Spend a refreshing afternoon in the Villa d’Este gardens. The terraced gardens of Villa d’Este are located in the quaint hillside town of Tivoli and are a UNESCO World Heritage site. A train from Rome’s Tiburtina station reaches Tivoli in about an hour and the villa is about a 10 minute walk from there. The gardens are overflowing with countless fountains, caves and nymphaeum, making it a refreshing escape from the heat of Rome. A short bus ride from Tivoli’s central square lies the Villa Adriana, the emperor Hadrian’s expansive residence. The two sites comprise a day trip full of history and beauty that is unforgettable. Pro tip: be sure to purchase your return train ticket as soon as you arrive at Tivoli station - there is only one ticket machine and many people miss the train because they are waiting in line to buy tickets.
PRICES: VILLA D’ESTE €12; VILLA ADRIANA €10; TRAIN ONE-WAY €3 (ROMA TIBURTINA - TIVOLI)
Explore the ancient port town of Ostia Antica. Just a short train ride away from Rome, the incredibly well-preserved Ostia Antica awaits visitors. This ancient port town is full of beautiful ancient shops, markets, residences and theaters. Ostia Antica is rarely crowded and extremely expansive, giving the feeling that you are alone in the site. There are fascinating remains, intricate mosaics and even ancient Roman toilets. The train leaves from Porta S. Paolo (next door to Piramide metro station) and takes about 30 minutes, it is then a short walk to the entrance of the park. Combine your visit with a trip to Ostia beach (just take the same train to Lido Ostia) and you have the makings for a fun and easy day trip from Rome.
ADDRESS: Viale dei Romagnoli, 717, 00119 Roma RM
HOURS: 08:30-19:00 TUE-SAT; CLOSED SUN/MON (Closes early depending on time of year)
PRICE: €12 /PERSON; ROME BUS TICKET €1.50 (PORTA S. PAOLO - OSTIA ANTICA)
Sip wine and enjoy the views from Frascati. One of the elegant Castelli Romani, the hillside town of Frascati is a delightful way to spend a day outside of Rome. The lively town opens its arms to visitors and the local produce and wine are on show. Cozy taverns, rustic restaurants and fancy hotels cater to every type of budget. Sipping a glass of the local Frascati DOP as you enjoy the view of Rome off in the distance...a truly luxurious way to spend the afternoon. When the train ticket costs €2, how can you say no?
PRICE: ONE-WAY TRAIN €2 (ROMA TERMINI - FRASCATI)
Stroll the hilltop town of Orvieto. Just a 90 minute train ride north to Umbria, the hilltop town of Orvieto awaits. From the station a sleek funicular takes locals and tourists alike up to the medieval village that sits atop a massive tufa block. Underneath Orvieto are Etruscan-era caves, tunnels and wells that are accessible via guided tours. The Duomo dominates the village and it’s colorful facade is breathtaking. The small streets are virtually traffic free and filled with cozy eateries - make sure to try some of the amazing local wine.
PRICES: ONE-WAY TRAIN €9-14 (ROMA TERMINI - ORVIETO); FUNICULAR €1.30
A day at the lake in Bracciano. The small town of Bracciano sits beside a volcanic lake of the same name and offers visitors a gorgeous day outside of Rome. The train takes about 1-1.5 hours from either Roma Ostiense or Roma Tiburtina and only costs €3.60 each way. Once in Bracciano there are plenty of things to do: stroll through the quaint cobbled streets, explore the Odescalchi Castle or walk down the lakeshore and rent a paddleboat for the afternoon. This getaway from Rome's busy streets is a great way to rest and relax while immersing yourself into the local culture.
CASTLE HOURS: 10:00-18:00 MON-FRI; 10:00-19:00 SAT/SUN (closes 1hr earlier in winter)
PRICES: ONE-WAY TRAIN €3.60 ; CASTLE €8.50/PERSON
WEBSITE: https://www.odescalchi.it/INFOVISITE