18 Fun Day Trips from Rome

0 4 24 minutes read

18-fun-day-trips-from-rome — 18 Fun Day Trips from Rome

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Plan a trip to Rome, and you’ll wish you were there for weeks! From the Colosseum to the Vatican Museums, there’s a lot in the Eternal City to check off your bucket list.

But if you can tear yourself away from Rome’s top attractions, there are plenty of excellent day trips from Rome. Rome is centrally located in Italy, allowing you to do day trips along the coast, further inland, to Tuscany and Venice in the north or to Naples and Amalfi in the south.

So what are the best day trips from Rome? Rome is pretty close to the geographical center of Italy, as well as one of the best transportation hubs in the nation. You can get where you need to go from Rome — and usually pretty easy.

I always recommend to spend your time on day trips that are close to your city. In Rome, that would be cities and towns in the Lazio region, like Tivoli (my first choice), Frascati, Ostia Antica, and Viterbo. Italy is SO full of treasures that you can find them in every direction.

But if you want to go to the Amalfi Coast? You can do that from Rome. If you want to go to the Tuscan countryside? You can do that from Rome. And if you want to go to Venice? You can absolutely do that from Rome, too. Just go with a tour group if you’re going anywhere super-complicated!

Let’s take a look at the best day trips from Rome!

This post was published in September 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Riana Ang-Canning.

Tivoli

Tivoli is my personal top recommendation for a day trip from Rome. It’s a beautiful town home to two truly stupefying villas, and it’s a short, convenient journey from Rome, either by train or as part of a guided tour.

Best things to do in Tivoli: The main reason for visiting Tivoli are the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa. Villa d’Este is right in the center of Tivoli, while Hadrian’s Villa is outside Tivoli in the countryside.

Villa d’Este is a 16th Century Italian Renaissance complex. While the interior features the most beautifully painted frescoes, I think the true highlight is the gardens. The gardens of Villa d’Este are filled with ornate, unique fountains, each that differs from each other.

Hadrian’s Villa, known as Villa Adriana in the Italian language, features the remains of a complex built by Roman Emperor Hadrian in 120 AD. The complex was more like a small city, and today you can still explore the ruins of a theater, baths, library, and more.

Should you book a tour or go independently: I recently visited independently, taking the train to Tivoli to visit Villa d’Este. However, it was so tough to get to Hadrian’s Villa — no Uber, no cabs, and infrequent buses — that we gave up and headed back to Rome.

So if you want to see both Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa in a single day, I recommend taking a tour. But if you only want to see Villa d’Este, you can get there pretty easily by train.

Book a tour to Tivoli: On this Tivoli Villas Full Day Trip From Rome, you’ll visit both Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este with skip-the-line tours, plus time for lunch and a stroll in Tivoli.

How to get from Rome to Tivoli independently: From Rome, you can take a direct train to Tivoli arriving in 30-60 minutes (depending on if you take an RV high-speed train or not). Once at the train station in Tivoli, cross the nearby bridge and Villa d’Este is just a short walk away (10 minutes) while Hadrian’s Villa is more than an hour’s walk away (or a five-minute bus ride then 20-minute walk, if you can get a bus!).

If you’re driving, Tivoli is 35-75 minutes from Rome, depending on the traffic.

The ruins of Ostia Antica, via Shutterstock

Ostia Antica

Want to see more cool Roman ruins, but don’t want to go all the way to Pompeii or Herculaneum? If you’re a fan of ruins and archeological sites, I recommend checking out Ostia Antica, home to ancient Roman ruins just outside of Rome! This is another one of the best day trips from Rome for people who love ancient history.

Best things to do in Ostia Antica: The big draw of Ostia Antica is the archeological park. This place once served as the main port of Rome, and thus served as a major business center. The park spans 250 acres and includes a theater, baths, temples, and much more. The mosaics here are excellent.

While not as popular or as well-known as Pompeii, Ostia Antica is actually one of the best preserved ancient Roman cities and very easy to visit on a day trip from Rome.

