The 5 best day trips from Rome

Though most people pass through this seaside metropolis on their way to Pompeii, the city of Naples has cleaned up its image in recent years and is worth a visit in its own right. Replete with splendid architectural gems like the Cappella Sansevero and Castel dell-Ovo, vibrant street life and some of Italy’s most celebrated cuisine, Naples satisfies both body and soul.

Start by wandering through Spaccanapoli and the winding streets of the Decumani before enjoying a Margherita at one of the many pizzerias along Via dei Tribunali. Then make your way over to the central Piazza del Plebiscito and the waterfront to take in views of Mount Vesuvius from across the Bay of Naples.

EAT: 

Da Nennella is a boisterous trattoria located in the historic Quartieri Spagnoli that serves up traditional fare in a great atmosphere. You should also try the traditional Neapolitan sfogliatella at Attanasio near the train station and taste Neapolitan pastries like Baba al Rum and Sfogliatella at Pasticceria Poppella, and fried pizza at Antica Pizza Fritta da Zia Esterina Sorbillo (you know it’s gonna be good when the name is this long). 

DRINK: 

Coffee in Naples is regarded as the best in all of Italy; try it at the historic Caffè Gambrinus. A great wine bar-restaurant in the posh Chiaia district is L'Ebbrezza di Noe, or opt for a mixed drink at the outdoor cocktail bar Barril.

DO: 

Visit the tiled cloister of Chiostro Santa Chiara and dedicate a few hours to the Archaeological Museum of Naples, which houses ancient artefacts and mosaics recovered at Pompeii. On hot summer days, seek shelter underground with a guided visit to the Catacombs of San Gennaro and discover a unique side to this fascinating city. 

STAY:

Book a room at the Palazzo Caracciolo near the Naples Central Station with its impressive 15th-century inner courtyard.

Don’t miss... 

Naples has a long tradition of making elaborate nativity scenes and figurines, which you can discover along Via San Gregorio Armeno in the historic centre.

Get there... A train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale for one hour 18 minutes. 

Check out more of the best things to do in Naples. 

The Archeological Park of Ostia Antica is a wonderful site for a day trip from Rome and is on par with Pompeii for artistic and cultural value. Located at the mouth of the Tiber River, Ostia Antica was the harbour city of ancient Rome and dates to the fourth century BC.

With an ancient theatre, public bath structures, a Christian Basilica, a Jewish synagogue and dozens of temples dedicated to the Persian god Mithra, Ostia Antica provides a gorgeous glimpse into the lives of the ancient ruins and will fascinate historians and anyone interested in Ancient Rome. 

EAT:

Before you venture inside the ruins, fuel up on classic Roman cuisine like carbonara and meatballs at Sora Margherita, located around the corner from the entrance to Ostia Antica. 

DRINK:

Stop for coffee at Bar Centro da Tonino e Maria, a casual bar with plenty of seating outside to relax.

DO:

With numerous suggested itineraries for exploring the extensive park, you won’t be able to see everything in one day. But don’t miss the ancient Baths of Neptune, featuring an elaborate mosaic of the sea god riding a chariot, and the Roman Teatro, a horseshoe-shaped theatre.

STAY:

Ostia Antica is a better day trip than an overnight visit from Rome, but to make a lengthier stay, book in at the Smy Aran Blu Roma Mare Hotel at nearby Ostia Beach and soak in some sunshine on the beach the next day.

Don’t miss...

The chance to catch a show at the Roman Teatro during the summer: from electronic music to theatrical performances, the ancient stage comes alive for spectators 2,000 years after it was first built, a truly unique experience.

Get there... A 32-minute train from Roma Termini to Fiumicino Aeroporto, followed by a 19 minute bus to Romagnoli/Calza.

Orvieto, a hilltop jewel that lies north of Rome in the Umbria region, is replete with small-town charm and makes for a perfect change of scenery from the bustle of the Eternal City. Orvieto boasts numerous artistic and cultural sights, in addition to delightful cafes and restaurants, for a relaxing day trip or weekend away in the countryside.

Begin your tour marvelling at the Duomo di Orvieto with its stunning façade, undoubtedly one of the loveliest in all of Italy, and peek at the frescoes inside the San Brizio Chapel, which were said to have inspired Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Shop for handmade olive-wood souvenirs at Orvieto's quaint shops before stopping for a traditional lunch of fresh pasta and cured meats. At sunset, climb up the Torre del Moro bell tower for a wonderful 360-degree view of the city and the painterly landscape in the distance.

