It’s no secret that Rome is one of our favorite cities on the planet, and after spending many long visits over the course of years exploring the Eternal City’s nooks, crannies, and surroundings, we’ve walked away with a giant bucket list of all the best day trips from Rome!
Italy’s magnetic capital is almost impossible to pull yourself away from, but if you have several days in Rome and want to make sure you see a bit of Italy outside of it, too, we’ve rounded up some very tempting options for you!
From bustling cities to adorable towns to plenty of beaches that are just a train ride away, here are the best day trips from Rome–plus how to get there.
Table of Contents
The Most Iconic Day Trips from Rome
Of all the best day trips from Rome, these first five are the most popular and iconic of all!
Some are best done independently, some with a day tour, and some work either way, but odds are if you’re brainstorming Rome day trips, you’re considering taking at least one of these (and every one of them is incredibly memorable).
Tivoli
Located a bit under an hour from Rome by train, the ancient villas and gardens of Tivoli are arguably the most popular day trip from Rome, and one well worth taking!
Stroll through gardens where Roman emperors relaxed and held parties, stare out over beautiful landscapes, and admire a stunning collection of ancient fountains.
There are three villas in Tivoli, including Villa Adriana (aka Hadrian’s Villa), Villa d’Este, and the slightly lesser-known Villa Gregoriana… but don’t be fooled!
While Tivoli’s 3 villas are famous, they’re also 3 very different attractions: Villa d’Este is a traditional villa (in other words, an actual building), Villa Adriana is a gigantic set of Roman ruins, and Villa Gregoriana is a natural park that includes a bit of a hike to visit–but all of them are wonderful (and Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites).
How to Get to Tivoli from Rome
The town of Tivoli itself is an easy day trip from Rome by train, and Villa d’Este and Villa Gregoriana are located within walking distance of the train station.
If you’d like to visit Villa Adriana during your visit, you’ll need to grab a bus or jump in a taxi to do so… or you can keep things simple by booking a day trip like this which will deliver you right to Tivoli’s 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In addition to simplifying transportation, a tour will also give you a chance to learn much more about Tivoli’s famous villas!
Book your day trip to Tivoli today!
Prefer to explore independently? You can check train schedules and shop for tickets here, though since this is a regional train ride within Lazio, you don’t need to book tickets far in advance–the prices remain constant.
Florence
Beautiful, iconic Florence is one of Italy’s most popular cities to visit–and as the Cradle of the Renaissance, it deserves the fame!
While you could spend months or years discovering all that Florence has to offer, you can also get a wonderful taste of it on a day trip from Rome to Florence.
Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, admire Florence’s incredible Duomo, gaze out over Piazzale Michelangelo, stare in awe at the statue of David, and, of course, eat your heart out–Tuscan food and wine is some of the best in all of Italy, and deserves to be enjoyed!
Here’s our detailed guide to taking a day trip to Florence from Rome.
How to Get to Florence from Rome
By booking tickets on the high-speed train, you can absolutely visit Florence from Rome independently.
Note that taking the cheaper, regional train from Florence to Rome takes too long to make a day trip reasonable–you want the high-speed, 90-minute train, which means that it’s advantageous to book your tickets in advance.
If you’d like to get the most out of your visit, a day tour of Florence can really help with that–this popular tour is a fantastic option and will ensure that you see the best of Florence, fast (and if you have your heart set on exploring lots of art, it’s by far the simplest way to experience both David and the Uffizi on a day trip from Rome).
Generally speaking, taking a day trip from Rome to Florence that includes transportation from Rome is unnecessary.
Shop train tickets from Rome to Florence and book your one day tour of the city today!
Pompeii
Pompeii is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, and it truly defies words.
You will not be squinting at ruins and imagining what might have been in Pompeii.
Instead, you will be strolling down roads as well-maintained as many modern ones, walking in and out of intact buildings, and truly walking through a ghost town–a thriving city that one fateful day in 79 AD, simply stopped.
Pompeii is not the simplest or easiest day trip to take from Rome, but the fact that it tops bucket lists around the world means that it is among the most popular!
How to Get to Pompeii from Rome
Technically speaking, you can absolutely take an independent day trip from Rome to Pompeii via train, but it makes for a long day and requires either a transfer between train lines, a bus ride, or a bit of a walk.
(If you’d like to go independently, note that Pompei station is not at the Pompeii ruins–Pompeii Scavi is the station right by the ruins, and it’s connected to Campania’s Circumvesuviana line).
