Top Day Trips from Rome: Explore Nearby Gems
Rome is a great base for exploring central Italy, and there are several cities and destinations perfect for day trips. Here are some popular options:
1. Florence
- Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by high-speed train.
- Highlights: Renaissance art and architecture, Uffizi Gallery, Florence Cathedral (Duomo), and Ponte Vecchio.
2. Naples
- Travel Time: About 1.25 hours by high-speed train.
- Highlights: Vibrant street life, historic center, Castel dell’Ovo, and authentic Neapolitan pizza.
3. Pompeii and Herculaneum
- Travel Time: About 2 hours by train (via Naples).
- Highlights: Archaeological ruins of ancient Roman cities preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
4. Tivoli
- Travel Time: 40 minutes by train or car.
- Highlights: Villa d’Este (fountains and gardens), Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa), and lush landscapes.
5. Orvieto
- Travel Time: About 1 hour by train.
- Highlights: Stunning cathedral, underground caves, and charming medieval streets.
6. Assisi
- Travel Time: About 2 hours by train.
- Highlights: Basilica of Saint Francis, medieval architecture, and scenic hilltop views.
7. Siena
- Travel Time: About 2.5 hours by train or car.
- Highlights: Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral, and medieval charm.
8. Perugia
- Travel Time: About 2 hours by train.
- Highlights: Rich history, chocolate (Perugina), and stunning hilltop views.
9. Castel Gandolfo
- Travel Time: 45 minutes by train.
- Highlights: Pope’s summer residence and Lake Albano.
10. Frascati
- Travel Time: 30 minutes by train.
- Highlights: Renowned wine, beautiful villas, and a relaxed atmosphere.
11. Viterbo
- Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by train.
- Highlights: Medieval walls, the Papal Palace, and nearby thermal baths.
12. Cerveteri and Tarquinia
- Travel Time: About 1 hour by train or car.
- Highlights: UNESCO-listed Etruscan necropolises with ancient tombs and artifacts.
Each destination offers unique cultural, historical, and culinary experiences. High-speed trains like the Frecciarossa make many cities easily accessible for a day trip!
Can you do a day trip to Pisa?
Yes, you can technically do a day trip from Rome to Pisa, but it is a bit of a stretch due to the travel time. Here’s what to consider:
Travel Time
- By Train: Around 2.5–3 hours each way with high-speed and regional trains. You’d typically take a high-speed train to Florence and then transfer to a regional train to Pisa.
- By Car: About 4 hours each way, which makes it less convenient.
Is it Worth It?
- Pisa is best known for the Leaning Tower, Piazza dei Miracoli, and the surrounding attractions like the Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery. While beautiful, Pisa is a smaller city and can be explored in 3–4 hours.
- If you’re up for the longer travel time, it’s doable but will make for a long day.
Alternative Plan
If you’re visiting Pisa, you might combine it with Florence or Lucca, which are closer to Pisa. Staying overnight in Florence might make the trip more comfortable.
If a shorter day trip is preferable, destinations closer to Rome, like Tivoli or Orvieto, might be better choices.