In Sept., we plan to be in Rome for 4 full days after the Amalfi coast. Could someone suggest a good day trip "out of the city" to possibly see a small village and observe "small town " living, food, etc. and away from the tourist haunts. Also, please recommend a car-and-driver that is reliable.
Thanks.
JJ

We did this last March with the below company and really enjoyed it. Stefano can make suggestions for you, but we visited Anguillara, Bracciano, Ceri and the Etruscan Tombs. It was a lovely day including a stop for lunch in the tiny town of Ceri.

http://www.utenti.lycos.it/romecabs/

JJ,

I would wait until you get there. 4 days in Rome is just barely enough for a first time visit, just seeing the highlights. You may find you don't want to "get out of the city". If so, you could easily go to Orvieto for a full day and evening on your own.

Buon viaggio!

"4 full days"
This is Rome! You won't scratch the surface in 4 days.
We're still in the midst of planning this years trip to Italy. If we again (5 previous visits) we again will plan a week stay. This time we might do a day trip.
I understand the lure of seeing a small village. We always plan enough time to have a good visit in Tuscany.
But,if we only had 4 days I wouldn't consider it.

Hi C,

With only 4 days in Rome, I wouldn't plan a daytrip in advance.

Should you get bored, Orvieto is a hill town, an hour away by train.

http://gram.eng.uci.edu/~alberto/orvieto/en_seeing.html

I also agree that there is plenty to keep you busy for four days in Rome, and then some. I only posted a suggestion because I know sometimes people still want to take a break from the city and get a feel for another area while they are visiting, no matter how short or long their stay.

Thanks so much for your replies; helps us decide what to do.

JJ

if you want to get out of the urban setting, a stroll down the Appia Antica or a half day in Ostia Antica can be good breaks. As for
"small town" living, a visit to Testaccio area and its daily market (you need to go in the morning) will show you small town local rome. Lots of good food stores and eating in this non-touristic area, and you can save on the car and driver and transit time.

For a nice day trip out of town, you might consider Tivoli Gardens/Villa d'Este/Villa Adriano.