Tivoli Fountains & Hadrian's Villa Private Tour from Rome

Only 20 miles from Rome, Tivoli feels like another world. The natural springs that make this such a coveted location have drawn in some of the most wealthy and influential figures in Roman history, and the homes, gardens, and incredible fountains they created are truly a sight to behold. You'll be picked up from your Rome accommodation this morning by luxury vehicle with a private driver for the 40-minute drive to Tivoli, where you'll enjoy a relaxing day in this stunning setting.

During the day, you'll take private guided tours of two of the most impressive estates of Tivoli. The vast Villa Adriana was once home to one of Emperor Hadrian of Rome, while Villa d'Este is a glorious Renaissance estate of a cardinal of the Catholic Church. Explore these incredibly opulent residencies with your own private guide, and enjoy plenty of free time to relax in the Tivoli gardens before returning to Rome.

Tivoli Fountains & Hadrian's Villa Private Tour Description

Your 7-hour private tour includes:

• Door-to-door service from your accommodation in Rome

• Luxury return transportation to Tivoli with a private driver

• Private tour of Hadrian's Villa (Villa Adriana)

• Private tour of Villa d'Este

• Free time for lunch and to enjoy Tivoli gardens (lunch not included)

• Your own personal English-speaking Tivoli guide

Door-to-Door Service

This private trip includes pick up and drop off from your accommodation in Rome, so you don't have to worry about a thing. Just sit back and enjoy the ride as you leave the bustle of the city behind and head into the Roman countryside. Once you arrive to Tivoli, you will meet your expert local guide who'll unveil the secrets of these fabulous gardens before you begin to explore the villas. In between your villa tours, there will be time for you to relax in the gardens and enjoy lunch (not included).

Hadrian’s Villa

Hadrian spent his childhood on dusty farms in distant Spain, rather than in the heart of the Roman Empire, so rising to the very top must've seemed like a pipe dream. But burning ambition is what lead young Hadrian to become one of the most powerful Roman emperors of all time! He reigned over the empire in the second century A.D. at the height of its power and territorial extent.

The patriarchs of Rome would spend vast amounts of time outside the city in their villas, and the Emperor Hadrian created a Villa that had it all! This Villa Adriana complex is certainly the proof that the culture of the Roman Empire spans far beyond the Aurelian Walls of Rome. Your Tivoli private guide will show you the highlights of this vast 300-acre estate. Admire Hadrian's elaborate fountains, palaces, and squares, and discover the incredible engineering of his underground heating system.

Hadrian put all of his affection for Ancient Greece and Egypt into his summer residence, creating a collection of styles from different corners of the known globe and a homage to some of his favorite destinations. Many of the features of Hadrian's Villa remain remarkably intact, and it's easy to imagine what the estate would've looked like in its glory days.

Free Time for Lunch and Relaxation

While lunch isn't included on this tour, you'll have plenty of time between your villa tours to grab a delicious bite to eat and a glass of local wine. Tivoli village has some wonderful little trattorias serving traditional dishes made from the freshest local ingredients. You've seen where the Emperor lived, and now it's time to dine like an emperor too!

Villa d’Este and Tivoli Fountains

After you've enjoyed your break for lunch, your guide will take you to what is considered one of the most beautiful collection of fountains on Earth. Built over natural springs by the wealthy cardinals of the Catholic church, the fountains of Villa d'Este are the true stars of this grand Renaissance-era estate. This is where you will witness some of the finest landscape architecture and gardening that Italy has to offer! 

Cardinal Ippolito d’Este ran for Pope five times, but was never elected. However, there is something he can still put on his resume: he was the owner and commissioner of one of the most lavish palaces and gardens of its time! On your private guided tour, you'll get to admire the cardinals apartments, decorated by beautiful frescoes that are unrivaled by many museums around the world. But the real gems of the villa are found outside among the stunningly designed gardens.

Villa d'Este's countless fountains are really quite something, from the breathtaking Fountain of Neptune to the beautiful Alley of the Hundred Fountains. You'll also get to admire some impressive views of the gardens and the surrounding area from many of the villa's high terraces, while you guide brings the place to life with stories of the powerful figures who once walked these lawns.

Back to Rome

After a fascinating and relaxing day away from the city, your driver will be waiting to take you back to Rome in time to enjoy your evening.