Hadrian's Villa

Hadrian's Villa: Our most recommended tours and activities

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  1. Rome: Day Tour of Villa D'Este & Hadrian's Villa Tivoli

  Depart Rome and transfer to Tivoli to tour 2 of Italy’s most impressive villas on this full-day tour of the Villa D'Este and Hadrian's Villa, with time to explore both magnificent country estates. Drive to Hadrian's Villa, built in the 2nd century by Emperor Hadrian, and once greater than the center of Imperial Rome. The largest and most luxurious residence ever built in Italy, it features an impressive array of imperial palaces, temples, theaters, thermal baths and pools. After lunch, explore the grounds of the Villa D'Este, your guide will tell you about the history and development of the villa, considered one of the most enchanting sites of the late Italian Renaissance. Once the home of Lucrezia Borgia's son, it is renowned for its spectacular gardens and trees, as well as its waterfalls and fountains, such as the Fontana dell'Ovato and Le Cento Fontane (The Hundred Fountains). H...

  The villas are wonderful and are worth the detour. The bus is a very convenient way to get there from Rome.

  Reviewed by Anonymous, France, 9/16/2021
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  2. From Rome: Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa with Lunch

  Depart Rome and travel by bus to the lovely town of Tivoli, best known for the Renaissance Villa d'Este and the large Roman archaeological complex of Hadrian's Villa. Learn the rich history of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites from an expert guide. Built in the Roman settlement of Tibur, Hadrian's Villa served as a retreat from Rome for the Roman Emperor Hadrian during the 2nd and 3rd decades of the 2nd century AD, and would be where he governed the Roman Empire during his last years or reign. Explore the complex to see the ruins of opulent pools, public baths and fountains. Marvel at classical Greek architecture and beautiful artworks. Have lunch at a typical Italian restaurant before moving on to Villa d’Este, best known for its beautiful terraces and the Apartments of the Cardinal with its spectacular view of the gardens and courtyards. Stroll among the many decorative fountains, such...

  Both destinations were just beautiful. The sprawling magnificence of Hadrian’s Villa painted a picture of the true might of Rome at its height. The endless gardens and fountains of Villa d’Este we’re just breathtaking!

  Reviewed by Sean, United States, 9/27/2021
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  3. Rome: Tivoli Villas and UNESCO Jewels Tour

  Discover the glorious villas of Tivoli that date back to the times of the Romans and the Renaissance on a half-day tour from Rome. Following an optional pickup from your hotel in the capital, transfer by comfortable transport to the little town of Tivoli just a few kilometers from the city center. Discover a splendid natural environment between the “Eternal City” and the high hills to the east of Rome. Stop at the remarkable architectural complex of the Villa Adriana, built in the 2nd century AD by the Emperor Hadrian. Marvel at its different architectural styles, with influences from Egypt, Rome, and Athens. Learn how it was designed as an "ideal city," and explore some of the symbols of ancient times. Then, go to the Renaissance-style Villa d’Este and explore its palatial setting, surrounded by a spectacular terraced garden. Enjoy the beauty of its cascades, water tanks, and fountai...

  Fabio was excellent guide. They pick you from your hotel with minivans and they assembly the group at piazza della repubblica. The only negative is that the excursion ends there and you have to go on your own back to your hotel. My hotel was just 500m away. The weather was perfect otherwise i guess it becomes muddy at Hadrian's villa.

  Reviewed by Tommy, Cyprus, 10/20/2019
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  4. Rome: Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este Half-Day Tour

  Explore 2 of the most famous Italian villas on a half-day trip from Rome, following the ancient Roman road of "Via Tiburtina" to Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli. Upon arrival, explore the ruins at the foot of the Tiburtini Hills, where natural springs supply the spa town of Bagni di Tivoli. Along the way, look for the vast quarries of travertine marble. Built in the 2nd century, Hadrian’s Villa was once more powerful and impressive than the center of Imperial Rome and boasts exquisite fountains and gardens. Admire the caryatids and columns of Canopus and Serapeum, the artificial grotto named after an Egyptian temple to the god Serapis, and more. Continue to the Renaissance Villa d'Este, where you can wander the Italianate gardens and discover an abundance of grottoes, frescoes and mosaics. Marvel at fountains that create a graceful symphony of carved stone, and provide shade, sunlight and wa...

  Everything was well organized but we did not have enough time to do some shopping near villa ernst and near villa adriana. otherwise ok

  Reviewed by Alexander, 8/26/2017
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  5. Tivoli Day Trip: Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este with Lunch

  Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este on a full-day trip from Rome. You’ll meet your expert guide in Rome, board a comfortable air-conditioned coach, and proceed to Hadrian’s Villa for a guided walking tour. Hadrian’s Villa was built as a retreat from Rome for the Roman Emperor Hadrian during the 2nd century A.D. Your guide will help you will step back in time as you explore the archaeological ruins of Hadrian’s Villa and the complex of temples, statues, theaters, and thermal baths. From Hadrian’s Villa the coach will take you to a spot near Villa d’Este, where you’ll have a break to enjoy a delicious lunch at a typical local restaurant. After the lunch break, you learn about the intriguing history of the Renaissance when you visit the romantic Villa d’Este, a former Benedictine convent. Walk with your guide through villa’s stunning gardens, marvel...

