More about: 8 Best Day Trips from Rome
After visiting Rome, you'll be eager to see more of the country and see if you can fall in love with other cities as you have with Rome. Rome's surroundings are full of wonders that you can discover on day trips.
1. Excursions to Pompeii
Italy is the European country with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and on this excursion to Pompeii from Rome you'll see one of them: the ruins of the city near Vesuvius, which you can climb during this visit. Excursions to Pompeii and Vesuvius usually include transport, guide and skip-the-line entrance to the ruins and Mount Vesuvius. You can also choose those that include lunch and last between 10 and 12 hours. This is an ideal choice for archaeology and ancient history enthusiasts.
What you will see on this tour
- The streets and houses of Pompeii, preserved almost intact since the eruption of 79 AD.
- The Roman Forum, the political and social centre of the ancient city.
- Frescoes, mosaics and objects of daily life from almost 2,000 years ago.
- The petrified bodies of the inhabitants who were trapped by lava.
- The breathtaking view from the ridge of Vesuvius, with panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples.
- The amphitheatre of Pompeii, one of the oldest in the Roman world.
2. Excursions to Florence
Florence is undoubtedly one of the most impressive cities in Italy and a must-see destination if you visit Rome. With the excursion to Florence from Rome, you will be able to discover its incomparable artistic and architectural legacy in just one day. This experience is ideal for those who want a first contact with the Tuscan capital without worrying about travel arrangements.
This tour includes transfers by high-speed train, a specialised guide, a visit to the Uffizi Gallery and free time to explore the city at your own pace. Plus, the price covers lunch, museum tickets and train tickets, so all you have to do is enjoy an unforgettable day in one of Italy's most beautiful cities.
What you'll see on this tour
- Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo.
- The Ponte Vecchio, one of the most emblematic bridges in the world.
- The Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's David.
- The Uffizi Gallery, with masterpieces of the Renaissance.
- The Boboli Gardens, an impressive Renaissance green space.
- Brunelleschi's Dome, one of the greatest architectural feats in the world.
3. Excursions to Pisa
If you are planning to visit Florence, there is an option of an excursion to Florence including a visit to Pisa to see its famous Leaning Tower. If you are interested in visiting this area, I recommend that you do so as part of your visit to Florence, as the city of Pisa itself is small and does not require an exclusive trip.
If you choose this option, you should know that you will arrive in Florence at lunchtime and that one of its main advantages is that the groups are small (maximum 12 people), which allows a closer experience with the guide and a more comfortable tour of these two jewels of the Renaissance.
What you will see on this tour
- The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the symbol of Florence.
- The Ponte Vecchio, one of the most famous bridges in the world.
- The Uffizi Gallery, home to some of the masterpieces of the Renaissance.
- Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa, home to the iconic Leaning Tower.
- Pisa Cathedral, an architectural jewel of Italian Romanesque architecture.
- Panoramic views of Tuscany on the journey between the two cities.
4. Visit the ruins of Ostia
Ostia is an area of well-preserved ancient ruins located near the sea, about 40 minutes from the centre of Rome. If you enjoyed the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, this excursion to Ostia Antica is definitely your best choice.
In these ruins you'll find impressive remains of daily life in Ancient Rome, from temples and public baths to ancient taverns and markets. Although you can visit the site on your own, an organised tour from Rome is the best option if you want to save time, as it includes entrance fees, transport, hotel pick-up and a local guide who will explain every detail.
What you will see on this tour
- The Baths of Neptune, with impressive mythological mosaics.
- The Amphitheatre of Ostia, where public spectacles were held.
- The Piazzale delle Corporazioni, the ancient commercial centre of the city.
- The Thermopilium, a Roman tavern with remains of original counters.
- Temples dedicated to Mithra, the Persian god worshipped in Ancient Rome.
- A Jewish synagogue and a Christian basilica, reflecting Ostia's religious diversity.
- Cobbled streets, houses and forums showing what daily life was like in Roman times.
