Tivoli Fountains & Hadrian's Villa Private Day Trip from Rome

Located less than 20 miles from Rome, Tivoli is home to many natural water springs that were coveted by the local elite, and used to embellish their private residences. Ones that stand out are the Villa Adriana, built in 2nd century AD by one of the most prolific Roman Emperors ever, and the Villa d'Este, a glorious Renaissance estate of a cardinal of the Church! The Roman Guy is here to show you what attracted the wealthy Romans to this region, and the opulence and splendor they have created!

Hotel pick up & drop off

This private trip includes hotel pick up & drop off from your hotel in Rome, so you don't have to worry about a thing. Just sit back and enjoy the ride. Once you arrive to Tivoli, you will meet your local guide, who will unveil for you the secrets of these fabulous gardens. In between the visits, there will be time for you to relax, and enjoy a lunch and drink ( not included).

Emperor Hadrian

If you’re a son of a Roman official spending your childhood on dusty farms in distant Spain, you are most likely not going to have high aspirations. But ambition is what lead young Hadrian to become one of the most powerful Roman emperors of all time! He will reign over the empire at the height of its power and territorial extent.

Hadrian’s Villa 

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 complex is certainly the proof that the culture of the Roman Empire spans far beyond the Aurelian Walls of Rome. Your Tivoli private tour guide will show you the highlights of the emperor's 300 acre villa; his fountains, palaces, squares and you'll even discover stunning details about his underground heating system. The acclaimed emperor has put all of his affection for Ancient Greece and Egypt into his summer residence. This made his villa a collection of styles from different corners of the known globe and a homage to some of his favorite destinations. Nowadays, you are still able to seize the grandeur and the beauty of his accomplishment.

Villa d’Este- The Cardinal’s gardens

After you have visited the ancient villa, your guide will then take you to what is considered one of the most beautiful collection of fountains on Earth: Tivoli springs built by the wealthy cardinals of the Catholic church. This is where you will witness some of the finest landscape architecture and Renaissance gardening that Italy has to offer! 

Cardinal Ippolito d’Este ran for the pope 5 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! You will get to admire the cardinals apartments, decorated by beautiful fresco paintings, unrivaled by many museums around the world! But the real gem of the villa are it’s countless fountains nestled in the carefully adorned gardens: from the breathtaking Fountain of Neptune, to the exceptional Hundred Fountains! You will also get to admire some impressive views of the gardens and the surrounding area from many of the villa's high terraces.

Why take this tour?

If you have time to spare and are trying to get away from the hustle & bustle of the city, then this is the trip for you. Door-to-door driver service means you don't have to worry about getting there and back. Our guide will bring to life both of the villas, one Ancient Roman and one Renaissance, so that you can admire both aspects of beauty showcased in these marvelous residences. There will also be time for you grab a bite, and enjoy a drink and coffee in between the visits.