Need a mini-break from Rome? Check out these day trips

Last Sunday, after weeks of dreary, cold and wet weather, the sun finally made an appearance! I was beyond ecstatic and scrambled to make last-minute plans for a day trip from Rome. Having already scraped plans for several weekends due to the weather, I was determined to head outdoors and looked forward to a much needed mini-break!

So where did I go? Not far from Rome – to the town of Tivoli only 30km (20 miles)  away which boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Like most day-trip destinations, Tivoli is in the shadows of Rome’s renowned attractions and unknown to most people.

I know, I know – with all that there is to see in Rome alone, day-trips don’t often make the cut. But should you decide to take a “break” from Rome, you will be spoilt for choice! In no particular order, here are 12 day trips, ranging from formal gardens to splendid villas to idyllic towns, which are well-worth a visit.

1. Hadrian’s Villa, Tivoli

Built in the 2^nd A.D as the summer residence for the Emperor Hadrian, the complex covers an area of 300 acres and is today still impressive. An architectural and engineering masterpiece by any standards, Hadrian’s Villa comprised of over 30 buildings including several thermal baths, palaces, libraries and temples! Walking through the ruins and vast complex, you can easily imagine the grandeur of the villa.

2. Villa d’Este, Tivoli

Villa d’Este with its glorious gardens and stunning fountains is simply breathtakingly beautiful! Elaborately designed the fountains are a spectacular. The most acclaimed, the “Organ and Neptune” fountain with cascading water and jets of water spurting high in the air, is a theatrical performance that will leave you spell-bounded. And with names like the “Avenue of the Hundred Fountains” and the “Fountain of the Dragon”, be ready for a visually stimulating experience.

3. Civita di Bagnoregio

Anyone who has seen a photo of Civita di Bagnoregio thinks it’s oddly surreal! And it is – even in person. Sitting precariously on a rock and surrounded by a desolate canyon, the sight of Civita di Bagnoregio will leave you speechless.

The crumbling of its foundations through the years has created this impressive setting and today it is known as the “dying town”. Located between the borders of Lazio and Umbria, Civita di Bagnoregio is far from “dying” and with recent media attention, this vibrant and thriving town is experiencing a revival.

4. Castelli Romani

Literally translated to “Roman Castles”, visitors will be surprise to learn that Castelli Romani are 13 hill-towns situated 20 km (12 miles) south-east of Rome in the Alban Hills (Colli Albani). While the name Castelli Romani may not ring a bell, most visitors are probably familiar with two of its better known towns: Castel Gandolfo, home to the Pope’s summer palace, and Frascati, famous for its superb white wine.

However, don’t miss out on the smaller towns like Nemi renowned for its wild strawberries and Ariccia for its specialty, the mouthwatering “porchetta”. With splendid villas, verdant countryside, stunning lakes, and fabulous food and wine, it makes for a perfect and easy day trip from Rome.

5. Villa Lante

Villa Lante, in the town of Bagnaia near Viterbo, is truly off the beaten path. It’s one of the most enchanting places I’ve visited and with barely any visitors, you find yourself immersed in tranquility.

Starting in a green and serene area open to the public, you couldn’t miss the Pegasus Fountain representing the Greek myth of a winged horse striking the earth with its hoof and thus bursting a spring. This is only a premonition of things to come.

For a small fee, you get access to the beautifully well-manicured gardens with the fairy-tale like fountains on 4-tiered terraces. While I can’t put my finger on it, there’s something magical about the place – so much so that it makes you feel like you’ve accidentally wandered into an enchanted garden.

6. Palazzo Farnese, Caprarola

A spectacular pentagonal building situated above the town of Caprarola, Palazzo Farnese was the brainchild of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese , the future Pope Paul III. Also situated in Lazio, the 5-floor Palazzo boasts an array of rooms filled with some incredible frescoes.

At first glance, the façade and the entry area of the Palazzo look plain and worn. But the spectacular spiral stairs taking you to the first floor gives you a preview of things to come. One of the most remarkable rooms is the Room of the Map of the World.  Keeping in mind this was completed in the 16^th century, the room had paintings of continents and countries which were shockingly accurate.

Once you have finished the tour of the interior, don’t miss the gardens! With striking fountains in the Upper Gardens, it’s a sight to behold.

7. Pompeii

A popular day-trip and a bold option, Pompeii is stretching the concept of a “day-trip”. The day usually starts at the break of dawn and gets you back in the evening. That said, you will be well-rewarded.

Situated just outside Naples, in the region of Campania, it’s mind-numbing to think that an entire city was buried under ashes, and consequently kept intact, by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D.  Frozen in time, you get a glimpse of Roman life from its amphitheaters, elaborate thermal baths, well-paved road, and yes, even a brothel with erotic frescoes!

8. Palace of Caserta

Caserta is not known as a tourist destination but the 18^th century Palace, modeled after Versailles, is a hidden gem worth visiting. Built for the Bourbon kings of Naples, this grandiose palace covering 45,000 sqm (over 480,000 sq ft) is divided into 4 wings and has over 1200 rooms, including some elaborately adorned apartments.

Equally stunning is the garden which covers an area of about 120 hectares (296 acres). The main central path that runs 3.2 km (2 miles) long from the palace features a number of spectacular fountains, with the majestic Great Fountain of Diana & Actaeon located at the end of the stretch.

9. Todi, Umbria

One of the many picturesque hill towns in Umbria, Todi is often overlooked by visitors. Lying in the southern part of Umbria, the town’s low-key and laid-back pace offers you authentic and genuine experience.

This charming town won’t wow you with massive and elaborate churches but instead, with its many intriguing gems. From the unfinished 12^th-century church where one of the most renowned Italian poets, Jacopone da Todi is buried to the lovely Piazza del Popolo to a fascinating “Painted House”, Todi is guaranteed to win you over.

10. Monte Soratte

How about talking a walk on the wild side?  If you are looking to experience a hike that will reward you stunning views, head to Monte Soratte. Just 60km (37 miles) north of Rome, Monte Soratte offers 11 different trails of varying difficulty and no,  it’s not necessarily wild – unless you want it to be! At the peak, you will be awed by the unobstructed panoramic views of surroundings and surprised to find a hermitage with frescoes from the 14-15^th century.

If you have time after your hike, drop by the Abbey of St. Andrew in Flumine (located close to the highway) which boasts a stunning Romanesque church with beautiful frescoes dating back to the 8th century.

11. Orvieto, Umbria

A small town which was already a flourishing center of trade and arts between the 6 and 4^th centuries B.C, Orvieto is layered in history. Sitting on the plateau of a volcanic rock, this town surrounded by a defensive wall is home to the splendid Cathedral of Orvieto with its remarkable Gothic façade.

Beneath the town lies another layer of its fascinating history – a maze of Etruscan caverns, wells and quarry as well as a medieval olive press. And after all the sightseeing, you’d be wise to enjoy a glass or two of the famous Orvieto Classico before returning to Rome.

12. Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica, 20 miles from Rome, dates back to the 4^th century B.C and with its well-preserved ruins and roads, it offers you a glimpse of the past! Once situated where the Tiber met the sea, the town first served as a military outpost before becoming a thriving port.

Walking along Ostia Antica’s main street, Decumanus Maximus, is an eerily fascinating experience as you pass by markets, necropolis, baths, a remarkable theater, the forum and temples. This is only one of the several paths in Ostia Antica, so put on decent walking shoes!

And the list goes on…..

This is by no means an exhaustive list so please add on! Share your favorite day trips from Rome in the comments below.