Rome
Day trips from Rome: Civita di Bagnoregio, Pitigliano, Orvieto and Tivoli
Towns perched on cliffs of volcanic rock, gardens with hundreds of fountains, an ancient port city and hot springs in the Tuscan countryside. These are the best day trips from Rome, and how to get there.
Rome is a city you never finish. But some of the most memorable moments of an Italian trip lie beyond the city walls: medieval towns balanced on clifftops, Renaissance gardens full of fountains, the ruins of an ancient port and hot springs in the middle of the Tuscan countryside.
These are the best day trips from Rome, with tips on how to get there, and when it pays to stay overnight.
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Civita di Bagnoregio: the dying town
Civita di Bagnoregio sits on top of a crumbling cliff of soft volcanic rock, and is often called «la città che muore», the dying town, because erosion is slowly eating away the rock beneath it. You enter over a long footbridge, and inside are narrow stone lanes, flower boxes and views over a dramatic landscape of ravines.
Civita pairs well with Orvieto and is easiest by car. Read our guide to Civita di Bagnoregio.
Pitigliano: Little Jerusalem in Tuscany
Pitigliano is built straight out of a cliff of soft volcanic rock, and looks as if the houses grow out of the rock. The town is called Little Jerusalem after its historic Jewish community, with a synagogue and a small museum. This is also where to taste the local white wines.
Pitigliano lies in Tuscany, further from Rome, and is best with a car and ideally an overnight stay. Read our guide to Pitigliano and Little Jerusalem, the Vie Cave and the wine.
Pitigliano. Photo: Picolo
Saturnia: open-air hot springs
Not far from Pitigliano lies Saturnia, famous for its hot sulphur springs. At Cascate del Mulino the warm water flows down the hillside in terraces, and you can bathe for free. For more comfort, one of Italy’s best-known spa hotels sits right by the spring.
Terme di Saturnia Natural Spa & Golf Resort: a spa at the spring
A luxury resort with a spa and golf course by the hot springs in Saturnia. A perfect overnight stop on a trip to Pitigliano.
Book your stay: See rooms at Terme di Saturnia
Orvieto: the cathedral on the cliff
Orvieto sits high on a cliff of volcanic rock in Umbria. Its cathedral, with a glittering facade, is one of Italy’s most impressive buildings, and beneath the town lies a network of caves and wells. Orvieto is easy to reach by train from Rome, and combines well with Civita di Bagnoregio.
Palazzo Piccolomini: by the cathedral
A hotel with a bar in a historic palazzo, close to Orvieto Cathedral.
Book your stay: See rooms at Palazzo Piccolomini
Tivoli: Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa
East of Rome lies Tivoli, with two of Italy’s most famous villas, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Villa d’Este is famous for its Renaissance garden with hundreds of fountains, while Hadrian’s Villa holds the ruins of the emperor’s vast summer residence.
Ostia Antica: Rome’s ancient port
Ostia Antica was the port city of ancient Rome, and the ruins are so well preserved that you can walk its streets, step into bakeries and baths and sit in the ancient theatre. The trip is short, and often calmer than the Roman Forum.
Castelli Romani and Frascati: wine in the Alban Hills
South-east of Rome lie the villages of the Castelli Romani, with vineyards, views over volcanic lakes and the local wine of Frascati. A favourite escape for Romans on a Sunday.
Train, bus or hire car?
Train: Orvieto, Tivoli and Ostia Antica are easy to reach by train from Rome.
Bus: From Orvieto there are buses on to Bagnoregio.
Hire car: Pitigliano, Saturnia and Civita are easiest by car, letting you combine several places in one trip.
Driving yourself? Read our guide to car hire in Italy.
Stay in Rome, travel out for the day
Most day trips are easiest from a hotel near Termini or in the centre. Read our guide to where to stay in Rome.
Hotel Artemide: practical near Termini
A hotel with a spa on Via Nazionale, within walking distance of Termini, perfect before an early train.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Artemide
Hotel Chapter Roma: central and modern
A modern hotel near Campo de’ Fiori, with three restaurants.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Chapter Roma
Frequently asked questions about day trips from Rome
What is the best day trip from Rome?
It depends on what you love. Tivoli and Ostia Antica are short and easy, while Civita di Bagnoregio and Orvieto offer unforgettable landscapes.
Can you visit Civita di Bagnoregio without a car?
Yes, take the train to Orvieto and a bus on to Bagnoregio, but it takes time. With a car it is easier to combine several places.
How far is Pitigliano from Rome?
Pitigliano lies in southern Tuscany, a good distance north of Rome. It is best with a car and ideally an overnight stay.
What is Villa d’Este famous for?
Villa d’Este in Tivoli is famous for its Renaissance garden with hundreds of fountains, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.