If you’re fairly new to traveling in Italy, want to visit anywhere else in the surrounding area (say, a drive down the Amalfi Coast for example), or are eager to learn the history of Pompeii, booking a day tour is a very good idea.
Pompeii is one of those historic sites that’s better experienced with a live guide anyway, so an organized day trip makes sense on multiple levels here!
This wildly popular day trip from Rome gets phenomenal reviews, is hosted by one of our favorite tour companies, and makes for an excellent (and stress-free) day at Pompeii.
Book your day trip to Pompeii today!
Prefer to travel independently? Shop train tickets to Pompeii here!
Amalfi Coast
Taking a day trip to the Amalfi Coast from Rome makes for a very long day, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most sought-after day trips from Rome!
Stunningly beautiful and world-famous, the Amalfi Coast is one of the best-known stretches of coastline on the planet, so it’s not surprising that travelers are excited for even a brief chance to visit.
On a day trip from Rome, you likely won’t be able to see more than one village (usually Positano) and enjoy the stunning drive along the coast itself, but there’s no doubt that it’s a day to remember.
And, if the reviews of this incredibly popular tour are anything to go by, most travelers don’t have any regrets about making the trek!
How to Get to the Amalfi Coast from Rome
Visiting the Amalfi Coast from Rome on a day trip is absolutely best done via tour. Otherwise, you’re looking at either 4+ hours of driving on unfamiliar roads each way, or a combination of trains/buses that are logistically challenging and take just as long.
Having someone who knows the way (and is comfortable driving along the Amalfi Coast, which is a difficult route to drive) is imperative for making your day go smoothly.
This popular tour is one of the best-selling and best-reviewed Amalfi Coast day trips from Rome out there and gets phenomenal reviews.
Due to their proximity, an Amalfi Coast day trip is often combined with a trip to Pompeii–if you’d like to get a taste of both places, this fabulous tour is the perfect way to do so.
Book your Amalfi Coast day trip or Pompeii + Amalfi Coast combo tour today!
Tuscan Countryside
The Tuscan countryside, with its beautiful rolling hills, soft golden light, and an endless number of vineyards and villages, is a bucket list destination for many–and since the region of Tuscany is located within day-tripping distance of Rome, heading north to explore the countryside for the day is extremely popular!
Several of the other day trips outlined in this post also take place in Tuscany, including Montepulciano and (obviously) Florence, but the countryside is a destination in its own right.
How to Explore the Tuscan Countryside from Rome
While you can access any number of towns in Tuscany from Rome via train, to explore the countryside, you’ll want to either rent a car or even better, take a tour.
Taking a tour of the Tuscan countryside will ensure that you see some of the best spots, experience beautiful overlooks, and enjoy a wine tasting or two without anyone in your party having to worry about scheduling a winery visit or driving after the fact.
This day trip is extremely well-reviewed and popular, and is an excellent way to experience the Tuscan countryside for a day!
Small Towns to Visit from Rome
While Rome is a fantastic city, there’s a huge shift in pace, tone, and culture when you travel from Italy’s large cities to small towns.
As you decide which Rome day trips are right for you, consider mixing up your time in Italy by adding one of these smaller towns and villages to your list!
Orvieto
Orvieto is a dream of a hilltop town in the Italian region of Umbria, offering gorgeous views, a beautiful town center, plenty of interesting things to do, and some unique local foods that are worth trying (starting with pigeon–yes pigeon–and Orvieto Classico wine).
While you’re in Orvieto, definitely stop by the Duomo (including the fascinating Cappella di San Brizio inside), step inside St. Patrick’s Well, visit the Orvieto underground, tour the Etruscan necropolis, and climb the Torre del Moro for beautiful views over the city.
How to Get to Orvieto from Rome
Orvieto is easily accessed from Rome via train, and unlike many of these fun day trips from Rome, you don’t even need to take the high-speed train!
It takes about an hour and a half on average to reach Orvieto from Rome via train, though the fastest routes will get you there in an hour.
The commuter, or regional, train, which has set ticket prices that don’t increase in cost as your travel time gets closer, is perfectly adequate for reaching Orvieto, making this one of the easiest day tours from Rome to pull off independently–especially if you’re planning at the last minute.
Assisi
As the birthplace of Saint Francis, one of the patron saints of Italy, Assisi is an enormously popular day trip for Catholic travelers–but even if you’re not a practicing Catholic, the history and beauty of Assisi is sure to draw you in.
