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Spring: March to May
One of the best times to visit with pleasant weather, outdoor cultural festivals, and fewer crowds.
Tivoli
Known for: villas, landscapes, history buffs
Distance: 44 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Car (1 hour), Train (1.25 hours), Bus (1.5 hours)
Things to do: Visit Villa d’Este, Villa Adriana, Villa Gregoriana, & Temple of Vesta
Neighborhoods to explore: Centro Storico (Historic Center), Piazza del Popolo (City Square)
What to eat: Pasta alla Tivolina (local specialty made with cured pork) and fresh local Pizzutello grapes
Pro-tip: Wear comfortable shoes for all the walking around you’ll have to do.
Lake Bracciano
Known for: volcanic, kayaking, castles
Distance: 50 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Train (1 hour), Car (1.25 hours), Bus (2 hours)
Things to do: Castello Orsini-Odescalchi, Bracciano-Martignano Natural Park trails
Neighborhoods to explore: Anguillara Sabazia (picturesque waterfront), Trevignano Romano (boutique shops)
What to eat: Coregone (Whitefish), Pappardelle al Cinghiale (Pasta with wild boar sauce)
Pro-tip: Carry waterproof bags/pouches to ensure your electronics stay protected.
Orvieto
Known for: hilltop, wine, medieval
Distance: 125 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Train (1.5 hour), Car (1.5 hour), Bus (1.5 hour)
Things to do: Orvieto Cathedral (Duomo), Underground Caves, Pozzo di San Patrizio (St. Patrick’s Well)
Neighborhoods to explore: Centro Storico (Historic Center), Piazza della Repubblica (lively square)
What to eat: Umbrichelli al Tartufo (Handmade pasta with truffle), Wild Boar Stew
Pro-tip: Take a scenic ride on the funicular train from the station to the Old Town.
Assisi
Known for: countryside, ancient ruins, frescoes
Distance: 178 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Train (2 hours), Car (2 hours)
Things to do: Basilica of Saint Francis, Eremo delle Carceri, Rocca Maggiore
Neighborhoods to explore: Centro Storico (Historic Center), Piazza del Comune (heart of civic life)
What to eat: Pasta with black truffle (tartufo), porchetta, and Torta al Testo (flatbread)
Pro-tip: Make sure your knees and back are covered while visiting religious sites.
Cinque Terre
Known for: hiking, fresh seafood, coastal
Distance: 440 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Train (3.25 hours)
Things to do: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso (seaside villages)
Neighborhoods to explore: Borgo Aretino, Monte Subasio Foothills
What to eat: Local Olive Oil, Lemon-based desserts, White wines like Sciacchetra
Pro-tip: The villages have steep paths and stairs, so pack light for easy mobility.
Summer: June to August
The long, sunny days are ideal for beach visits, wine-tasting tours, and outdoor activities.
Amalfi Coast
Known for: limoncello, Positano, cliffs
Distance: 279 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Train (3 hours), Car (4 hours)
Things to do: Villa Rufolo, Spiaggia Grande, Emerald Grotto
Neighborhoods to explore: Positano, Ravello, Minori and Maiori
What to eat: Sfogliatelle (flaky pastry), Seafood Pasta, Anchovies and Capers
Pro-tip: Take a boat tour to visit hidden coves and beaches inaccessible by car.
Sperlonga
Known for: Mediterranean, hikes, beach
Distance: 128 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Train (1.25 hours), Car (2 hours)
Things to do: Villa of Tiberius, Blue Flag beaches, Sperlonga Museum
Neighborhoods to explore: Historic Old Town, Marina di Sperlonga
What to eat: Frittura di Paranza (fried local fish), Tielle (savory octopus pie), Gelato
Pro-tip: Combine your visit with nearby coastal gems like Gaeta and Terracina.
Bolsena
Known for: Etruscan, boating, vineyards
Distance: 135 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Car (1.75 hours), Train + Bus (3 hours)
Things to do: Lake Bolsena (Italy’s largest volcanic lake), Basilica di Santa Cristina, Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara
Neighborhoods to explore: Lakeside Promenade, Historic Center
What to eat: Torta di Noci (walnut cake), Lentil Soup, Pici Pasta
Pro-tip: If you plan to swim, kayak, or hike, bring appropriate gear and sunscreen.
