Extreme day trips have become increasingly popular as travel-daft people try to make the most of their days off.
The idea is that you catch an early flight to a different country, spend the day seeing the sights, grab a delicious meal or two and fly home that night to end your day in your own bed.
And the added bonus is there’s no need to pay for accommodation which keeps the cost down. While it will be tiring, it beats the housework or a day on the couch binging boxsets for those more adventurous souls.
If you fancy trying an extreme day trip for yourself, there’s a perfect flight from a Scottish airport this month to Rome.
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On Monday January 20, there is a flight leaving Edinburgh and flying to Rome Ciampino airport at 6.30am. You will land in Rome by 10.30am local time, barring any delays. Security queues at this small airport usually take between five and 20 minutes so there’s no hold-up there.
From there, it’s a quick 30 to 40 minute transfer into the city by bus. Alternatively, there is a train station 5km from the airport which you can catch the bus to if you’d prefer. The bus costs around €1.50 and the train journey is the same.
A taxi would set you back approximately 30 euros if you fancy a quick transfer to the city to make the most of your time.
Travel agents holidaypirates.com have highlighted this flight, which is perfect for an extreme day trip. The flight home is at 9.35pm and it lands back in Edinburgh at 11.55pm giving plenty of time in The Eternal City. Flying with Ryanair, the cost is currently at £89 return. You can only take a small bag onto this flight but you don’t need luggage for this kind of trip.
While in Rome you have endless choices of how to spend your day but be sure to wear your most comfortable shoes and do a weather check before you go so you’re prepared for a day of non-stop exploring.
The Colosseum is central and well worth taking a tour and there are guides who will impart excellent knowledge. You will also be able to walk to the famous Trevi Fountain and toss a coin in for good luck. The Roman Forum, the ruins of ancient Rome’s political and religious centre, is also worth seeing.
Be sure to spend time at Piazza Navone – the city’s most beautiful square with the stunning fountain Fontana dei Quattro – and have lunch at a local trattoria where you can gorge on authentic dishes.
The Pantheon, a Roman temple with a magnificent dome, is a huge draw for tourists and the Spanish Steps provide great photo opportunities.
If time permits, you can head to Vatican city and gaze at St Peter’s Basilica. Don’t forget to grab a scoop of gelato from a local shop.
And then it’s time to head back to the airport for your flight home with aching feet but a head full of memories from the best day off ever.
holidaypirates.com said: “You asked for more departure airports for day trip flights, and we’re delivering! We’ve spotted flights from Edinburgh to Rome in January, arriving and departing on the same day, from £52 return. For the best flights, you’ll arrive in Rome at 10:20 am and depart at 9:35 pm. That gives you plenty of time to eat pizza, drink Aperol, do some shopping and explore the sights.
“The best part is, you won’t need to pay for a hotel.”
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