Private Rome Day Tour to Tivoli, Hadrian's Villa and Villa D'Este

The two major highlights of Tivoli are visited on this full day private tour. First you will visit Hadrian's Villa, a beautiful tribute to the memory of the Emperor's lover, Antinoo. This is a beautiful and relaxing day to escape the hustle and bustle of Rome.

The two major highlights of Tivoli are visited on this full day private tour. First you will visit Hadrian's Villa, a beautiful tribute to the memory of the Emperor's lover. This is a beautiful and relaxing day to escape the hustle and bustle of Rome.

Begin your private tour with a personalized Rome hotel pick up. Your English-speaking guide will be waiting with a private car. Your journey to see Tivoli, Hadrian's Villa (Villa Adriana) and Villa D'Este begins with a 45-minute drive east to an archaeological park, set in a vast green area at the foot of beautiful green hills. Here, in the 2nd century AD, Emperor Hadrian built his suburban Villa and created the most sublime settings for his Imperial Court of about 15,000 people. The many palaces, lakes, temples, nimphaei, pools adorned with Greek statues and Egyptian beasts were dedicated to Antinoos, Hadrian's handsome lover. A painstaking archaeological recovery has taken place over the last two centuries, yet you can still feel their presence and Hadrian's aesthetic sense and his love for beauty.

Next, enjoy some free time for lunch (not included), before continuing the afternoon tour of Tivoli. Visit Villa d'Este, built for Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, Lucrezia Borgia's son. The Villa, which used to be a convent, was turned into a luxurious Villa d'Otium for the Cardinal who was governor of Tivoli. Built by Pirro Ligorio, most of the hill surrounding it and the town quarter underneath was destroyed to create the most beautiful fountains, well over 100 of which were meant to enact jets d'eau at the sound of the organs and music created by Palestrina. An incredible setting not be missed on your next trip to Rome! Emperor Hadrian would have approved.

This in-depth private tour is hosted by an English-speaking guide specializing in art history. Please list any special interests (art, architecture, history, culture) at time of booking to alert your guide and better prepare for your private tour.

Read more information about the Private Rome Day Tour to Tivoli, Hadrian's Villa and Villa D'Este »