
8. Pompeii: the most famous city of ruins in the world
Train stations: Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale then to Pompeii Scavi on Circumvesuviana line
Travel time: 80 minutes to Naples; 70 minutes to Herculaneum
Admission price: starts at €20
Part of a proper Italian vacation is diving into the country’s immense history—and eating an abundance of delicious pasta and gelato. One of the most important places you can visit is Parco Archeologico di Pompei. It’s the most famously preserved city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The grounds are expansive and radiate the blistering heat of the sun in the summer, hinting at a fraction of the intensity that blasted from the still-active volcano that hovers in the distance.
You can purchase a ticket to Pompeii and explore on your own, but the best way to explore it is with the help of a guide who knows the stories behind what you see and the journey of the archaeological process to uncover it all. The streets are indented by carriage wheels, the walls have frescoed murals, the brothel still advertises its offerings, and the fountains look like they could refresh you today. Day trips to Pompeii from Rome, Italy, are an excellent way to experience this snapshot of time with kids, friends, or family.
@thearmstrongchronicles A must see for the history geeks
♬ Einaudi: Experience – Ludovico Einaudi & Daniel Hope & I Virtuosi Italiani#romeadventures #italiantravels #historygeek #etruscans #rome #iseedeadpeople #discoveritaly #unescoworldheritagesite #history #hikeitaly #americansinitaly #americanexpats #lesbianadventures #exploretheworld
9. Cerveteri: the ancient city of the dead
Train stations: Roma Termini to Ladispoli-Cerveteri, then take the 10-minute bus to Cerveteri
Travel time: approximately 90 minutes by train; 40 minutes by taxi or car
Admission ticket: about €10
While most of the day trips from Rome we’ve recommended have headed south, this one is northwest of the city. Cerveteri is an unassuming little town that houses a remarkable necropolis filled with Etruscan tombs as old as the eighth century B.C.! When the Romans took over, they added their own tombs, and many buildings still have frescoes you can explore like in the ancient but humble Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate. You’re also not too far from the coast if you need some beach time.
A 13th-century castle is also waiting to be explored here, and kids can have fun identifying the many different types of stone used to build it. But the Necropoli della Banditaccia is the highlight in Cerveteri. You can learn about the organization of tombs by class, how important the personal items were, and discover similarities and comparisons to Egyptian necropoli. Thousands of people were buried here, which makes it one of the most prolific necropoli in Italy.
10. Naples: the city known for pizzas, nativities, and the Veiled Christ
Train stations: Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale
Travel time: approximately 1 hour
You might have heard stories about avoiding Napoli (Naples) due to the pickpockets (they are definitely more intense here) and lack of cleanliness in some areas. But we think it’s a mistake to skip exploring Naples. Heading to this ancient city that brought us the beloved pizza is one of the best day trips from Rome you can take. Not to mention it’s near Herculaneum, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento and even Capri, so you might choose to stay overnight to explore a little more!
Some of the best things to do in Naples include eating street food, like crocchè di patate or pizza fritta, shopping for presepi (nativity sets), and stepping inside Sansevero Chapel Museum to see the breathtaking Veiled Christ sculpture. The delicacy of the carved stone makes the thin veil covering seem lifelike, as if you could gently pull it from the face of Jesus. You might also want to wander underground to the aqueducts, the Greek-Roman theater, the Toledo metro station, and other cool subterranean spots.
>> Plan your day with our guide to fun things to do in Naples.
@livevirtualguide What to see in Orvieto
♬ Home – Edith Whiskers
11. Orvieto: the cliffside village with an underground labyrinth
Train stations: Roma Termini to Orvieto Centro
Travel time: approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours
Situated halfway between Rome and Florence lies Orvieto, the location of which makes it one of the best day trips from Rome. Like many ancient Roman cities, there are no cars in the heart of the city, so you could take a funicular (cable car) to the city if you’re driving here. Even from a distance, you’ll see this city built on a cliff with a magnificent duomo commanding the skyline. Its history dates back to 1290 A.D. and the mosaics on the facade will captivate your attention as you take in the painstakingly created details.
You’ll find an excellent national archaeological museum here, but kids and adults will all love exploring some of the 1,200 caves beneath the city. Most homes in Orvieto have access to the underground caves! If you can handle going down hundreds of stairs, a trip to St. Patrick’s Well is a must as it’s an engineering marvel. But you might prefer to simply find a spot to buy an espresso or local vino (wine) and take in the panoramic views too.
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