There’s no need to spend your entire vacation in one Italian city when there are so many amazing places to explore! Check out our list of great day trips from some of the most popular destinations in Italy. From world-famous landmarks to stunning coastal towns, you’re sure to find something new and exciting. So pack your bags and get ready for some fun!
1. Rome Day Trips
Rome is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, and for good reason! With its world-famous landmarks and stunning architecture, there’s plenty to see and do in this historic city. But if you want to explore more of Italy, there are plenty of great day trips from Rome that are worth checking out.
1. The Colosseum – This ancient Roman amphitheater is a must-see for any history lover. It’s located just a short train ride away from Rome and is well worth a visit.
2. Vatican City – Home to the Catholic Church and some of the most beautiful churches in the world, Vatican City is a fascinating place to visit. You can easily spend a day exploring its many attractions.
3. Pompeii – If you’re interested in history, then Pompeii is a place you’ll want to check out. This ancient town was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD but has been excavated and restored so that visitors can now see what it looked like before it was destroyed. It’s an interesting look into Roman life and culture.
2. Naples Day Trips
Naples is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. But if you’re looking to explore more of Italy, there are plenty of great day trips from Naples that are worth checking out.
1. Pompeii – As mentioned before, Pompeii is an interesting look into Roman life and culture. It’s located just a short train ride away from Naples and is well worth a visit.
2. Amalfi Coast – This stunning coastal town is a popular tourist destination for good reason. With its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters, it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area.
3. Mount Vesuvius – If you’re interested in history or volcanoes, then Mount Vesuvius is worth a visit. You can hike up to the summit for some amazing views of the surrounding area.
3. Venice Day Trips
Venice is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world, and there is no shortage of things to see and do. While a gondola ride through the canals is a must-do for any visitor, many great day trips are worth taking. Here are three of the best:
1. Murano – Just a short boat ride from Venice, Murano is famed for its glassmaking. Visitors can watch artisans at work in the many glass factories, and there are also some great shops where you can buy Murano glass as a souvenir.
2. The Veneto Region – For visitors who want to explore beyond Venice, the Veneto region offers much to see and do. From the Palladian villas to the prosecco vineyards, there is plenty to keep you busy for a day or two.
3. Lake Garda – Lake Garda is one of the most popular day trips from Venice, and it’s easy to see why. With its turquoise waters and picturesque villages, it’s the perfect place to relax for a day or two. There are also many great hiking and cycling trails in the area if you’re looking for something more active.
4. Amalfi Coast Day Trips
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, and it’s easy to see why. The area is home to breathtaking scenery, quaint villages, and incredible food. Some great day trips can be taken from the coast. Here are three of the best:
1. The Island of Capri – Just a short ferry ride from the mainland, Capri is a world unto itself, with chic shops and cafes, luxurious hotels, and breathtaking views.
2. Positano – The town of Positano, where colorful houses cling to cliff sides overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Take a dip in the azure waters, explore the town’s winding streets, or simply enjoy a leisurely lunch with a view.
3. Pompeii – This ancient city was famously destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD but has since been preserved as an archaeological site. Spend a day exploring Pompeii’s ruins and getting a taste of life in Roman times.
5. Milan Day Trips
Milan is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. But if you’re looking to explore more of Italy, there are plenty of great day trips from Milan that are worth checking out. Here are three of the best:
1. Lake Como – A short drive from Milan, the lakes offer some stunning scenery and a peaceful respite from the city. There are many towns and villages around the lakes to explore, each with its unique charm.
2. Florence – One of Italy’s most famous cities, Florence is home to some of the world’s most iconic architecture and artworks. It’s well worth spending a day or two exploring this historic city.
3. Cinque Terre – This picturesque area is made up of five villages perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. With its dramatic coastline and charming villages, it’s a must-see for any visitor to Italy.
6. Florence Day Trips
Florence is a beautiful city in central Italy that’s well worth a visit. But if you’re looking to explore more of the country, there are plenty of great day trips from Florence that are worth checking out. Here are three of the best:
1. Siena – Just a short drive from Florence, Siena is a beautiful city with its unique history and culture. It’s well worth spending a day exploring.
2. Pisa – The city of Pisa is home to the world-famous Leaning Tower. But there’s more to see than just that, including the Cathedral, Baptistery, and Campo dei Miracoli.
3. Lucca – This charming town is located just a short drive from Florence. It’s known for its well-preserved medieval city walls, which you can walk or cycle around. There’s also lovely Tuscan countryside to explore.