Should you book a tour or go independently: While you can easily visit Ostia Antica independently by train, I think you’ll get much more out of your visit with a guided tour. You’ll miss a lot of history otherwise.

Book a tour to Ostia Antica: On this Ostia Antica Tour from Rome, you’ll join a small group for a guided tour of the ruins, complete with transportation from Rome.

How to get from Rome to Ostia Antica independently: From Rome Termini train station, it’s one hour to Ostia Antica by metro and urban railway. If you’re staying in the south of the city, it’ll be 30-45 minutes. By car, Ostia Antica is a 35-65 minute drive from Rome.

An aerial view of the city of Viterbo, Italy, via Shutterstock.

Viterbo

Viterbo is a pretty, underrated city in the Lazio region, not too far from Rome. Here you’ll find one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Italy — only it’s not nearly as crowded as the more popular sites in Rome.

Best things to do in Viterbo: The best thing to do in Viterbo is just get lost in its ancient medieval city. Visit Palazzo dei Papi and the Viterbo Cathedral, which were the papal residence in the 13th Century.

Viterbo has a number of beautiful piazzas you can relax in, such as Piazza San Pellegrino and Piazza della Morte. History lovers can check out the National Etruscan Museum Rocca Albornoz, and Viterbo is home to some local hot springs where you can take a dip: Terme de Bullicame and Terme dei Papi.

Should you book a tour or go independently: Viterbo isn’t a popular destination for guided tours, so I recommend visiting independently.

How to get from Rome to Viterbo independently: From Rome Termini station, it’s about 2.5 hours to Viterbo, requiring one change. By car, it will take you about 75 minutes to drive from Rome to Viterbo.

Villa Lancelloti in the city Frascati, one of the best day trips from Rome, via Shutterstock

Frascati

If you’re tired of the frenetic pace and motorbike exhaust of Rome, a day trip to quiet, wine-filled Frascati will invigorate your senses. Frascati is one of the Castelli Romani — historic towns located on the Alban Hills just outside of Rome.

Frascati is also located quite close to Rome’s Ciampino Airport, the smaller airport. So if you happen to be flying in or out of this airport, you can easily add on a little detour to Frascati.

Best things to do in Frascati: The best thing to do in Frascati is to visit a local winery. The Castelli Romani towns are well known for their traditional, family-run vineyards and excellent quality wine. Most of them are in the countryside surrounding the city; Cantina da Santino is a nice one located in the heart of the old town.

Frascati residents are also very proud of their local fruits and vegetables. Many towns in this area hold festivals in honor of their produce, such as the grape festival in Marino and the strawberry festival in Nemi.

While you’re in Frascati, don’t miss a trip to Castel Gandolfo, another one of the hill towns. This stunning town is located on Lake Albano and is home to gorgeous views.

Should you book a tour or go independently: If you’re looking to visit wineries in Frascati, I recommend booking a tour, as it’s hard to do by public transit. If you just want to visit the town and explore, you can take the train.

Book a tour to Frascati: Make the most of your time in Frascati on this half-day wine tour where you’ll get to explore the old town, taste local porchetta, visit one of the oldest family-run wineries in the area, and, of course, sample lots of delicious wine!

How to get from Rome to Frascati independently: From Rome Termini train station, you can take an easy, fast, and direct regional train to Frascati in just 30 minutes. By car, it will take you about 45 minutes to drive from Rome to Frascati.

Odescalchi Castle in the town of Bracciano, Italy, via Shutterstock

Bracciano

Bracciano, located on the volcanic lake of Lago di Bracciano, is a pretty town to the north of Rome. This is a popular getaway destination for Romans, who come here to enjoy summer days on the lake. Come vacation like an actual Roman!

Bracciano is a great place to relax by the water, and you can also find historic and artistic treasures around town. As you can expect, the food here is as good as you can find anywhere in Italy!

