Your tour begins with hotel pickup by private minivan for the drive from Rome to Tivoli. Arrive first at Villa d’Este, built during the Renaissance years around 1550 for Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este, the governor of Tivoli. Explore the gardens with your guide to see its Bernini-designed fountains and take in the lavish landscaping. This icon of Italian-style garden has been imitated around the world, so much so that composer Franz Liszt wrote a piano suite entitled ‘Fountains of the Villa d’Este.
Next, you have free time in the town of Tivoli. Visit a restaurant where you can have lunch (own expense), and enjoy time to walk around town and take in views of the Roman countryside.
Then head to Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa), originally home to Roman Emperor Hadrian. Built in the 2nd century AD, the 'villa' is really of a complex of 30-plus structures covering 250 acres (1 square km) of land, much of which is unexcavated. You can see examples of an Alexandrian garden and admire the remains of palaces, temples, a theater, baths, staterooms and quarters for everyone from courtiers to slaves. ’
Your tour ends with return to Rome for hotel drop-off.
Please note: if you'd like to have an official licensed guide with you while exploring Villa d'Este and Villa Adriana, please selecte the option at checkout.