20 best day trips from Rome

Amazing places to visit near Rome

When planning a trip to Italy don’t forget to squeeze in some day trips from Rome. With the excuse of being just 40 minutes away from beautiful seaside, countryside and lakeside locations, who’s not up to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to relax for the weekend? From beautiful villas to lakeside retreats, here are my top-rated places to visit near Rome for the day. Just bear in mind that not all can be reached by public transportation, most of them require a car.

Tivoli

Perched on top of the Monti Tiburtini hills on the Aniene River just East of Rome, Tivoli is home to some stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites and breathtaking views. No day trip to Tivoli would be complete without visiting Villa D’Este, one of the most impressive Renaissance villas and gardens worldwide. Cascading waterfalls, fountains and beautiful frescoed-halls make Villa D’Este a unique example of a 16th-century Italian garden. Another must-visit is Villa Adriana, an exceptional complex of classical buildings created in the 2nd century A.D. by the Roman emperor Hadrian.

Day tour of Villa D’Este & Villa Adriana from Rome
Can be reached with public transportation

Palazzo Farnese of Caprarola

This building is located in Caprarola, in the Tuscia area, just a one-hour drive from Rome, and it’s one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Palazzo Farnese was commissioned by the Farnese family, one of the most influential families of the 16th century. It’s a pentagonal five-storey villa boasting frescoed rooms by some of the most prominent architects and artists of the Renaissance, including il Vignola, Antonio Tempesta and Taddeo and Federico Zuccari. It was initially commissioned by Pope Paul III as a military fortress. But his nephew of the same name, Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, fell in love with the area and decided to turn the building into a luxurious palazzo with stunning Italian-style gardens.

Some of my favorite rooms are: the Map Room, featuring the world maps, the constellation and the Zodiac signs; the Loggia of Hercules, dedicated to the myth of how the nearby Lake Vico was created; The Sala of the Fasti Farnesiani depicting the glories of the family and the marvelous spiral staircase by il Vignola.  I absolutely recommend you visit the palace with a guide, it’s a completely different experience.

Day trip from Civitavecchia to Palazzo Farnese + lunch

Bagnaia

This beautiful borgo in the province of Viterbo is just 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Rome. We stumbled upon this hamlet on our way to a restaurant after we gave up on visiting the gardens of Bomarzo due to an hour-long que to get in! But Bagnaia was such a gem. We visited the historic center and then visited the magnificent Villa Lante, a Renaissance-style villa with Italian style gardens. Truly a must-visit. We then headed for lunch at the nearby restaurant Giardini di Ararat. Super recommend this day trip from Rome, especially in the fall with the beautiful foliage!

Giardini di Ninfa

Less than a two-hour drive from Rome you’ll stumble upon what the New York Times has called “the most romantic garden in the world”. The Giardini di Ninfa or Garden of Ninfa is a green oasis that boasts 1300 plant and flower species with the ruins of the medieval town of Ninfa serving as a backdrop. The town of Ninfa was destroyed in the 14th century and afterwards became a garden with rare botanical species, water pools and fountains at the behest of the Caetani Family, who founded the Roffredo Caetani Foundation which preserves the garden. You can admire 19 species of deciduous magnolia, birch, water iris and Japanese maples. Not to mention the bamboo plants (which grow 7cm per day) and so much more. A wonderful day trip to get in touch with nature!

Full-day Sermoneta garden and Ninfa Tour

Castel Gandolfo

Lake Bracciano

To explore some beautiful lakeside towns in the Lazio region just head on over to Bracciano, Anguillara Sabazia or Trevignano Romano. All three are lakeside towns along the shores of the famous Lake Bracciano. Medieval towns, beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere are in store for you. And if you end up in Bracciano, check out the stunning 15th century Orsini Odescalchi Castle – famous for being the wedding location of celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes! The Bracciano area is also filled with beautiful agriturismi – check out these four farm-stays near Rome.