  This is a must do adventure. First, our guide Inger was exceptional. I had studied much prior and Inger provided so many additional insights. She kept the group informed on what we would be experiencing and maintained a good pace for everyone. Her structure of the tour also allowed you to explore on your own and arranged clear meeting points.

  Reviewed by David, 10/24/2019
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  6. Tivoli: Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este Half-Day Tour

  Start this 5-hour tour of Tivoli from Rome from Piazza Esquilino, with stunning views of the Colosseum from one of the 7 hills of the city, and drive through the Via Tiburtina, passing Castro Pretorio, the Baths of Tivoli, and Ponte Lucano (Lucano Bridge). Your destination is Hadrian's Villa, built in the 2nd century by Emperor Hadrian, once more grand than the center of Imperial Rome. Discover a multitude of exquisite fountains and flower gardens. See the caryatids and columns of the Canopus and Serapeum, the villa's pool and artificial grotto, named after an Egyptian city where a temple was dedicated to the god Serapis. You will also see the island “Maritime Theatre,” on which sits a small Roman house that was probably used as a retreat from busy court life. Continue to Villa d'Este, a beautiful Renaissance villa with exquisite Italianate gardens that's full of grottoes, frescoes, a...

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  7. Rome: Tivoli, Hadrian's Villa & Villa d'Este Private Tour

  Swap the bustling city for the peaceful countryside on this tour of Tivoli. Begin at Hadrian’s Villa, the first of two outstanding heritage sites on your private tour. Explore the ancient ruins where Emperor Hadrian once ruled Rome. Next, head to the Tivoli town center where you can explore the historic streets before digging into a sumptuous Italian lunch at a local restaurant, selected especially for its authentic character. Refueled from your lunch, leave behind the modern world as you journey on to Villa d’Este. See the Renaissance frescoes inside before strolling around the famous water garden, which includes Bernini’s impressive Neptune’s Fountain. Learn all about the villa’s wide acclaim, as you revel in the tranquillity amongst the fountains, nymphs, grottoes, and water displays.

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  8. Half Day Tour of Tivoli Garden Villa D'Este & Villa Adriana

  Discover the glorious Tivoli villas dating back to the Roman Empire and the Renaissance in a half-day tour leaving from Rome. Following a pick-up from your hotel in Rome, you will travel  to the town of Tivoli, just a few kilometers from the city center. Discover a beautiful natural environment between the "Eternal City" and the high hills east of Rome. Stop at the great architectural complex of Villa Adriana, built in the second century AD by Emperor Hadrian. Admire its different architectural styles, with influences from Egypt, Rome and Athens. Learn how it was conceived as an "ideal city" and explore some of the symbols of ancient times. Afterwards, go to the Renaissance Villa d'Este and explore this palace setting, surrounded by a spectacular garden terrace. Enjoy the beauty of its waterfalls, water tanks and fountains. Admire a masterpiece of Italian landscape gardening with its m...

  You should really see all of this. Great time. May ba better to reserve the whole day

  Reviewed by Jana, 1/12/2020
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  9. From Rome: Tivoli Small-Group Tour with Lunch

  Escape the bustle of Rome as you travel to the scenic Italian countryside on a day trip to Tivoli, located in a beautiful hillside town, only a short 40-minute journey away from the Capital. Begin at the magnificent Hadrian’s Villa, the second-century AD residence of Emperor Hadrian. Enjoy a semi-private tour as you explore the ancient ruins. Stroll around the Emperor’s estate and let this special place come to life with its captivating history. Taste some of the local dishes and experience the fine Italian cuisine made famous around the world. Then, take a stroll to the acclaimed Villa d’Este, where you can admire its luxurious design and stunning water gardens that are recognized across Europe. Relax as your day comes to an end and reflect on all of the highlights of this special tour, as you take the bus back to Rome.

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  10. From Rome: Private Tivoli Villas Day Trip

  Visit the picturesque hilltop town of Tivoli on this day trip from Rome and discover a land of steep cliffs, rich history, and waterfalls. After getting picked up from your hotel in Rome, begin your journey to Tivoli, where you will experience the magic of 2 of Italy's finest UNESCO World Heritage Sites. First, head to Hadrian's Villa, where you can admire the luxurious private estate built by Emperor Hadrian during his 21-year reign. Accompanied by an expert guide, explore the complex's palaces, private theatres, artificial pools and lakes in depth. As you walk through the ruins, gain a unique insight into the life, career, and imagination of the emperor, who in the final years of his life ruled the entire Roman Empire from his sumptuous retreat. Afterward, visit another of Tivoli's famous villas, the beautiful Villa d’Este. Enjoy a stroll through the villa's splendid gardens studded ...