Best things to do in Bracciano: You can’t miss Odescalchi Castle, a 15th Century castle looming over the edge of the lake that also doubles as a wedding venue (Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes got married there!). But even if you’re not a celebrity tying the knot, this impressive castle is worth a visit.

Lake Bracciano is one of the cleanest lakes in Italy, as motorized boats are banned, so a great place for swimming, sailing, and other water sports. There are lots of hiking and biking trails nearby, plus cute shops and wine cellars to end your day in.

Should you book a tour or go independently: Definitely go independently. Bracciano isn’t a big tour destination.

How to get from Rome to Bracciano independently: From Rome Termini station, you can take a bus or metro to the northwest part of the city where you’ll board a train to Bracciano. The whole journey will take about 90 minutes. If you have a car, it’s a 60-90 minute drive from Rome to Bracciano.

The beach town of Sperlonga is an easy getaway from Rome!

Beach Towns Near Rome

Since Rome isn’t on the coast, you might want to take a day trip to a nearby beach. If you’re short on time but craving some sun and sand, my top recommendation is to hop on a train that takes you directly to Italy’s west coast.

Santa Marinella: Santa Marinella is referred to as the pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea, known for its perfect weather and vintage charm. It offers beautiful views, a boardwalk, beachside restaurants, and nice spots for swimming.

Santa Marinella is also next door to another beach town, Santa Severna, if you want to visit two destinations in one day. From Rome, it’s one hour by train or car to Santa Marinella.

Sperlonga: Sperlonga is south of Rome, where locals will tell you the beaches are more beautiful. Sperlonga has the reputation of being the best of the bunch.

This town is known for stunning clear water, numerous beach clubs, the ancient Villa di Tiberio, and as a great spot to catch the sunset. From Rome, it’s about two hours on the train and bus or 2-3 hours by car to Sperlonga.

Ostia: Yes, this is the same Ostia as Ostia Antica, the Ancient Roman ruin. So you can pair your beach visit with a side of Roman ruins!

The beach here is a bit more rustic, but still a popular spot for Romans in the summer and easily accessible by train. Depending on where you are in Rome, it will take you 30-65 minutes by train or car to reach Ostia.

Ponza is a fun island getaway from Rome!

Ponza

Ponza is the largest island in the Pontine Islands archipelago, located southwest of Rome off the coast. Many see Ponza as a more local version of the Amalfi Coast — colorful houses on hills cascading into the water but without the crowds of international tourists. Ponza is a destination for Italians, especially Romans!

I visited Ponza for a few days earlier this year, and I strongly recommend staying overnight if you can. But if all you can do is a day trip from Rome, that is definitely possible.

Best things to do in Ponza: The best thing to do in Ponza is just enjoy the seaside location. Take the boat to Spiaggia Di Frontone to enjoy the island’s best beach, or stroll through town enjoying the boutiques and aperitivo bars.

You can join a boat tour to explore more of Ponza and the nearby Pontine Islands, though this is best if you’re staying overnight. Explore the Grotte di Pilato tunnels dug into the cliffs, stroll through the historic center, and feast on some local seafood.

Should you book a tour or go independently: Because there are a lot of moving parts to a day trip to Ponza, I strongly recommend going with a tour. They’ll take all the hard work out of planning your trip so you can enjoy the island stress-free.

Book a tour to Ponza: On this Ponza Island Day Trip, you’ll be transported to the island from Rome, swim at Ponza’s beaches, go on a boat ride where you’ll have lunch and explore sea caves, and learn more about the island’s history before heading back to Rome.

How to get from Rome to Ponza independently: Ponza is quite a long day trip from Rome, so if you want to visit independently, I recommend staying overnight (I stayed at Grand Hotel Santa Domitilla and LOVED it).

The journey by public transportation will take two to four hours depending on what route you take. The easiest way is to take the train to Anzio, where you can hop on the ferry to Ponza.

