My husband and I are going to be in Roma sonn for 10 days. Since we have a free palce to stay in Rome, we would like to make fun/interesting/quiet/possibly intimate day trips from there. Would love any and all suggestions. Thanks in advance. <BR>

www.twenj.net click-on "Excursions". "Intimate" a picnic lunch *among* the ruins of Ostia Antica, very easy to find a secluded spot in the western part of the site. Easy daytrip ~1+hr from Rome. Regards, Walter

Try Orvieto, a hill town in Umbria and about an hour train ride from Rome.<BR><BR>It is famous for three things:<BR><BR>1. Orvieto Classico white wine<BR>2. Hand painted pottery<BR>3. Duomo and frescoes<BR><BR>There is also has a nice Etruscan Museum.<BR><BR>If youy go:<BR><BR>1. Eat at Trattoria Etruscan, the wild boar and pasts is outstanding<BR><BR>2. Get a gelato at the gelateria right around the corner from the Duomo<BR><BR>It is a very nice respite from the crowds of Rome.<BR><BR>US

WAlter & Uncle Sam - thank you for the tips. We actually got to orvieto the last trip and ate the wild boar and pasta (yum!). We'll give all suggestions a try. J

You'd want to spend more than a day, however Florence is do-able as a daytrip. Take an early morning Eurostar train (travel time is 1 1/2 hrs). Florence is fun & interesting --- NOT quiet.<BR><BR>Another choice would be Tivoli. Several years ago, I took a daytrip to Tivoli to see both Hadrian's Villa and Villa D'Este (fountains/gardens). It was either thru AMEX or one of the other many companies that'll take you around for the day.<BR>

How about a day trip to Ostia Antica?

Tess & Kay - thanks for the input. I'm looking it all up as we speak. Thanks! J

Don't overlook Montecassinno, the monastery because of its religious origins. It is also spectacularly lovely, full of history, quiet and near.

LJ: is Monte Cassino easier to get to from Rome or Naples. I will be in both cities this fall and I definitely want to go to MC. I know I can take a bus from either Naples or Sorrento. Is there a bus from Rome?

ttt

If you want to mix culture and beautiful beach, try Anzio and if you want to go a little further you can take the ferry to the island of Ponza.

We went to both Orvieto and Hadrian's Villa, and both were absolutely fantastic. I have to say, though, that getting to Orvieto, even though it's further away, was FAR easier (you take the high speed train from Termini).