Visit of Lake Bracciano and Orsini Odescalchi Castle with pick-up from Rome
Half day Odescalchi Castle and town tour from Civitavecchia
Can be reached with public transportation

Ostia Antica

All archeological fans need to visit Ostia Antica – Ancient Rome’s seaport at the mouth of the Tiber River founded by the fourth king of Rome – Anco Marcio. The best part? You won’t find the tourist crowds you get in other archeological sites like Pompeii! Historically, Ostia Antica was a key port for the Romans, where innumerable goods were exchanged. Today, it is known as Rome’s “ghost town” for its wonderfully preserved ruins of streets, villas and frescoes. Check out the Terme di Nettuno, baths that date back to the 2nd century boasting stunning mosaic floors to be completely swept off your feet! To reach Ostia Antica take the Ostia Lido train from San Paolo Station and get off at Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica half-day tour from Rome by train
Can be reached with public transportation

Assisi

With its rich history, outstanding basilicas and churches, beautiful piazzas, ancient castle and Roman ruins, Assisi sure has a lot of things in store for you. Located in the Umbria region, bordering Lazio, Assisi is one of those medieval towns you will never forget. Perched on top of a hill, it offers stunning panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside, and is a short hike from the beautiful Mount Subasio, where you can also visit Eremo delle Carceri. From tasting delicious food and wine to visiting historical sites, Assisi is a must day trip from Rome. It’s no wonder it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To reach assisi take the train from Roma Termini Station.

Can be reached with public transportation

Frascati

Another famous town of the Castelli Romani area is the hilltop town of Frascati, just a short train ride from Rome. It’s known for its elegant aristocratic villas – the Ville Tuscolane – built by wealthy Roman families in the Renaissance, as well as its rich gastronomic specialties and wine. In fact, Frascati is a renowned wine town, where the Frascati Superiore, Cannellino and Frascati DOP are produced. So hop on that train, visit the Roman villas and stop by for lunch in the centro storico! To get to Frascati take the train from Roma Termini Station.

Vineyard visit with lunch
Can be reached with public transportation

Tarquinia

Medieval and Renaissance beauties, art and history await you in this beautiful countryside town. Dating back to Etruscan times, Tarquinia is one of the most ancient Etruscan cities and is the perfect mix of history, art and nature. Stroll through its historic center visiting Palazzo Vitelleschi and the Santa Maria in Castello church. But definitely don’t head back to Rome before visiting the famous Monterozzi Necropolis, one of the most important archeological sites of the area, declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. To reach Tarquinia take the train from Roma Termini Station.

Tarquinia & UNESCO Site visit with lunch from Civitavechia
Can be reached with public transportation

Abbazia di Montecassino

The Montecassino Abbey is one of the most famous abbeys worldwie. In 529 San Benedetto chose the Montecassino mountain to build his monastery. He was able to transform this place into an exemplary Christian monastery. Over the course of the centuries, the monastery was destroyed over and over again, until it was bombarded and completely destroyed in 1944. The Montecassino Abbey was then reconstructed to perfection and today thousands of pilgrims visit this wonderful place. Visit the Basilica and the tomb of San Benedetto and don’t forget to step inside the museum to browse through marvellous manuscripts and ancient books. Take the train from Roma Termini to Cassino and then a bus from Cassino to the Abbey.

Montecassino day trip from Rome
Can be reached with public transportation

Parco degli Acquedotti

While the Parco degli Acquedotti is inside Rome, it’ll actually feel like you’ve been catapulted somewhere else. Located near the Ancient Appian Way, it’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing day pedalling around, having a picnic or walking. My advice is that you rent a bike or go on a bike tour and explore this sensation park boasting thousands year-old Roman aqueducts. Ride along the pine-tree-shaded paths, snap some pictures, have a picnic, and definitely visit the Ancient Appian Way. It’s a sensational place to visit, and a completely underrated one too!

Ancient Appian Way & Aqueducts Bike Tour

Sabaudia

Along the Lazio coast, just a one hour and thirty minutes from Rome you’ll find the beautiful seaside town of Sabaudia. This town is the perfect place for a day trip from Rome during the hotter months of the year. Beautiful beaches, sand dunes, a stunning lake and Mount Circeo await you. Known for being founded in 1933 by Mussolini, Sabaudia was initially a marshland turned seaside town in just 253 days! If you want to breathe some summer air, this is definitely a place to visit.

