Day Trips from Rome: The Best Escapes You Can Do in a Day

If you're looking for more things to do in Rome, there's enough here to fill not one trip but many. And there are plenty of towns and cities near Rome that are well worth a visit.

If you want to use your trip to explore the area around Rome, we recommend the following day trips, all of them easily doable in a single day.

What to see near Rome

Pompeii, the best day trip from Rome

Pompeii is an ancient Roman city south of Naples that fits easily into any trip to Italy. Buried in 79 AD after a violent eruption of Mount Vesuvius, it lay under the ash for centuries until its rediscovery in the 16th century.

Later excavations revealed a Roman city preserved in remarkable condition, and walking through it really does feel like traveling back in time.

There are plenty of day trips from Rome to Pompeii, and the one we recommend includes transport from Rome, a guide around the site, lunch (optional) and a panoramic tour of Naples.

Herculaneum

Herculaneum is an ancient city in the Campania region, 11 kilometers from Naples. Like its neighbor Pompeii, it was buried under more than 20 meters of ash from Vesuvius, just 12 hours later.

The archaeological site is smaller than Pompeii and far less famous, but it's exceptionally well preserved. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Hadrian's Villa

Hadrian's Villa sits just outside Tivoli and is one of the most impressive Roman archaeological complexes anywhere near Rome. It was created by the emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century, who chose this setting to build his summer residence and, later, his retirement home.

At its peak it was a staggering complex of more than 30 buildings spread over 120 hectares, with villas, palaces, fountains and baths. After the decline of the Roman Empire it fell into disuse and was, sadly, looted. Hadrian's Villa is absolutely worth visiting near Rome, and it feels like stepping back in time.

Tivoli is one of the prettiest and most appealing towns near Rome. It's less than an hour by train from Roma Termini or by bus, and it's home to two major attractions: Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Villa d'Este

Villa d'Este in Tivoli is a magnificent Renaissance palace and a masterpiece of Italian architecture and landscape design. It's another of the essential day trips from Rome.

It was commissioned in the 16th century in the Mannerist style, hugely popular in the late Renaissance. The result was a spectacular villa where no expense was spared, artistically or technologically.

Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica lies 30 kilometers west of Rome and served as ancient Rome's port and defensive outpost. Sitting at the mouth of the Tiber, it was a thriving city that, like so many others in the Roman Empire, was abandoned, looted and buried for centuries.

Today you can visit the remains of its main monuments, including the theater, the baths and the temples. It's in good condition, though not as spectacular as Pompeii or Herculaneum, but it has the advantage of being very close to Rome.

Venice, another unmissable day trip from Rome

If you're traveling to Rome and want to see the extraordinary cultural and historical heritage of Venice, you can absolutely do it.

Hop on a high-speed train at Roma Termini and in under 4 hours you'll be setting foot in Venice, ready to explore one of the world's most romantic cities across its 100-plus islands linked by 455 bridges.

Ponza

Ponza is one of the best places to see in Rome and the surrounding area if what you want is a small, idyllic coastal paradise frozen in time. Mussolini lived here during the Second World War.

It's a little island of turquoise water and charming narrow streets, and you can see it on a one-day trip from Rome that includes transport, a boat ride and lunch.

The excursion includes transport to the port of Anzio, where you'll board a ferry to Ponza.

Siena and San Gimignano in Tuscany

Tuscany is one of Italy's most enchanting regions, and you can see it on a guided tour from Rome that includes transport, food and a wine tasting.

Take in the landscape and the culture through two of Tuscany's most famous towns, Siena and San Gimignano, both home to UNESCO World Heritage monuments.

Pisa and Florence from Rome

If you want to marvel at some of Italy's most famous monuments, set aside a day to see Pisa and Florence during your trip to Rome.

This guided tour, which includes minivan transport, takes you through the streets of Florence with a visit to the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's David. You'll also get to see the Ponte Vecchio, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the famous Piazza dei Miracoli, among others.