Roman Countryside Tour: Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este

The Roman Countryside Tour: Hadrian's Villa and Villa D'Este

The Roman Countryside Tour: Hadrian's Villa and Villa D'Este

A Luxurious Escape to Tivoli: Villas, Fountains & Timeless Beauty

Get ready for a day of pure enchantment, where history, luxury, and breathtaking beauty come together in the serene hill town of Tivoli—just outside the bustling streets of Rome. Picture yourself leaving behind the city's fast pace and stepping into a world of majestic villas, cascading fountains, and timeless elegance. From the grandeur of the ancient Roman Empire to the splendor of the Renaissance, this journey is nothing short of spectacular.

Villa Hadrian: An Emperor’s Dream Brought to Life

Your adventure begins at Villa Hadrian, the lavish 2nd-century retreat of Emperor Hadrian himself. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Roman engineering, where over 30 magnificent structures once formed one of the most extravagant estates in the empire.

  • Walk through sprawling ruins, from vast thermal baths to grand temples and elegant palaces.
  • Marvel at underground passageways so wide that chariots once rode through them.
  • Step into Hadrian’s vision of paradise, where art, architecture, and nature blended into a symbol of imperial power and luxury.

With every step, you’ll immerse yourself in the opulence of Ancient Rome, discovering the secrets behind this extraordinary retreat while surrounded by breathtaking ruins that whisper stories of the past.

Villa d’Este: A Renaissance Wonderland of Fountains & Gardens

From ancient Rome, your journey sweeps you into the heart of the Renaissance, where you’ll explore the jaw-dropping beauty of Villa d’Este—a place where art, water, and nature create one of the most stunning villa gardens in the world. Originally a Benedictine convent, this estate was transformed into a luxurious masterpiece by Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este, the son of the infamous Lucrezia Borgia.

  • Be mesmerized by over 500 fountains, including the iconic Fountain of Neptune, where water theatrics meet artistic grandeur.
  • Stroll through lush gardens, where hidden grottoes, ancient trees, and trickling waterfalls create a peaceful oasis.
  • Step into a living work of art, where Renaissance architecture and breathtaking landscapes exist in perfect harmony.

The entire estate feels like a dream brought to life, where every corner offers a new surprise, every fountain tells a story, and every pathway invites you to slow down and soak in the magic.

A Historic Lunch with a View

After a morning of awe-inspiring exploration, it's time to indulge in a meal as unforgettable as the sights. You'll head to Ristorante La Sibilla, a historic culinary gem dating back to 1730, nestled beside the ancient Temple of Vesta and the Sanctuary of the Sybil.

  • Dine on exquisite Italian cuisine, made from the finest local ingredients.
  • Sip wine on a panoramic terrace, overlooking the breathtaking Aniene River gorge.
  • Soak in the romance of the Italian countryside, where history and nature come together in one perfect setting.

As you make your way back to Rome, you’ll carry with you the memories of a day unlike any other—a journey through the grandeur of Ancient Rome, the elegance of the Renaissance, and the sheer beauty of Italy’s countryside. From the imperial splendor of Villa Hadrian to the water wonderland of Villa d’Este, this is an experience that lingers long after you leave Tivoli!
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Tour
8 hours
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Physical level
Medium
Difficulty of Tour
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This tour involves walking and standing for extended periods. While most routes are accessible, some areas may include stairs or uneven surfaces. If you have mobility concerns, please let us know at the time of booking, and we will provide guidance on suitability and alternatives.

Meeting Point
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The exact meeting point for this tour will be confirmed upon booking. Locations may vary depending on tour logistics, but all details, including directions and arrival time, will be provided in your confirmation email.

Duration of Tour
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The duration of this tour may vary slightly based on the itinerary and selected experience. Estimated tour length will be provided at the time of booking, and final details will be communicated in your confirmation.

Schedule 30 minutes call with Carmen
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Best trip ever!
We would like to sincerely thank Carmen and her team for the wonderful two week itinerary planned for us in Italy as well as your dedication and constant communication in keeping us always informed with our tour guides and drivers.
Being that this was our first time traveling to Italy, Your Own Italy made our hotel (beautiful hotels) , transportation, and tour reservations for us which made our trip stress free where we could relax and enjoy our time. All the private drivers and AP Tour Guides were wonderful, gracious, very knowledgeable and informative. We really enjoyed them and learned a lot from them.
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