No trip to Assisi could be complete without a visit to the UNESCO-recognized St. Francis Basilica–but once you wrap up there, be sure to also check out Assisi’s Roman Forum, the Rocca Maggiore fort, the Roman Temple of Minerva located in the center of town, and the Cathedral of San Rufino.
How to Get to Assisi from Rome
You can reach Assisi from Rome in as little as 2 hours by train, however, some routes take far longer, so be sure to plan ahead and book high-speed train tickets in advance!
You will generally need to make a change during the route, though there are a few direct trains.
Alternatively, you can rent a car for the day and enjoy a drive to Assisi, which takes a little over 2 hours each way as well but gives you much more flexibility in your day (there are also some lovely views along the way), or book a combined day trip to Orvieto and Assisi.
Shop train tickets or rental cars for your visit to Assisi today!
Bracciano
When visitors to Italy think of sparkling lakes overlooked by beautiful villages, Lake Como is usually the first place that comes to mind–but beautiful Bracciano also meets that definition, and is located only an hour from Rome by train!
Most famous for its gorgeous and imposing Castello Odescalchi, which dominates the skyline of the small medieval town, Bracciano makes the perfect independent day trip from Rome.
Stroll along the beautiful streets, tour the castle, admire views of the lake, and enjoy a leisurely lunch before catching your train back to Rome.
How to Get to Bracciano from Rome
Trains leave roughly every half hour (except Sundays and holidays) from Rome and head to Bracciano, and drop you off right at the edge of town, making Bracciano one of the easiest and best day trips from Rome to complete yourself–no tour necessary!
Montepulciano
Perched high on a hill overlooking one of the prettiest parts of the Tuscan countryside, Montepulciano ranks among our favorite Tuscan towns–and not just because of its delicious, world-famous wine.
Due to its tiny size, Montepulciano is perfectly set up for exploring on a day trip and has one of those peaceful atmospheres that you just want to savor.
While you’re there, be sure to stop by the beautiful Piazza Grande, admire views of the nearby Church of San Biagio that is located just outside of town, and to taste the local wine, vino nobile di Montepulciano.
Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Montepulciano.
How to Get to Montepulciano from Rome
While you can technically reach Montepulciano from Rome by train in about 3 hours, once you arrive, you’ll still need to catch a bus or taxi from the train station in Chiusi to Montepulciano’s historic center.
In this case, it’s much easier to either drive the 2 hours yourself (Rome to Montepulciano makes for a lovely short road trip!) or visit Montepulciano as part of a broader Tuscany day tour like this.
Book your Tuscany day trip or rental car today!
Civita di Bagnoregio
There’s only one way into the stunning hilltop town of Civita di Bagnoregio: by foot.
Connected to the rest of the country only by a pedestrian bridge, Civita di Bagnoregio (or simply “Civita”) is one of the most unique hilltop towns in all of Italy, as logistics have spared it from most potential changes to its architecture or topography.
Tiny and beautiful, Civita is one of those towns that is best summed up by its laid-back vibe and beautiful cobblestone streets rather than any particular list of things to do.
Don’t miss the views from the Belvedere before you head down and cross the bridge to enter the town: this is where you’ll find the postcard shot of Civita di Bagnoregio!
As you enter the town, be sure to take note of the gorgeous stone entrance you pass under–it was built by the Etruscans a mere 2500 years ago.
How to Get to Civita di Bagnoregio from Rome
To reach Civita di Bagnoregio on a Rome day trip, you’ll want to either rent a car and drive yourself or book an organized day trip like this.
If you visit independently, you’ll need to park nearby (be sure to set your GPS to the parking lot, not the town center!), then go to the ticket desk and purchase a ticket to cross the pedestrian bridge to enter Civita di Bagnoregio.
Be prepared for a bit of a walk to actually reach the town!
Shop rental cars or book your day trip to Civita di Bagnoregio today!
Interesting Cities to Visit on Day Tours from Rome
Naples
When it comes to Italian cities, Naples often gets a bit of a bad rap, often being called too crowded, too dirty, too hilly.
And yes, it’s definitely a bit rougher around the edges than some Italian cities, but it’s also beautiful and complex, with a history that rivals Florence or Venice, a fascinating underground, stunning views over the Bay of Naples, and, of course, some of the best pizza on Earth.
A day trip from Rome to Naples is the perfect way to get a taste of one of Italy’s most controversial cities, and see for yourself what you think–personally, the first time we visited Naples, we were surprised by how quickly we came to love it.
