While there are more than enough sites and attractions to keep you busy in Rome, it’s nice to get out of the city for a day trip. These are 7 of my favorite places to go by train for a day out from Rome. The first 6 are in Lazio, the region that surrounds Rome while the last one is in Umbria.
Ostia Antica Archaeological Site
Much easier to get to from Rome, and usually less crowded than Pompeii, the archaeological site of Ostia Antica, Rome’s ancient port city, is well worth a visit. Wander along the old streets and alleys to see remains of houses, shops, bread ovens, baths, and even public toilets. The medieval borgo near the ruins has a small castle and a few restaurants and if you want to go to the beach, you can hop back on the train and go to Ostia Lido.
- See our Ostia Antica Guide for visiting information including details of how to get there from Rome.
Tivoli, Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa
In Tivoli there are two great places to visit. To visit both sites, you really need a full day as there’s a lot to see and you can eat lunch in the town of Tivoli. In walking distance of the train station is the 16th century Villa d’Este, one of Italy’s top gardens to visit. Its Renaissance gardens are filled with beautiful fountains, pools, and statues.
The ruins of Villa Adriana, built in the second century by Emperor Hadrian, are a little out of town and can be reached by bus. In addition to remains of the villa, there are remains of baths, pools, and extensive grounds. Villa Adriana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- See our Tivoli Guide for a Tivoli map, more photos, and details of how to get there from Rome.
Frascati and Castelli Romani
For a countryside escape, especially in summer, many Romans head to the Albani hills southeast of Rome to an area called Castelli Romani, dotted with vineyards and wine towns. Even the Pope used to head to Castelli Romani in summer where he stayed at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. Since the current Pope doesn’t use them, the Pope’s palace and gardens are now open to the public.
Frascati, the closest town to Rome, is a popular wine town and a great place to taste the refreshing white wine that comes from the region, do a little shopping, and enjoy a good lunch. Both Frascati and Castel Gandolfo are easy to reach by train from Rome.
- See top towns to visit in Castelli Romani with a map of the area and transportation information.
Bracciano, Medieval Town and Lake
On a hill above Lake Bracciano, the medieval old town has shops, churches, restaurants, and a magnificent castle to visit. Inside the castle are beautiful frescoes, period furniture, and an armory exhibit. From the top you’ll have great views of the lake. Regional trains from Rome’s Trastevere station take about 1 hour and the station is just at the edge of town.
Tarquinia, Etruscan Tombs
Tarquinia is one of the top places to see Etruscan tombs. Its huge necropolis has more than 2000 family tombs, about 200 of which have frescoes inside, created in the 7th – 2nd centuries BC. Tarquinia’s archaeological museum is a top place to see Etruscan artifacts and the cathedral in the town’s medieval center has good frescoes from the early 16th century.
- See our Tarquinia Guide for transportation and visiting information, what to see, and more photos.
Sabine Hills, north of Rome
Get off the usual tourist track with a visit to the Sabine Hills,less than an hour north of Rome by local train. The scenic Sabine Hills, covered with olive groves, are dotted with medieval hill towns, monasteries, castles, and wineries. A great way to visit this area is to sign up for a half-day or full-day cooking class or olive oil tour.
Orvieto, Umbria Hill Town
Orvieto is a stunning medieval hill town north of Rome in the Umbria region that also has Etruscan roots. The cliffs that Orvieto sits on are dotted with caves and Etruscan tombs. Orvieto is best known for the impressive facade of its cathedral, beautifully decorated with mosaics that sparkle in the sun. Visitors can take an underground tour for a look at passageways through the cliffs or climb a medieval tower for great views over the countryside. It’s also a good place to taste the white wine of the area and to shop for ceramics or just wander along the charming streets of the historic center.
- See our Orvieto Guide for what to see and how to get there.
- Orvieto is one of the top hill towns to visit between Rome and Florence.
Rome Guided Day Trips
- Boat-Hopping On The Amalfi Coast: Day Trip from Rome includes transportation by train, private van, and boat.
- Pompeii Tour from Rome with Amalfi Coast Drive with private transportation.
- Day Trip to Pompeii and Vesuvius with private coach transport.
- Day Trips From Rome: Tuscan Hilltowns, Fortresses & Vineyards with small bus transport.
More Italy Day Trips:
Tuscany Towns to Visit by Train from Florence
Top Naples Day Trips
5 Milan Day Trips
Venice Day Trips
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