The best day trips and excursions from Rome

Fascinating ruins, majestic art, good food and streets teeming with life: with so much to do and see getting away from the Eternal City can be difficult. Yet, with day trips from Rome you may find that there are many wonders to explore. If you’re looking for an out-of-town trip, here’s what to see near Rome. From the magnificence of Tivoli’s UNESCO sites to the magic of the Gardens of Ninfa and ending with a seaside escape to the clear waters of Sperlonga, here are the best day trips near Rome to take.

Exploring the wonders of Ostia Antica

If you want to discover the beauty of Lazio without straying too far, a great classic day trip from Rome is a visit to the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park. This fascinating archaeological site preserves the ruins of the ancient port, offering a clear fresco of daily life in imperial Rome. The visit takes about three hours. Not to be missed are the mosaic floors of Neptune’s baths, the amphitheater, the Capitolium, the forum, and the Thermopolium, a kind of bar-restaurant of antiquity, where traces of the menus that were served are still visible on the walls.

Touring fraschette in the Castelli Romani

If you want to spend a day discovering the true flavors of Lazio cuisine, you can’t miss the “fraschette” of Ariccia and the Castelli Romani. Simple-looking taverns where once only bread, wine and a few local products were served, today fraschette are a favorite destination for foodies in search of authentic flavors. In a picturesque setting, you can enjoy traditional dishes -such as amatriciana and carbonara- accompanied by wine from the Castelli. The excursion is also an opportunity to visit Villa Torlonia and Villa Aldobrandini with their beautiful gardens.

UNESCO Wonders in Tivoli

Beloved even by Emperor Augustus, who took refuge here to escape the heat of Rome, this town about 26 km from the capital preserves two major UNESCO World Heritage attractions: Villa Adriana and Villa D’Este. Built at the behest of Emperor Hadrian, the colossal Hadrian’s Villa is worth a visit alone. An elegant Renaissance villa, Villa D’Este surprises with its gardens and the astonishing water features of its fountains. You can complete the excursion with a visit to Villa Gregoriana Park, a FAI gem that will immerse you in a forest with trails, caves and waterfalls.

Water sports on Lake Bolsena

Nestled in a fairy-tale atmosphere among hills and jewel-like villages, Lake Bolsena is the perfect place for a day getaway from Rome. Just under 100 km from the capital, Lake Bolsena is the largest volcanic lake in Europe. Its two lake islands are rich in evidence of Etruscan history, while its shores preserve medieval villages with a magical atmosphere. Nestled in a pristine natural environment, you can enjoy bird-watching, water sports, and boat trips. Lake Bolsena is completely swimmable.

Cerveteri and its Etruscan necropolis

To discover the mystery and fascination of the Etruscan civilization, less than 50 km from Rome the necropolis of Banditaccia in Cerveteri fascinates thousands of visitors every year. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a veritable city of the dead with squares, streets and typical mound tombs, which often preserve objects of daily life and are decorated with stucco and paintings. It is a nature walk to discover a lost civilization that still holds great mysteries.

The Enchantment of the Garden of Ninfa

In the Province of Latina, among the medieval villages of Norma and Sermoneta, which alone are worth a visit, you can stroll through this beautiful historic garden described by the “New York Times” as one of the most romantic in the world. It is an enchanted oasis where more than 300 species of plants from around the world grow among the ruins of a lost city, a pond and a river. The visit is a way to immerse oneself in the greenery and enjoy the magic of nature. Tours are guided and reservations are required.

Getting lost among Renaissance masterpieces in Florence

Only an hour and a half away by fast train, a day trip to Florence is not to be missed. Of course you won’t have time to visit everything, but you can get a sense of Renaissance magnificence and, by buying tickets in advance, visit major museums such as the Uffizi Gallery. On the other hand, if you want to devote yourself to sightseeing, you can walk from the train station to the Cathedral Square in a few minutes. From here, getting lost in the alleys and streets is a unique experience that will introduce you to the masterpieces of Renaissance architecture.

In the underground of Orvieto

Just 100 km from the capital, Orvieto is a classic day trip from Rome. Built on a limestone outcrop that for centuries protected it from enemies, walking through its medieval alleys is a pleasure that leaves no one indifferent. It takes your breath away with its impressive Gothic cathedral, spectacular both outside-with its zebra-striped facade-and inside with its amazing frescoes. Other must-see attractions include St. Patrick’s Well and the Orvieto Underground.

Caprarola and its frescoes

This beautiful village in the Province of Viterbo holds a jewel of Renaissance art: the Villa Farnese and its splendid gardens. You will be speechless before the incredible spiral-shaped regal staircase leading to the second floor, the opulent rooms including the Mappamondo room, and the frescoes that adorn every wall of the palace. The gardens echo the splendor of the palace: amid labyrinths, water features, monumental fountains and geometric compositions, they are a world of wonder.

Pizza and more in Naples

If you’re wondering what to see near Rome, get on a bullet train. With just over an hour’s drive, a day trip to Naples will take you to explore one of Italy’s most eccentric and vibrant cities. Among the picturesque alleys of the historic center you can taste authentic Neapolitan pizza and visit priceless art masterpieces such as the Veiled Christ. An alternative is to head straight for the excavations of Pompeii for a full-immersion into the life of ancient Rome.

Walk among the monsters of Bomarzo

Things to see near Rome include the small village of Bomarzo and its Monster Park. About 90 km from Rome, in the Province of Viterbo, Bomarzo is famous for the Sacred Wood or Villa of Wonders, an artistic complex of giant sculptures made of basalt, depicting monsters, mythological creatures and fantastic animals. Nestled in a picturesque landscape, Bomarzo also has an interesting historic center and several monuments including Palazzo Orsini.

Sperlonga: seaside getaway

It can get really hot in Rome in the summer. A good way to escape the heat is to plan a beach getaway. A half-hour drive from the capital, perched on a promontory and perfect for a day getaway from Rome, Sperlonga is a delightful whitewashed village with a quaint old town full of small stores, craft workshops and clubs. At its foot, golden beaches bathed by crystal-clear sea are ideal for relaxation and water sports.