By Jessica Russo
Traveling to Italy's capital? Don't miss these eight day trips!
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Naples
What’s it like?
Home to Pompeii, Vesuvius, Herculaneum, and a beautiful seaside, Naples is always a fan-favorite. Be sure to wake up and get going early – you’ll need (at least) a full day to experience all of Naple’s must-sees. Explore the ruins of historic Pompeii, gawk at Mount Vesuvius, walk down the colorful main street of Spaccanapoli, and of course, eat some pizza!
How do I get there?
Take the high speed train from Rome to Naples and arrive in just 1 ½ quick hours! In order to reach Pompeii, take a local train from central Naples and stand in awe of the ancient site in just minutes. Looking to drive? Of course you can, but it’ll actually take longer than the train. The upside to driving, however, is that you’d have the freedom to mosey around the Positano, Sorrento, Amalfi area. In that case, you might want to consider staying overnight.
Florence
What’s it like?
Ahh, Florence – the city of renaissance art and architecture. You might be thinking, “Hm, I don’t know if I want to leave a city to visit another city.” Well, Rome and Florence are so different, and so equally awesome, that you’ll be happy you visited both. Gawk at Brunelleschi’s overwhelming terracotta-tiled Duomo, walk over the Ponte Vecchio, say hello to Michelangelo’s David statue, and see world-famous renaissance paintings in the Uffizi Gallery.
How do I get there?
Hop on the high-speed train going north and, in just over an hour, you’ll be immersed in Florence’s renaissance style. I’d stay away from driving, if possible. Who wants to be in the car for over 3 hours? Take the car only if you’re planning on making stops along the way, like Arezzo, Montepulciano, or a national park.
Frascati
What’s it like?
Frascati, the crown jewel of the Castelli Romani, is known for its charming town center, dry white wine, and spectacular views of Rome. Treat yourself to a wine tour, explore the Parco dei Castelli Romani, and indulge in the delicious cuisine of this foodie fantasyland.
How do I get there?
Take an hour-long train ride or drive from Rome! Can’t get much easier than that.
Orvieto
What’s it like?
Perched on a rock cliff in Umbria, breathtaking Orvieto is packed with rich history, cobblestone lanes, medieval piazzas, and gorgeous Gothic churches. Marvel at the mosaic-adorned Orvieto Cathedral, which dates back to 1290 and explore the city’s underground cave network.
How do I get there?
Taking the train from Rome to Orvieto is fairly easy, however, the duration of the trip can vary depending on the time of day. In the morning, the ride should take no longer than 2 hours, but in the evening it can take close to 3, and you may need to switch trains. Check out the schedule before you go!
Tivoli
What’s it like?
This hilltop town is home to not one, but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit Villa Adriana, the sprawling estate of Emperor Hadrian, and 16th-century Villa d’Este, a lavishly landscaped Renaissance Villa known for its green gardens and elegant fountains.
How do I get there?
Hop on the train and arrive at Tivoli in just over 1 hour. Before you know it, you’ll be immersed in picture-perfect history! If driving is more your speed, simply drive northeast for 1 hour.
Ostia Antica
What’s it like?
Approximately 2,000 years ago it served as ancient Rome’s thriving commercial seaport. Now, Ostia Antica is a marvelous urban archeological site filled with historic ruins! Sit in the stands of the ancient arena, stand in-front of the theater, visit Ostia’s small museum, and see the remains of once-bustling docks, warehouses, apartments, mansions, baths, and shopping areas. Try your best to imagine what life was like back then – when Ostia was a hub of over 60,000 people!
How do I get there?
Getting to Ostia couldn’t be much easier. Hop on the local commuter train and be there within 40 minutes! If you have access to a car and would prefer to drive, hit the road and travel southwest just 30-40 minutes.
Assisi
What’s it like?
Besides being the birthplace of St. Francis (1181-1226), one of Italy’s patron saints, the picturesque hill town of Assisi boasts 13th-century frescoes, medieval stone buildings, the amazing Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi, the pink & white 1200s Basilica di Santa Chiara, panoramic views of the rolling green countryside, and much more.
How do I get there?
Take the regular train (regionale veloce) from Rome and arrive in Assisi in two short hours. From there, take a quick, scenic bus ride into town! If you’re looking to drive, head north on SS3 and arrive in the center of town in about 2 ½ hours.
San Gimignano
What’s it like?
Nestled upon the hills of Tuscany, this charming medieval town boasts a breathtaking skyline of unique towers and old stone houses. Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage center, is encircled by 13th-century walls and buzzes with historic vibrancy. Enjoy some gelato in central squares, explore old fortresses, and gaze out at rolling hills - feel as if you’re traveling back in time!
How do I get there?
If you have access to a car during your trip, driving is definitely easiest. Taking the train is an option, but it takes a while and requires changing between express trains, local trains, and buses. Besides saving a headache, driving to San Gimignano also gives you the opportunity to visit the incredible surrounding cities of Siena and Arezzo! After about 3 hours of driving on the A1 Motorway North toward Milano-Roma, you’ll become immersed in the beauty of San Gimignano.