7. Cinque Terre Day Trips
The Cinque Terre is a picturesque area made up of five villages perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. With its dramatic coastline and charming villages, it’s a must-see for any visitor to Italy. But if you’re looking to explore more of this beautiful region, there are plenty of great day trips from the Cinque Terre that are worth checking out. Here are three of the best:
1. The Island of Capri – Just a short ferry ride from the mainland, Capri is a world unto itself, with chic shops and cafes, luxurious hotels, and breathtaking views.
2. Positano – The town of Positano, where colorful houses cling to cliff sides overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Take a dip in the azure waters, explore the town’s winding streets, or simply enjoy a leisurely lunch with a view.
3. Pompeii – This ancient city was famously destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD but has since been preserved as an archaeological site. Spend a day exploring Pompeii’s ruins and getting a taste of life in Roman times.
8. Lucca Day Trips
Lucca is a beautiful city located in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is known for its well-preserved medieval city walls, which are 4 kilometers long and have been protecting the city since the 13th century.
Lucca is also home to many historical churches and palaces, as well as numerous parks and gardens. Visitors to Lucca can enjoy exploring the city’s rich history and culture or take a day trip to one of the nearby towns or villages.
Some of the best day trips from Lucca include visiting the hill town of Pisa, exploring the wine country of Chianti, or taking a hike in the Tuscan countryside. No matter what you choose to do, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this charming Italian city.
9. Sicily Day Trips
Sicily is a large island off the southern tip of Italy. It is home to a wide variety of landscapes, from sandy beaches to volcanic mountains. With so much to see, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are three of the best day trips from Sicily:
1. Taormina. This picturesque town is located on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is home to several interesting historical sites, including an ancient Greek theatre and an 18th-century Spanish fortress. Taormina is also a great place to enjoy Sicilian food and wine.
2. Mount Etna. Mount Etna is Europe’s tallest active volcano. You can take a cable car to the top, or hike up one of the many trails. On a clear day, you can even see Malta from the summit.
3. Syracuse. Syracuse was once one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved Greek ruins. The city also has a lovely medieval center and a beautiful harborfront location.
10. Turin Day Trips
There are many great day trips to take from Turin. Three of the best include visiting Lake Orta, exploring the medieval town of Ivrea, and taking a cable car up to the rooftop of Europe at the Gran Paradiso National Park.
1. Lake Orta – This is a beautiful lake located just outside of Turin. The water is clean and clear, and there are many lovely walks to take around the lake.
2. Ivrea – This is a medieval town located about an hour from Turin. The streets are lined with beautiful old buildings, and there are many great shops and restaurants to explore. Ivrea is also home to a large castle, which is well worth a visit.
3. The Gran Paradiso National Park – This Park is located in the Alps, just a few hours from Turin. The park is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Europe. There are many great hiking trails to explore, and the views from the top of the cable car are simply incredible.
11. Verona Day Trips
Verona is a beautiful city in Italy that is teeming with history and culture. It is also the perfect base for exploring some of the country’s most stunning regions. Here are three of the best day trips from Verona.
Firstly, Lake Garda is only a short drive from the city and is well worth a visit. The largest lake in Italy, it is unsurprisingly incredibly popular with tourists. However, there are plenty of quiet corners to be found if you know where to look.
Secondly, the city of Mantua is just over an hour away from Verona and makes for a great day trip. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mantua is steeped in history. Its medieval center is particularly atmospheric and is home to numerous palaces, churches, and museums. Finally, no trip to Verona would be complete without visiting the iconic city of Venice. Although it can be crowded, Venice is an absolute must-see destination.
12. Bologna Day Trips
Bologna is a charming city in Northern Italy with a rich history and culture. The city is home to many beautiful medieval buildings, as well as a lively food scene. While Bologna is worth exploring on its own, there are also many great day trips to take from the city. Here are three of the best:
1. Parma – Just an hour away from Bologna by train, Parma is home to some of Italy’s best food and wine. The city is known for its delicious Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma ham, as well as its vintage balsamic vinegar.
2. Modena – Another city with a reputation for excellent food and drink, Modena is just over an hour from Bologna by train. Modena is known for its traditional balsamic vinegar, as well as its Ferrari museum.
3. Ravenna – Ravenna is a picturesque city located about two hours from Bologna by train. The city was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, and it’s full of beautiful mosaics from that period. Ravenna is also home to many parks and gardens, making it a great place to relax on a sunny day.
In Conclusion
Many great day trips can be taken from Italian cities. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, enjoying the beautiful scenery, or indulging in some of the best food and wine in the world, there’s sure to be a destination that’s perfect for you. So get out there and start exploring!
