Rome has long been the stuff of artistic dreams, and its magnetic pull is as strong as ever—especially in this Jubilee year. Celebrated until January 6, 2026, the Jubilee is a major event in the Catholic calendar, occurring every 25 years. This edition is expected to draw an astounding 30 million visitors—more than twice the city's usual annual influx.

But don't worry—there’s an easy escape. The Lazio region is brimming with hidden gems, making for great day trips from Rome, many just an hour away by train from the city's central station. With over 480,000 passengers passing through its 32 platforms daily, Roma Termini is a gateway to so many possibilities. If you're craving a change of pace or a break from the tourist-packed streets, consider a quick day trip to one of these destinations.

Frascati, a Cornucopia of Wines

Today, this picturesque town of 21,000 residents is perfect to explore on foot, exuding an old-world charm where life moves at an unhurried pace. Ease into the rhythm by claiming a spot on a sun-dappled square and savoring a chilled glass of Frascati—the local white wine.

As you wander through town, you’ll encounter the Cattedrale di San Pietro Apostolo on the main square. Its late-17th-century Baroque façade remarkably survived the devastating bombings of 1943, even as much of the cathedral’s interior was destroyed. A short walk away, the Torre San Rocco, a 14th-century bell tower, offers a glimpse into the town’s medieval past.

Frascati’s crown jewel, however, is Villa Aldobrandini. Built in the early 1600s, this princely residence overlooks the town, with elegant gardens, cascading fountains, and man-made waterfalls. The villa once hosted renowned guests, including Goethe, who was so taken with the view that he kept a painting of it in the room where he later died in Weimar. While the villa itself remains a private residence, the gardens are open to the public—an ideal spot for a tranquil escape.

As the sun sets, take in the view of Rome’s distant hills from the panoramic terrace. In that golden light, with the Eternal City on the horizon, you may feel as if you have the world to yourself.

Where to Eat

When in the city or taking a day trip from Rome, it's a joy to rediscover Roman cuisine in all its flavorful rusticity: amatriciana, carbonara, cacio e pepe for primi, followed by coda alla vaccinara, saltimbocca alla romana for secondi (to name but a few from the array of specialties). Our top tip would be to have a focaccia with mortadella for lunch (the local snack par excellence) and indulge in some nostalgic jam tarts at Forno Molinari.

For dinner, you can opt for the traditional, family-style cooking Cacciani, which has been run by the same family for over a century and affords lovely panoramic views. Alternatively, head to the innovative ConTatto, where regional dishes are given intelligent new twists by the couple in charge (Luca, in the kitchen, and Lorena, front of house). They also make use of the premises' natural cellar (a 170m-long tufa-rock cave!) for producing, preserving and maturing produce and ingredients.

Tivoli, Poetic Gardens and Romantic Villas

Tivoli's rich heritage is a gift for the curious traveler: Hadrian's Villa, an imposing 200ha complex, is a feast for the eyes and the perfect spot for quiet contemplation; 17C Villa d'Este, built on the whim of a cardinal and governor of the time, Ippolito d'Este, is a master class in Renaissance aesthetics with its dream-like garden, whose fountains inspired the composer Franz Liszt to compose Les Jeux d'Eau à la Villa d'Este (The Fountains at Villa d'Este); and Villa Gregoriana, with its romantic gardens featuring natural grottoes, waterfalls and ruins, commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI.

If you still have time left in your itinerary to go back to Ancient times, don't miss the impressive Sanctuary of Hercules Victor and the Temple of the Sibyl and Temple of Vesta, movingly tangible testaments to the epic scale of Antiquity. Throughout these excursions, you'll be treated to stunning landscapes and leafy settings.

Where to Eat

In his trattoria not far from Villa d'Este and Villa Gregoriana, chef Adriano Baldassarre serves up cuisine that expresses his commitment to promoting local ingredients and regional dishes, celebrating cucina povera and restoring it to its rightful place. At Li Somari, his philosophy gives rise to a brand of cooking that is dynamic, life-affirming, and rooted in the surrounding land.

At the foot of the Temple of Vesta, you can dine at Sibilla, a lovely family-run restaurant that has been going for 300 years and counting. The food is regional, although there are also some fish dishes, and the inviting space has seen many a prestigious guest pass through its doors—from Yoko Ono and Princess Margaret to Emperor Hirohito and Neil Armstrong.