By car, you’ll drive one to two hours to Anzio. Leave your car on the mainland because you don’t need it in Ponza. The ferry takes about 75 minutes.

Assisi is a very popular pilgrimage site. Via Shutterstock.

Assisi

The town of Assisi in the region of Umbria is best known as the home of St. Francis of Assisi, which makes it an immensely popular pilgrimage spot for Catholics. But even if you’re not religious, Assisi is still a beautiful town to visit, and makes a great day trip from Rome. (And St. Francis? He was one of the good ones.)

Best things to do in Assisi: The biggest attraction in Assisi is the Basilica of St. Francis, a 13th Century church where you can learn about St. Francis’ life and see the tomb where he’s buried. Keep in mind that shoulders and knees should be covered when entering the church.

For more pilgrimage sites, check out Duomo di San Rufino (aka Assisi Cathedral), Basilica di Santa Chiara, and Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli.

The medieval town of Assisi is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you’ll definitely want to spend part of your day trip exploring the historic buildings and alleyways. I’ve been to Assisi three times: twice for day trips with my Catholic university, and once for a conference, and I loved it more when I got to explore the old town.

Should you book a tour or go independently: If you want to visit just Assisi, it’s easy enough to visit from Rome on your own. If you want to visit both Assisi and Orvieto in a single day (which I think is a great idea!), I recommend booking a tour.

Book a tour to Assisi: On this Assisi and Orvieto Day Trip, you’ll get to explore both Assisi and Orvieto (coming up next on my list of recommended day trips from Rome). Visit the Orvieto Cathedral, have lunch by Lake Trasimeno, wander around Assisi and step into world-famous basilicas.

How to get from Rome to Assisi independently: From Roma Termini train station you can take a direct train to Assisi in just two hours, or connecting trains in closer to three hours. By car, it’s a two to three hour drive from Rome to Assisi.

Orvieto is beautifully perched on a hill. Via Shutterstock.

Orvieto

Orvieto is another pretty town in Umbria well known for its Gothic cathedral and historic center. The cathedral will take your breath away, with gorgeous painting on the outside.

The old town of Orvieto sits up on a hill, giving you beautiful views over the valley below. That valley, rich in nutrients thanks to the volcanic soil, is one of the best places for growing grapes. As you can imagine, it’s fun to go wine tasting in Orvieto!

I should add that Orvieto is a very popular stop for tour groups en route from Florence to Rome or vice versa. If you’re traveling between those two destinations, it can be worth stopping here, though know that it gets crowded!

Best things to do in Orvieto: Your first stop in Orvieto will be the Duomo di Orvieto or Orvieto Cathedral. It’s famous for its impressive Gothic architecture, mosaics, and windows. Inside you’ll find beautiful frescoes and more devotional art.

Beneath the hill that Orvieto sits on is a series of Etruscan caves, wells, and ruins. You can go on guided tours of these underground tunnels to learn more about Orvieto’s history. End your afternoon sipping some of Orvieto’s local wine.

Should you book a tour or go independently: Orvieto is lovely, but it’s small. You can go for an easy day trip by train, but I recommend booking the tour that includes both Assisi and Orvieto in a single day, which fills out your day and is much easier to do as a group.

Book a tour to Orvieto: I recommend this Assisi and Orvieto Day Trip tour where you can experience the highlights of both of these cities, plus beautiful Lake Trasimeno, without having to worry about transportation.

How to get from Rome to Orvieto independently: From Rome Tiburtina train station you can take a direct train to Orvieto in just 75 minutes. By car, it’s about a 90-minute drive from Rome to Orvieto.

Pompeii is frozen in time. Via Shutterstock.

Pompeii

Pompeii is one of the best-known archeological sites in the world. Once a thriving Ancient Roman city, Pompeii was buried under 13-20 feet of volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. It’s remarkably preserved, and unique for that reasons.

If you plan to visit Naples during your time in Italy, you should visit Pompeii from there as it’s much closer. But if you’re not going to Naples, you can still visit Pompeii on a day trip from Rome.

