By leah jones
Rome is perfectly situated for several fantastic day trips, with a mix of historical, cultural and natural attractions within easy reach.
These cities would take more than just a day to fully explore but you are guaranteed to have a trip full of sightseeing and adventure if you decide to visit one of them for the day.
Here are some of the best day trip destinations from Rome, along with travel times.
In 45 minutes to an hour, you can visit Tivoli from Rome for a combination of history, art and nature like at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Villa d'Este and Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana).
Ostia Antica features remarkably well-preserved Ancient Roman ruins and is less crowded than Pompeii. Closer to Rome (about 30-45 minutes away), it’s a hidden gem featuring temples, baths and houses.
Head to Florence in 1.5 hours by high-speed train to see masterpieces by iconic artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci and get a taste of Tuscany’s art and architecture.
Orvieto is a charming medieval town perched on a volcanic cliff about 1.5 hours by train from Rome. Visit the striking, gothic Orvieto Cathedral or the historic well Pozzo di San Patrizio.
Castelli Romani is a collection of small towns with beautiful villas and surrounded by hills and lakes, perfect for enjoying local cuisine, wine and peaceful nature. Get there in 45 minutes by rental car.
In two hours by car, visit Civita di Bagnoregio. It's a medieval hilltop village that is connected to the mainland and only accessible on foot via the pedestrian bridge, La Calcinaia.
Pompeii, the ancient Roman city frozen in time after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. is a must see. Travel to Pompeii through Naples, allowing you to also explore Neapolitan culture in one trip.
Get to Assisi in 2 hours by high speed train and visit religious landmarks like the Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Italy.
Sperlonga offers a refreshing break from Rome about 2 hours away with blue-flag certified beaches and Ancient Roman ruins like Villa of Tiberius with its beautiful grotto.