Hidden Gems: Best Day Trips from Lisbon, Tokyo, London, Paris, and Rome

This is a mini guide to Sintra, Portugal. I HIGHLY recommend spending a night or even two in Sintra instead of just passing through on a day trip. Sintra, Portugal is a magical place. It is the town where royalty spent their summers, and it shows! The fact that it is just about 45 minutes from Lisbon makes it even better, it is so easily accessible. I have been to Sintra twice and I still haven’t seen it all. The first time I went, it was just a for day trip and just wished I had more time. The second time, we stayed overnight and I still found myself wishing I had more time! I would advise spending a night or even a weekend in Sintra. The town of Sintra itself is charming and easy to walk around and enjoy. During my first time there, I didn’t even get to explore the town because we got off the train, grabbed lunch, and immediately started walking up to the Pena Palace. It was like a tease to only be able to explore a small portion of this gorgeous city, so for my second visit to Sintra, I didn’t make that same mistake. We enjoyed spending our time walking around and checking out all of the pastry shops, little bars, cute stores, and restaurants. In this guide you'll find all of my favorite spots, as well as where to stay, what to do, and what I STILL think I would do if I visit again!

Sintra: A Mini Guide

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FREE itinerary guide: Sintra for a weekend 🇵🇹

Noémie Jaona

Sintra, with its enchanting palaces, lush forests, and captivating views, is a gem nestled in the hills just a short distance from Lisbon. Beyond its famous landmarks, there's a local charm waiting to be discovered. Embrace the spirit of Sintra like a local by exploring its hidden corners, indulging in delicious cuisine, and immersing yourself in its rich history.

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Itinerary

Emma | Where's Emma Now

🇵🇹 Day Trip to Sintra, Portugal

Picture: castles and hills by the seaside. What's not to love! It’s an simple day trip from a Lisbon. You can do it as a relaxed day of nature and castles or a packed day of sightseeing all the majors! This guide gives you: - the best options on how to get there - what to prioritize if you want a slower day or a do-it-all day - 2 lunch options at different price points - how to get between each place (they're not walkable, and parking isn't simple) - pro tips on what to look for within each palace or site - an interactive map to help navigate you to each spot

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Kamakura + Enoshima | Itinerary

2. Kamakura from Tokyo, Japan

Located just one hour south of Tokyo by train, Kamakura offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling capital. This former political center combines historical significance with seaside charm.

What to See:

The iconic Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at Kotoku-in Temple
The bamboo grove and traditional gardens at Hokokuji Temple
Komachi-dori shopping street for local crafts and street food

Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station directly to Kamakura (¥920 one-way).

Get more info in these Kamakura travel guides on Thatch:

Laura Murray

Check out some well known and lesser known temples and gardens around the Kamakura and Enoshima area. This beach town is known for a laid back vibe filled with beautiful greenery, temples, surfing and cafes.

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Itinerary

Manelle & Tom

How to travel Kamakura in a day

If you're looking for a scenic and fun day trip that is an hour away from Tokyo then Kamakura should be on your list! In this guide, we will give a list of things to do, places to see and food to try to make the most out of your day trip here! This place is a bonus for all you Slam Dunk fans as well!

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Kamakura - 3 day sea side escape (90 min from Tokyo)

Anna Lopez Ratouis

Escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo for a 3-day adventure in Kamakura and Enoshima, just an hour and a half away. This itinerary blends inspiring landscapes and casual dining, allowing you to explore scenic coastlines, tranquil temples, and local eateries that capture the essence of the region. Ideal for those who appreciate both natural beauty and culinary delights, this guide promises a fulfilling getaway. The activities are interchangeable, day 3 can be splited for an extra day stay. Depending on your preference, you can leave your luggage at the hotel, a locker or sending them to your next hotel through the luggage delivery service (link at the end of this itinerary).

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Itinerary

3. Windsor from London, England

Just 30 minutes by train from London, Windsor offers a perfect escape to explore British royal history. The town is dominated by the magnificent Windsor Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in the world.

What to See:

The stunning Windsor Castle, a working royal residence with opulent State Apartments
The charming Windsor Great Park with its famous Long Walk
Traditional English pubs and shops in the historic town center

Take a train from London Paddington or Waterloo station (around £13 one-way), making this an easy and memorable day trip option.

Get more info in these travel guides on Thatch:

David Jerome

London Unveiled: An Expedition Through Time and Taste

Welcome to 'London Unveiled,' where the pulse of history and the richness of culture converge in a city that breathes life into every cobblestone. As you navigate the iconic landmarks, savor the scrumptious 'scran' of diverse culinary landscapes, and embark on enchanting escapes just beyond the city center, you'll find that London is more than a destination; it's an immersive journey through time and taste. Let this guide be your passport to the heart of the capital, revealing hidden gems, historical treasures, and culinary wonders that await your exploration.

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Elizabeth Rickert

Easy Day Trips from London by Train

This guide provides 25 easy day trips from London, including 10 day trips within 1 hour and 15 day trips within 1-2.5 hours. The guide includes how to book the train tickets, the length of the train, and a list of top destinations in each day trip destination.

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4. Giverny from Paris, France

Just 45 minutes from Paris by train, Giverny is a charming village that was home to the legendary impressionist painter Claude Monet. This picturesque destination offers a glimpse into the artist's life and inspiration.

