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22 Wonderful day trips from Rome Italy (2024)

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Interested in the best day trips from Rome, Italy? Look no further! Here is the ultimate list of the very best day trips from Rome.

Planning an extended stay in Rome? Or perhaps it’s your second or third time visiting? Or find yourself in Rome in the middle of a summer heatwave? Whatever the case, it is always a great idea to explore some of the amazing towns and cities just outside of the Italian capital.
If you’re curious about the best day trips from Rome and the best side trips near Rome, keep reading as here you will find this ultimate list of the best day trips from Rome Italy. This selection of the best day trips from Rome covers the best short day trips from Rome, easy day trips from Rome, beach day trips from Rome, best day trips from Rome by train, best day trips from Rome by car, and unusual day trips from Rome.

Contents

22 Best Day Trips from Rome to take in 2024

Amalfi Coast is among the best day trips from Rome Italy
Positano, Amalfi Coast

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. 

1. Ponza

Time: 2 hours and a half from Rome

When a heatwave strikes or you find yourself longing for a few days of island bliss but can’t go too far from Rome, head to magical Ponza.
This little Mediterranean island is off-the-beaten-track and a hot spot for Romans on weekends and summer sojourns. The water is an almost ‘too beautiful to be real’ shade of sparkling blue, made all the more inviting with little fish happily swimming in it. A day trip to Ponza from Rome is among the best beach trips from Rome.
A trip to Ponza will of course include a lot of beach time – head to Spiaggia di Frontone and hire a beach chair and umbrella. To get there, hop on a sweet little boat from the fisherman’s port which gets you there in 10 minutes. 

Another popular thing to do includes joining a boat trip and setting sail to nearby Palmarola. Incredibly beautiful, enjoy chatting with the fishermen, diving off the boat into the Tyrrhenian Sea, and eating a casual lunch on board. 

Ponza is one of the best day trips from Rome Italy
Ponza

How far is Ponza from Rome? 

Ponza is about 73 mi (117 km) from Rome and it takes around two and a half hours to reach Ponza from Rome. Whilst a day trip from Rome to Ponza is good, staying for a few days on the island would do justice to this wonderful island. Still, Ponza is a favorite day trip from Rome for Romans in the summertime.

How to get to Ponza from Rome?  

Get a transfer from Rome to Anzio or take the train. From Anzio, walk down to the port and jump on the ferry which takes around an hour and a half. Or, join this full-day boat excursion of Ponza & Palmarola from Rome. This tour lasts up to 12 hours and it comes with snorkeling gear! Visit Ponza on a day trip from Rome and enjoy the day on the sea!

2. Orvieto

Time: about one hour from Rome

A classic day trip from Rome, Orvieto is a beautiful Etruscan city in the central Italian region of Umbria.

Orvieto is one of the most beautiful towns in Umbria. There are tons of things to do in Orvieto including visiting the magnificent cathedral, climbing the clock tower, and heading underground on a tour to discover the ancient rock city underneath modern-day Orvieto. 
The city has gorgeous boutiques worth exploring and plenty of places to buy quality ceramics and wooden chopping boards (for which they’re renowned). After shopping up a storm, don’t miss having a wonderful rustic Umbrian-style meal paired with a crisp Orvieto white wine. 

Orvieto is one of the best day trips from Rome
Orvieto Cathedral

How far is Orvieto from Rome? 

Orvieto is about 75 mi (120 km) away from Rome, but a lot easier to reach compared to Ponza. You can get to Orvieto in as short as an hour and 12 minutes!

How to get to Orvieto from Rome?  

The best way is via train from Roma’s Termini Station. It takes just over an hour to arrive in pretty Orvieto. Day trip to Orvieto from Rome is among the best day trips from Rome by train!
Alternatively, driving from Rome takes around two hours. And, if you prefer guided tours, join this Assisi and Orvieto Full Day Tour from Rome (Viator)

3. Tivoli

Time: one hour from Rome

Another popular day trip from Rome is escaping to gorgeous Tivoli where you can find the popular Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este’s gardens.
The town itself is also worth exploring to spy upon Roman aqueduct ruins, a medieval castle, and interesting churches.

