5 Unforgettable Day Trips From Rome
Take these ultimate day excursions from Rome, from the clifftop village of Orvieto to the stunning villas of Tivoli
Picture this: It’s a sweltering day in the Eternal City. The line to the Colosseum stretches miles. Same for the Vatican. There are a myriad of good things to do in Rome, but amidst the chaos of travel planning, you forgot to book ahead. So, instead of viewing art and history, you’re viewing the bald head in front of you in an unmovable line. And instead of strolling down quiet cobblestone streets, there are tourists at your elbows.
You’re hot, you’re tired, there are too many people, you want out. This is not how you imagined your trip to Italy.
Well, here’s your backup plan — or the ideal plan all along. While everyone stays stuck in their Rome itinerary, these incredible day excursions from Rome are just waiting to be discovered a little more than an hour or two outside of the capital.
From the exquisite villas of Tivoli to the island gem of Capri to a quiet beachside in Lake Bracciano, these day trips from Rome, Italy, are the perfect city break from the crowds.
Explore the uncovered ruins of Pompeii on a day trip from Rome.
1. Pompeii
Mount Vesuvius erupted some 2,000 years ago and left the Roman village of Pompeii frozen in time. As one of the world’s most fascinating archeological discoveries, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is perfectly preserved, offering visitors a chance to wander through the ruins of homes, spas, city streets, amphitheaters, and colorful frescoes where 11,000 Pompeiians once lived.
Side Trips from Rome: Pompeii Highlights
- Give a speech at the Forum, the former center of public life.
- Drop by the House of the Faun, one of Pompeii’s wealthiest palace residences.
- Examine the frescoes depicting Dionysian mystery cult rituals at the Villa of Mysteries.
- Weave your way through the cobblestone streets with their visible chariot tracks.
- View the plaster casts of the eruption’s victims.
Other FAQs about day trips from Rome, Italy, to Pompeii
How can you get from Rome to Pompeii?
Take a one-hour high-speed train from Rome Termini to Naples. You can visit Naples, Italy, first — or simply transfer to the 40-minute Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii.
Can you go to Pompeii without a tour?
Yes, you can visit Pompeii independently with the option to use a site map or audio guide. However, guided tours of Pompeii are recommended as they provide expert insight and historical context.
Is 2 hours enough for Pompeii?
While 2 hours is enough to book it through Pompeii, giving yourself 3 to 4 hours will allow a more relaxed and comprehensive visit across the site’s 170 acres.
Leave the crowds in Rome behind during a day trip to Orvieto.
2. Orvieto
Rising from the fertile countryside atop a volcanic tuff, Orvieto is a medieval dream in the ultimate Italy itinerary. The Umbrian village is arranged along the cliffside, providing panoramic views of the vineyards and valleys below. With its stunning 14th-century cathedral, Orvieto is a thing of art, mystery, and history — a must for any day trip around Rome.
Side Trips from Rome: Orvieto Highlights
- Gaze upon the ornate façade of Orvieto Cathedral (Duomo), crowned as one of Italy’s most beautiful churches.
- Dive underground into the village’s cave and tunnel network, including medieval throws and a former olive oil mill.
- Descend into the great engineering feat that is the 16th-century St. Patrick’s Well.
- Share in a glass of the town’s famous white wine, Orvieto Classico or Orvieto Superiore, at a traditional enoteca (wine repository).
Other FAQs about day trips from Rome, Italy, to Orvieto
How do you get from Rome to Orvieto?
Take a one-hour train directly from Rome Termini to Orvieto.
How much time do I need in Orvieto?
Soaking in Orvieto’s atmosphere and visiting all the main attractions takes around 4 to 5 hours.
Is Orvieto closer to Rome or Florence?
Orvieto is closer to Rome, only about 75 miles away.
Idyllic village, medieval castle, and a picturesque lake – Bracciano will check, check, and check those picture postcard boxes!
3. Bracciano
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes wed at Castello Orsini-Odescalchi in Bracciano, and it’s clear why. The small idyllic village is a thing of beauty, with a castle towering above a large tranquil lake. While Lake Como may get all the glory, Lake Bracciano is one of the most relaxing day trips around Rome, Italy, combining historical adventure with beachside relaxation.
Side Trips from Rome: Bracciano Highlights
- Climb the medieval Castello Orsini-Odescalchi barracks, learn about the feudal lords who lived here, and enjoy scenic views of Lake Bracciano from the towers.
