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Things to do in Tivoli

Our most recommended things to do in Tivoli

Tivoli: Villa D'Este & Villa Adriana Villae Pass & Pemcards

1. Tivoli: Villa D'Este & Villa Adriana Villae Pass & Pemcards

Take the advantage of booking one ticket to discover the best of Tivoli: Villa d'Este Villa Adriana and the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor. You can choose at your own pace where to start, your ticket give you the possibility to enter one time all the attractions. Admire fountains, water lilies and grottoes, in Villa d'Este. Travel back to the days of the Roman Empire during your visit at Villa Adriana. Admire the ruins of the Sanctuary that was devoted to protecting god of Tibur. Your pass has a duration of 3 days.

Tivoli: Villa D'Este Entry Ticket with Pemcards

2. Tivoli: Villa D'Este Entry Ticket with Pemcards

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed gardens of Villa d'Este, one of the finest examples of 16th-century Italian garden design, at your own pace with this entry ticket and soak up the tranquility of the gardens. As you stroll through the gardens, admire fountains, grottoes, and water lilies. Other highlights include an organ that produces sound effects through the water. You can also visit the complex's palace which was built for Ippolito II d'Este and painted by famous artists. The whole complex was designed by architect Pirro Ligorio and took more than 20 years to complete. Immortalize your visit and make your friends or family green with envy by sending them a Pemcard, a digital photo that you can send as a real postcard to anywhere in the world.

From Rome: Villa D'Este and Hadrian's Villa Tivoli Day Tour

3. From Rome: Villa D'Este and Hadrian's Villa Tivoli Day Tour

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 and learn about the history and development of the villa, an enchanting site 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. Highlights include the caryatids and columns of the Canopus and Serapeum, the pool and artificial grotto, named after an Egyptian city and temple dedicated to the god Serapis, and the Maritime Theatre, where a small Roman house was thought to have provided a retreat from the demands of court life.

From Rome: Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa Tour with Lunch

4. From Rome: Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa Tour with Lunch

Travel by airconditioned bus from Rome to the Tivoli to enjoy a guided tour of the Hadrian's Villa complex and the 16th-century Villa d’Este. Savor local flavors with a local lunch that includes wine and coffee. 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. Step back in time as you explore the ancient Roman settlement of Tibur, where Hadrian's Villa once served as a retreat for the Roman Emperor and where he governed the Roman Empire during his last years or reign. Discover the secrets of the complex as you uncover the ruins of opulent pools, public baths, and fountains. Marvel at classical Greek architecture and the remains of stunning artwork. Have lunch at a typical Italian restaurant before moving on to Villa d’Este, which is best known for its beautiful terraces. Head to the Apartments of the Cardinal and gaze out at the spectacular view of the gardens and courtyards. Stroll among the many decorative fountains, such as the Oval Fountain and Fountain of the Dragons in the lavish grounds. Return to your meeting point by bus at the end of your tour.

From Rome: Villa D'Este & Villa Adriana Day Trip with Lunch

5. From Rome: Villa D'Este & Villa Adriana Day Trip with Lunch

Leave the hustle and bustle of Rome behind on an excursion by bus to see the opulent villas of Hadrian and d'Este. Best of all, choose between a private, a small, and a large group tour to fit your needs. Once in Tivoli, tuck into a delicious lunch at a traditional trattoria. Sit back and relax on your hour-long journey to your first stop: Hadrian's Villa. Built in 120 CE and covering 500 hectares, the former Roman emperor's villa features the Imperial Palaces, the Pecile, the Grand Thermal Baths, and more — all of which you'll visit. Then, stop for a lunch break in Tivoli's historical center, relaxing and enjoying the local town before making your way to your last stop. After your delicious lunch, make your way to Villa d'Este, the villa of Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este, where construction began in 1650. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features 400 ornate water features and a breathtaking Renaissance Garden. Finally, head back to Rome filled with new knowledge and wonderful memories.

Rome: Tivoli Day Trip with Villa d'Este and Villa Adriana

6. Rome: Tivoli Day Trip with Villa d'Este and Villa Adriana

Discover the glorious villas of Tivoli that date back to the times of the Romans and the Renaissance on a half-day trip from Rome. Choose from a tour with or without hotel pickup and ride in an air-conditioned coach.  Transfer in a comfortable and spacious coach from Rome to the little town of Tivoli just a few kilometers from the city center. Discover a splendid natural environment on the scenic drive. Stop at the remarkable architectural complex of the Villa Adriana. Explore this villa that was 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 its symbols. Head to the Renaissance-style Villa d’Este to uncover its spectacular terraced garden. Enjoy the beauty of its cascades, water tanks, and fountains. Admire a masterpiece of Italian landscape gardening.  Stroll thorugh its numerous nymphs, grottoes and fountains that were inspired by the Gardens of Babylon. Return to your meeting point in Rome by coach at the end of your tour. 

