Rome has dozens of hidden treasures waiting around the city—maybe more.
Videos by TravelAwaits
The Eternal City has thousands of years of history for visitors to dig through. On top of its historic sites and landmarks, there are also a handful of neighborhoods where eating, shopping, and people-watching don’t get any better.
In short, there’s plenty to keep you busy, especially if you want to dive deep with lesser-known tours.
But what if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Rome for a day? Turns out, there are just as many quality tours around Rome as there are in the city. Some focus on history, while others are more relaxing. Think: hidden springs with crystal-clear water, monster-laden forests from the Middle Ages, and tons of wine tastings in the countryside.
Here are some of the most popular options divided by length. First up: half-day tours around Rome that are easy to book.
Tours around Rome: half-day options
Castel Gandolfo: Pope Summer Residence Tour
Want to see where El Papa shacks up for summer? Head to Castel Gandolfo to explore the Pontifical Villas and their gorgeous gardens. This tour includes a guided visit to the villa, along with transportation in a private vehicle. After your visit to Castel Gandolfo, you can relax in the nearby village with views of Lake Albano.
Bomarzo Park of the Monsters Mystery Tour
Looking for a hidden gem experience in Rome that others simply don’t hear about? Book this half-day tour of an ‘anti-Renaissance’ woodland near Rome, where you can explore Bomarzo’s Sacro Bosco, the Park of Monsters. It’s a 16th-century project that feels like a fever dream. It’s a place great minds like Salvador Dali and Andre Breton have visited, intrigued by the monstrosities and mysteries of this medieval art project.
Top 9 tours around Rome: full-day options
Tivoli Full Day Trip: Hadrian’s Villa & Villa d’Este
This is one of the most popular day trips from Rome, which takes you to Tivoli’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll get to explore gardens, ruins, and more with an expert guide in the lead, letting you uncover the very best in Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este.
Ostia Antica Semi-Private Day Trip from Rome
Drift a bit further off the Ancient Roman path by visiting the long-lost ruins of Ostia Antica. It’s a massive complex where you can explore sites like baths, villas, and an amphitheatre. If you like to dive deep into Roman history, this is a can’t-miss stop. Plus, you won’t see as many crowds as at other popular sites like Pompeii and Tivoli.
Rome to Pompei Guided Tour with Lunch
Speaking of Pompeii, if you want to bundle in a visit on your adventure in Rome, this is a great tour. It comes with a pro guide who will take your group via high-speed train to Pompeii. Along the way, you get to stop for a delicious lunch and taste local wines. That lunch stop is on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.
Amalfi & Positano Tour with Boat Ride
As with Pompeii and Tivoli, you can also book tours from Rome that visit the hugely popular Amalfi Coast, including the first stop in Positano. I think these areas are worth exploring on their own. It’s also worth noting that day trips like these increase congestion in the area without giving as much back to the community.
Still, if you want to see the Amalfi Coast in Rome, you aren’t alone—and you’ve come a long way to get there. If the tour linked above is booked, here’s a similar alternative.
Frascati Day Tour: Wine Tastings & Lunch
This tour takes you deep into Frascati, an area just outside Rome that’s known for its sprawling vineyards. You’ll take the train yourself, then meet your guide in Frascati. After exploring the town, you’ll visit a winery in a vineyard, then be treated to a feast for lunch. Consider it your ticket to a quaint small town and its delicious gastronomy.
Roman Countryside, Appian Way Day Tour
If exploring the Roman countryside is high on your priority list, don’t stop with a visit to Frascati. I recommend checking out this Appian Way tour, as well. You get to travel along the well-known Appian Way before stopping at the scenic Lake Nemi. From there, you’ll strike out to explore the landscape, stopping for wine and small bites as you learn about the area’s history and cultural significance.
Saturnia Thermal Springs
If you want to skip the history lessons and ruins, you’ve got options. Like the tour above, this adventure is all about relaxation. You’ll head north from Rome to visit the natural springs of Saturnia, which stay around 80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. You can also book a photo shoot—the springs are very picturesque, so I recommend it.
Asisa & Orvieto Guided Day Tour
Orvieto is one of the most beautiful towns to visit outside of Rome, and is home to a stunningly beautiful Orvieto Cathedral. Assisi, nearby, is just as lovely. This tour takes you to the area’s best basilicas and churches in a private coach, letting you beat the heat during warmer months.
Padre Pio & St. Michael’s Cave Full Day Tour
Step further off the beaten path to visit two of Italy’s most important Catholic sites: the Padre Pio Shrine in San Giovanni Rotondo and Monte Sant’Angelo, where the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel is located. The latter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just know that these sites are popular for pilgrims, meaning it’ll be a somber day trip.
[Just a heads-up: We may earn an affiliate commission when you make a purchase from a link in our articles.]
