Rome is truly a marvel, especially with the Jubilee year extending into early 2026, drawing an estimated 30 million visitors. It’s an incredible time to experience the city, but I also know how quickly the crowds can feel overwhelming. Luckily, the Lazio region surrounding Rome is just brimming with places to escape to, many easily reachable by train. Roma Termini station is a fantastic jumping-off point for these adventures, and I found that taking a day trip or two was the perfect way to balance the excitement of the city with some tranquil exploration. These weren’t just quick stops; they were full experiences that offered a different, often more intimate, perspective on Italian life and history.
Discovering Lazio’s Charms
Escape to Frascati
Just about 30 minutes from Rome by regional train, Frascati feels like stepping back in time. It’s nestled in the Castelli Romani area and has a history tied to the Vatican, even producing a few popes. Legend says it was founded as “Tusculum” by Telegonus, son of Odysseus and Circe, which adds a mythical layer to its already charming atmosphere.
The town itself is small enough to explore on foot, and life here moves at a wonderfully unhurried pace. I loved finding a spot in one of the sun-drenched piazzas with a chilled glass of the local white wine, aptly named Frascati. It’s the perfect way to truly relax and soak in the surroundings.
What is Frascati famous for
The town is a well-known wine region, particularly for its crisp white wine.
One of the main sights is the San Pietro Apostolo Cathedral. Its Baroque facade is quite striking and remarkably survived the bombings of 1943, though much of the interior was damaged. Nearby, the Torre San Rocco, a 14th-century bell tower, offers a glimpse into the medieval past and is worth seeking out as you wander.
The absolute highlight for me, however, was Villa Aldobrandini. This early 17th-century villa overlooks the town from its elevated position. The gardens are simply stunning, with elegant landscaping, fountains, and even man-made waterfalls. It’s said that Goethe was so inspired by the view that he kept a painting of it with him. While the villa is private, the gardens are open to the public and provide an ideal spot for a peaceful escape. Standing on the panoramic terrace as the sun began to set, with Rome visible in the distance, felt incredibly special.
A Taste of Roman Cuisine
Whether you’re in Rome or exploring the surrounding towns, the food is always an adventure. I made it a point to try some of the classic Roman pasta dishes like amatriciana, carbonara, and cacio e pepe. For main courses, dishes like coda alla vaccinara (braised oxtail) and saltimbocca alla romana are local specialties.
For a casual lunch, you can’t go wrong with a simple focaccia topped with mortadella. It’s a local favorite and incredibly satisfying. And for a sweet finish, I found some delightful jam tarts at Forno Molinari that felt like a comforting blast from the past.
Where to find authentic meals
For dinner, Cacciani offers traditional, family-style cooking. It’s been run by the same family for over a century and boasts lovely panoramic views, making for a memorable dining experience.
Alternatively, ConTatto offers a more contemporary approach. Here, regional dishes are reimagined with creative twists by the chef and his partner who manages the front of house. They also utilize an impressive natural cellar, a 170-meter-long tufa-rock cave, for producing and aging ingredients, which is quite unique.
Exploring Tivoli’s Wonders
Historical Haunts and Gardens
Just a 35-minute train ride from Roma Termini brings you to Tivoli. It’s a place that truly comes alive in the spring and offers a serene contrast to the busy Jubilee celebrations in Rome. This city was once a rival to Rome itself, a center of power dating back to Virgil’s time, and it was a favorite retreat for emperors like Augustus and Hadrian.
Tivoli is home to not one, but two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este. Hadrian’s Villa is an enormous complex, covering 200 hectares, and it’s a place where you can easily spend hours wandering and contemplating its history. It truly feels like stepping into the past.
What to see in Tivoli
The 17th-century Villa d’Este is a masterpiece of Renaissance design. Its garden, with its spectacular fountains, must have been incredibly inspiring. It’s said to have influenced Franz Liszt’s composition, “Les Jeux d’Eau à la Villa d’Este.” The sheer artistry and ingenuity behind the water features are breathtaking.
Another must-visit is Villa Gregoriana. This villa features romantic gardens with natural grottoes, waterfalls, and ancient ruins, all commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI. It feels like a hidden, almost magical, landscape. If you’re a history enthusiast, Tivoli also offers tangible links to antiquity with the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor and the Temple of the Sibyl and Temple of Vesta. These sites offer a profound sense of connection to the epic scale of the Roman Empire.
Dining in Tivoli
Near Villa d’Este and Villa Gregoriana, you can find Chef Adriano Baldassarre at his trattoria. His cooking is all about celebrating local ingredients and regional dishes, bringing the concept of ‘cucina povera’ (peasant cooking) to its rightful, elevated place. His dishes are dynamic and deeply connected to the surrounding land.
Another excellent option is Sibilla, a charming family-run restaurant situated at the foot of the Temple of Vesta. It has a history spanning 300 years, and the food is traditional regional fare, with some delightful fish dishes also on offer. The inviting atmosphere has hosted a remarkable array of guests over the years, from Yoko Ono to Neil Armstrong.