Stroll through the Piazza del Plebiscito, sip coffee at the opulent Caffe Gambrinus, snack on a sfogliatella, explore Via Toledo, visit Naples’ incredible archaeological museum, and be sure to visit at least 2-3 of the best pizzerias in Naples.
Here’s our guide to spending a day in Naples.
How to Get to Naples from Rome
Naples is about an hour and a half via the fast train from Rome, and there’s no need to book a day trip to get there (though you may want to book a walking tour or food tour to make the most of the city once you arrive!).
Since the high-speed train tickets do increase in price as your trip gets closer, try to book your train tickets as soon as you’re able to commit to a day trip from Naples.
Shop train tickets to Naples today!
Bologna
As the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, Bologna is known primarily for its absolutely phenomenal food–and if your plan for one of your day trips from Rome is simply to eat your heart out, this is the place to do it!
The Emilia-Romagna region is the original birthplace of many of the dishes that are synonymous with Italian food abroad, though most people who visit agree that the original versions are far tastier.
Parmigiano-reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar, mortadella (AKA bologna), and tagliatelle al ragu (AKA spaghetti bolognese) are just a few of the delicacies worth sampling on a day trip to Bologna.
In between meals, consider heading to the top of Asinelli Tower for some amazing views of the city, hunting down Bologna’s hidden canals, visiting the anatomical theatre and library of Archiginnasio, and strolling through Bologna’s markets.
Here’s our guide to spending a day in Bologna.
How to Get to Bologna from Rome
Bologna is typicall a bit over 2 hours away from Rome on the fast train, but some routes take far longer.
Be sure to plan your schedule ahead of time to ensure your day tour from Rome goes off without a hitch!
And, since this is another route involving a high-speed train, be sure to book your train tickets in advance for the best price.
Sorrento
Easier to access than the Amalfi Coast or Capri but absolutely lovely in its own right, Sorrento makes an excellent Rome day trip for travelers who are looking to explore an Italian city with similar vibes to the Amalfi Coast (it’s located across the peninsula from the famed coastline), but want to do so independently and therefore on a much more manageable budget.
While you’re there, be sure to spend plenty of time admiring the fishing boats and coastal views in the picturesque harbor of Mariana Grande, stroll through Sorrento’s old town, and check out the Church (and cloister) of San Francesco.
Sorrento overlooks the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, so whatever else you do with your day trip, be sure to enjoy plenty of time admiring the views!
How to Get to Sorrento from Rome
Sorrento can technically be reached from Rome in as little as 2.5 hours each way by high-speed train, but it often takes longer.
Be sure to check the schedule and book in advance if you have your heart set on this Rome day trip, as it takes a bit of doing (and at least one train transfer).
Alternatively, you could book an organized day tour that combines a trip to Sorrento with a visit to Pompeii.
Browse train schedules and plan your day trip to Sorrento today!
Perugia
As the capital city of Umbria, beautiful Perugia combines the easy access of a city with the charm of a hilltop town… with a fraction of the crowds that you might expect in such a place!
With Etruscan roots and incredible countryside views, Perugia is a place that demands you slow down and savor it.
While the city has plenty of incredible attractions, including an underground fortress you can ride an elevator into, Etruscan ruins, plenty of beautiful churches, a memorable medieval aqueduct, and viewpoints that the most famous towns in Tuscany would envy, you don’t have to check several things off a list to appreciate Perugia.
The city’s atmosphere and famous chocolate speak for themselves!
Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Perugia.
How to Get to Perugia From Rome
Perugia is about 2.5 hours from Rome via the fastest train routes.
From the Perugia Train Station, you’ll want to hop on the Minimetro for a quick ride to the historic center.
Coastal Breaks from Rome
Rome is not a city that tends to be associated with beach vacations, but take a look at it on a map, and you’ll notice that Rome is tantalizing close to the coast!
If you’re visiting Rome during summer in Italy and daily scoops of gelato aren’t enough to cool you down, here’s where to hit the coast near Rome!
Ostia Beach
While far from the most glamorous beach near Rome, Ostia Beach (Lido di Ostia) is local, laid-back, and–perhaps most importantly–close to the Eternal City.
Come here to kick back and relax on the beach the local way (though be prepared for crowds if you visit during a weekend day in the summer).
The ubiquitous private Italian beach clubs (or lidos) where you can pay to obtain access as well as rent umbrellas and cabanas are present, but you can hang out for free on parts of the beach as well.
