Villa d'Este with Hadrian's Villa: Guided Day-Tour

1.732 Reviews
from €65.00 EUR
Duration: 7 Hours
 Organized by: Enjoy Rome
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Leave Rome behind and take the road for Tivoli, where you will start your whole-day tour to explore the best two villas in Rome – Villa D’Este and Hadrian’s Villa. You will also have some time to explore some other impressive estates.

Discover two of Italy’s most extraordinary Renaissance treasures on this full-day excursion to Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa. Located in Tivoli, just outside Rome, these iconic sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the opulence, architectural brilliance, and historical significance that have dazzled visitors for centuries.

Explore Hadrian’s Villa

Begin your journey at Hadrian’s Villa, an immense complex built in the 2nd century by the Emperor Hadrian, once considered more impressive than Rome’s own city center. Known as one of the most luxurious estates in Italy, it features a captivating array of temples, theaters, thermal baths, pools, and imperial palaces. As you wander these sprawling grounds, you’ll gain insight into the Emperor’s vision of merging the architectural styles of Greece, Egypt, and Rome into a single monumental statement of power and cultural fusion.

Among the highlights are:

  • The Maritime Theatre: A circular moat surrounding a small island that likely served as Hadrian’s private retreat, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Roman life.
  • Serapeum and Canopus: View the striking caryatids and a hand-carved cave dedicated to the god Serapis, inspired by a city in Egypt.
  • Thermal Baths: Impressive remains that showcase the advanced bathing culture of the Roman elite.
Villa D'Este with Hadrian's Villa Guided Day-Tour

Villa D’Este with Hadrian’s Villa Guided Day-Tour

After exploring the splendor of Hadrian’s Villa, pause for a leisurely lunch in a picturesque corner of Tivoli. Recharge before you continue your adventure into the Renaissance heritage of Villa d’Este, listening to your guide’s stories about the region’s rich past and enjoying local culinary delights.

Experience Villa d’Este

Next, delve into the late Renaissance era at Villa d’Este, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable architecture, sumptuous gardens, and innovative water features. The villa, once owned by Lucrezia Borgia’s son, Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, captivates visitors with its artistic and landscaping genius.

Key highlights include:

  • Enchanting Gardens: Marvel at an array of towering trees, manicured terraces, and vibrant flowerbeds that reflect the Renaissance passion for symmetry and aesthetic harmony.
  • Mesmerizing Fountains: Stand in awe of famous fountains such as Le Cento Fontane (The Hundred Fountains), Fontana dell’Ovato (Oval Fountain), and the visually stunning Water Organ Fountain, each showcasing ingenious hydraulic engineering and artistic flair.
  • Historical Legacy: Listen as your guide unveils the villa’s storied past, from its legendary ownership to its profound influence on garden design across Europe.

A Renaissance Journey to Remember

Uncover the unrivaled beauty of Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa on this in-depth day trip that seamlessly blends history, architecture, and natural wonder. Whether you’re drawn by the serenity of ancient Roman baths, the bustling grandeur of palace ruins, or the exquisite Renaissance fountains, these sites promise an experience unlike any other.

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey and witness the astonishing fusion of Roman imperial magnificence and Renaissance elegance. Book your spot now for this captivating full-day Tivoli tour from Rome and immerse yourself in the splendor of Italy’s storied past.

Highlights
  • Explore the best two villas from Renaissance era in outlying districts of Rome,
  • Gallivant the Italian-style gardens of Villa d’Este,
  • Visit Hadrian’s Villa that received, once upon a time, more attention and importance than the Rome,
  • Be awed by the caryatids of Serapeum and Canopus.
What's Included
  • Bus transfer to and from the villas
  • Admission fees to Villa D’Este and Hadrian’s Villa
  • Expert guide
  • Headsets for guided tour
  • Lunch (if option selected)
What's not Included
  • Pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 1 day before tour starts.

Useful Info

The marvellous garden of this villa with its landscape of grottoes, rocks, and fountains was the work of a churchman, Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, who retired here in 1550.

This fantastic combination of planting and stonework, which includes many learned architectural ‘quotes’, gave rise to a genre which was imitated throughout Europe: the Mannerist garden. The capricious park is laid out round the Viale delle Cento Fontane, a wide avenue flanked by mossy fountains and invaded by exuberant vegetation. Fragonard and Hubert Robert painted here, and Liszt dedicated one of his most romantic pieces to the gardens of the Villa d’Este.

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