EAT:

Enjoy a rustic lunch at L'Oste del Re, a cosy restaurant serving local fare like Chianina beef and wild boar.

DRINK:

Have a glass of Orvieto DOC white wine at Enoteca al Duomo in the shadows of the 14th-century basilica. 

DO:

Orvieto is a delightful town to wander around window-shopping, popping into churches and tasting the local delicacies. You can also take a walk around the Anello della Rupe, a ring path that winds around the town of Orvieto, to admire it from below. 

STAY:

Stay at the Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini, a hotel that belonged to the Papal family of the same name, with comfortable rooms and historic touches.

Don’t miss...

Venture down St. Patrick's Well, a double-helix structure that dates to the 16th century.

Get there... A train from Roma Termini to Orvieto for one hour 15 minutes. 

The elegant gardens and villas of Tivoli are a wonderful escape from Rome and will delight art history buffs and nature lovers. Tivoli can be reached by train in under an hour from central Rome and has two noteworthy villas that are UNESCO World Heritage sites; Villa d'Este, with its mesmerising fountains and terraced Renaissance gardens and Villa Adriana, is a large Roman archaeological complex constructed by Emperor Hadrian.

The two villas are very different in nature but can be easily seen on the same day. Villa d’Este is a more modern villa and boasts numerous fountains and waterfalls that will impress visitors for their beauty and engineering, while Villa Adriana is an ancient site that will require more imagination to piece together; it is pretty much ruined.

EAT:

Located a short walk from both villas, L’Angolino di Mirko is a wonderful restaurant with flavourful dishes and a great atmosphere – perfect for lunch or dinner. If staying overnight, book a table at the elegant Ristorante Sibilla, which dates to 1720, for a little history with your meal. 

DRINK:

Sit down for a glass of wine at Enoteca Gadì, an atmospheric wine bar lined with bottles, or stop by Anselmo Pub for a pint. 

DO:

In addition to Villa d'Este and Villa Adriana, pay a visit to the romantic gardens of Villa Gregoriana, which are overlooked but remain a beautiful oasis in the city.

STAY:

A short walk from the Tivoli train station and directly beside the two villas, Bed and Breakfast Villa d'Este is a charming place to stay in the centre of town.

Don't miss... 

Admire the splendid Teatro Marittimo, an island within Villa Adriana that has become a symbol of the ancient archaeological site.

Get there... A 50-minute bus from Rome Tiburtina to Tivoli Piazza Garibaldi. 

You can’t miss a visit to Florence while in Italy, and this incredible city is only an hour and a half train ride from Rome. The capital of the Renaissance is filled to the brim with art and history: it is an outdoor museum that is best explored on foot, admiring its incredible architecture like the Loggia dei Lanzi and Florence Cathedral.

Walk across the Ponte Vecchio, pop into the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David and wander over to the Oltrarno neighbourhood across the Arno River to experience a quieter, more local side of this bustling city. Piazzale Michelangelo has one of the best views of Florence at sunset and makes for a perfect end to a day full of beautiful sights.

EAT:

Try gourmet street food at Procacci, a historic delicatessen that serves speciality products like freshly-made panini with truffles. For rustic Tuscan fare, grab a seat at the tiny Osteria al Tranvai and pick off the daily specials or head to Osteria dell'Enoteca for a more upscale dining experience that strikes a perfect balance between new and old. 

DRINK:

Stop for coffee at La Ménagére, a design-forward restaurant and café that doubles as a floral boutique and furniture shop. For craft cocktails, Manifattura makes excellent mixed drinks with Italian spirits, and Le Volpi e L'Uva is a cosy wine bar for a glass of Chianti.

DO:

Climb Giotto’s Bell Tower for an incredible view of Brunelleschi's Dome (be warned, there are 414 steps to the top), take a stroll through the lush Boboli gardens and pay a visit to the Scuola del Cuoio to see a historic leather factory and buy quality handcrafted leather products. 

STAY:

With a panoramic loggia that gives a view of the city skyline, Hotel Palazzo Guadagni is a hotel that packs excellent value in the heart of Florence. Another great bet is the boutique hotel Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1, with its little terrace overlooking the Arno River.

Don't miss... 

Spend some time gazing up at the incredible mosaics inside the Florence Baptistery, with its impressive octagonal dome.

Get there... A train from Roma Termini to Firenze S.M.N. for one hour 46 minutes.