5. Excursions to Assisi and Orvieto
As much as you love the city of Rome, sometimes you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle and breathe some fresh air in the countryside. To do so is to experience another part of Italy's richness, and the capital's location allows it. On this tour to Assisi and Orvieto you will visit the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi (a two and a half hour drive from Rome) and the impressive cathedral of Orvieto (an hour and a half from Rome).
What you'll see on this tour
- Orvieto Cathedral, a jewel of Italian Gothic architecture with stunning mosaics and stained glass windows.
- The medieval streets of Orvieto, perched on a hill with panoramic views of the region.
- Lunch on the shores of Lake Trasimeno, one of the most tranquil corners of Umbria.
- The city of Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, a 13th century church with frescoes by Giotto.
- Walking through cobbled streets full of history and spirituality.
6. Excursions to Capri
Seeing the island of Capri during your visit to Rome was, until a few years ago, an odyssey. In addition to the logistics of getting to Naples, there were the logistics of getting to the island by boat and the logistics of transport within the island. Doing all that in one day was expensive and unmanageable, which is why I was so surprised to come across an organised excursion to Capri a couple of years ago.
What you will see on this tour
- The Blue Grotto, a sea cave with deep blue waters (optional entrance).
- Panoramic views of the Faraglioni, Capri's iconic rock formations.
- A guided tour of the most picturesque corners of the island.
- Free time to explore the town, shop or relax on the beach.
- Possibility to take the funicular up to the Piazzetta, the vibrant heart of Capri.
- Stunning coastal scenery that has made Capri a legendary destination.
7. Excursions to Tivoli to see its villas
Tivoli is an hour's train ride from Rome and, due to its cooler climate, was a summer retreat of choice for the Romans. Today, it is home to some of the most impressive villas and ruins of antiquity, surrounded by lush gardens and spectacular scenery. If you're looking for a historic getaway in a natural setting, a trip to Tivoli from Rome is a perfect option.
What you'll see on this tour
- Villa Adriana, the luxurious summer residence of Emperor Hadrian.
- Villa d'Este, famous for its impressive fountains and Renaissance gardens.
- Villa Gregoriana, a natural area with waterfalls and hidden grottoes.
- Rocca Pia Castle, a medieval fortress built in the 15th century.
- The Amphitheatre of Bleso, an ancient Roman theatre with panoramic views.
- Extensive gardens and natural landscapes make Tivoli a unique destination.
8. Multi-day tours in Italy
Once you've taken one or more of these excursions, you'll no doubt come back from your trip wanting to see more of Italy.
You'll probably come back more than once, but you'll certainly want to extend your trip. Before that happens to you, if you have the chance to do so, I recommend that you complement your visit to Rome with an excursion of several days in Italy. You won't want to come back, but in one trip you will have discovered a good part of this marvellous country and you will have made the most of your experience.
Siena
The historic centre of Siena is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an aerial view of this small town is enough to tell you why. All the charm of Tuscany in one of the most magical cities in the area.
Bologna
This small university town is full of passages that make it an accessible labyrinth for visitors.
Padua
Located in the Veneto region, this city is one of the great surprises of the visit because of how much its streets and palaces have to offer travellers. You and your camera will be surprised that this exciting corner of the city is not more talked about.
Venice
The last stop on the tour includes two nights in one of Italy's most iconic cities. St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge and the canals are what this city is best known for, but Venice has a charm that cannot be discovered without walking and getting lost in its streets. The perfect end to this tour of southern Italy.
You can also book a high-speed train trip to Venice from Rome and dedicate your trip exclusively to this city - you even have the option of a Venice excursion from Rome with a gondola ride included!
Other interesting activities in Rome
If you are still undecided on a destination or you are more of a person who prefers to walk around every corner of the city before venturing out for a day trip, I recommend you check out my other guides to Rome that you can use to help you organise your trip.
These two articles on Top 11 tours of Rome, Rome Colosseum Tickets And Tours y Vatican Tickets and Tours are a good starting point to make sure you don't miss the essentials, I hope you find them useful!
Ana's Traveller Tip
If you plan to do any excursions on your own, check the official train and bus websites, but be aware that public transport in Italy is often delayed.