Rome, Italy is a destination in itself, littered with ancient ruins, countless landmarks and limitless beauty in its architecture, churches and people. You could spend days doing the typical tourist stuff-sitting in a piazza with an Aperol Spritz in hand, eating gelato or exploring the city's ancient streets.
On the flip side, Rome is also a great starting point for numerous day trips in the area. A few days-or even a week-in Rome is great, but why not explore the not-so-obvious sights nearby?
Capri, Italy
Capri sits prominently off the coast of Naples, offering unbelievable views of the Bay of Naples, Ischia, and itself. This simple island hosts two towns-Capri and Anacapri, the latter of which offers unbelievable views of Capri below and the surrounding waters and lands.
The island of Capri is well worth a day's visit just for the scenery alone, but you'll also find a beautiful beach, limo taxi-cabs, upscale shopping and plenty of high-quality restaurants for an unforgettable meal.
Pompeii
No visit to Rome would be complete without a stop in Pompeii, an ancient city buried in ash from a volcanic eruption during 79 A.D. The city's tragedy is now a famous tourist attraction as the well-preserved town looks much like it did more than a thousand years ago.
Walk through the ancient streets and see exactly where people worked and lived. Don't forget to check out the famous death casts, which add a human element to this historic site.
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Tuscany
If you're not visiting Florence or Tuscany already, you should definitely plan to spend a day among its rolling hills, olive trees and wineries. Tuscany is home to some of the world's most beautiful scenery, as well as famous cities like San Gimignano and Siena.
You can rent a car and explore the area on your own, or book a day trip through a company like Walks of Italy. Either way, you're bound to enjoy yourself whether you choose to indulge in local wines and cheeses, taste locally-made olive oil or explore some of the area's historic towns and villages.
Ostia Antica
Ostia Antica was once Rome's seaport and is now a famous tourist attraction that looks back on ancient Roman life. Tourists flock to Ostia to see its preserved apartment buildings, cobblestone streets and homes decorated with rich marble.
Fortunately, Ostia Antica is just a 45-minute train ride from the city center of Rome.
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Amalfi Coast
Italy's Amalfi Coast includes a number of small towns and villages perched above the Mediterranean Sea. The area offers stunning views of dramatic cliffsides, picturesque towns and mountaintop villas.
Popular Amalfi Coast towns include Positano and, of course, Sorrento, both of which offer beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water, plenty of upscale dining and hotels, along with unbelievable views of one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.
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