What's a good day trip from Rome?

Question

We'll be staying in Rome for 5 nights in January and would like to take a day trip. After going to Rome, we'll go to Florence and then Venice, so we've got that covered. Any other recommendations? I think we're going to get the train pass that gives us three days of unlimited travel throughout Italy. The trip to Florence and Venice will cover two days, so we've got one left. Thanks.

Answer 1

I would recommend visiting Ostia Antica, the ancient Roman port city. Some of the ruins are amazingly intact including the bath houses where you can still see the mosaic tiles, the theater and an ancient snack bar where a basic menu is still visible on the wall.

Also, it's close to Rome, less than 30 minutes away by train.

Answer 2

Siena was beautiful, it reminds me of Florence but has that small town charm. If you go when they are doing the famous palio, you will have the benefit of celebrating with them. It's done twice a year once in july and once in august. I had so much fun out there. Check out the website below that explains it.

I just realized it's in January, but it's still a cool place to visit.

I spent six months studying in Rome and spent a weekend out there and i think it's doable as a day trip.

If that's too far, try Ostia. I went out there to look at some ruins and it's an interesting place too.

Answer 3

When I was in Rome recently,  we went to  :

Via Appia Antica--Just outside the city walls; a walking day trip with a picnic basket is suggested. We took a picnic lunch and went to the Church of  San Sabastiano... catacombs..  We had a great day...  A lot of exercise---Walking...

http://www.parcoappiaantica.org



Borghese Gallery and Borghese Park--- Reservation are required in advance for the gallery. Bring a picnic lunch Enjoy a day in the park.  The gallery is breathtaking..

http://www.galleriaborghese.it/borghese/...



Osteria(Ostia Antica) is another great place. -- Roman ruins, an easy day trip from Rome suggested as an alternative to Pompeii.  For directions : http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/rome/bt_da...

Siena is a great place to make a day trip to.

http://www.italyguides.it/us/siena_italy...

http://europeforvisitors.com/italy/siena...

http://www.travelplan.it/siena_guide.htm

We spent one day there on a day trip some years ago. We had a great day.. Very beautiful.

Amalfi Coast-- 3 hours south  Rome.... Beautiful seaside, villages , etc.. Positano. Sorrento, Capri, Ravello are beautiful.

http://www.divinecoast.com/

http://www.amalfiscoast.com/index_en.htm

http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/amalficoast...

I just reread your question.... If you are going to Florence and Venice as well as Rome ..... and a day trip.... You may want to check into point to point tickets..... Buying tickets as you go...

Often with the railpass there are some restrictions and they could cost more.

Read this site for some information.  Personally, I would go with point to point tickets. However, you must decide for yourself.

http://www.seat61.com/Railpass.htm#Where...

http://www.seat61.com/Railpass.htm#Shoul...

Here is also a rail guide

http://www.ricksteves.com/rail/railpdf.h...

You can print only what you need.

Here is the link for the train schedule in Italy ...  Compare the prices to get the best deal for your time and money...

http://www.trenitalia.it/en/index.html

Are you flying into Rome? Do you have your hotel? Which airport are you flying into?

If I can be of more help,  let me know.

Answer 4

Tivoli's villa, it's not far from Rome and it's really amazing. In January you won't find the fountains up unfortunately, but I'm sure you'll appreciate the inside of the villa as much as the outside. If you're lucky enough to get a sunny day, you'll be amazed by the garden!

Answer 5

Villa D'Este  in Tivoli, with its beautiful gardens and fountains is nice for a days outing from Rome, although the gardens will not be at their best in january.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_d%27E...

While there, take a short tour of Hadrians Villa which is nearby (Villa Adriana)

But save yourself for Florence...in my opinion the most beautiful city in Italy!  (Although Venice is also beautiful and quite unique).

Answer 6

Before you buy a railpass check out the point-to-point ticket prices on TrenItalia http://www.ferroviedellostato.it/ferrovi...  You might find it's cheaper to buy tickets than to get a railpass.

Railpasses are worthwhile for really long-distance travel.  But using one day of a pass for a day trip is really a waste.

Answer 7

Go to Naples and see Pompeii. The museum is nice as well and you can see it in a day trip. Leave early to avoid the crowds. It's about 1-1/2 hrs from Rome by train.