There’s a certain thrill to summer in the city - bright days, bustling streets, a sense of everything unfolding at once. And yet, there are times when slowing down feels essential. Step beyond the urban sprawl, and within an hour, feel the pace begin to soften. From Rome, Edinburgh and Munich, these easy day trips offer a change in scenery - and a chance to return with the senses reset.
Villas, ruins and clifftop cathedrals
From Hotel de Russie or Hotel de la Ville, Rome
Just 35 kilometres from the capital, Tivoli is one of Lazio’s most rewarding escapes. At the UNESCO-listed Villa d’Este, water flows through a labyrinth of Renaissance terraces, and cypress-lined paths give way to sweeping vistas across the Roman Campagna.
From here, a short drive or taxi brings you to Villa Adriana, the once-palatial retreat of Emperor Hadrian. Spread over 120 hectares, its ruins hint at Roman life at its most indulgent - thermal baths, libraries, and reflecting pools framed by ancient columns.
Further afield, Orvieto in Umbria makes an easy full-day trip. Around 90 minutes by train from Roma Termini, this cliffside town is famed for its striking black-and-white Gothic cathedral and vast network of underground tunnels. Above ground, it’s also a great spot for local wine and lunches with a view.
Coastal strolls, storybook villages and open-air art
From The Balmoral , Edinburgh
Less than 30 minutes from the city lies Edinburgh’s coastline. At Cramond, cafés and cosy pubs line the shore of this old fishing village, and as the tide retreats, a mysterious causeway appears, leading out to Cramond Island. A little further east, Portobello—known locally as “Porty Beach”—is a favourite for families, with golden sand, a Victorian promenade and bracing dips in the North Sea.
Closer to the city centre, Dean Village offers a tranquil glimpse of old Edinburgh, with ivy-clad cottages and cobbled paths tracing the Water of Leith. Follow the riverside walkway to Stockbridge, a lively spot for galleries, independent shops and its popular Sunday market.
Alternatively, find inspiration at Jupiter Artland—just 40 minutes from the city—where its rolling meadows are home to site-specific works by Tracey Emin, Anish Kapoor and Andy Goldsworthy. During summer, late-night openings and special Sunset Swim events make for a magical way to experience art in nature.
Fairytale castles, monasteries and mountain air
From The Charles Hotel , Munich
About two hours southwest by train, Neuschwanstein Castle remains one of Bavaria’s most iconic sights. Set on a forested hill near Füssen, its towers and turrets are said to have inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. You can tour the interior, walk to nearby viewpoints, or simply admire the castle from Marienbrücke, a bridge suspended over the gorge below.
Closer to the city, Andechs Monastery makes a gentler outing. A short train ride to Herrsching, followed by a hilltop walk, brings you to the Benedictine abbey, known for its house-brewed beer, baked pretzels and sweeping Alpine views.
Explore these enriching day trips, knowing that your elegant base awaits in the heart of the city. Stay at Hotel de Russie, Hotel de la Ville, The Balmoral or The Charles Hotel - and let the journey begin.
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