Castel Gandolfo, Summer Residence of the Popes

Where to Eat

The other attraction of this tiny village is, of course, its lake, lying just below. The deep blue waters of Lake Albano reflect the ochre light of Lazio, making its shores a pleasant setting for a stroll and a pause by the pontoons. Drink in the view of this landscape from Antico Ristorante Pagnanelli, which has been in business since 1882. Here, fish and meat are allied with citrus fruits and wild herbs from the region in refined, elegant recipes. It is also well worth taking a look around the wine cellars, which are hewn out of the rock.

Another option is to take the bus or a taxi a couple of miles further out to the town of Ariccia to dine at Sintesi (One MICHELIN Star). Here, a culinary vision that is both technical and conceptual brings out the flavors of carefully selected local ingredients.

Gaeta, By the Water's Edge

As you meander, you'll come across an Angevin-Aragonese castle, a Roman mausoleum, and churches in a variety of architectural styles. The Sanctuary of the Most Holy Trinity, founded in the 11th century on Montagna Spaccata ("Split Mountain"), is not to be missed. The view of the cliffs from this verdant valley is as impressive as the legend related to the site, which has it that at the death of Christ, Gaeta was struck by a wind blowing from Jerusalem, creating a deep crack in the rock of the grotto. Centuries later, after a church had been built over the grotto, a Turkish traveler, puzzled by the legend, laid his hand on the stone. The softened stone sank in easily, leaving a mark that is still clearly visible today.

Where to Eat

There's no shortage of culinary specialties in Gaeta. The town is renowned for its delicious olives, but also its tiella, a pie filled with a mixture of ricotta and spinach, or octopus in tomato sauce—reminiscent of the famous tielles from Sète, France. Allegedly, Italian immigration brought this recipe to the south of France. The tielle at Antico Forno Giordano are a particularly delicious snack on the go. Take the opportunity to check out Dolia Gaeta, an upscale and elegant new restaurant serving modern, creative cuisine with an emphasis on fish.

Around Rome, a History Buff's Dream

After a busy day in Gaeta, you can return to Rome and ride the wave of the Jubilee, or stay overnight to make the most of sundown over the Mediterranean. In summer, the Grand Hotel Le Rocce, four miles from the center, is an appealing prospect, with its exceptional view over the crystal-clear water.

You can also keep the adventure going with a 20 minute bus ride to get to Sperlonga, home to the villa of Emperor Tiberius—either for a day at the beach or to visit impressive remains for history buffs and art lovers alike. Indeed, in the Grotto of Tiberius, groups of statues depicting episodes from Homer's Odyssey, dating back to the era before Christ, were discovered in 1957. These statues remain on display in the town's museum. Consider it a brief foray into a world of myth and legend before returning to Rome.

Address Book for Day Trips From Rome:

Frascati

Cattedrale di San Pietro Apostolo, Piazza San Pietro, 2, 00044 Frascati RM
Torre San Rocco, Via Vardesca, 7, 00044 Frascati RM
Villa Aldobrandini, Via Cardinal Massaia, 18, 00044 Frascati RM
Forno Molinari, Corso S. Giuseppe Calasanzio, 8, 00044 Frascati RM

Tivoli

Hadrian's Villa, Largo Marguerite Yourcenar, 1, 00010 Tivoli RM
Villa d'Este, Piazza Trento, 5, 00019 Tivoli RM
Villa Gregoriana, Largo Sant'Angelo, 1, 00019 Tivoli RM
Sanctuary of Hercules Victor, Via degli Stabilimenti, 5, 00019 Tivoli RM
Temple of the Sibyl, Via della Sibilla, 0019 Tivoli RM
Temple of Vesta, 00019 Tivoli RM

Castel Gandolfo

Gaeta

Sperlonga

Hero image: A window offers a breathtaking view of Lake Albano. (©Fabianodp/iStock)

Related Articles: 

• Browse our Rome Travel Guide
• Europe in Spring: 8 Beach Destinations - and Where to Eat
• Rome’s Top Rooftop Bars for Stunning Views and Sips