Side Trips

Most European capitals are surrounded by a number of worthwhile attractions, but Rome tops them all for sheer variety. Just a few miles from Rome, you can go back to the dawn of Italian history and explore the dank tombs the Etruscans left as their legacy, or drink the golden wine of the towns in the Alban Hills (Castelli Romani). You can wander the ruins of Hadrian's Villa, the "queen of villas of the ancient world," or be lulled by the music of the baroque fountains in the Villa d'Este. You can loll on the beaches of Ostia di Lido or explore the remarkable ruins of Ostia Antica, Rome's ancient seaport.

If you have time, the attractions in the environs can fill at least 3 days. We've highlighted the best of the lot here.