Day Trips from Rome: Incredible Escapes within an Hour

The world of Italy is not just ruins and piazzas of the capital. Even in the space of an hour, driving out of the Eternal City, you have lakeside refuges, mediaeval cities, hills overgrown with vineyards, and archaeological wonders that rival those of Rome itself. These nearby escapes are perfect for adding variety to your Rome holidays without the hassle of long-distance travel. The destinations represent a contrasting face of Italy, peaceful, picturesque, and steeple-laden centuries of tradition.

A day trip from Rome allows you to explore the greatness of the country without having to change hotels or repack. Through thermal spas in ancient villages, down to cliff-top villages and Renaissance gardens, there is a cool change of pace right outside the city precincts. Whether you are a food lover, a history lover or just want to savour serene sceneries, then these are the best handpicked routes that can offer you so much. For those on holidays to Rome, these excursions offer an exciting way to go beyond the postcard scenes.

The six amazing day trips from Rome below can all be completed within an hour or so, and each of them serves as a wake-up call that there are times when the greatest escapades can be found within a mile or two of the city limits.

Tivoli: Villas, Fountains, and Imperial Gardens

Tivoli is one of the most charming day tours out of Rome; a dream coming true. This town, which is only 40 minutes away, houses 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana. The former is a Renaissance wonder of cascading fountains, frescoed halls and manicured gardens, whereas the latter presents the remains of the huge retreat of Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century.

Tivoli achieves the right balance between beauty and oldness. It is a perfect day out of Rome in case one is in need of history and a dose of calmness. Do not overlook the panoramic landscape offered by the hilltops, particularly in the golden hour, when there is no better scenery to take pictures or just have some moments of peace. The paved streets of the town are sprinkled with trattorias where one can have a long lunch or an aperitivo.

As a day trip from Rome, Tivoli is a highly promising substitute for the bustling city life with the beauty of the Baroque, even just for a couple of hours.

Castel Gandolfo: Papal Summer Retreat by the Lake

Castel Gandolfo, which sits above the crater lake of Albano, is one of the most peaceful day trip from Rome. This is a meticulous town which was the summer home of Popes, and it is only 45 minutes away to the capital. Nowadays, it is open to the masses and one can view the Apostolic Palace and well-maintained Barberini Gardens.

A trip of Rome to Castel Gandolino is like entering into an Italian watercolour. The lakefront boardwalk is a place to go on quiet strolls, and the local trattorias offer fresh fish and local wines. To be the one and the only, rent a paddle boat or have a picnic on the lakeside with great view of the volcanic cliffs.

And it doesn’t matter whether you like history, nature or just good food, Castel Gandolfo provides a relaxing break from the hectic nature of the city. It is one of the good day trips from Rome that one can have a close scenery, postcard sights, and papal history all within an hour’s reach.

Frascati: Wine Country Charm Just Outside the City

Frascati will be like heaven to you in case you are fond of wine, leisurely living, and picturesque countryside. The Castelli Romani hills town offers the amenity of the light, crisp, white wine, and the local hospitality which are the main reasons why this town is one of the best day trips from Rome activities in food and wine that one has in Rome.

A 35 minute ride by train takes one to rustic cellars, vibrant piazzas and small-scale vineyard-run businesses where tastings are available and all have a view. There are also exquisite villas within the town, and this is particularly the Villa Aldobrandini that takes up the skyline of the town. Frascati offers the best scenario to those who wish to experience countryside scenery without going far away out of town.

It seems like an escape to Rome, a day trip to Frascati, which is a place of lazy lunches under the vineyards and wine-based afternoon walks. To have it all, book a guided tasting or wine-making excursion- most of them come with transport and a couple of full servings of the signature vintages in the region.

Ostia Antica: Ancient Ruins Without the Crowds

Nicknamed Rome Pompeii, Ostia Antica is serving all the grand of ancient Roman life without the studies of more popular locations. It is one of the most underestimated day trips from Rome, only 30 minutes by train, and it is worth the visit, especially when it comes to history and families.

Formerly a busy harbour city, Ostia is today a large archaeological park with fully preserved baths, amphitheatres and mosaics. Strolling along the old streets is more of an experience and less people come to the city which gives a person more time to walk around at their own speed. Remember to bring water, good shoes and at least half a day to walk.

To Romans who go on a day trip, Ostia Antica serves as an indication that a wonderful history can be found way beyond the shadow of the Colosseum. Stop at the modern town close by, and have lunch, or visit it together with some rest in the beach, at Lido di Ostia, 15 minutes away only.

Bracciano: Lakeside Castles and Reflections

Bracciano is the place to visit to have a peaceful best day trips from Rome with fairy tale castles and view of a lake. This town is an hour northwest of Rome and is home to Castello Orsino-Odescalchi, an absolutely intact medieval fortress that has housed the wedding of Tom Cruise.

The castle is accessible to visitors and gives them a panoramic view of the town and the lake. Having seen the stone towers and royal apartments, take a walk or a lunch on the banks of the water. In summer, the volcanic lake is crystal clear and swimmable, which makes Bracciano, besides being scenic, refreshing.

Bracciano can be considered as one of the most perfect day outings in Rome and those seeking romance, history and leisurely beauty. Due to regular trains from the city, one can spend all day there and go back to have dinner. Bring your camera!–this serene pearl is as picture-making a subject as possible.

When One City Isn’t Enough: Extend with Travelodeal

When these escapes have awakened your wanderlust, why not go as far as one city? Although a quick trip will be just a taste of Italy, a trip outside Rome opens up more and more experiences. It is so easy to have best day trips from Rome that you can plan your trip with smooth transitions and scenery diversification.

Their guided tours have their own curated travel options that give a combination of Rome and other choices in the immediate area, thus are able to work on the many layers of Italy, historic, rustic, and romantic, all in an itinerary. Drinking wine in Frascati, or hiking up on the ramparts of Bracciano, we will make sure your ventures come out smooth.

Ready to go beyond the city? Browse Travelodeal‘s handpicked holidays and short-break combinations. Whether you’re eyeing holidays or looking to plan beyond, their flexible packages make every travel moment count. Superb one city–but two or three? That’s a trip worth taking.