How to Get to Ostia Beach from Rome
In the absolute most technical sense, Ostia is a part of the municipality of Rome–which means it’s extremely inexpensive to get there by public transportation!
While you’ll often see it touted that Ostia Beach is 30 minutes from central Rome, plan around an hour if you’re taking public transport.
For traffic reasons, we wouldn’t recommend a car unless you want to visit multiple spots in one day–the beach is about a 10-minute walk from the train station, so a car is unnecessary!
Sperlonga
Beautiful and historic, Sperlonga is a popular seaside retreat in Italy–and yet, it remains unknown to most North Americans.
Featuring a tiny, delightful historic center, the ruins of an impressive villa built by the Roman emperor Tiberius, and a beautiful beach, Sperlonga is one of the best day trips from Rome for someone who wants to both relax on a beautiful beach and explore a bit of Italian history.
How to Get to Sperlonga from Rome
The train station for Sperlonga (which is shared with the town of Fondi and is therefore not in the center of town) is a bit over an hour from Rome via regional train.
From there, you’ll need to catch a bus or grab a taxi in order to reach the center of Sperlonga and hit the beach!
While the route is fairly simple, we recommend heading out early in the day to beat the crowds and leave yourself time to get to Sperlonga and back without any stress.
Gaeta
Located on the tip of a small peninsula on the coast of Lazio, Gaeta is one of the most beloved beach towns near Rome and makes for an excellent day trip for independent travelers!
Charming and comfortable, Gaeta boasts a lovely town center to meander through, gorgeous views, and of course long stretches of beach to enjoy.
While you’re there, be sure not to miss the beautiful view of the Turk’s Cave at Split Mountain, the gorgeous Castello Angioino-Aragonese perched above the sea, and the city’s numerous memorable churches (Gaeta boasts the nickname “City of 100 Churches”, which it shares with Lucca).
If you’re visiting during the summer, boat tours like this are popular both for the snorkeling opportunities and for the chance to admire Gaeta from the water!
How to Get to Gaeta From Rome
When traveling to Gaeta via public transport, you can take the train as far as Formia, and then swap to a bus to cover the last four miles or so.
Sorciosecco, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Santa Marinella Beach
Beautiful Santa Marinella Beach is generally touted as the Just Right option for beaches near Rome: easier to reach than lovely Sperlonga and a bit prettier than basic Ostia Lido, Santa Marinella beach (along with its neighbor, Santa Severa) is among the best day trips from Rome for those hoping to hit the water.
This small port town has plenty of boats and fishermen about (and therefore plenty of fresh seafood to choose from for lunch), and the beach is both lovely and a short walk from the train station, making it easy and relaxing to access on a day trip!
How to Get to Santa Marinella Beach from Rome
Santa Marinella is easily accessible from Rome by regional train, and takes about an hour to reach–perhaps a bit under, depending on the day and the train.
There’s no need to book a tour here, as the train drops you off near town and Santa Marinella is easy to explore independently.
Capri
Capri is far from the most practical day tour from Rome, but it’s frequently sought after anyway, and for good reason: visiting Capri is like taking a trip to another dimension.
From Capri, the blue of the water glistens just a little brighter. The curves of the cliffs are just a bit more majestic. The location, in general, is just a bit otherworldly–like something out of a legend.
While you’re there, be sure to take a boat tour around the island, take in the views from the Garden of Augustus, and tour Villa San Michele.
How to Get to Capri from Rome
The only realistic way to visit Capri as a day trip from Rome is with a tour. this one gets great reviews.
Keep in mind that this makes for a long, long day, as you’ll need to travel first to Naples and then to Capri from there, but if you’ve dreamed of seeing Capri for years and this is your best opportunity to do so, it may be worth the long ride and heavy eyes!
Book your day tour of Capri today!
Other Cool Day Trips from Rome
Bomarzo
Of all of the interesting day trips from Rome outlined in this blog post, Bomarzo is probably the most unique.
While Bomarzo is technically a town, when you hear tourists referring to Bomarzo they typically mean one place in particular: the Park of the Monsters, also known as the Garden of Bomarzo or the Sacred Grove.
Commissioned in the 16th century by Pier Francesco Orsini, the park was built as an expression of grief over the loss of his beloved wife.
Featuring many larger-than-life sculptures, some of them carved literally into the bedrock of the land, there’s nowhere in Italy quite like Bomarzo.
