Are you planning to stay awhile in Rome (I highly recommend you do)? Are you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Rome for a day and explore some of Italy's hidden gems? Here are three fantastic day trips you can take from Rome to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of the surrounding regions.
Tivoli
What to See
Start your day trip by visiting the stunning Villa d'Este, a 16th-century palace famous for its beautiful gardens and elaborate fountains. Explore the terraced gardens, marvel at the Fountain of Neptune, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Next, head to Hadrian's Villa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Italy that was once the luxurious retreat of Emperor Hadrian. Wander through the ruins of the imperial palace, thermal baths, and expansive grounds to get a glimpse of ancient Roman life.
Where to Have Lunch
For a delicious lunch in Tivoli, make your way to Ristorante Sibilla that's been around for 300 years. Located at Via Della Sibilla 14, this charming restaurant offers a menu of traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist. Try their homemade pasta or fresh seafood dishes for a truly authentic dining experience. It has great outdoor seating and is open for lunch and dinner should you decide to stay awhile.
How to Get There
It is not hard to get to Tivoli from Rome. Take a regional train from Roma Termini to Tivoli station. The journey takes about 50 minutes, and once you arrive, both Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa are within walking distance from the station.
Travel Tip: Grab a map at the Tourist Information Center in the train station to better prepare for your day in Tivoli.
Ostia Antica
What to See
Similar to Pompeii for well-preserved ruins, but not as far away, you can step back in time with a visit to Ostia Antica, an ancient Roman port city located just a short distance from Rome. Explore the well-preserved ruins of Ostia Antica, including ancient baths, temples, and residential buildings that offer a glimpse into everyday life in ancient Rome.
Where to Have Lunch
After exploring the ruins, head to Allo Sbarco di Enea for a tasty meal. Located at Via dei Romagnoli 675, this cozy restaurant serves up delicious pizzas, pasta, and seafood dishes in a relaxed setting.
How to Get There
It's a two-step journey to reach Ostia Antica from Rome. Take the metro line B to the Piramide Metro station in the south-west of the city. The Ostiense Train station is adjacent to the Metro station platforms and you just walk across directly to the train. Once you arrive at Ostia Antica, you are just 800 yards from the entrance. Follow the signs to the fascinating Roman port ruins of Ostia Antica.
Travel tip: After lunch take a taxi to the Ostia beach. It's a mere 3.5 miles away - why not?
Orvieto
What to See
Discover the charming hilltop town of Orvieto, known for its stunning cathedral, underground tunnels, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Visit the Duomo di Orvieto, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture adorned with intricate mosaics and sculptures.
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the underground city of Orvieto, where you can wander through ancient Etruscan caves and tunnels that date back thousands of years - some of the oldest in Italy.
Travel tip: Climb to the top of Orvieto's Moro Tower for breathtaking views of Orvieto and the Umbrian countryside, and learn about the history of the city's defensive towers.
Where to Have Lunch
For a delightful lunch in Orvieto, head to Trattoria La Palomba located at Via Cipriano Menente 16. This family-run restaurant serves up traditional Umbrian cuisine, including homemade truffle pasta, wild boar stew (my favorite), grilled meats, and local wines.
How to Get There
To travel to Orvieto from Rome, you can take a high-speed train from Roma Termini to Orvieto. The journey takes approximately one hour, offering a comfortable and scenic ride through the Italian countryside. Once you arrive at Orvieto's train station, you can either take a funicular or a bus up to the town center, where all the main attractions are located.
These three day trips from Rome offer a perfect opportunity to explore the diverse beauty and history of Italy beyond the bustling capital city. Whether you choose to wander through ancient ruins, admire Renaissance gardens, or savor traditional Italian cuisine, each destination promises a memorable experience that will enrich your Italian travel itinerary.
So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and embark on a journey to Tivoli, Ostia Antica, or Orvieto for an unforgettable, relaxing day trip from Rome. Get ready to create lasting memories and immerse yourself in the unique charm of these enchanting destinations just a stone's throw away from the Eternal City.
Buon viaggio!
The Way To Italy has been providing fee-based, custom travel planning for travelers to Italy for 23 years. I handcraft once-in-a-lifetime Italy experiences down to the last detail.