There’s a lot to see in the Eternal City of Rome, but a few days in the surrounding regions can truly take your Rome trip into an adventure to remember. From Pompeii and Sorrento to the Pope’s Summer Home, we’ve put together a list of our most popular day trips from Rome, so you can plan a vacation that’s sure to be different than the rest.
Pro Travel Tip: Ever read something helpful only to lose track of the article? Bookmark this article in your browser so you can circle back to it when you’re ready to book. Also, check out our Rome page for more info on this topic. Check out our Best Rome Tours while you are in the eternal city as well.
6 Top Day Trips from Rome
They say it takes a month to see everything in Rome. While this may be true, I feel that it would be a shame, if you have the time, not to visit some of the surrounding areas.
Rome is perfectly situated in the center of Italy. This means that in one or two hours you can visit a completely different region. Since Italy and Italians are very ” regional” this means each region is almost like entering a new country. Each region has a particular cuisine and beauty that is different from the others. Hard to believe? Try it and get back to me.
6. Full Day Tour from Rome to Ponza Island with Boat Tour
Escape the bustling streets of Rome and embark on an unforgettable journey to the enchanting Ponza Island. Your adventure begins early with a bus transfer to the Port of Anzio, followed by a speedy boat ride to Ponza Island Port. With all the logistics handled, a small group, and a friendly guide, your only task is to unwind and enjoy the day.
After a quick leg-stretch and a coffee break, you’ll set off on a delightful five-hour boat tour exploring the island’s hidden coves, stunning rock formations, and captivating blue grottoes. With plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, along with a delicious pasta lunch prepared by the captain, you’re in for a truly magical day of exploration and relaxation.
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5. Tivoli Fountains & Hadrian’s Villa Private Tour from Rome
Would you like to feast your eyes on the private residences of some of the most powerful people who ever lived? Our private day trip with hotel pick up and drop off to the Tivoli Fountains & Hadrian’s Villa is right up your alley.
Tivoli is less than 20 miles from Rome by car. It is home to many natural water springs that were coveted by the local elite. It is here where they embellished their private residences. There are two that stand out from the rest.
Hadrian’s Villa
The first is Hadrian’s Villa, built by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. He was by far one of the most prolific Roman Emperors ever. He rebuilt many sights that we can still see today, including the Pantheon in Rome.
Hadrian’s Villa is certainly proof that the culture of the Roman Empire spans far beyond the Aurelian Walls of Rome. Your Tivoli private tour guide will show you the highlights of the emperor’s 300-acre villa. This includes his fountains, palaces, squares and you’ll even discover stunning details about his underground heating system.
The acclaimed emperor has put all of his affection for Ancient Greece and Egypt into his summer residence. This made his villa a collection of styles from different corners of the known globe and a homage to some of his favorite destinations. Nowadays, you are still able to seize the grandeur and the beauty of his accomplishment.
Villa d’Este
After Hadrian’s Villa your journey continues to Villa d’Este. The Villa is considered to be one of the most beautiful collection of fountains on Earth. This is where you will witness some of the finest landscape architecture and Renaissance gardening that Italy has to offer!
Cardinal Ippolito d’Este ran for the pope 5 times, but was never elected! However, he was the owner of one of the most lavish palaces and gardens of its time! You will get to admire the cardinal’s apartments, decorated by beautiful fresco paintings. However, the real gem of the villa is its countless fountains nestled in the carefully adorned gardens. You will also get to admire some impressive views of the gardens and the surrounding area from many of the villa’s high terraces.
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4. Private Pompeii & Mt. Vesuvius Day Trip from Rome
It’s hard to believe the catastrophic event that brought so much destruction to the seaside town of Pompeii. However, on this tour, you’ll be able to see what it left in its wake. When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. it was truly a cataclysmic event. The Volcano leveled town after town in the surrounding area of Naples. It rained fire and ash that burned everything in its path, while also preserving many of its victims in the very positions where they lost their lives.
On this day trip from Rome, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this ancient city with a local guide. The ruins remain some of the most well-preserved of the period. With an expert guide, you’ll take a step back in time and imagine what it was like to live in this town just before the eruption. You will relive the daily life as Vesuvius began to spew its volcanic ash.
You won’t just think about it from afar, however. We’ll take you up Mount Vesuvius itself, so you can peer into the volcano that caused so much destruction so many years ago. It’s one of the most unique experiences you can find in Italy. It is certainly a great excuse to get away from the city for a day.
