Summer Day Trips from Rome: Hill Towns, Lakes & Wine by Train

Rome is magical in summer, but even the Eternal City can feel a little too eternal when the temperatures rise. The good news? In under an hour or two by train, you can be swimming in a volcanic lake, sipping white wine in a shaded vineyard, or exploring a medieval village where the only crowds are local cats.

Castel Gandolfo & Lake Albano

Here are five easy, car-free day trips from Rome perfect for hot summer days — all accessible by train.

🌳 1. Castel Gandolfo & Lake Albano

Why go: Papal gardens, a deep-blue crater lake, and a breezy lakeside promenade.

What to do:

• Visit the Apostolic Palace and Barberini Gardens

• Rent a paddle boat or swim in Lake Albano

• Have lunch at a lakeside trattoria

Getting there:

• Train from Roma Termini to Castel Gandolfo (~45 min)

• Walk from station into town

  
  

🍷 2. Frascati

Why go: Wine, shade, and laid-back Roman countryside.

What to do:

• Enjoy wine tastings and porchetta at local fraschette

• Walk through the gardens of Villa Aldobrandini

• Take in sweeping views back toward Rome

Getting there:

• Train from Roma Termini to Frascati (~30 min)

• Everything is walkable from the station

  
  

🌊 3. Lake Bracciano

Why go: Swimming, paddleboarding, castle views, and uncrowded beaches.

What to do:

• Visit Castello Orsini-Odescalchi

• Swim at Spiaggia dei Gabbiani or Lido dei Pini

• Enjoy an aperitivo in Anguillara or Trevignano

Getting there:

• Train from Roma Tiburtina to Bracciano (~1 hr 10 min)

🏛️ 4. Tivoli

Why go: Roman ruins and Renaissance gardens — cooler and greener than the city.

What to do:

• Explore Villa d’Este and its fountains

• Wander through Villa Adriana, Hadrian’s sprawling retreat

• Stroll the shaded lanes of the historic town

Getting there:

• Train from Roma Tiburtina to Tivoli (~1 hr)

• Short walk or bus to the villas

  

  Fountain of Neptune, Villa D'Este, Tivoli

  
  

🏰 5. Viterbo

Why go: A medieval town with spa traditions, historic piazzas, and a totally local feel.

What to do:

• Visit the San Pellegrino quarter and Palazzo dei Papi

• Relax at Bagnaccio thermal springs or a nearby spa

• Try hazelnut gelato — it’s a local specialty!

Getting there:

• Train from Roma Ostiense or Valle Aurelia to Viterbo (~1 hr 45 min)

  
  

🚆 Travel Tips for Rome Day Trips

• Trains are frequent and don’t require advance booking

• Leave early and return before dark for the most comfortable temperatures

• Bring: swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen, refillable water bottle

• Check return train times before heading out

  
  

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