I'm contemplating a trip to Rome towards the end of April - possibly 7-10 days on the ground. I'm wondering if anyone can suggest day trips from Rome? I don't particularly feel like packing up and changing hotels. I have been several times before (My most recent trip was Venice/Florence/Rome), but may be travelling with a cousin who has never been to Europe (which is the reason I'm asking the question - on my own I would just wing it).

I am looking at train travel.

The obvious places are north to Florence and Sienna (I will go to Florence regardless as it's my favourite city), south to Naples and Pompeii - that is at least the radius that I would like to stay within - ie no more than 2 hours in either direction.

I'm wondering if there are smaller towns in between that might be interesting - either for views, history or food. I would not be taking a trip everyday, but perhaps 2 or 3 over the span of the trip. Museums are not a huge priority, as there are plenty to see in both Rome and Florence.

Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Have a look at Orveito. Also Ostia Antica.

The Castelli romani are a string of castle-strewn small towns in the hills south of Rome - formerly posh coungtry estates of Roman nobles - the area is still a popular getaway from hectic Rome - Castel Gondolfo has the Pope's summer residence - I took a train to several once in a day -

and Tivoli and Hadrian's Villa and the Villa d'Este Gardens are also a nice day trip.

Ostia Antica, Sperlonga, Gaeta, Anzio.

Assisi is doable also - but it was sooo lovely I wished that we had planned an overnight.

I love this forum

I have been to both Orvieto & Ostia Antica, but the reminder is good since I'm trying to consider my travel partner!

Is Assisi recommended, I've never been there.

Thank you for the suggestions so far, please keep them coming!

Siena is 3 hours one way from Rome.

Well I posted Assisi, we'll see how others weigh in but I loved it. The main attraction is the cathedral, basilica? - three levels - amazing frescos. The town itself is also lovely - the old stones of Europe, charm out the wazoo. We did a self guided walking tour with Rick Steves guide so that added alot to our enjoyment.

Thank you suec1 - looks like we were posting at the same time.
Great to hear that it is a charming town - love cathedrals!

kybourbon - I actually meant Assisi, not Sienna as originally stated, but thank you . I've been to Sienna as well, found it just meh...

Spoleto (1:15-1:30 hours each way)
Viterbo (about 2 hours each way
Bologna (some trains are just 2 hours each way)
Castel Gandolfo on Lago Albano (00:45 minutes each way)
Bracciano on Lago di Bracciano (1:10 hours each way)

If you're willing to spend a night in the Naples/Pompeii area, consider seeing the royal palace at Caserta (1:10 hours from Rome and 00:50 minutes from Naples).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Caserta

Frascati, one of the Castelli Romani cities that seemed nice - the closest of them to Rome - nice palazzos.

Pompeii - and or Sorrento. Train to Naples, train to either Pompeii or Sorrento (half an hour from Naples, very frequent).

There are also bus trips to Pompeii and Florence--long days though.

Orvieto Duomo is outstanding.

Tivoli for the Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57622915079327

Thank you all again - I've booked to leave next week, and so far have scheduled Assisi, Florence & am debating whether to go to Sorrento or Pompeii from Naples - although from what I've read, I might go to Herculaneum instead of Pompeii, and split the day with Naples.

Unfortunately I kind of lose a day because I am there May 1st, so expect a lot to be closed - I'll spend the day wandering around Rome, so it's not really a loss

I have one more day that I'm considering a day trip, so am currently madly researching the other cities you have all so kindly suggested!