What to See:

Monet's House and Gardens, including the famous water lily pond that inspired his masterpieces
The Museum of Impressionisms, showcasing the artistic heritage of the region
The quaint village streets with traditional Norman architecture

Take a train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny (€15 one-way), then catch the shuttle bus to Monet's gardens.

Get more info in these travel guides on Thatch:

Katia & Artur

Giverny. Claude Monet's House and Gardens.Day trip from Paris

Are you coming to Paris or getting around the region of Normandy? Don't miss an opportunity to visit the picturesque village of Giverny where the great french impressionist painter had lived and created for 40 years! In this guide: 📎Intro to the village of Giverny 📎Claude Monet 📎Why did Claude Monet choose Giverny 📎Giverny Monet's Garden & House 📎Interesting facts about rooms and garden 📎Wnen to visit Giverny 📎Other attractions in Giverny 📎How to get to Giverny from Paris (detailed description) 📎Ticketing 📎Parking in Giverny 📎Restaurants and cafes recommendations 📎Hotel recommendations in Giverny 📎Where to stay nearby Giverny 📎Which movies were filmed in Giverny 📎Other attractions to see in Giverny 📎Monet Museums in Paris

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Hilary Matson | @hilaryinparis

Paris: 15 Easy Day+ Trips

Paris is the most visited city in the world, and for good reason (albeit, I'm biased). Having lived here since 2016, and being obsessed with train travel, I've done tons of day trips and short overnight trips. Let me help you get outside of the City of Lights and explore some of France's other wonderful pockets! This guide includes: 📍 11 day trip recommendations I’ve personally done 🚂 How to get there from Paris car-free ⏱️ Time from Paris 💸 Cost from Paris ✨ Pro Tips about recommendations 💎 Not-to-miss gems 💚 Pro Tips on how to save money on Paris train travel 📍 4 day trip recommendations that are on my list to try next The guide begins with an overview of each of the 15 places recommended and their distances from Paris. Then it goes one by one with detailed notes. The guide ends with a description of 3 metro/train pass options, with costs, and describes which options cover which destinations in the guide. You also get: ✍️My personal notes for each recommendation 📍An interactive map of all recommendations 🔓 Access to all future updates (I'm always adding to this as friends come through town) 🎞️Linked videos (where applicable) that bring recommendations and advice to life 💙If you loved these suggestions, I would really appreciate it if you shared this guide with a friend, left a great review, or contributed a tip.

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5 Best day trip near Rome by train

5. Tivoli from Rome, Italy

Less than an hour from Rome by train or bus, Tivoli offers a refreshing escape with its remarkable historical villas and breathtaking gardens.

What to See:

Villa d'Este, famous for its Renaissance gardens and magnificent fountains
Villa Adriana (Hadrian's Villa), an ancient Roman emperor's vast estate complex
The charming medieval town center with traditional restaurants and gelaterias

Take a train from Roma Termini to Tivoli (€3 one-way) or catch a COTRAL bus from Ponte Mammolo metro station. Both options take approximately 45 minutes.

Get more info in these travel guides on Thatch:

Francesca Lallement

Rome is the perfect starting point for a number of daytrips that will allow you to discover some of Italy’s most important attractions as well as some of the country’s hidden gems. Here you will find some detailed itineraries with sites, history and restaurants, easily reachable by train with duration and costs.

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Ludovica Caracciolo

Rome Like a Local Map Guide

Welcome to my city! I've curated an interactive map guide with over 200 locations based on my 30+ years of local living experience. Explore the city through my map, divided into various sections: 🏛️Sightseeing: Discover the best churches, parks, fountains, museums & galleries, monuments/archaeological sites, street art hotspots, panoramic viewpoints, and creepy locations. 🍝Culinary: Indulge in Rome's culinary scene with handpicked recommendations for top restaurants, cafes, gelaterie, street food, brunch spots, and more. 🥂Nightlife: Discover rooftop bars, Aperitivo spots, and buzzing nightlife districts to experience Rome after dark. 🚙 Day Trips: Venture beyond Rome with suggestions for the best day trips in Lazio region. Additionally, you will find practical city insights covering transportation tips, arrival guidance, and money-saving suggestions. This all-encompassing guide is your go-to resource for an authentic Roman experience, blending renowned landmarks with hidden gems! Whether you're a curious traveler seeking off-the-beaten-path wonders, planning an extended stay in Rome, or a local looking to rediscover your city, this dynamic map guide is tailored for you. Expect continuous updates as I unveil new gems to enrich your Roman exploration. For seamless access, don't miss out on downloading the Thatch free app to enhance your travel experience!📱 Any question? Send a DM on Instagram or an email to wilbertandspace@gmail.com

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10 Best day trips from Rome

Federica Rustico

When planning a trip to Italy don’t forget to squeeze in some day trips from Rome in your itinerary. Just 40 minutes away, you’ll find an array of beautiful seaside, countryside, and lakeside locations perfect for a weekend escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Whether it’s beautiful villas or serene lakeside retreats, here are some of the best places to visit near Rome for the day. Just bear in mind that not all of these picturesque spots can be reached by public transportation, most of them require a car.

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