- Dine at a pizzeria in town or fresh fish from a restaurant down by the lake.
- Take a 20-minute hike from the castle down to the lake along a shaded nature trail.
- Get out on the water with a kayak, paddleboat, or parasail rental — or simply relax beachside on a lounger.
Other FAQs about day trips from Rome, Italy, to Bracciano
How do you get from Rome to Bracciano?
Take an hour-long regional train from Rome Termini to Bracciano.
Is Lake Bracciano worth visiting?
Definitely. Launching you out of the hustle and bustle of the city to a quiet, peaceful village, Lake Bracciano is a breath of fresh air and one of the most relaxing day trips around Rome, Italy.
Can you walk around Lake Bracciano?
With a perimeter of around 20 miles, walking around the entire lake isn’t practical, but there are picturesque paved walking paths along the shore.
Only an hour outside of Rome, Tivoli offers a stunning day trip excursion.
4. Tivoli
Arriving in Tivoli is like a fairytale. The train rounds a bend, and a clifftop village with a cascading waterfall comes into view, surrounded by lush greenery. It’s no wonder Italian aristocrats took to Tivoli, a historic village only an hour outside Rome. With winding cobblestone streets and colorful shops, the town itself is stunning…but that’s nothing to what awaits you inside its opulent villas, some of Italy’s best places to visit.
Side Trips from Rome: Tivoli Highlights
- Enjoy a gelato while strolling through the charming streets of Old Town Tivoli.
- Explore the picturesque fountains and gardens of Villa d’Este, the most spectacular of which is the Fountain of Neptune with its two 46-foot water jets.
- Take a bus to Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana), built by the cultured and well-traveled Roman emperor Hadrian and featuring over 30 monumental buildings.
- Descend past the Great Waterfall into the Valley of Hell to visit the untamed wilderness of Villa Gregoriana, connected to Tivoli by Ponte Gregoriano — you’ll need your hiking shoes for this one.
- Gaze upon the landscape spread beneath you from the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor, one of the Roman Republican era’s primary complexes.
Other FAQs about day trips from Rome, Italy, to Tivoli
How do you get from Rome to Tivoli?
Take an hour-long regional train from Rome Termini, or catch a Cotral bus which also takes about an hour.
How much time to visit Tivoli, Italy?
If you plan to villa-hop, you’ll need a full day in Tivoli, but if you only care to see one villa, a half-day will suffice.
How do I get to Hadrian’s Villa?
Grab a taxi or take the local Cotral bus from Tivoli’s center. The bus is an 8-minute ride and a good amount of walking.
Plan your day trip to Capri, then stroll along the stretch of boutiques and cafes that host the world's rich and famous.
5. Capri
Capri is a sparkling emerald in the Bay of Naples, known as the “rock of dreams.” With turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, lush gardens, grand villas, glam boutiques, and unbeatable cuisine, this island gem ranks among the most glamorous day excursions from Rome and tops off your Amalfi Coast itinerary.
Side Trips from Rome: Capri Highlights
- Take a boat into the fantastical Blue Grotto cave where a glimmer of sunlight injects the water with an otherworldly glow.
- Conquer your fear of heights aboard the Monte Solaro chairlift for 13 minutes of stunning 360-degree views.
- Enjoy an aperitif (pre-meal drink) in Capri’s famous Piazzetta and shop the upscale boutiques surrounding the square.
- Gaze out over the Bay of Marina Piccola and the Faraglioni from the flower-lined terraces of the Gardens of Augustus.
- Stroll the historic paved Via Krupp pathway with its hairpin turns and scenic views.
- Lounge on one of Capri’s intimate cove beaches between the cliffs and swim in the crystal clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Other FAQs about day trips from Rome, Italy, to Capri
How do you get from Rome to Capri?
Take a one-hour high-speed train from Rome to Naples, then a ferry to Capri, which takes from 50 minutes to 1.5 hours. Alternatively, many tour companies offer Capri day trips, covering all transport, a guided tour, and often a meal.
Is a day trip to Capri enough?
Yes, but start early to make the most of your time. An overnighter in Capri is even better.
Is the island of Capri expensive?
Capri is a luxury destination, so expect to pay higher prices for food, shopping, and activities.
Let’s be real. While there are tons of good things to do in Rome, these unforgettable side trips from the capital will make your Italian vacation something to write home about. From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the cliffside charm of Orvieto, a day trip from Rome is as sweet an escape as a sip of limoncello.