Castel Gandolfo’s Papal Retreat
Summer Residence of Popes
About 40 minutes south of Rome, Castel Gandolfo offers a completely different kind of historical experience. This town is famous as the historical retreat and summer residence of the popes since 1620. The estate, dating back to the 12th century, encompasses the Papal Palace, Villa Barberini, Villa Cybo, and the Vatican Observatory.
Visiting the Pontifical Villas here is a chance to explore magnificent gardens filled with aromatic olive trees and iconic stone pines. It’s a wonderful way to escape the summer heat of Rome and discover historical ruins.
What to expect at Papal Palace
During a tour of the Papal Palace, you can see the private rooms the popes used, admire their portraits, and even get a glimpse of an impressive collection of popemobiles. It offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the pontiffs outside of their official duties.
The nearby Lake Albano adds to the charm of Castel Gandolfo. Its deep blue waters reflect the characteristic ochre light of Lazio, making the shores a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.
Waterside Dining
For a meal with a view, Antico Ristorante Pagnanelli, operating since 1882, is a fantastic choice. They serve refined and elegant dishes that pair local ingredients, like fish and meat, with citrus fruits and wild herbs from the region. The restaurant also boasts impressive wine cellars carved directly into the rock.
If you’re willing to travel a couple of miles further to the town of Ariccia, Sintesi is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a modern, conceptual culinary experience. They focus on bringing out the best flavors of carefully selected local ingredients, presenting dishes that are both technically brilliant and deeply satisfying. It’s a great option for a special meal.
Gaeta’s Coastal History
A Seaside Gem
It takes about an hour and a half by train to reach Gaeta, a picturesque town situated on the water, marking the edge of Campania. It’s an ideal destination for relaxation after the intensity of Rome, offering a chance to immerse yourself in history against a beautiful coastal backdrop.
Gaeta has a rich and complex past, shaped by Saracen attacks, periods of independence, and Byzantine and Norman rule. As you explore, you’ll encounter an Angevin-Aragonese castle, a Roman mausoleum, and churches showcasing various architectural styles. It’s a layered history that unfolds as you walk through the town.
Exploring Gaeta’s landmarks
A highlight is the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Trinity, founded in the 11th century atop Montagna Spaccata, or “Split Mountain.” The natural formation of the split rock is dramatic, and the legend associated with it—that the rock split at the moment of Christ’s death when a wind from Jerusalem blew through it—adds a mystical dimension. The story of a Turkish traveler testing the legend and leaving a visible mark on the stone is still palpable today.
The views of the cliffs from this verdant valley are quite spectacular. It’s a place where natural beauty intertwines with profound history and compelling legends, offering a truly unique experience.
Culinary Delights of Gaeta
Gaeta is celebrated for its culinary specialties, including its delicious olives. But what really stands out is the ‘tiella,’ a savory pie. It can be filled with ricotta and spinach, or with octopus in a tomato sauce. This dish is said to have inspired the famous ‘tielle’ from Sète in France, supposedly brought there by Italian immigrants.
For a quick and tasty bite, the tiella from Antico Forno Giordano dal 1890 is highly recommended. If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, Dolia Gaeta is a newer, elegant restaurant. They serve modern, creative cuisine with a strong emphasis on fresh fish, offering bright and aromatic dishes that showcase the best of the local sea.
Sperlonga and Ancient Echoes
History and Beaches Combined
After a day exploring Gaeta, you can either return to Rome or choose to stay overnight and enjoy the Mediterranean sundown. For those who love to keep adventuring, a short 20-minute bus ride from Gaeta brings you to Sperlonga. This charming coastal town offers a fantastic combination of beach relaxation and significant historical exploration.
Sperlonga is famous for being the site of Emperor Tiberius’s villa. The archaeological remains are impressive and provide a fascinating glimpse into Roman imperial life. For history buffs and art lovers, this is a truly rewarding destination.
Discovering the Grotto of Tiberius
The most striking discovery was made in 1957 within the Grotto of Tiberius: groups of statues depicting scenes from Homer’s Odyssey, dating back to before Christ. These incredible statues are now displayed in the town’s museum, allowing you to step directly into a world of ancient myth and legend. It felt like a brief, but powerful, journey into classical antiquity before heading back to Rome.
The beauty of these excursions is how many layers of history and experience they offer, all within easy reach of the capital. Each location provides a distinct flavor of Lazio, from vineyard towns to imperial retreats and coastal havens. When planning a trip to Rome in 2026, I highly recommend carving out time for these side trips; they truly enrich the Italian experience.
Exploring these places around Rome with my family provided such wonderful memories. From seeing Lily’s excitement at the fountains in Tivoli to Ethan’s fascination with the ancient ruins, it was a trip filled with discovery for all of us.