Best things to do in Pompeii: Because of how Pompeii was destroyed, it was essentially frozen in time. That means the 2.5 million people who visit the site each year get to discover a complete Roman city, rather than just a few ruins.

The site is massive at 170 acres, so you won’t be able to see everything. While you’ll definitely want to visit some of the main sights, like the brothel, forum, and bathhouses, the best part of Pompeii is getting lost and seeing what you can discover.

Should you book a tour or go independently: I strongly recommend going on an organized tour since your time will be limited and Pompeii is a decent distance from Rome. A tour is also a convenient way to explore other places near Pompeii.

Book a tour to Pompeii: A great way to see both ruins and beaches on the same day is with this Pompeii and Amalfi Coast tour where you’ll explore the archeological site, drive along the coast, and enjoy the beaches in Positano.

Or this Pompeii and Vesuvius wine tour allows you to explore both Pompeii and the volcano responsible for its destruction, Vesuvius, while also stopping for lunch at a beautiful winery.

How to get from Rome to Pompeii independently: From Rome, you can get to Pompeii in about two hours on public transportation (train + metro or train + bus) with a change in Naples. By car, Pompeii is about three hours from Rome.

Positano, a must-visit town on the Amalfi Coast.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful and popular places to visit in Italy thanks to its dramatic cliffs covered in colorful homes. It’s one of the most beautiful and popular places to visit in Italy. Both celebrities and budget backpackers are drawn to this series of seaside towns, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you’re spending time in Naples on your trip to Italy, I recommend visiting the Amalfi Coast from there as it’s much closer. But if not, it is possible to visit on a day trip from Rome.

Best things to do on the Amalfi Coast: The best thing to do on the Amalfi Coast is experience the dramatic landscape from every vantage point — the water, the beach, and the hilltops.

Take a ferry or boat tour from town to town, climb the staircases for better reviews, then relax with a cocktail overlooking the beach. Shop for ceramics, taste limoncello, dine on fresh seafood at luxury restaurants and explore historic villas and churches.

Should you book a tour or go independently: I strongly urge you to book a tour to visit the Amalfi Coast from Rome. It’s a pain to get there by public transport or by rental car, so a tour takes all of the complicated logistics out of it.

Book a tour to the Amalfi Coast: On this boat-hopping tour of the Amalfi Coast, you’ll get to experience the stunning beauty of the Amalfi Coast from the water. Visit picturesque Positano, taste local limoncello, shop in Amalfi town, and enjoy a day at sea!

How to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast independently: From Rome, it’s about a four-hour journey to the Amalfi Coast on public transportation. You can take a two-hour train to Salerno then board a bus (or ferry) along the coast. Amalfi town is about 75 minutes by bus from Salerno.

If you’re heading to Positano, you can train from Rome to Naples, take the metro to Sorrento, and then bus to Positano. The whole journey will take about four hours with multiple forms of transportation, which I think is a bit too much for a day trip. Take the tour instead.

By car, you can get to the Amalfi Coast in 3-4.5 hours from Rome.

The famous clips of Capri, via Shutterstock.

Capri Island

Capri is an island close to Naples and Sorrento, famous for its rugged landscape and natural beauty just as much as for its luxury hotels and upscale shopping. But even if you’re not decked out head to toe in Gucci, I still think Capri is worth visiting. It’s scintillatingly beautiful!

If you’ll be in Naples or Sorrento during your time in Italy, it’s best to visit Capri from there, as they’re much closer. But if not, you can still visit Capri on a day trip from Rome. It’s a long day, but it’s doable!

Best things to do in Capri: One of the best things to do in Capri is take a boat trip around the island where you’ll see the famous Blue Grotto and the Faraglioni rocks.

Back on land, you can head up to Anacapri and Monte Solaro for views over the city, explore the beautiful Gardens of Augustus and Villa Jovis, or simply relax on the beach!

