While Rome is a city brimming with attractions, sometimes it’s worth venturing beyond the Eternal City to experience other cultural gems in the region. Whether it’s the enchanting hilltop towns of Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio, or the ancient ruins of Tivoli, these excursions can be the perfect complement to the magnificence of Rome.
Here are three fantastic day trips you can take from Rome:
ORVIETO
The charming hilltop town of Orvieto is reachable in a little over an hour by train from Roma Termini.
Built upon volcanic rock, it’s famous for its extensive network of underground caves and tunnels that run beneath the city. Originally used to store food, the tunnels expanded during the Middle Ages and became wine cellars, pigeon houses, and even secret escape routes.
Guided tours are available to explore this fascinating underground world. You can see ancient artifacts, learn about the extensive tunnel systems, and get a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who lived and worked in these subterranean spaces.
If you’re hungry, grab a table at Locanda and enjoy the countryside views. Their homemade tagliatelle with wild boar ragout and shaved truffles is a must.
Orvieto has several quaint little shops that sell a plethora of Italian goods, so it’s a great place to do a bit of shopping.
You can also walk the city’s walls and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The medieval walls were built in the 13th century as a defensive barrier to protect the city from invasions.
Lastly, take time to visit the Orvieto Cathedral and view its beautiful frescoes.
CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO
If you rent a car, you can pair Orvieto with Civita di Bagnoregio, just a 20-minute drive away.
Civita di Bagnoregio is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been. Accessible only by a long bridge that spans a deep ravine, this lovely town sits on a plateau of volcanic rock that continues to erode, earning it the name “the dying city.” With only about 15 year-round residents, it feels like stepping back in time.
The cobbled lanes, ivy-covered stone houses, and valley views make it the kind of place writers would come for inspiration. It really is that charming
TIVOLI
“Tivoli is only about an hour from Rome, with a 40-minute train ride followed by a 20-minute walk to Villa d’Este, the UNESCO World Heritage site best known for its gardens.”
In 1550, the Governor of Tivoli, Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este, commissioned the construction of Villa d’Este because he wanted a home that would reflect his status and wealth. The gardens are the real star here, inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Think terraced fountains, grottoes, and incredible water features at every turn.
From here, you can take a 15-minute taxi ride to Hadrian’s Villa. Hadrian’s Villa, a sprawling 250-acre complex, was built in the 2nd century AD as the emperor’s escape from Rome. He blended Greek, Egyptian, and Mediterranean styles into palaces, pools, and gardens—complete with tunnels, baths, and an advanced water system.
After the Emperor’s death, the villa was abandoned and fell into disrepair. However, over the last 100 years, excavations and restorations have helped preserve this historical site.
If you have time before heading back, wander Tivoli’s little shops for souvenirs.
Whether it’s the hilltop towns of Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio or the ancient ruins of Tivoli, these trips are the perfect way to complement your time in Rome
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