Capri
Known for: island, limoncello, Faraglioni Rocks
Distance: 286 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Ferry (from Naples or Sorrento): 2.5 hours
Things to do: Blue Grotto (Sea cave), Gardens of Augustus (Faraglioni rock formations), Via Krupp
Neighborhoods to explore: Monte Solaro (highest island point), Anacapri, Marina Grande (main port)
What to eat: Caprese Salad, Spaghetti alla Nerano (pasta dish with zucchini and cheese)
Pro-tip: Capri’s streets are steep and often cobbled, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
Sardinia
Known for: sandy beaches, Nuragic, archipelagos
Distance: 458 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Flight (1 hour), Train + Ferry (6 hours)
Things to do: La Pelosa Beach, Nuraghe Su Nuraxi (UNESCO World Heritage site), Gennargentu National Park
Neighborhoods to explore: Marina District, Alghero (Old Town), Olbia
What to eat: Porceddu (roast suckling pig), Culurgiones (savory dumplings), Pane Carasau (crispy flatbread)
Pro-tip: Rent a car to explore the island at your own pace.
Fall: September to November
The cooler temperatures and vibrant autumn colors are great for hiking, local festivals and celebrating the harvest.
Frascati
Known for: wine, villas, ruins
Distance: 29 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Train (30 mins), Car (30 minutes)
Things to do: Villa Aldobrandini, Cathedral of St. Peter, Tusculum ruins
Neighborhoods to explore: Via Matteotti, Piazza Roma
What to eat: Maritozzi (Sweet buns), Fettuccine alla Papalina, DOC White Wine
Pro-tip: Take time to visit other nearby towns like Nemi or Albano Laziale.
Piediluco
Known for: outdoor, truffle, lake
Distance: 126 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Car (1.5 hours), Train + Bus (3 hours)
Things to do: Lake Piediluco, Church of San Francesco, Cascata delle Marmore
Neighborhoods to explore: Monte Caperno, Old Town, Lakeside Promenade
What to eat: Trote al Forno (fresh lake trout), Cresciole (fried bread)
Pro-tip: Piediluco’s serene and slow-paced environment is ideal for picnics.
Civita di Bagnoregio
Known for: panoramic, architecture, medieval
Distance: 128 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Car (1.5 hours), Train + Bus (3 hours)
Things to do: Pedestrian Bridge, Vulci Archaeological Park, San Donato Church
Neighborhoods to explore: Valle dei Calanchi, Historic Center
What to eat: Pappardelle al Cinghiale (wide ribbon pasta), Torta di Ricotta (creamy ricotta-based dessert)
Pro-tip: Carry cash for souvenirs or a quick bite as some shops may not accept credit cards.
Perugia
Known for: chocolate, Umbria, medieval
Distance: 176 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Flight (1 hour), Train (2 hours), Car (2 hours)
Things to do: Piazza IV Novembre, Rocca Paolina, National Gallery of Umbria, Eurochocolate Festival (seasonal)
Neighborhoods to explore: Corso Vannucci, Borgo Bello
What to eat: Strangozzi al Tartufo (Hand-rolled pasta), Baci Perugina (chocolate treats)
Pro-tip: Perugia’s historic center is best explored by walking.
Montalcino
Known for: wine, Brunello, hill town
Distance: 209 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Car (2.5 hours), Train + Bus (5.5 hours)
Things to do: Fortress of Montalcino, Civic and Diocesan Museum, Val d’Orcia
Neighborhoods to explore: Piazza del Popolo, Sant’Antimo Abbey
What to eat: Cinta Senese Pork, Ricciarelli (traditional almond cookies), Riserva and Tenuta Nuova (local red wines)
Pro-tip: For a truly immersive experience, consider staying at a vineyard to enjoy the Tuscan countryside.
Winter: December to February
The cold temperatures are offset well by holiday lights, snow sports, and hearty winter dishes.
Naples
Known for: pizza, Vesuvius, churches
Distance: 227 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Flight (1 hour), Train (1.15 hours), Car (2 hours), Bus (2.5 hours)
Things to do: Spaccanapoli, Castel dell’Ovo, Pompeii
Neighborhoods to explore: Chiaia, Vomero, Sanita
What to eat: Pizza Margherita, Sfogliatella (flaky pastry), Ragu alla Napoletana
Pro-tip: Layer up to ensure continued exploration during the chilly weather.