Should you book a tour or go independently: I strongly recommend going on a tour to Capri from Rome, since your time is limited and it’s a far trek. Most tours spend time in Sorrento, and while it’s a lovely city, I don’t think Sorrento needs more than a few hours. It’s a great base but I wouldn’t dedicate a whole day just to Sorrento.

Book a tour to Capri Island: On this Capri Island Boat Tour, you’ll journey from Rome to Capri and explore the island by boat, taking in some of the famous landmarks and grottos. You’ll then have free time on the island to swim, suntan or shop before making your way back to Rome.

How to get from Rome to Capri independently: From Roma Termini station, it will take about three hours to get to Capri. You’ll take a train to Naples, a bus, taxi, or Uber to the port, and then a ferry to the island of Capri. By car, Capri is about four to five hours from Rome.

A book market on the street in Naples.

Naples

I LOVE NAPLES! It’s one of my favorite places in Italy and well worth spending a few days exploring. But if you only have one day, you can still do Naples as a day trip from Rome. It’s also much logistically easier independently than visiting the Amalfi Coast, Capri, or Pompeii.

Naples is best known as the birthplace of pizza and for its vibrant, yet gritty atmosphere. While not as polished as some other Italian cities, I find that the authenticity of Naples and its rough edges make it that much more enjoyable to visit. This town is FUN — not to mention incredible value for money.

Best things to do in Naples: If you’re in Naples, you have to eat! Sample all of the pizza, fried seafood, and sfogliatelle you can get your hands on. Two of my favorite Neapolitan pizza spots are Sorbillo (traditional) and Pizzeria 3.0 Ciro Cascella (modern).

Between meals, there’s lots to do in Naples to keep you busy. Wander the historic center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), learn ancient history at the Naples Archaeological Museum, go down into the tunnels, or visit one of Naples’ seven castles, like Castel dell’Ovo or Castel Sant’Elmo.

Should you book a tour or go independently: Naples is easy to visit on your own by direct high-speed train. But if you want someone else to take care of the logistics, hop on a day tour.

Book a tour to Naples: On this Pompeii and Naples Day Trip, you’ll be able to explore both the delicious city of Naples and the ancient ruins of Pompeii nearby. Your small group tour will have a guide to lead you through Pompeii and explain more of the history of the region.

How to get from Rome to Naples independently: From Rome, it’s an easy, direct, 75-minute high-speed train ride to Naples. By car, it will take two to three hours to drive from Rome to Naples.

My favorite photo I’ve taken in the Val d’Orcia, Southern Tuscany!

Tuscany

Tuscany is a land of rolling hills and valleys, historic small towns, and beautiful vineyards as far as the eye can see. And it looks familiar because you’ve seen it in so many paintings! A trip to the Tuscan countryside is the perfect foil to the hustle and bustle of Rome.

If you’re visiting Florence while you’re in Italy, you should visit the Tuscan countryside from there. Florence is part of Tuscany and there are tons of great day trips from Florence to different parts of Tuscany.

Otherwise, if Florence isn’t on your itinerary, you can visit Tuscany on a day trip from Rome. I recommend the Val d’Orcia region in Southern Tuscany, as it’s closer to Rome. It’s also one of my favorite regions, with beautiful views and fun little towns.

Best things to do in Tuscany: The best things to do in Tuscany are explore the small towns, take in the panoramic views, and enjoy the local produce. I especially love the town of Pienza with its charming 15th Century buildings and Montalcino, famous for its Brunello wine.

Should you book a tour or go independently: I recommend visiting Tuscany on a tour, as it’s the best way to get around all of the small towns without having to worry about parking or navigating multiple trains and buses. A tour also means you’re free to enjoy all the delicious local wine you’d like since you don’t have to drive!

Book a tour to Tuscany: On this Tuscan day trip from Rome, you’ll get to visit my favorite region, the Val d’Orcia. You’ll do a cheese tasting in Pienza, visit a winery in Montepulciano, enjoy homemade lunch and be wowed by the scenic drive.

