One of the best parts of visiting Italy is that you can get nearly anywhere by train. With this affordable travel option, you don’t have to worry about renting a vehicle and navigating a foreign country or waiting around in airports. Rome is the ideal home base for visiting Italy. Here are five of the best day trips you can take from Rome by train.
Florence
You can’t go to Italy without visiting the cradle of the Renaissance. The ancient city of Florence, also known as Firenze, is the reigning city of the Tuscan region and home to incredible architecture, wondrous art, and unbelievable dining. While you can see plenty in one day, it’s worth renting one of the romantic Florence homes and taking your time. Whether with a tour guide or not, you won’t want to miss Galleria dell’Accademia, where you can see Michaelangelo’s David on display. Visit Piazza del Duomo, the iconic red-domed cathedral that makes Florence so recognizable in pictures. Explore the markets, enjoy the atmosphere, and take the two-hour train ride back to Rome when you’re done.
Orvieto
Orvieto is just a quick train ride from Rome, making it an ideal destination for a day trip out of the city. This small town is just a taste of the beauty Umbria has to offer, with sweeping rooftop views of the hills below. Orvieto is home to many small restaurants with authentic regional cuisine. There’s also an elaborate cave system to explore underground if you’re looking for a break from the usual tourist sites. As this town doesn’t have as many of the world-famous wonders Italy is known for, it’s a great escape from the tourist-heavy hustle and bustle.
Tivoli
Tivoli is a hidden gem that’s less than an hour away from Rome by train. Visit the stunning villas in the area with ancient architecture and incredible gardens that make you feel as though you’ve traveled through time. Villa d’Este is a World Heritage Site and boasts impressive fountains and water installations that set it apart from the other elegant villas throughout Italy. Hadrian’s Villa boasts breathtaking ruins of the Roman empire. With towering columns and ornate stonework, you’ll love walking through the abandoned archways of this once-majestic estate. While not so far from Rome, however, the best way to visit Tivoli is still by car, because Hadrian’s villa is not so close to Tivoli City Center. You might want to consider booking a private Tivoli tour from Rome by car, with a driver and a tour guide at your disposal.
Naples
Head to Naples for a longer, more involved day trip from Rome. Pair some of the world’s most splendid art with some of Italy’s best pizza. Neapolitan pizza is made with tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, similar to its sister-pizza, the Margherita. While in Naples, venture over to the ruins of Pompeii and learn about the rise and fall of this ancient city. Then, head down to Sorrento to tour a small, ancient town with incredible marketplaces and views. Sip a refreshing limoncello cocktail and purchase a lemon-branded souvenir to remember your trip. While the train ride to Naples is only about an hour and a half from Rome, there’s so much to see and do that you can expect to be gone for twelve hours. If you need a tour guide in Naples, consider booking an expert one.
Pisa
You can’t leave Italy without taking in the splendor of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Named for the town in which it stands, the tower is a spectacle to behold, especially when lit up in the evenings. Pisa is a quaint city where no more than a day of touring is required, which is great since it’s a two-hour train ride. Don’t just get caught up in the tower though; Pisa has lovely shops and restaurants worth exploring. Additionally, as Pisa is one of the oldest cities in Italy, there are Medieval churches and plenty of museums worth experiencing. Planning a trip to Italy can feel overwhelming. There’s so much to see and never enough time to do it all in one trip. However, the country is set up for easy traveling. Set a home base, hop a train, and traverse this incredible part of the world.