On a Spring day, there is no better place to be than the lush gardens of Villa d’Este. Explore its fountains, pools, cascades, grottos, and terraces, and enjoy incredible views across the countryside. 

Meanwhile, Hadrian’s Villa dates back to the second century AD. Constructed during Emperor Hadrian’s reign, it’s a stunning example of second-century Roman architecture. Take your time to explore the grounds, imperial palace ruins, mosaics, baths, a nymphaeum, fountains, colonnades, statues, and the Maritime Theater. 

If you’re going to book a guided tour anywhere, then this is the place to do it. Going with a guide will allow for a more enriching experience as they bring to life these Ancient Roman ruins.

Villa D'Este in Tivoli is one of the best day trips from Rome Italy
Villa d’Este in Tivoli

How far is Tivoli from Rome? 

Tivoli is by far one of the closest day trips you can do and one of the best short trips from Rome. It’s just 30 kilometers east of Rome in the Sabine Hills.

How to get to Tivoli from Rome?  

A day trip to Tivoli from Rome is among the best day trips from Rome by train.
From Rome, the best place to board a train to Tivoli is from the Tiburtina Railway Station (just one metro stop away from Termini). The ride to Tivoli takes around an hour and then it’s a short 10-minute walk to Villa d’Este’s gardens. Instead, if you want to visit Hadrian’s Villa you can get a local bus from the Tivoli Railway Station, or catch a bus with the COTRAL company from the Ponte Mammolo subway stop in Rome. Or make it easier for yourself and join this amazing Tivoli Full Day Trip from Rome: Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este!

4. Ostia Antica

Time: 25 min from Rome

Ostia Antica is a gorgeous archeological site near Rome. Visiting Ostia Antica is one of the best short-day trips from Rome. Ancient Ostia was a busy seaport on the mouth of the Tiber River. The city was the main port of the Roman Empire. It was home to about 60,000 people. It got abandoned when Rome fell. Today Ostia Antica is a famous archeological site with well-preserved ancient buildings (maisons, baths, warehouses, commercial offices, a theatre, etc.), stunning ancient frescoes, and mosaics. The site covers 100 ha. 

Ostia Antica is among the best day trips from Rome Italy
Ostia Antica

If you like history and archeology but not having time to visit Pompeii, visit Ostia on a day trip from Rome. 

How far is Ostia Antica from Rome?

Ostia Antica is only 15 mi (25 km) southwest of Rome. 

How to get from Rome to Ostia Antica?

Take Metro line B from the center of Rome to the Piramide stop. From Piramide, hop on the Roma Lido commuter train (Line RL Cristoforo Colombo) to Ostia Antica. The train ride lasts about 25 min. Visiting Ostia Antica is one of the top easy trips from Rome and the best cheap trips from Rome (the one-way train ticket is €12.80). However, if you would like to get expert insights into this amazing archeological site, this guided tour from Rome might be for you!

5. Assisi 

Time: 2 hours and a half

This resolutely Holy town in Umbria is not an off-the-beaten path, but worth the trip from Rome!
Famed for the St Francis Basilica and the masterpieces of Giotto and Cimabue, it has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries. 

Besides the many religious sites to take in on your trip to Assisi, it is also just a gorgeous medieval town to wander. Take the time to visit the Rocca Maggiore (a medieval fortified structure that sits up high above the town) and the Roman Amphitheatre ruins. Visiting stunning Assisi is among the best things to do in Umbria, Italy.

Assisi is among the best day trips from Rome Italy
Assisi

How far from Rome? 

Assisi is about 107 mi (173 km) northeast of Rome or around a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the capital.

How to get to Assisi from Rome?  

The best way to get to Assisi as a day trip from Rome is via the train. Assisi is among the best day trips from Rome by train.
From Termini Railway Station in Rome, it takes just two hours to reach this peaceful part of the country.  If you prefer tours, check out the above-mentioned Small-Group Tour: Assisi and Orvieto Full Day Tour from Rome.

6. Anguillara Sabazia 

Anguillara Sabazia is one of the best day trips from Rome Italy
Anguillara Sabazia 

Time: one hour from Rome

If you like fresh lake fish for lunch and a pretty lake to wander around, then Anguillara Sabazia is the place to visit from Rome!
It was made ‘famous’ internationally thanks to the Everybody Loves Raymond sitcom, so if it feels like deja vu when you visit, you now know why. Wander around Lake Bracciano, pop into the quaint shops in its medieval town center, or relax at its ‘beach club’. 

How far is Anguillara Sabazia from Rome? 

Super close to Rome, Anguillara Sabazia is just 23 mi (37 km) away and reachable in an hour.

How to get to Anguillara Sabazia from Rome? 

The best way to arrive is to drive which takes around an hour. Alternatively, jump on a train from Termini and you can be there in just under 50 minutes. Anguillara Sabazia is one of the best day trips from Rome by train.

7. Bracciano

Time: one hour from Rome

Bracciano is another famous medieval town on the lake of the same name.

Bracciano, Angular Sabazia, and Trevignano Romano are charming small towns on the volcanic Bracciano Lake. However, the town of Bracciano is the biggest town on Bracciano Lake.

The town of Bracciano is one of the most picturesque places near Rome. The 15th-century Orsini Odescalchi Castle dominates the town of Bracciano and overlooks the lake. The caste was a residence of several aristocratic families in the past. It was also the wedding place of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in 2006. This castle is one of the most romantic castles in Italy.
Stroll the charming medieval alleys of the towns, visit the castle, enjoy sweeping views of the lake from Belvedere della Sentinel viewpoint, and enjoy the beach of Bracciano lake. A relaxing day trip from Rome is guaranteed!

Bracciano is among the best day trips from Rome Italy
Bracciano

How far is Bracciano from Rome?

Bracciano is only 25 mi (40 km) from Rome or less than one hour.

How to get from Rome to Bracciano?

The fattest way to reach Bracciano from Rome is by car. A drive from Rome to Bracciano takes less than one hour. Alternatively, a direct train ride from Roma Tiburtina to Bracciano Train station takes one hour and 20 min. Trains from Rome to Bracciano run several days a day, every 30 min. A day trip to Bracciano from Rome is one of the best day trips from Rome by train and easy trips from Tome to take.

8. Todi 

Time: about 2 hours

For a weekend trip from Rome, head to Todi. It’s a charming hilltop town in Umbria that overlooks the Tiber River valley, with sweeping panoramic views.
Wander the town and snap photos of its impressive architecture, including the 11th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata and the Palazzo del Popolo, a medieval palace. 

Visitors will want to make the most of the local cuisine here and dig into local specialties like truffles, cured meats, and Umbrian wines. Perhaps the best thing to do in Todi is to simply take in the small-town charm and authenticity.

Todi is among the best day trips from Rome Italy
Todi

How far from Rome? 

Todi is 83 mi (133 km) north of Rome or around a two-hour drive from the Eternal City. 

How to get to Todi from Rome?  

The best way to get to Todi is to drive from Rome which takes around two hours. There is a local bus but travel time is at least three hours. 

9. Caserta 

Time: about 2 hours from Rome

Caserta, or rather the stunning Royal Palace of Caserta, is a wonderful day trip from Rome. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and just as outstandingly beautiful as Versailles in France.

The palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and is considered one of the most important palaces in Europe. You can take a guided tour of the palace and its gardens, which are also impressive.

The historic center of Caserta itself is also worth exploring, so head for a walk down its narrow streets, and small squares, and into its beautiful churches. Don’t leave town without trying the local specialties such as buffalo mozzarella, pasta dishes like paccheri alla Genovese, and the famous Babà al rum dessert.

Caserta is one of the best day trips from Rome Italy
Caserta Palace

How far is Caserta from Rome? 

Caserta is 124 mi (200 km) south of Rome in the Campania region of Italy. It takes just over two hours to drive there.

How to get to Caserta from Rome?  

Driving or training is around the same travel time – two hours. From the main Railway Station, it’s a quick 5-minute walk to the Palace! A day trip to Caserta from Rome is one of the best day trips from Rome by train. Or, if you feel more comfortable joining a tour, this Royal Palace of Caserta Tour from Rome with Lunch might suit you well!

10. Florence

Time: one hour and a half

If you cannot take the ultimate Tuscany road trip, you could visit Florence on a day trip from Rome. 
Visiting Florence is among the best day trips from Rome by train.

The Italian Capital City of the Renaissance is among the most beautiful cities in the world. Spend a day in Florence admiring the artistic masterpieces in Uffizzi gallery, visiting Galleria dell’ Accademia, strolling the banks of the magical river Arno, seeing the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge, gorgeous Boboli Gardens, and Pitti palace.

Florence is among the best day trips from Rome Italy
Florence

How far is Florence from Rome?

The distance between Rome and Florence is 168 mi (270 km) or a 3-hour car drive. However, Florence is reachable in an hour and 30 min by high-speed train.

How to get from Rome to Florence? 

Daily direct trains go from Rome Termini to Stazione di Santa Maria Novella in Florence. An average train ride from Rome to Florence lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes.

11. Pisa 

Time: 2 hours and a half

The town of Pisa holds one of the most famous landmarks in Italy – the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The Reclining Tower of Pisa was on the election list of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World.

If you want to see some of the most incredible monuments in Italy, look no further than the famed Miracle Square complex in Pisa. The complex includes the Pisa Cathedral, Pisa Leaning tower, baptistery, and cemetery. The Pisa complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see in Italy. Luckily, Pisa is an easy day trip from Rome. 

Pisa is among the best day trips from Rome Italy
Pisa

How far is Pisa from Rome? 

Pisa is 164 mi (264 km) northwest of Rome. It is reachable within 2 hours and a half from Rome.

How to get from Rome to Pisa?

The fastest way to get from Rome to Pisa is by high-speed train. A train ride from Rome to Pisa lasts 2 hours and a half. Direct trains go from Roma Termini to Pisa Centrale several times a day. However, if you wish to visit Pisa and Florence in one day, you will enjoy this marvelous tour from Rome!

12. Siena

Time: two hours and 40 min

Beautiful Siena is one of the most charming places in Tuscany. The historic center of Siena is a World Heritage Site. Siena is a city of art, museums, delicious Tuscan food, and the world-renowned Siena Cathedral and Piazza del Campo. 

Awe-inspiring Piazza del Campo is one of the most beautiful European medieval squares. Visit Siena on a day trip from Rome and admire the artwork of Michelangelo, Donatello, and Nicola Pisano at Siena Duomo, impressive frescoes by Pinturicchio in the Piccolomini Library, and sip Aperol Spritz at Piazza del Campo.

Siena is among the best day trips from Rome Italy
Siena

How far is Siena from Rome?

Siena is 143 mi (230 km) northwest of Rome. Siena is reachable within two hours and 40 min from Rome.

How to get to Siena from Rome?

It takes only two hours and 40 min by car from Rome to Siena. A bus ride from Rome to Siena takes 3 hours. 

There are no trains from Rome to Siena. To reach Siena from Rome by train, take a train from Rome to Florence and then take a bus from Florence to Siena. This journey from Rome to Siena via Florence lasts 3 hours. But, there are many great guided one-day tours from Rome to Siena. On this day tour you can visit Siena and San Gimignano in Tuscany in one day!

13. Naples

Time: one hour and a half

Naples is one of the most captivating cities in Italy. It is chaotic, loud, and stunning at the same time. Naples might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is a must-see in Italy. Naples is one of the oldest cities in Europe and a city of matchless history, art, archaeology, and architecture in Europe. 

The historic center of Naples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a day trip from Rome to Naples and visit the Baroque Chiesa del Gesù Nuovo and Chiesa di San Gregorio Armeno, the Rococo Museo Cappella Sansevero, beautiful Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara with hand-painted Majorca tiles and beautiful frescoes, and see Arte Deco Umberto I Gallery. And, eat the authentic pizza, Margherita. Naples is the birth town of pizza! 

Naples is one of the best day trips from Rome in Italy
The Cloister of Santa Chiara convent in Naples

How far is Naples from Rome?

Naples is 140 mi (225 km) south of Rome, or about an hour and a half.

How to get to Naples from Rome?

While a car drive from Rome to Naples takes 3 hours, a train ride from Rome to Naples takes less than one hour and 30 min. Trenitalia and Italo trains run from Rome to Naples several times a day. Naples is among the best day trips from Rome by train

14. Sorrento

Time: three hours

Lord Byron, Nietzche, Maxim Gorki, Charles Dickens, Wolfgang Goethe, Richard Wagner, Henrik Ibsen, and John Keats are the famous figures and notable travelers who loved Sorrento. Do not get surprised if you fall in love with Sorrento on your visit, too. 