How to get from Rome to Tuscany independently: Tuscany is a large area with many small towns, so directions from Rome will vary depending on how far north and how remote you want to go.

From Rome Tiburtina you can take a direct train to the Tuscan city of Arezzo in 2.5 hours. You can also take a fast train directly to Florence in 1.5 hours and then a train or bus from there to one of the smaller countryside towns.

By car, it will take two to three hours to reach Southern Tuscan cities, like Pienza and Montepulciano, from Rome. Northern Tuscan cities, like Lucca and Pisa, will take three to five hours to drive from Rome.

I love this view of Florence, from the Arnolfo Tower of the Palazzo Vecchio.

Florence

The capital of Tuscany, Florence is a major city known for its Renaissance art and architecture. It’s a romantic city perfect for foodies, historians, culturalists and, of course, art lovers! There is truly so much to do in Florence! Ideally, you should spend at least three days there.

If you’re only visiting Florence on a day trip from Rome, I would recommend spending your full day in Florence. But if you really want to squeeze another stop or two in Tuscany into a day trip, you could (and who could blame you? It’s beautiful!).

Best things to do in Florence: Florence has a few top sights that are must-sees on a visit to the city.

Gawk at the impressive Duomo cathedral or even climb to the top for a view over the city. Visit Michelangelo’s David sculpture at the Accademia and famous works by Botticelli, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci at the Uffizi Gallery. Walk across the Ponte Vecchio and take in sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the best views in Florence.

Should you book a tour or go independently: If you only want to visit Florence, the easiest way is by high-speed train, which you can do independently. However, I would recommend booking tickets to everything you want to see in advance, as many of the popular sites like the Uffizi, Accademia, and Duomo book out several days in advance.

If you don’t want to deal with making all of these bookings yourself, or if you want to see a bit more of Tuscany, then I would recommend joining a tour.

Book a tour to Florence: On this Best of Florence & Tuscany tour, you’ll explore Florence with a local guide, have lunch and drinks at a winery and explore the hilltop town of San Gimignano.

Or on this Florence and Pisa day tour, you’ll go on a guided walk through Florence’s Renaissance masterpieces before posing with the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

How to get from Rome to Florence independently: By train, it’s an easy 90-minute direct ride on a high-speed train from Rome to Florence. By car, it will take 2.5-4 hours to drive to Florence.

Venice

Ah, Venice! The city of 100+ islands connected by bridges and canals is an absolute dream, and one of my favorite places in Italy. Like Florence, Venice deserves at least three days to explore it properly, but if all you have is a day trip from Rome, it’s technically doable.

That said, a day trip from Rome to Venice is a very long day. You’ll start early, get back late, and spend a lot of time on a train.

But if visiting Venice is a dream for you, go for it! I suggest you follow my 1 day in Venice itinerary, as it hits all the best spots in a logical order.

Best things to do in Venice: My favorite thing to do in Venice is just get lost. Wander the canals, the bridges, and the narrow streets. Stumble upon hidden piazzas, churches, and wine bars. Stop for a snack and people watch from an outdoor table.

Of course, you’ll probably want to see some of the main sights of Venice too. Visit Piazza San Marco where you’ll find St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. Walk across the famous Rialto Bridge. And the most necessary Venice splurge is taking a gondola ride along the canals.

Should you book a tour or go independently: Venice is easy enough to do independently — just book your train and follow my itinerary. If you’d prefer a guided tour, though, they definitely exist!

Book a tour to Venice: On this Rome to Venice day trip you’ll travel with your tour group to Venice by high-speed train, enjoy a water bus ride and aperitivo snack, and have the chance to explore the city independently before your train back to Rome.

How to get from Rome to Venice independently: The direct, fast train from Rome will get you to Venice in just under four hours. By car, it’s a longer five to seven hour drive from Rome to Venice.

Planning a Trip to Italy:

More Cool Places in Northern Italy: