All roads lead to Rome - no one needs to be told this, this ancient cliché that resonates to this day, everyone already knows. The countless tourists who visit the Italian capital every year prove that there is no limit to what the most classic Rome and Atria can give to everyone.
However, if you are already on a trip to Rome, whether it's your first time or you've already visited the city several times - who said you have to focus only on the classic sites at the center, known for being crowded and commercial? Why don't you get out of the heart of the capital, which is admittedly a bit worn out, and organize day trips for yourself and your family to the more specialized areas and sites, which are all within a driving distance of between a single hour's drive and a few hours on the way? There is no reason why you should limit yourself to just the touristy areas in the center of Rome. Here are 8 great destinations in the Lazio region, where Rome is located.
The coastal town of Ostia, which is considered a satellite of Rome (a journey of around 45 minutes from the capital) and features a bright beach, that is usually full of visitors in summer, is found at the estuary of the Tiber and the Tyrrhenian Sea. But the reason to come here is to explore the ancient city of Ostia Antica, built in the fourth century BC, which was an essential port for the Roman Empire. Currently, Ostia Antica is the second-largest archeological site in Italy after Pompeii - and a visit there will grant you an astonishing image of how life was in the times of the Roman Empire. 
About 20 kilometers southeast of Rome (about 40 minutes drive from the city center) you will find the magical town of Frascati, which in the distant past was considered one of the most important Roman towns in the Alban Hills region. Today it is a place full of picturesque charm that will capture your heart, and you will get to see many villas, vacation homes, and classic buildings belonging to old noble families. All of these date from the 16th and 17th centuries and are located in green, well-kept, and blooming parks and gardens; The two central points of Frascati are Piazza Roma and Piazza Marconi, adjacent to each other, with the beautiful gardens of Villa Torlonia located to the south, and above the southeast side of Piazza Marconi stands Villa Aldobrandini, at the foot of which is a spacious park full of caves, fountains, and ornamental waterfalls.
Outside the center of Frascati, you will find the wonderful Villa Falconiari, whose picturesque gardens were designed by the renowned 17th-century Italian architect Francesco Borromini.
North of Rome sits another ancient and eye-catching town, founded by the Etruscan culture that ruled the region before the formation of the Roman Empire. This picturesque place is surrounded by medieval walls and towers, from which you can get a wide and spectacular view of the town itself and the entire countryside of the province of Lazio. Another good vantage point you can find here is from the Church of San Pietro, located on a hill where the Etruscan Acropolis used to be. This religious building is also interesting and fascinating in itself, and the interior of the church is decorated with many architectural decorations that are worth exploring and seeing with your own eyes.
The history buffs among you who want to delve even deeper into the ancient heritage of the place will be able to visit the archeological museum where finds from Etruscan tombs discovered on the spot are displayed, as well as the Etruscan necropolis near the center of the town - a fascinating and mysterious complex, in which there are many canals and tunnels where you can wander.
Tivoli is a renowned destination in Italy and is only a 30 km distance away from Rome. It is regarded by some as a suburb of the Italian capital. Tivoli is renowned for two major attractions: "Villa d'Este" or "Tivoli Gardens", which has been declared a World Heritage Site since 2001 and is a spectacular palace with captivating gardens. These gardens are full of incredible fountains that spurt out 500 jets of water and are extremely well-maintained. The architecture and landscape design showcase the Italian Renaissance style effortlessly.
Tivoli's second site is Villa Adriana, the luxurious estate of Roman emperor Hadrian, which was constructed in the 2nd century AD. The complex consists of numerous buildings, for example, baths, theaters, and libraries. Various building styles can be observed here, giving visitors an insight into the grandeur of the Roman Empire.
Visiting Orvieto from Rome requires a bit more time than other cities we discussed - the two locations are 100 km apart, and the journey should take around an hour and a half. Still, it is a fantastic destination to spend a day and return to the capital city.
Orvieto is situated on a limestone outcrop, which has defended it from assaults and invasions throughout centuries. In the past, popes who were facing a threat would find refuge in this stronghold. Nowadays, people can roam through the cobbled streets of the medieval town, and sample the local Italian cuisine in the numerous restaurants scattered throughout the city.
The Cathedral of Orvieto stands as the premier attraction, a remarkable and singular edifice that is renowned as one of the most picturesque Gothic churches in Italy. The carvings that embellish the inside and outside of the building are sure to capture your attention, and the views from the checkered dome of the cathedral provide a reward that makes the visit particularly worthwhile. Another excursion that ought not to be overlooked in Orvieto is the "underground city" - a collection of around 440 passageways (out of a whole system of 1200 that once existed here) that are located beneath the city and can be explored as part of a guided tour that takes approximately an hour.
If you would rather take a trip to the south of Rome than the north, there is the Caserta Palace which should not be overlooked. Even though it will take two hours to get there from Rome, it is well worth the journey. This is the largest palace created in Europe during the 18th century and one of the biggest structures built on the continent during that time. There are 1200 rooms in the royal complex that was constructed by the Bourbon dynasty that reigned over Italy and was awarded the status of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is often likened to the renowned French Palace of Versailles due to its spectacular structure and the gorgeous gardens that encompass the area in all directions, which were carefully developed.
If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Rome, Viterbo is a great option, being only an hour away. You can wander through the city's quaint streets, take in the Baroque frescoes that adorn the Palazzo dei Priori, and visit the San Lorenzo Cathedral. The city also has historical significance, as it served as the headquarters for the Allied forces in World War II. In 1945, the German military forces in Italy signed their surrender there.
If you are looking for a chance to sample the famous local cuisine, as well as enjoy a relaxing dip in the city's natural hot springs, you won't want to miss out. Tourists from all over Italy have flocked to this destination for its therapeutic waters for many years.
For those seeking a more nature-filled experience, we suggest a one-hour journey from Rome to the stunning Bracciano Lake. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely ride on sailboats or canoes, as motorboats are not allowed to help keep the lake water clean and drinkable for local residents. Swimming and sunbathing on pristine local beaches are also options to take advantage of.
If you're looking for a more lavish experience, you should check out Barcciano, Anguillara Sabazia, and Trevignano Romano, which are all located near the lake. In these places, you can find plenty of exquisite restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal.
Photo source: Canva.com