Sorrento is one of the most charming small towns in Italy. A day trip from Rome to Sorrento is among the great day trips from Rome travelers could take. 

This picturesque cliff-standing town with views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius is an Italian paradise.

Sorrento is famous for its dramatic setting on a volcano strata cliff, aromatic citrus fruits (especially lemons), and limoncello liquor. Sorrento is the hometown of limoncello. Sorrento is peaceful and idyllic. Take a day trip to Sorrento from Rome, and enjoy leisure time on the sea. Stroll the pretty streets of paradisal Sorrento, taste authentic limoncello and lemon spritz, swim and sunbathe on volcanic sandy Sorrento beaches, and dine at restaurants in Sorrento. After visiting Sorrento, you will understand ‘Torna a Surriento’ better!

Sorrento is among the best day trips from Rome Italy
Sorrento

How far is Sorrento from Rome?

Sorrento is about 162 mi (260 km) south of Rome or about 3 hours.  

How to get from Rome to Sorrento? 

A train ride from Roma Termini or Tiburtina train station to Sorrento train station takes less than 3 hours. However, remember that there are no direct trains between Rome and Sorrento, and you will need to swap trains in Naples on your way to Sorrento. 

15. Pompei  

Time: two hours from Rome

The ancient Roman city of Pompei is among the most interesting sites in Italy. An eruption of the nearby Mount Vesuvius was destroyed and covered by ash Pompeii in 79 AD. This urban and refined Greco-Roman city was hidden and frozen in time for centuries until it got discovered in the late 16th century. The city of Pompei had a forum (the main square), amphitheater, courthouse, villas with spas and splendid gardens, homes, etc. It was home to 10,000 – 20,000 people at the time of destruction. The archeological site of Pompeii is a World Heritage site and one of the best places to visit on a day trip from Rome!

Pompeii is among thebest day trips from Rome italy
Pompeii

How far is Pompeii from Rome?

Pompeii is 149 mi (240 km) south of Rome or about 2 hours. 

How to get from Rome to Pompeii?

The fastest way to reach Pompeii from Rome is by train. A train ride from Roma Termini to Pompeii via Napoli Centrale takes little less than 2 hours. Take a train from Roma Termini to Naples and then swap the train in Naples with a local train from Naples to Pompeii. The Pompeii train station is across the Main Entrance to Pompeii Archeological Park. Or join Pompeii Ruins Day Tour from Rome.

16. Vesuvius

Time: two hours and a half from Rome

Mount Vesuvius is the mighty volcano that destroyed Pompeii. The same eruption killed about 30,000 people in Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Vesuvius is still an active volcano. But it produces just little sulfur-rich steam. It erupted in March 1944 last time. On that occasion, it destroyed several villages, and took 26 lives, while 12,000 people got displaced.

Today Vesuvius is one of the top tourist attractions in Italy. Climbing Vesuvius is on any Italy bucket list. The volcano is only 5.6 mi (9 km) from Naples and about 15 mi (24 km) from Pompeii. Vesuvius is easily reachable from nearby cities like Naples and Sorrento, but from Rome also.

Vesuvius is among the best day trips from Rome Italy
Me on the Gran Cono of Mt Vesuvius

How far is Vesuvius from Rome?

Mount Vesuvius is 125 mi (201 km) away from Rome, or a 2 hours and a half drive.  

How to get from Rome to Vesuvius? 

The fastest way to reach Vesuvius from Rome is by car. A drive from Rome to Vesuvius takes two hours and 30 min. However, if you don’t feel like renting a car and driving in Italy is for you, join a day tour from Rome to enjoy the views from the top of the Great Cone. Booking this tour you will see Mt Vesuvius and Pompeii in one day!

