Day trips from Rome?

A little west of the city center, consider a visit to the Ancient Roman ruins at Ostia Antica, easily reached by train. If you don't make it to Pompeii farther south (or even if you do), at Ostia you'll see an old theater, marvelous mosaic tiled floors, a multi-seat public Roman toilet, a bakery with grinding mills, and more. It will involve some walking to tour this former Roman sea port.

I have the same excitement when planning a trip, I spend way too much time googling images of places I want to visit.

You could go to one of the Castelli Romani for the day: Frascati (check in advance to see if the gardens are open), or Castelgandolfo, or Bolsena. All these towns are near Rome and have scenic appeal (Bolsena has the largest volcanic crater lake in Italy, I believe, and the best gelato in the world in a little artigianal shop on via Santa Cristina). Castelgandolfo is the Papal summer residence, but Francis does not go there much (to the consternation of the residents who rely on papal-related tourism).

These places are at least half-day trips; even Villa Adriana and Villa d'Este, if combined, are about a full day.

You could always plan for a walking tour (self-guided) in some part of Rome. Other options, depending on the weather, would be a visit to Ostia Antica (which is actually within the city limits of Rome, as we've learned) or to Orvieto.

Well Sonja, I don't where else in Italy you will be visiting, or for how long, or the particular interests of yourself and your birthday boy, but there are certainly neighborhoods in Rome suitable for strolling around on an unplanned day. I just purchased from Amazon.com an inexpensive book published by National Geographic called "Waking Rome: The Best of the City". It is a series of walks around the neighborhoods of Rome, with street maps, etc. Lots of people recommend Ostica Antica, an ancient town in ruins which is actually within the city of Rome, but a train ride of 30 minutes or more from downtown. My own pick for a day trip would definitely be Orvieto, which is in Umbria. It is a 70-minute train ride from Termini in Rome. Right by the station in Orvieto, there is a funicular up to the beautiful old hill town, with small lanes and piazzas, many sites for a small town, including a Duomo with an absolutely beautiful facade and the Signorelli Chapel inside. Also a town tower to climb for views, an underground tour, and plenty of excellent shops and restaurants. While late March should not be too busy there, in terms of tourists, I still recommend staying into the evening, for a fine and reasonably priced dinner, and some wandering through the darkened town, with the Duomo and some other sites illuminated. One of my favorites spots in all of Italy, and certainly a contrast from the hustle bustle and fast pace in Rome.

Sonja,

You've received great ideas for your "free" day in Rome.

Happy birthday to your hubby & have a great trip!

FYI: Ostica Antica is closed on Mondays, just so you know...

It is highly unlikely that you will have exhausted Rome in your "set plans" days. Our first priority outside Rome was the Villa d'Este in Tivoli. It's entirely practical by suburban bus or train (Rome Metro to the bus station), with plenty of web pages discussing the outing, including Rick Steves. The fountains there are often considered romantic, so it's an "Anniversary" outing. You could have lunch in Tivoli town.

We day-tripped to Villa d'Este in Tivoli and found it to be a lovely break from the city. We spent a few days in Orvieto as another stop on our honeymoon; absolutely loved it. I believe several travelers see it as a day-trip from Rome as well and thoroughly enjoy it that way.

Thanks so much everyone for your great suggestions! I do really like the idea of going to Orvieto. Checking out Ostia Antica can't happen since our "day off" is on a Monday. I know there would be plenty more to see and do in Rome, but just thought it might be fun to venture out for a few hours. But whether we go out or stay in the city, I'm sure we'll see some beautiful sites.

Essentially, I'll leave it up to my husband to decide, since it's his "day"! :)