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Why is Rome considered one of the world's greatest cities?
- There is no arguing that Rome, Italy is one of the world’s greatest and most beautiful cities, having attracted millions of people from every corner of the globe.
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What makes Rome a must-visit destination?
- With an ancient history, outstanding cuisine, and so much culture to soak up, it’s no wonder that the city requires quite some time to explore.
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How can visitors take a break from the busy city?
- A great way to add a break between the hustle and bustle of Rome is to take a day trip, adding variety and sightseeing options to your Italian getaway.
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What are the best day-trip options from Rome?
- Here are some of the best day-trip options from Rome to enhance your travel experience.
Best Time for Day Trips from Rome, Italy
- April to June – Ideal for mild weather, blooming landscapes, and exploring historical sites.
- September to October – Perfect for pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and vineyard tours.
- July & August – Warm summer days great for visiting coastal towns and countryside villages.
- November – Enjoy cooler weather and quieter visits to cultural and historical landmarks.
- December to March – Cold but charming for festive markets, cozy countryside escapes, and indoor tours.
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1. Giardino di Ninfa (1 hour 20 minutes)
Admire romantic gardens and walk among spring blossoms.
A breathtaking example of Italian poetry and medieval architecture, the Giardino di Ninfa is a landscape garden in the Cisterna di Latina of central Italy. The park is situated across 105-hectares of land and has become known as a true literary salon, having inspired the work of writers like Truman Capote, Moravia, Virginia Woolf, and Ungaretti.
Guided tours are available for this English-style romantic garden between the months of April and October only. The limited availability helps preserve the garden's environmental balance. Apart from the luxuriant vegetation that surrounds the area, there are also remnants of a medieval castle, churches, clock towers, and palazzos to see and explore.
2. Ostia (40 Minutes)
Explore ancient ruins and relax on the beach during summer.
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If there's one thing that Italy has no shortage of, it's ancient Roman ruins. While there are many to see in the center of Rome, Ostia Antica is home to an incredible excavation site that was once the most important port city of the Roman Empire. The city dates back all the way to 7th century B.C. although some of the items uncovered at the site can be dated back all the way to the 3rd century B.C.
Ostia Antica is just a short ride away from the Porta San Paolo/Piramide station on the Roma-Lido train. Some of the sights to see in the ancient port city include mysterious travertine stones, ancient graffiti, and even the remains of a Roman bakery.
3. Castelli Romani (50 Minutes)
Visit hillside towns and sip local wine on a weekend trip.
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A collection of charming wine-producing hill-towns to the south east of Rome, Castelli Romani is home to several beautiful towns, and each has its own claims to fame. Great villas and palaces can be found all over the villages, as the area was once a favorite retreat for wealthy Roman residents in the past.
For those who are keen on tasting some of the region's white wine, make sure to visit the town of Frascati. Meanwhile, the town of Castel Gandolfo is home to the Papal Palace and its magnificent garden. Other towns to visit include Velletri, home to an archaeological museum dating back to the Iron Age, Arricia, which is famous for its roast pork, and Albano Laziale, a town with a lengthy history. Castelli Romani Map
4. Santa Marinella (50 Minutes)
Swim in clear waters and walk along the coast with couples.
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If you're visiting Rome in the summer, a great way to beat the heat and cool off is to take a quick day-trip to the nearby beaches of Santa Marinella. The inviting crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean are easily worth the 50-minute train ride from Rome, and the private and public beaches beckon heat-stricken travelers from near and far.
While at Santa Marinella, don't forget to satisfy your appetite with some of the freshest seafood available in Italy. Not only is the seafood of exceptional quality, it is also much more affordable than similar offerings in Rome. One relaxing day at the beach is all your need to get re-energized and continue your exploration of Italy's capital.
5. Cerveteri (50 minutes)
Discover Etruscan tombs and explore archaeological trails on a quick visit.
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Once an important Etruscan City known as Caere, Cerveteri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major cultural center of the Etruria civilization, which pre-dates the Roman Empire. Travelers can visit several Etruscan necropolises in the city, which are huge monumental tombs that are partly cut into the tufa rock. Eerie and evocative, the necropolises imitate houses and are a testament to the wealth and lifestyle enjoyed by those entombed there.