17. Amalfi Coast

Time: three hours from Rome

The spectacular Amalfi Coast is a top jet-set holiday destination in Italy. Amalfi coastline is famous for its dramatic cliffs, winding narrow 2-line roads, picturesque villages and towns, deep blue Tyrrhenian sea, secret beaches, terraced lemon groves, and vineyards. UNESCO declared Amalfi Coast a World Heritage Site as an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape. Amalfi Coast is among the most scenic drives in the world. So, if you are up for an adventure accompanied by glamour, rent a car in Rome and head to Amalfi Coast. Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, Ravello, Minori, Maiori, and Vietri Sul Mare will steal your heart! 

Amalfi Coast is among the best day trips from Rome Italy
Positano, Amalfi Coast

How far is Amalfi Coast from Rome? 

Amalfi town, the heart of Amalfi Coast, is 172 mi (277 km) away from Rome, or a 3-hour drive.

How to get to Amalfi Coast from Rome? 

Amalfi Coast is about a 3-hour drive from Rome. But the most stressless and easiest way to visit Amalfi Coast on a day trip from Rome is to take a day tour from Rome to Amalfi Coast. One of the most popular day trips from Rome is this Amalfi Coast and Pompeii tour.

18. Capri

Time: 3-5 hours from Rome

Famed Capri is a top luxury travel destination. Glamours Capri is a favorite holiday destination in Italy for jet-setters and celebrities. This famed rugged island in the Bay of Naples is a Mediterranean paradise of the idyllic scenery: jagged cliffs, azure waters, rocky coves, quintessential small Italian towns (Capri and Anacapri), grand villas, spectacular gardens, and Blue Grotto – the most famous sea cave in the world. Visit Capri on a day trip from Rome and see where the rich and famous spend their holidays in Italy!

Capri is among the best  day trips from Rome Italy
Capri

How far is Capri from Rome?

The island of Capri is 165 mi (265 km) away from Rome. 

How to get to Capri from Rome?

The most popular way to reach Capri from Rome is by train and ferry. The journey between Rome and Capri can last from 3 hours to 5 hours. Thus, the easiest way to visit Capri from Rome is to take a guided day tour from Rome. The excursion lasts 13 hours on average. It includes a bus transfer to Naples and a 45-min boat ride from Naples to Capri. If you prefer to visit Capri relaxed on a guided tour, check out this tour.

19. Montepulciano

Time: 2 hours from Rome

Near Siena, there is a small hilltop medieval town called Montepulciano. This gorgeous town is known for its rare beauty among a picture-postcard Tuscan landscape. Montepulciano lies among rolling hills, golden fields, and vast vineyards.

Take a day trip from Rome to Montepulciano. Head to Piazza Grande, visit the 16th-century Cathedral, and the Renessaince Temple to the Madonna di San Biagio (the church that inspired Michelangelo when drafting Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome). Vino Nobile is a famous wine from Montepulciano. Not unsurprisingly, this wine tasting in Montepulciano tour from Rome is one of the most popular day tours from Rome!

Montepulciano in Italy is among the best day trips from Rome Italy
Montepulciano

How far is Montepulciano from Rome?

Montepulciano is 112 mi (180 km) north of Rome, or about 2 hours drive.

How to get to Montepulciano from Rome? 

If you rent a car in Room, you can reach Montepulciano within 2 hours. 

10 trains a day run from Rome Tiburtina to Chiusi Stazione-P.Zza Dante (the train station is outside Montepulciano), and from there, buses run regularly to the town. The train-bus journey from Rome to Montepulciano lasts 3 hours.

If you don’t like taking public transport or driving in Italy, join a day trip tour from Rome to Montepulciano. You will see the highlights of Montepulciano, have a delicious Tuscan lunch, and try Vino Nobile. This tour lasts 13 hours.  

20. Bologna

Time: two hours and 20 min from Rome

Visiting Bologna is one of the best day trips from Rome by train. Direct trains run from Roma Termini to Bologna Centrale every 15 min. 

La Dotta, la Grassa e la Rossa Bologna (The Educated, the Fat, and the Red Bologna) is famous for its university (Bologna university is the first university in Europe!), its world-renowned cuisine, and beautiful red-clay rooftops. 

Take a train in Rome and head to Bologna. Spend one day in Bologna. Visit its Piazza Maggiore square with its beautiful arched colonnades, have espresso in a cozy cafe at the Piazza, admire the Fountain of Neptune, visit the Basilica di San Petronio and shop at Galleria Cavour. For lunch, try authentic Bologna lasagne (lasagne originate from Bologna!), or tagliatelle al ragu. Take tagliatelle cake for dessert ( the delicious pasta cake with caramelized orange juice and almonds … yummy!). Bologna is the Italian capital city of gastronomy. So, be kind to yourself and enjoy the gastronomy offer of Bologna without regrets. Consider taking a food tour in Bologna! It is one of the best things to do in Bologna Italy!

Bologna is among the best day trips from Rome Italy
Me in Bologna

How far is Bologna from Rome?

Bologna is 234 mi (377 km) north of Rome. But Bologna and Rome are well connected by high-speed trains.

How to get from Rome to Bologna?

A 4-hour drive takes from Rome to Bologna. But the fastest way to reach Bologna from Rome is to take a train. Direct trains go from Rome to Bologna every day. There are 61 trains a day from Rome to Bologna. A high-speed train will take you from Rome to Bologna in 2 hours and 20 minutes. 

21. Padre Pio Sanctuary in San Giovanni Rotondo  

Time: four hours from Rome

If you are Catholic, I believe there is no need to explain who Padre Pio was. But you might not know that visiting Padre Pio Shrine in San Giovanni Rotondo on a day trip from Rome is possible.

The Sanctuary of Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo is the third most visited Catholic pilgrimage site, after Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico and Our Lady of Lourdes in France. If you would like to see the intact body of one of the most worshipped Catholic saints and mystics, take a day trip to San Giovanni Rotondo from Rome. 

Visiting Padre Pio Shrine in San Giovanni Rotondo is among the best day trips from Rome Italy
St Padre Pio

How far is San Giovanni Rotondo from Rome?

The distance between San Giovanni Rotondo and Rome is 236 mi (380 km). 

How to get from Rome to San Giovanni Rotondo?

It takes 4 hours by car from Rome to San Giovanni Rotondo. If you are not up for renting a car in Rome or are comfortable driving in Italy, visit Padre Pio Shrine from Rome on a private guided tour. The tour includes transportation from Rome to San Giovanni Rotondo, entrance to the Shrine, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and St. Pio Museum. This tour lasts up to 12 hours.

Inspired to plan some day trips or short weekends away whilst staying in Rome? The Italian capital makes for a wonderful base to explore some gorgeous Italian towns and regions you might not otherwise have the opportunity (or time) to visit. No matter where you decide to go, remember to always try the local Italian cuisine and take a moment to appreciate your incredible surroundings. 

22. St Rita of Cascia Sanctuary in Cascia

Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

St Rita of Cascia, the Saint of the Impossible, is among the most reverend Catholic saints. Visiting the Basilica of St. Rita of Cascia in Cascia, where her incorrupt body lies, is on the bucket list of many devout Catholics.
The Basilica of St. Rita of Cascia in Cascia is among the most visited pilgrimage sites in Italy. Saint Patroness for impossible and lost causes. For centuries, people have been testifying of many miracles due to her intercession, especially for impossible causes.

How far is Cascia from Rome?

The distance between Rome and Cascia is 83 mi (135 km).

How to get from Rome to Cascia?

The small town of Cascia in Umbria is a 2-hour and 30-minute drive from Rome. Many visit Cascia on their Umbria road trip. Hilly Umbria with stunning medieval towns and idyllic villages is among the most beautiful regions in Italy.
However, there are popular day tours from Rome to Cascia as well. Some of the most popular tours are Saint Rita of Cascia and Her birthplace Roccaporena Private Tour from Rome (Viator), Assisi and Cascia Full-Day Tour From Rome (GetYourGuide), and Cascia Spoleto Guided Day Trip From Rome (GetYourGuide).

Visiting the Basilica of St Rita of Cascia in Casca is among the best day trips from Rome
The incorruptible body of St Rita of Cascia

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This post is written in collaboration with Olivia Windsor. Olivia is an Australian who moved to Italy in 2019 and has been there ever since. After living in Turin for several years and meeting her Piemontese partner, she now calls Rome home. Olivia is the writer of the travel blog Livguine and designs and hosts multi-day small group tours in lesser-known regions around Italy. A committed foodie, she is currently undertaking her Italian Sommelier exams and never goes long before thinking about her next meal. 

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