You could easily spend an entire month in Rome and still not experience everything the Eternal City offers. However, during your time in this vibrant metropolis, you may find yourself wanting to venture out and explore the rest of Italy. The surrounding region has so many hidden gems, so a day trip or two is well worth it. Here are five easy day trips to take during your next trip to Rome.
Tivoli
Located about 30 kilometres from Rome, Tivoli is a quick and easy day trip. Not to mention, it's one of the most charming places in Italy. Stroll the cobblestone streets, eat at one of the many top-notch restaurants, or head to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa.
At Villa d'Este, a 16th-century villa, you'll see impressive terraced gardens with incredible water features. While these gardens have long been the model for most gardens throughout Europe, this site is now an Italian state museum.
Hadrian's Villa is equally impressive, showcasing ruins and architectural remains from a massive villa complex built by Roman Emperor Hadrian. These two sites make Tivoli a paradise for history enthusiasts!
Pompeii
Pompeii is another must-do for history buffs. Situated about 2 hours outside Rome, close to Naples, this massive archaeological site was once a thriving Roman metropolis. While this city was buried under the ash of a catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, much of the ruins have since been excavated for educational and tourism purposes.
As you stroll through this destroyed city, you can take in the ancient cobblestone streets, former houses, and local businesses from the time period. If you can hire a local guide for this day trip, it is well worth it – there's so much you can learn while exploring this living history book.
Florence
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is a treasure trove of Renaissance art and architecture. While a day trip may only scratch the surface, you can visit iconic sites like the Florence Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio. Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery and Botticelli's The Birth of Venus at the Uffizi Gallery are two must-dos for travellers who love art and culture. After you've explored this stunning city, don't forget to sample some of the local cuisine – florentine beefsteak and a glass of Chianti Classico will not disappoint!
Ostia Antica
This ancient Roman port city, just a quick 25 minutes from Rome by train, has well-preserved ruins of a once-thriving harbour town, including apartments, a theatre, and mosaics dating back thousands of years. While you're here, you can visit the Capitolium, the House of Diana, the Thermopolium, and the Baths of Porta Marina. If you want to take a break from all that history, check out the 10 miles of sandy beaches in this area, with glistening blue water and golden sand.
Naples
As the third-largest city in Italy, Naples is a must-visit. This vibrant city, while a little chaotic, is known for its rich culture, historic sites, and, of course, pizza. Even if you only came for the pizza, a trip to Naples would be worth it – after all, this is the birthplace of the pizzeria! Don't forget to visit attractions like the historical centre, the Royal Palace, and the National Archaeological Museum.
Final thoughts
From great pizza and beaches to historical sites galore, there's no shortage of fantastic day trips from Rome. With just a quick train ride, you'll be on your way to experiencing even more of what Italy has to offer.