How to Get to Bomarzo from Rome
Though you can technically reach Bomarzo by public transportation by taking a train to Viterbo and then catching a bus to Bomarzo, on a Rome day trip with limited time, you’re much better off visiting Bomarzo by car.
Your day will be both much easier and much more flexible for it!
Ostia Antica
Hoping to explore some Ancient Roman ruins outside of Rome itself on your trip, but don’t want to make the trek to Pompeii or Herculaneum?
Consider heading to Ostia Antica!
Located less than an hour from central Rome at the mouth of the Tiber River, Ostia Antica makes an easy and fascinating day trip from Rome for those interested in archaeological ruins.
Once the port city of Ancient Rome, Ostia Antica of today is well-preserved, even featuring Roman mosaics in their original locations!
How to Get to Ostia Antica from Rome
Ostia Antica is easily reached by regional train in less than an hour from Rome.
The ruins themselves are about a five-minute walk from the train station, making Ostia Antica one of the simplest Rome day trips.
You may also have noticed that Ostia Antica is very close to the Lido di Ostia we discussed above, and you can absolutely combine them into a memorable two-stop day trip from Rome!
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Sonse, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Read More About Visiting Rome
If you found this blog post about Rome’s day trips helpful, we’d love to help you keep planning your trip to the Eternal City here on Our Escape Clause!
You can browse 100+ Italy blog posts here, or check out these guides:
- 2 Days in Rome: An Epic + Easy Rome Itinerary
- Is a Colosseum Night Tour Worth the Splurge? (+ Tips!)
- What to Do in Rome at Night: 17 Exciting Ideas
- The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Vatican: Tips, Tricks + FAQ!
- What to Wear in Rome By Season (Tips for Women + Men)
Just came across your site, and enjoy it!
My daughter and family live in Rome and we have the good fortune to visit frequently.
We look forward to seeing your hidden gem suggestions.
We also could use your recommendations for 3 weeks that we will have in November/December .
Thinking of using our timeshare in Tuscany right after Thanksgiving weekend, when we will be in Florence..
Then traveling to the Dolemites, which we haven’t seen,or up to Liguria.
Then heading south to Sorrento or Puglia and renting a place locally for a couple of weeks.
We will be back in Rome for Christmas.
Need help deciding which way to go and if we should rent or do hotels.
Suggestions welcomed 😊
Hi Natalie,
Sounds like you’re having the same issue with planning Italy trips that we often do, LOL: too much to see and difficulty narrowing it down!
Of course, all of the coastal destinations you mentioned will be well into their off-season, but that has its charms as well.
Unless you’re planning to ski, the Dolomites will be very quiet as well–if you want to go up there, I’d plan on doing it in December and hitting up the Christmas markets, starting with Bolzano. The Austrian influence in South Tyrol means that the best Christmas markets in Italy can be found there!
We’ve written a lot about where to go in Puglia, including some hidden gems, here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/best-places-to-visit-in-puglia-towns/
Winter is also a wonderful time to visit Matera, so if you head to Puglia, I’d recommend detouring over there, too.
Pompeii/Herculaneum/Naples are all wonderful in November/December–uncrowded and not hot. The Amalfi Coast itself, though, will be pretty shut down for the season. If you’re looking for cultural activities and great food, Campania is a great idea. If you want to enjoy coastal views, you’ll likely want to stick with larger towns and need to expect plenty of hotel/restaurant closures in smaller ones.
As far as renting vs doing hotels in general, that’s completely personal choice. We usually mix it up with some of both, to keep things fresh.
Hope that helps! Everywhere on your list has its charms, so anything you don’t do this year you can save for your next trip to see your daughter. 🙂
Ive been looking at your site for ideas for day trips in Italy. I was wondering if it is possible to visit Sicily by train from mainland Italy?
Also what is the best way to get to the Amalfi Coast by train. We plan on visiting Florence, Siena, Pisa, and other cities in the Tuscany area.
Hi Martha,
If you’re referring to a day trip to Sicily, no, it’s not really possible. Simply getting to Sicily from mainland Italy by train is very simple, though! It is a very long journey from Rome and an even longer one from Tuscany (12+ hours, usually more, one-way).
As far as the Amalfi Coast, trains don’t actually run there! You’ll be able to take a train from Tuscany to as far as Sorrento or Salerno (though you’ll likely need to change trains along the way), and then need to take a car, bus, or ferry the rest of the way.
You can also book a ferry directly from Naples, though it’s a longer journey by boat that way.
Good luck with your planning!