Rome has endless sights to see, but the surrounding area in Lazio contains many treasures often overlooked by the average traveler.  From natural wonders to world-class spas and magical villages, discover our recommendations for day trips outside of Rome.

1. Parco dei Mostri, Bormazo

Traveling with little ones? Kids just love the The Parco dei Mostri (or the Park of Monsters) Monster Park in Bormazo. The larger-than-life sculptures were commissioned in the 1500’s and designed by Pirro Ligorio (the same designer of Villa d’Este in Tivoli). Many of these surreal creations are carved directly into the rock. Children and adults alike are enchanted by mythological figures, a Roman temple, monsters with open mouths, dolphins and even mermaids - all set in a lush green garden. As of the time of this writing, the entrance free for adults is €10. Children (4-13 years) gain admission for €8.

The monster park is about an hour and fifteen minute drive from Rome. Drive north on the A1 highway and follow the signs to Bomarzo. Parking is free and easy to find in front of the visitor’s centre. It is also possible to reach through public transport, although we don’t recommend this (it would take approximately 3 hours each way).

2. Villa d’Este & Tivoli Gardens

The first time I saw Villa d’Este, I was floored by its beauty and surprised that this spot wasn’t at the top of everyone’s list when visiting Rome. It is so beautiful that it is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tivoli Gardens contains hundreds of fountains and waterfalls. It is a lavish and wonderous experience to explore this Italian Renaissance garden full of sculptures and treasure. You could easily spend the day happily wandering these gardens in awe.

Villa d’Este is located just 20 miles east of Rome. The town does have a train station, which links directly to the Roma Tiburtina station. You can easily reach Villa d’Este from Rome in about one hour by bus (leaving from Tiburtina station and arriving at Tivoli Piazza Garibaldi). Villa d’Este is a ten minute walk from the Piazza. Of course, Doorways can arrange car service for you if you prefer. Tickets are €12 and can be purchased on-site.

3. Terme dei Papi, Viterbo

Need a break from the stimulation of Rome? Retreat as the Pope’s did- at Terme dei Papi. This wonderful spa isn’t just unique in its history. Frequented by locals, it offers access to a hot thermal spring, a natural grotto and a full menu of both aesthetic and healing treatments. Be sure to try the warm thermal mud treatment followed by a long massage.

We recommend taking a shuttle (“navetta” in Italian) directly from Rome to Terme dei Papi. The shuttle leaves from Viale George Washington (nearby Piazza del Popolo in Rome) at 9:00am and departs Terme dei Papi at 4:00pm). A roundtrip ticket costs only €8.

Planning on spending the night in or nearby Viterbo? Visit the Pope's palace and the palaces of the aristocratic families of Gatti, Farnese, Poscia and Mazzatosta. If you love busy open-air markets, make sure to visit Viterbo on a Wednesday (market day).

4. Tuscania

History buffs will love Tuscania.  Despite what its name might imply, Tuscania is not a town in Tuscany.  Rather, it is an ancient commune in the province of Viterbo (about an hour outside of Rome).  This town provides an opportunity to step into the past and witness how the Etruscans lived.  The municipal museum (Museo Archeologico di Tuscania) is a treasure trove of Etruscan artifacts.  Entry into the museum is free. Romanesque churches San Pietro and Santa Maria Maggiore contain beautiful mosaic floors, Etruscan tombs and many11th and 12th century details.

We recommend having lunch in Tuscania and then driving onward to the beach to explore up the coast to Porto Santo Stefano and Port'Ercole on Orbetello.

5. Civita di Bagnoregio

Rick Steves once said of this magical hill-top town, “There are no lists of attractions, orientation tours, or museum hours. It's just Italy. Civita is an artist's dream, a town in the nude. Each lane and footpath holds a surprise.” Civita di Bagnoregio provides a wonderful opportunity to escape typical tourist destinations and simply experience an authentic piece of Italy. Walk up to this vanishing village and take in the surrounding wind-swept landscape. Catch your breath with a gelato stop in Civita di Bagnoregio. Take the time to explore and don’t be shy about striking up a conversation with friendly locals. From Rome take the A1 highway north, exit at Orvieto and follow the signs to Bagnoregio.

6. Sightseeing in Orvieto

Orvieto is an Italian hill town located in the region of Umbria, which is affectionately known as “The Green Heart of Italy”.  The stunning Duomo di Orvieto alone makes this town worth a visit.  This magnificent structure with precious mosaics stands commandingly over the town and inspires awe from all who pass it.  The cathedral can be visited free of charge from 7:30am to noon and 2:30pm-5pm during winter or 7pm in the summer. We recommend visiting the Duomo during golden hour when the sunlight showers the Church’s gothic facade with a heavenly warm glow. Enjoy a day of shopping in the town’s many artisanal shops. Finish off the day with a delicious meal at Antica Trattoria dell' Orso, which has the best farro soup in Italy.

7. Ostia Antica

Seasoned travelers know there is much more to Rome than its top visited landmarks.  Just 30 minutes from the Colosseum, stands Ostia Antica, one of the most under-appreciated yet remarkable archaeological wonders of the world.

Stepping into Ostia Antica is perhaps the closest thing we have to time travel.  With a bit of imagination, you are transported back 2,000 years to ancient Rome. This protected site contains vast ruins including an amphitheater, many Roman homes, and plenty of beautiful statues. Regular tickets to access the archeological area range between € 10-12.

Reaching Ostia Antica from Rome is surprisingly easy. Take the metro (line B) and exit at Piramide. From there, board the Roma Lido commuter train to Ostia Antica. The ruins are then a ten minute walk from the train station. On the way home, stop by one of our favorite restaurants in Rome, Marigold near the Piramide train station and pick up a pastry for the trip home.

8. Spoleto & Mamore

Spoleto, known for its international music festival - dei Due Mondi - the Festival of Two Worlds. Visit Carsulae to explore the Roman ruins, or stop in Terni to see the Marmore waterfalls, which are open until 10 pm in the summer.

Rent a Vacation Home in Lazio

Make sure that you have a comfortable vacation home to return to after your day trips. Our vacation rentals in Lazio include a mix of carefully selected apartments for couples, and villas for families. Contact us to begin planning your Italian villa vacation today.