More about: 8 Best Day Trips from Rome
After visiting Rome, you'll want to continue exploring the country and see if you can fall in love with other cities as you have with Rome. The area surrounding Rome is 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 will visit one of them: the ruins of the city located near Vesuvius, which you can climb during this visit. Excursions to Pompeii and Vesuvius usually include transport, a guide and skip-the-line entry to the ruins and Mount Vesuvius. You can also choose excursions that include lunch and last between 10 and 12 hours. This is an ideal option for those who are passionate about archaeology and ancient history.
What you will see on this excursion
- The streets and houses of Pompeii, preserved almost intact since the eruption in 79 AD.
- The Roman forum, the political and social centre of the ancient city.
- Frescoes, mosaics and objects from everyday life almost 2,000 years ago.
- The petrified bodies of the inhabitants who were trapped by the lava.
- The breathtaking view from the crest 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 Italy's most impressive cities and an essential destination if you are visiting Rome. With the excursion to Florence from Rome, you can discover its incomparable artistic and architectural heritage in a single day. This experience is ideal for those who want a first taste of the Tuscan capital without having to worry about organising the trip.
This excursion includes high-speed train transfers, a specialised guide, a visit to the Uffizi Gallery and free time to explore the city at your own pace. In addition, 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 will visit on this excursion
- The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza del Duomo.
- The Ponte Vecchio, one of the most iconic bridges in the world.
- The Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's David.
- The Uffizi Gallery, with Renaissance masterpieces.
- 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 plan to visit Florence, there is an excursion option to Florence that includes a visit to Pisa to see its famous Leaning Tower. If you are interested in exploring this area, I recommend doing so as part of your visit to Florence, as the city of Pisa itself is small and does not require a separate trip.
If you decide on 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 for a closer experience with the guide and a more comfortable tour of these two Renaissance gems.
What you will see on this excursion
- 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.
- The Cathedral of Pisa, an architectural gem of Italian Romanesque architecture.
- Panoramic views of Tuscany during the journey between the two cities.
4. Visits to 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 were impressed by the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, this excursion to Ostia Antica is definitely the best option for you.
In these ruins, you will find impressive remains of everyday 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 excursion from Rome is the best option if you want to save time, as it includes tickets, transport, hotel pick-up and a local guide who will explain every detail.
What you will see on this excursion
- The Baths of Neptune, with impressive mythological mosaics.
- The Ostia Amphitheatre, where public shows were held.
- The Piazzale delle Corporazioni, the city's ancient commercial centre.
- The Thermopilium, a Roman tavern with remains of the original counters.
- Temples dedicated to Mithras, the Persian god worshipped in Ancient Rome.
- A Jewish synagogue and a Christian basilica, reflecting the religious diversity of Ostia.
- Cobbled streets, houses and forums that show what everyday life was like in Roman times.
5. Excursions to Assisi and Orvieto
As much as you may be fascinated by the city of Rome, sometimes you want to get away from the hustle and bustle and breathe in the fresh air of the countryside. Doing so allows you to discover another side of Italy's richness, and the capital's location makes this possible. On this excursion to Assisi and Orvieto, you will visit the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi (two and a half hours from Rome by car) and the impressive cathedral of Orvieto (an hour and a half from Rome).
What you will see on this excursion
- Orvieto Cathedral, a jewel of Italian Gothic architecture with stunning mosaics and stained glass windows.
- The medieval streets of Orvieto, located on a hill with panoramic views of the region.
- Lunch on the shores of Lake Trasimeno, one of the most peaceful corners of Umbria.
- The city of Assisi, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
- The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, a 13th-century temple with frescoes by Giotto.
- Walks through cobbled streets steeped in history and spirituality.
6. Excursions to Capri
Until a few years ago, seeing the island of Capri during your visit to Rome was quite an odyssey. In addition to the logistics of getting to Naples, you also had to factor in the boat trip to the island and transport around the island itself. Doing all that in one day was expensive and unfeasible, which is why I was so surprised to find an organised excursion to Capri a couple of years ago.
What you will see on this excursion
- The Blue Grotto, a sea cave with intense 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.
- Option to take the funicular railway up to the Piazzetta, the vibrant heart of Capri.
- Stunning coastal landscapes that have made Capri a legendary destination.
7. Excursions to Tivoli to see its villas
Tivoli is a town located an hour's train ride from Rome and, due to its cooler climate, was the destination of choice for Romans seeking summer retreats. Today, it is home to some of the most impressive villas and ruins of antiquity, surrounded by lush gardens and spectacular landscapes. If you are looking for a historical getaway in a natural setting, the excursion to Tivoli from Rome is a perfect choice.
What you will see on this excursion
- Villa Adriana, the luxurious summer residence of Emperor Hadrian.
- Villa d'Este, famous for its impressive Renaissance fountains and gardens.
- Villa Gregoriana, a natural space with waterfalls and hidden caves.
- 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 excursions in Italy
Once you've been on one or more of these excursions, you'll undoubtedly return from your trip wanting to explore Italy in greater depth.
You'll surely return more times, but you'll definitely be left wanting to extend your trip. Before that happens, I would advise you, if you have the opportunity, to complement your visit to Rome with a multi-day excursion in Italy. You will still want to return, but in a single trip you will have discovered a good part of this wonderful country and 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 city is enough to understand why. All the charm of Tuscany in one of the most magical cities in the area.
Bologna
This small university town is full of passageways 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 is not talked about more.
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 can only be discovered by walking and getting lost in its streets. The perfect finishing touch to this tour of southern Italy.
You can also book a trip to Venice by high-speed train from Rome and dedicate the trip exclusively to this city. You even have the option of a trip to Venice from Rome with a gondola ride included!
Other interesting activities in Rome
If you haven't decided on a destination yet or if you're the type who prefers to explore every corner of the city before venturing out on excursions to the surrounding area, I recommend checking out my other guides to Rome, which you can use to help you plan your trip.
These two articles on Top 11 tours of Rome, Rome Colosseum Tickets And Tours and 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 go on an excursion on your own, check the official train and bus websites, but bear in mind that public transport in Italy is often delayed.