3 Cheap Day Trips from Rome
Are you traveling to Rome and want to get out of the big city for a day? If yes, then this blog post is for you!
We went to Rome for 5 days and on our second day we realized that we needed a break from the beautiful chaos of Roma. We thought, “why not ditch the touristy things to explore areas outside the city”. So, what did we do? We did what we do best, found the cheapest and most beautiful day trips from Rome.
Sometimes the best plan to have is to not have a plan, and that’s what we recommend when going to these small towns. Just take your time in these towns and take in the beauty the towns have to offer.
Castel Gandolfo
Castel Gandolfo is where the Pope has his summer home. This quaint town overlooks a beautiful lake named Lake Albano.
How do I get there?
Take the train! This beautiful town is known is only a 40 minute train trip from Rome.
What Is there to do there?
Take some time to wander around this cute little town. Wander up and down the streets and in and out of the shops. When lunchtime comes around, we recommend eating at Antico Ristorante Pagnanelli which is a beautiful restaurant with a view of Lake Albano.
This place is on the pricier side, but with the gorgeous lakeside view, the free bread (gotta love free Italian bread) and a complimentary glass of prosecco, it was worth it. The truffle pasta was to die for and their wine list is never ending. After you’re put into a food coma ask your waiter to take you to see their wine cellar, you won’t regret it!
After you wander the town a little more to walk off that bread and truffle pasta, head down to Lake Albano. Pick up a bottle of wine along and just enjoy the view. The good thing about this is does not cost you any money! Well, except for the wine. But the view… priceless.
2. Orvieto
This small and quaint town up on a hilltop was the highlight of our time in Rome...we are not huge city gals so Orvieto was right up our alley.
How Do I get there?
Trains depart from Roma Termini station (the main train station) and it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to Orvieto. The train ticket will cost around $10.
What Is there to do there?
First, Go to the winery Tenuta Le Vellete
Call a taxi cab from the train station. and it will cost only . This is a beautiful estate and it’s also CHEAP for tastings! If you want to go all out, you can get 10 tastings for 10 euros. Such a score. They pour good size pours, so you are getting the most for your money.
The estate is gorgeous. You can take your tastings outside and enjoy them while walking around the area. The view of Orvieto from the estate is beautiful. The picture doesn’t even do it justice.
Once you get your buzz on, head back to the Orvieto train station and take the tram up on into the town of Orvieto for a late lunch. Eat some delicious pasta and bread, maybe even have another glass of wine if you’re not stumbling from all the tastings!
Then once again, just wander the streets. The streets are super cute and narrow. There’s clotheslines hanging from window to window across the streets. It’s so picturesque. Make sure you walk into the main plaza to see the Duomo di Orvieto. It’s stunning and hard to miss.
3. Santa Marinella
Santa Marinella is the perfect place to go if you are exhausted from the walking and sightseeing in Rome and just want to chill in a beautiful place. Santa Marinella is located on the coast and is only an hour train ride away from Rome!
How Do I Get There?
Take the train out of the Roma Termini station. The shortest the train will be is 1 hour but sometimes you may have to stop which will make it longer. The tickets at the cheapest will be $6, which is such a good deal.
What Do I Do There?
You relax! Make sure you bring or wear a bathing suit if the weather is nice. There are public parts of the beach and beach clubs. And no, we don’t mean the type of beach clubs in Cabo and Miami. At these beach clubs, you can rent out umbrellas and beds to lay on. These are typically 10-20 euros. The umbrellas and beds closer to the water are more expensive. If you don’t feel like paying, make sure you bring a towel with you to enjoy the public beach!
Nothing makes a nice relaxing day better than some delicious Italian food. For lunch, get some seafood! The seafood in Santa Marinella is amazing. Find a restaurant that feels right for your experience for the day.