Saturnia
Known for: thermal baths, village, spa
Distance: 152 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Car (2.15 hours), Train + Taxi (2.5 hours)
Things to do: Cascate del Mulino, Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort
Neighborhoods to explore: Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Saturnia Historic Center
What to eat: Acquacotta (Tuscan vegetable soup), Pecorino Cheese
Pro-tip: Arrive early at the hot springs to ensure you get a good spot and can enjoy the natural beauty in peace.
Roccaraso
Known for: ski resort, abruzzo, snowshoeing
Distance: 200 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Car (2 hours), Train (4 hours), Bus (4.5 hours)
Things to do: Majella National Park, War Memorial of Monte Zurrone
Neighborhoods to explore: Aremogna, Rivisondoli
What to eat: Arrosticini (grilled lamb skewers), Cicerchiata (fried honey dough balls)
Pro-tip: Bring layers, thermal wear, and waterproof gear for outdoor activities in the snow.
Siena
Known for: medieval, Duomo, pici
Distance: 239 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Car (2.5 hours), Train (3 hours), Bus (3.5 hours)
Things to do: Siena Cathedral (Duomo), Torre del Mangia, Santa Maria della Scala Museum (former hospital)
Neighborhoods to explore: Piazza del Campo, Contrade, San Prospero
What to eat: Pici (hand-rolled pasta), Panforte (spiced fruit and nut cake), Ricciarelli (Almond cookies)
Pro-tip: If you have extra time, take a scenic drive to nearby places like San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, or the Chianti wine region.
Venice
Known for: gondola, canal, carnival
Distance: 530 kms from Rome
Accessible by: Flight (1.25 hours), Train (4 hours)
Things to do: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Neighborhoods to explore: San Marco, Dorsoduro, Cannaregio
What to eat: Sarde in Saor (sweet & sour sardines), Tiramisu, Bellini Cocktail
Pro-tip: Winter is the season for acqua alta (high tide), so check the tide schedule before making travel plans.
Tips to make the most of your Roman getaway
- Leave early on Saturday: Rome's transport hubs like Termini Station are busiest mid-morning. In smaller towns, things can slow down after lunch as well.
- Try typical Italian flavours of gelato in the countryside like fig and chestnut.
- Shop for ceramics in Deruta in Umbria, known for its intricate hand-painted pottery.
- Pick up handmade leather goods or local olive oil in small-town markets.
- Check out the Tulip Festival at Castello di Pralormo if you’re visiting during Spring.
- If you’re traveling during winter when daylight is limited, prioritize outdoor activities or scenic views during daylight.
FAQs about getaways from Rome
What are the best weekend getaways to take from Rome?
Popular weekend trips include exploring Florence’s art scene, visiting the picturesque Amalfi Coast, wandering through Tuscany’s vineyards, or discovering the ancient ruins of Pompeii.
Are there options for weekend getaways that support different mobility needs?
Yes, many destinations, like Florence and Naples, are accessible by high-speed trains with wheelchair-friendly boarding. Attractions such as Pompeii and Villa d’Este in Tivoli also offer accessible routes and guided tours tailored for visitors with mobility needs.
Can I visit multiple cities on a weekend getaway from Rome?
Absolutely! Destinations like Florence and Pisa or Naples and Sorrento are close enough to combine into a two-day itinerary. Opt for guided tours or curated packages to maximize your time.
What’s the best way to travel for a weekend getaway from Rome?
High-speed trains are the most efficient way to travel to cities like Florence, Naples, and Venice. For more remote areas, consider renting a car or joining a group tour that includes transportation.
Are these getaways suitable for families with children?
Yes, places like Naples, with its rich history and interactive museums, or Tuscany, with its farm stays and family-friendly vineyards, are great for kids. Many tours also offer family discounts and activities.
What should I pack for a weekend getaway from Rome?
Comfortable walking shoes (as most of your destinations will have cobblestoned streets and inclined terrains to navigate), a light jacket, and a power bank are must-haves.
What’s a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage site near Rome?
While there are plenty of options, Villa Adriana in Tivoli, the ancient Roman Emperor Hadrian’s retreat, offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman history.