A day away from Rome
While there’s more than enough to keep you busy in Rome – so much to see and do that it could last a lifetime – every now and then, it’s good to get out of the city. There are plenty of destinations within easy reach of Rome, just a short drive away. From the magnificent ruins of Hadrian’s Villa to the beautiful beaches of Gaeta, here are some of the best day trips from Rome.
Ostia Antica: the other Pompeii
Just 30 minutes from Rome is the incredible archaeological site of Ostia Antica – the sprawling remains of an Ancient Roman port town. Ostia Antica is similar to Pompeii, but arguably more atmospheric and enjoyable to visit due to the lack of crowds.
There’s a well-preserved Roman theatre and a myriad of baths, temples and villas to explore. Peeking into overgrown courtyards and stumbling across evocative statues, frescoes and mosaics gives you a real sense of adventure. Undoubtedly one of the best (and easiest) day trips from Rome, whether you choose a Rome guided tour with driver or take public transport.
Day trips from Rome to Tivoli
The beautiful hilltop town of Tivoli is a little trickier to reach with public transport, so for a more relaxing experience, we recommend booking a private tour with Roads to Rome Tours. A driver will pick you up in Rome and take you to Tivoli, a town with a charming historic centre and the world-famous Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa. Villa d’Este is best-known for its extraordinary 16th century gardens, containing a dazzling array of fountains.
Its grandeur was inspired by the remains of nearby Hadrian’s Villa; the luxurious estate of the emperor Hadrian included large baths, a library, theatre and art gallery. Don’t miss the beautiful Maritime Theatre, surrounded by a small moat, where the emperor used to retreat to his private library. It offers an intriguing insight into the leisure time of one of Rome’s greatest emperors.
Beaches near Rome
Another popular option for day trips from Rome is a trip to the beach – especially tempting when the temperatures start to soar in the summer. The most accessible beach is Ostia (the modern town near the ruins of Ostia Antica); Santa Severa, Santa Marinella and Anzio are also popular and easy to visit on a day trip. Of the three, Anzio is perhaps the best option for a day trip from Rome, as the town has more history (the remains of Nero’s villa and an important role in the Second World War) as well as a better choice of restaurants.
Head south of Rome to find the best beaches – Sperlonga and Gaeta. The sea is much cleaner near these beautiful beaches, and they’re definitely worth the extra travel time, but we recommend driving if possible, as getting there by public transport can be a bit of an ordeal.
Florence and Naples also make good Rome day trips, but it can be a tiring and stressful way of sightseeing if you don’t give yourselves enough time. With so much to see and do, a bit of planning really pays off. Set off early – with the fast train you’ll be there in less than 2 hours – and decide in advance what your priorities are. Which sights are unmissable? Which local dishes are you keen to try? You’ll be surprised by how much culture (and pizza!) you can consume in just one day.
For more tips and help with planning your day trip, don’t hesitate to contact us at Roads to Rome!
Read more: Villa d’Este, Tivoli (UNESCO)