The Sabina Countryside

Sitting in the Lazio region and bordering Umbria and Tuscany, the Sabina countryside is a must-visit local’s gem. The panoramic views alone are worth the visit: from here you can see the Valle del Tevere and the Monte Soratte, towns and cities near Viterbo, the Monti Cimini, the Umbrian hills and the Monti Sabini and Tiburtini. Plus, hills covered in olive groves and vineyards. It’s a sensational setting. The town of Magliano Sabina is famous for its history and architecture and its events held throughout the year. Don’t miss out on the yearly Infiorata del Corpus Domini in June, where flowers are used to depicting the Catholic feast of Corpus Domini. It’s also the perfect base to explore Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany.

Tenuta Collesala: country-chic estate 50 minutes from Rome

hot-air-balloon flight over Lazio from Magliano Sabina

Nemi

Behold Nemi, one of the most beautiful towns of the Castelli Romani area. This charming town sits on top of a hill overlooking Lake Nemi and is known for its delicious wild strawberries and stunning views of the valley. It is said that Diana of Nemi, or “Diana of the woods” was the goddess of hunting and fertility, thus making the lands surrounding her temple more fertile.  Whether it’s a day trip from Rome surrounded by the Alban Hills you’re searching for, or a relaxing day indulging in strawberries, wine and good views, Nemi is surely a magical town not to miss.

Food&Wine tour of Nemi, Catel Gandolfo & Frascati from Rome

Sermoneta

Sermoneta is one of the jewels of the Lazio region and a must-visit place near Rome. This medieval borgo is perched on top of the Monti Lepini, offering stunning panoramic views of the Pontine valley, surrounded by olive groves. But the town is just as stunning as the views. Don’t forget to visit the 13th century Caetani Castle, symbol of Sermoneta, and its prison cells which have just been opened to the public in 2019! And while you’re at it, don’t forget to visit the Garden of Ninfa, which is just 7km away from the town.

Full-day Ninfa garden and Sermoneta tour from Rome

Civita di Bagnoregio

For a magical day trip from Rome, the town of Civita di Bagnoregio has to be on your list. Known as “the dying city” for losing almost all of its inhabitants due to erosions and landslides, Civita di Bagnoregio is an ancient Etruscan town dating back to 2500 years ago with only 16 inhabitants! It’s located in the Calanchi Valley, and the only way to reach the town is by walking a long footbridge that connects Civita to Bagnoregio. It’s definitely worth it.

private tour of Civita di Bagnoregio & Orvieto from Rome 

Lake Bolsena

Head to Lake Bolsena to get a taste of the largest volcanic lake in Europe! Sometimes called “Italy’s belly button” for its bowl-like shape in the middle of the Italian peninsula. Along the lake, medieval towns along the shores of the lake await you. From Capodimonte to Bolsena and Montefiascone, there are charming historical sights to visit. And if you’re up for some swimming, this area – also called Tuscia for being in between the Lazio and Tuscany regions – is known for boat rentals, swimming and much more.

Calcata

Travel back to the Middle Ages by exploring this town perched on a tufaceous spur in the Valle del Treja Regional Natural Park. Known as the “borgo of the artists”, Calcata is one of  Italy’s most famous fortified small towns. From its winding streets you can admire breathtaking views of the valley and immerse yourself in a fairytale-like atmosphere. Walk along the town and browse artists’ and artisans’ workshops and studios hidden beneath ivy-clad arches. After exploring the town stop by in one of its characteristic restaurants for a lunch to remember.

Tuscania

The picturesque town of Tuscania is located in the northern Lazio region and is built on seven promontories of tufa rock. It dates back to Etruscan times and is most famous for its medieval towers and walls and two imposing basilicas in Romanesque style, San Pietro and Santa Maria Maggiore. And just 2km north of Tuscania, you’ll find the famous Necropolis of Tuscania overlooking the valley of the Marta River, where you can visit the Etruscan tombs. After visiting the town, you have to stop by for lunch in one of its characteristic restaurants.