One night trips from Rome

In summer, I think only in August, the gardens at Villa d’Este in Tivoli are lighted some nights. Lovely to go up there in late afternoon then after dinner, wander the lighted gardens.

Florence is a fine idea, but hot and crowded as is Rome if you are there in summer. Do you love art? Otherwise, it is just a change of venue. Instead, consider Frascati or the seaside beach town of Sperlonga, but not in a weekend.

Michelle, I love the old part of Orvieto, just a 70 minute train ride from Rome, then up a funicular from the train station to the old city. Lots to see and do for a small town. Wonderful cathedral, with a gorgeous facade, especially in the late afternoon light. Underground tours. Walls to climb, town tower, a number of fine restaurants and shops.

I like Orvieto a lot. It seems very popular with Italian as well as foreign visitors, so I think it may be a bit less crowded on weekdays.

Two easy destinations within 1.5 hours of Rome are Florence and Orvieto. Within 2.5 hours of Rome you could visit Pompeii, Montepulciano, Assisi or Bologna. Your post suggests an interest in more popular destinations, which is why I mention those. It will be easier to suggest hotels and transportation options once you narrow down your choices.

We did an overnight trip to Orvieto from Rome. We appreciated that we could spend most of the day in Orvieto not on the train. We enjoyed our day trip to Ostia Antica- great sites, cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.