From Rome: Hadrian's Villa & Villa d'Este Day Trip & Lunch

7. From Rome: Hadrian's Villa & Villa d'Este Day Trip & Lunch

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este on a day trip from Rome with lunch included. Meet your guide in Rome, board a comfortable air-conditioned bus or minivan for smaller groups, and proceed to Hadrian’s Villa for a guided walking tour. Step back in time as you explore the archaeological ruins of Hadrian’s Villa and the complex of temples, statues, theaters, and thermal baths. Learn how it was built as a retreat from Rome for the Roman Emperor Hadrian during the 2nd century A.D. Then, hop back on the bus to head to a spot near Villa d’Este for lunch. Visit a typical restaurant to enjoy a delicious local lunch. After the lunch break, learn about the intriguing history of the Renaissance at romantic Villa d’Este, a former Benedictine convent. Walk with your guide through the villa’s stunning gardens, marvel at its impressive waterfalls and pools, and see the famous Fountain of Neptune. At the end of the day, take the bus back to Rome to the original departure point.

Tivoli Villa d’Este & Hadrian’s Villa Tour from Rome

8. Tivoli Villa d’Este & Hadrian’s Villa Tour from Rome

The countryside around Rome is well worth visiting and Tivoli, a hill-town just forty kilometers from Rome, is by far the most popular tour destination among private day trips from Rome to the countryside. Rome is certainly beautiful and no other city in the world can compare with its history. This tour gives you the opportunity to have a wonderful private day tour to Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa, accompanied by a professional and licensed English-speaking driver at your complete disposal the tour. The driver will pick you up from the hotel and drive first of all to Hadrian’s Villa, just a few kilometers before reaching Tivoli. The villa of the emperor Hadrian was one of the largest villas ever built in the Villa d’Esteoman Empire, even greater than the center of Rome. In Hadrian’s Villa there were thermae, libraries, palaces, a theater and quarters. Walking there you’ll feel unique emotions. The villa was built for the roman emperor Hadrian who didn’t like his palace in Rome. During the last part of his life the emperor Hadrian governed Rome and its empire from the villa and this explains the enormous dimensions. In Hadrian’s Villa the Maritime Theater is a real emotion to visit. It’s a round portico with a round pool, an island in the center where it is said that the emperor Hadrian liked to spend long periods of time alone to relax. After the visit to Hadrian’s Villa the driver will take you to Tivoli where you’ll have lunch and then visit the garden and fountains of, a country residence created in the 16th century by Pirro Ligorio for Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, hence the name of the villa.

Rome: Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este Half-Day Tour

9. 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 water. A series of terraces evokes the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, while the underground aqueduct provides testimony to the engineering skill of the Romans.

Tivoli: Villa Gregoriana Entrance Ticket

10. Tivoli: Villa Gregoriana Entrance Ticket

Watch nature, history, and archaeology merge at the 19th-century Villa Gregoriana Park in Tivoli. Book your tickets in advance and get lost in winding trails, surrounded by 74 tree species and interesting relics of the city's past eras. Gaze at the Great Waterfall and the Grottoes of Neptune. Step into the beautiful park, commissioned by Pope Gregory XVI, and discover the impressive work of hydraulic engineering that took place to contain the River Aniene. Witness how the stream was masterfully deviated, forming the imposing 120-meter Great Waterfall. Immerse yourself in lush greenery as you stroll through the trails at your own pace and admire a variety of flowers and intricate vines. Come across the remains of the Villa of the Roman Consul Manlius Vopiscus and the Temple of Vesta. Make sure to stop by the Grottoes of Neptune under the temple.

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What people are saying about Tivoli

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 1,732 reviews

We loved the visit, everything is charming, profound, richness and history in every detail. It's really worth it, besides it's a super romantic and poetic place, perfect for couples and photography lovers. I take a point for the audio guide, it could be headphones, horrible to hold the device they give at the entrance

Two beautiful and fascinating sites. Guide was excellent. Lunch was good and a welcome break between tours. There was a good amount of walking and stair-climbing, so visitors with physical limitations may wish to choose a different tour. A very worthwhile day trip from Rome.

Our tour guide, Ferdinando, was excellent! We are a family with a 11 year old. Our guide held our interest and arranged for transportation to and from the Hadrian Villa. A private tour is worth hiring.

I have only had excellent experiences with this agency. The trip to Tivoli was well organized, comfortable and we recommend it.

Beautiful trip for nature lovers. I like olive’s trees in Hadrian villa and park in Villa D’Este.