I have some open space in my itinerary on Sunday and wondered if there's someplace not too far from Rome which would be a great town to visit and see a different side of the region. Any suggestions are welcome.
I cannot recommend Orvieto enough. It was one of the best days we spent in Italy. You take a funiculur up to this beautiful walled town, cobblestone streets, beautiful duomo,excellent meal for lunch (perhaps one of our best). We also did the underground tour which was neat. The views from up there are unbeatable! About 90 minutes by train. It was awesome! I would be happy to provide more details if you are interested.
It is not a true day trip but Sunday is always a great day to see the Appian Way because traffic is limited on Sunday. Does have an open country feeling in many parts. And the catacombs are interesting. Rent a bike and ride a couple of miles.
Frascati is a nice day trip, as well as the cities mentioned.
Appian Way (Appia Antica) definitely! That's one of my favorite destinations from Rome.
Another vote for the Appia Antica (Appian Way)! That was the very best day we've yet to spend in Rome
Tivoli with the wonderful ruins of villa Adriana (this where 'heaven' in Angels in America broadcast was filmed) and the Villa d'Este gardens is a great choice. Another obvious one is Ostia Antica which is reached on Rome public transport; make sure you take your own map/guide materials as like Pompeii which it resembles it is poorly signed. Orvieto is great too -- the Cathedral is quite something and the tours of the underground tuffa caves are interesting. Or rent a car for the day and go to Tarquinia and Cervetari which are two Etruscan tomb sites north of Rome which are dramatically different from each other; this one is very interesting. (obviously check any of these for Sunday hours )
Pompeii? It would be a long day but I remember visiting there as a day trip from Rome many years ago.
The Appia antica's not outside Rome at all, actually. It's a marvelous park within the city itself…
Very true but out near Casal Rotondo or so, it doesn't feel like being 'in' Rome. More like a walk in the countryside.
Instead of Pompeii, you could visit Ostia Antica - Rome's ancient seaport. It's an easy train ride from Rome and well-preserved.