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3. Orvieto, Civita di Bagnoregio & Winery Private Day Trip from Rome
Italy is known for its fantastic and varied selection of wines. Therefore there’s no better way to gain an appreciation for this Italian tradition than to visit the source itself. On this Full-day Excursion, you’ll travel through the gorgeous Umbrian countryside. Get ready to see rows of vineyards ripe with the winemaking grapes that have grown there for years.
You’ll travel along the “Highway of the Sun”, and make your way to Civita di Bagnoregio. This is a secluded town, perched upon a rock ( see photo above). The only way to access is by a singular bridge heading high above the countryside below. It’s a stunning view, and one you’ll definitely want to bring a camera to capture. The city itself is a unique one with only fourteen permanent residents still remaining in the city.
Then it’s off to Orvieto. This city is on a hill with jaw-dropping views of the countryside. There is also a cathedral here that took over three centuries to build and features some beautiful frescoes. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the shops in the city. You can also check out the incredible wares that local artisans have for sale.
After a lunch break consisting of delicious local delicacies, its on to a family winery for the last part of our trip. You’ll explore the cellars of these long-standing wineries, and learn what goes into making each glass of Italian wine special. Then it’s time to head back to Rome for a wonderful evening in the city!
Even those who’ve been to Italy before are blown away by the views from Orvieto
Livia Cicci- Local Tour Guide
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2. Unforgettable Rome Day Trip to Pompeii and Sorrento
Italy has many beautiful sights. Our goal with this tour is to share some of them with you. Your tour begins with luxury transportation from Rome to Pompeii. The scenic drive takes you through the Lazio region down to the Campania Region. Your first stop is the 2,000 year old buried city of Pompeii.
Once you arrive, your experienced, English-speaking will take you on a private walking tour of the timeless city. Our guides are great storytellers, so the secrets of Pompeii will be brought back to life! Your tour includes the main highlights such as the ancient markets, piazzas, theaters, (and even a brothel!) You will have a glimpse into the daily life of the ancient Pompeiians.
No tour is complete without exploring the Villa of Mysteries in Pompeii. This ancient Pompeian Villa is a hidden gem, decorated with frescoed depictions of an ancient Greco-Roman cult!
Your next stop is the beautiful seaside town of Sorrento. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of time to marvel at the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples. There are also stops along the road to admire the views and take photos. and
Once you arrive in Sorrento there is free time to shop around the city’s many stores and cafes. If you’re unfamiliar with Sorrento, it’s regionally known for its olive oil and limoncello. Limoncello is a lemon liqueur that you absolutely have to try (unless you’re under the legal drinking age, then you absolutely should not try it). Finally, when your guided trip is over, you will be driven back to Rome to enjoy your evening in the Eternal City.
We offer this as a private tour as well!
Every time I return to Pompeii, it’s like there’s something new to discover
Sasha Bianco- Official Tour Guide of Pompeii
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1. Brunello di Montalcino Helicopter Tour from Rome or Florence
Is a dream of yours to land a helicopter on a vineyard in Tuscany, meet with the owners and drink their wine? If so, this is the tour for you and I might add the tour of a lifetime! I have personally done this tour twice and can honestly say both times were some of the most amazing experiences of my life.
You will be taken to a helipad in Rome. From there you’ll meet your pilot and guide, snap a couple of epic pics on the helipad and start your journey! The ride takes about 45 minutes and you’ll get a view like no other! Your guide will point out different landmarks, lakes, and destinations along the way. Pass over Orvieto and/or other small hilltop towns as you head towards Montalcino. The helicopter then lands directly on the vineyard and your tastings begin!
The owners of the vineyard will come and greet you at the helicopter. The owner will walk you through their grounds explaining the history. You’ll then stop for a tasting of their best production. Normally about 4 to 5 different types of wines.
After your first tasting, you’ll head off to have lunch at a local restaurant with a view or a vineyard based on your choice. Enjoy amazing Tuscan dishes characteristic of the region, like Pappardelle al Cinghiale (pasta with wild boar meat) while sipping one of Italy’s top wines and enjoying one of Italy’s best views.
Take a stroll through the medieval hilltop town of Montalcino prior to your next tasting. Explore the central castle or walk its winding streets. This town is a real treat as the nearest train is an hour away so you won’t find crowds here. Mostly just locals and wine-loving travelers like yourselves!
After you’ve walked off your lunch, your luxury driver will take you to your last vineyard for a final tasting. Tour the grounds and even pick a grape off the vines if they are in season! At your second tasting, you’ll start to realize the difference a couple of miles or even a couple of hundred yards will have on the different flavors and aromas of the wine. Normally 4 to 5 wines are offered for tasting, and often olive oil and balsamic vinegar depending on the property.
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