The archaeological museum is also a must-see attraction in the city as it is home to some of the luxury goods excavated from the tombs. Some of the items to see in the museum include tableware made from precious metals, extravagant vases, and goods imported from Greece.
6. Tivoli (55 Minutes)
Admire grand fountains and tour historic villas on a romantic day.
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Just a short 55-minute trip from Rome, the historic hill town of Tivoli is home to not one but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Hadrian's Villa is the first of the sites to see and dates back to the 2nd Century C.E. Built by Emperor Hardian as a country retreat, the villa is actually composed of over 30 incredible structures, some of which have yet to be excavated. By regular standards, the villa could be considered a town on its own, with lakes, libraries, temples, and gardens located within the area.
The Renaissance Villa d'Este is the second UNESCO site to see in Tivoli . Built in the mid-16th century for Cardina Ippolitol d'Este, this villa was built over a Benedictine convent and features an enormous garden with multiple fountains, grottoes, and sculptures. Not to be missed are the massive Fountain of the Dragons, the Hundred Fountains, and the Water Organ Fountain.
7. Anzio (1 Hour)
Walk along war memorials and enjoy seafood restaurants during fall.
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A medium-sized fishing port on the coast of Lazio, Anzio was once an important Roman port that is now most famous for its military significance in the Second World War. Although Anzio took a beating during World War II after serving as a landing spot for Allied forces in 1944, the town was able to rebuild and retain its ancient fishing town atmosphere.
The port remains quite busy to this day and offers an idyllic view of sand dunes and the magnificent buildings of Nettuno. There are large Liberty-style villas to explore near the shore while dozens of restaurants serve up delectable seafood dishes at the port. History lovers can make their way to various look-out points to view ruins of the old Anzio port along the rocks below.
8. Lake Martignano (1 Hour)
Swim peaceful shores and hike nature trails with family.
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Although Lake Martignano is much smaller than its neighbor Lake Bracciano, it enjoys the peace and tranquility that Lake Bracciano doesn't always have. The calm waters of the lake offer a fantastic respite on a hot day, and the best part is that it's only a one-hour drive away from Rome. Meanwhile, visitors who want to spend more than a day at the lake are welcome to camp overnight.
Once at Lake Martignano , make sure to pay a visit to Agriturismo il Castoro where visitors are welcome to enjoy the grass beach and dozens of hammocks for just a small fee. There is also a simple and affordable restaurant in the area that dishes up spectacular grilled meat dishes alongside ice-cold beers.
9. Santa Sevara (1 Hour)
Tour the seaside castle and explore local history on a quick outing.
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One of the rarest things you'll ever find in Italy is not a castle or Roman ruins. In fact, you'll find quite a lot of those. No, the rarest thing you'll ever find in Italy is a free beach, and that's exactly what vacationers can look forward to on a day-trip to Santa Sevara. In addition to long stretches of beach and spectacularly blue waters, Santa Sevara also has a medieval castle and Roman ruins ripe for exploration.
Take a walk around the walled village by the beach and examine the Roman-era foundations that are made of huge cyclopean masonry. The castle in the area dates back to the 11th century and also features a Norman tower. After seeing all the ruins have to offer, hit the beach and spend the day lapping up the sun, surf, and sand.
10. Calcata (1 Hour 10 Minutes)
Wander narrow alleys and visit quirky galleries during a cheap trip.
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Perched on top of a rocky outcrop is the beautiful and breathtaking village of Calcata . With fantastic views of a wooded valley and just thirty miles from the great city of Rome, Calcata makes an ideal day-trip for those looking for a destination off the beaten path.
After Calcata was abandoned in the 1930s, artists and creatives from Italy and around the globe flocked to the hill town and made it their home. They successfully brought the ancient village back to life, restoring ruins and giving it a bohemian atmosphere it didn't have before. The town can be easily explored in a day with incredible views, wonderful architecture, and welcoming locals that make the trip memorable.
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