Tivoli Full Day Trip from Rome: Hadrian's Villa and Villa D'Este
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Rome, Italy
- 6 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Visit the historic vacation homes of the Roman elite on a Rome to Tivoli day trip. The full-day guided excursion includes tours of Tivoli’s two UNESCO-listed sites: Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este. Hear Renaissance and Ancient Roman history and scandal, admire archaeological ruins and explore some of Italy’s most extravagant private gardens.
- Learn intriguing Renaissance history on a guided walking tour of two villas east of Rome
- Explore the archaeological ruins of Hadrian's Villa, former home to 2nd-century Emperor Hadrian
- Admire the stunning gardens of Villa d'Este and see the famous Fountain of Neptune
- Transport from Rome to Tivoli by air-conditioned coach
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
Free time at lunch lets you skip the fixed meals other tours offer and choose your own menu and budget.
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Headsets to ear the guide clearly
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Castro Pretorio00161 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
Please meet us at the exit of Castro Pretorio Metro Station (Line B). Our representative will be there holding a flag that says 'Enjoy Rome.' Please remember to show up 25 minutes before the tour departure time. Return point: Returns to original departure point
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.9:30 am
Itinerary
Travel from Rome to Tivoli by air-conditioned coach to start your day trip. As you travel, listen to your guide’s commentary about Tivoli, a historic town in the Monti Tiburtini hills. A prestigious vacation spot in the days of Ancient Rome, the town is now popular for its two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este.
Your first stop in Tivoli is at Hadrian’s Villa for a walking tour. Hear how the villa belonged to Emperor Hadrian who desired an unassuming vacation home as a tribute to his lover. By modern standards, his ‘humble abode’ could be considered a town in its own right.
The ruins of the emperor’s impressive estate consist of more than 30 buildings, and you’ll see the highlights as you explore. Discover the complex ruins of the old imperial palace as well as thermal baths, temples, libraries and subterranean passages that are wide enough for vehicles.
Enjoy lunch at your own expense, and then continue to Villa d'Este: explore the former Benedictine convent, and see why many consider the villa to be one of the finest of the Renaissance era.
As you explore, hear how Villa d’Este was built as an opulent abode for the son of Lucretia Borgia, a 15th-century duchess who attracted drama and gossip wherever she went. Make your way past the Fountain of Neptune, and wander through the gardens to see waterfalls, fountains and centenary trees.
Leave Villa d’Este after your tour, and then relax on your journey back to Rome.
Your first stop in Tivoli is at Hadrian’s Villa for a walking tour. Hear how the villa belonged to Emperor Hadrian who desired an unassuming vacation home as a tribute to his lover. By modern standards, his ‘humble abode’ could be considered a town in its own right.
The ruins of the emperor’s impressive estate consist of more than 30 buildings, and you’ll see the highlights as you explore. Discover the complex ruins of the old imperial palace as well as thermal baths, temples, libraries and subterranean passages that are wide enough for vehicles.
Enjoy lunch at your own expense, and then continue to Villa d'Este: explore the former Benedictine convent, and see why many consider the villa to be one of the finest of the Renaissance era.
As you explore, hear how Villa d’Este was built as an opulent abode for the son of Lucretia Borgia, a 15th-century duchess who attracted drama and gossip wherever she went. Make your way past the Fountain of Neptune, and wander through the gardens to see waterfalls, fountains and centenary trees.
Leave Villa d’Este after your tour, and then relax on your journey back to Rome.
1
Villa Adriana
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Villa Adriana (Pass By)
2
Villa d'Este
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Luggage storage NOT available
- Please note: Stairs at both villas are quite steep and a moderate amount of walking is involved
- Stroller accessible
- This tour is not recommended to people with disabilities
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Individuals with Disabilities MUST NOTE it on their booking.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Virginia_d
We were met by our tour guide Giuseppe & our driver Emilio. They were both very nice! Then we were off to Hadrian’s Villa. Giuseppe was very knowledgeable about all of our tours & gave us so much information! The Villa is huge & beautiful! We were given plenty of time to walk around & take pictures. Then we were off to Tivoli. It’s a picturesque town with lots of shops & restaurants. After lunch Giuseppe guided us through Villa D’Estes. Wow! He gave us so much information & helped us see it in its glory back in the day. The gardens are tremendous! The fountains are gorgeous! Giuseppe & Emilio made the day very fun & special! I highly recommend this tour to you!
Reviews
4.5
based on 1,753 reviews
Hillary_G, Apr 2026
Wonderful trip — efficient meet-up point and journey by bus — and wonderful guide who took us thru the Villa and the gardens. Thank you!
Judy_B, Apr 2026
There are hundreds of steps at Villa d’Este.
The booking says it is a small group tour but there were more than 30 on this tour
Jennifer_S, Apr 2026
This was one of the highlights of my trip! Alicia was a fantastic guide. She was so engaging and knowledgable about the places we went and area as a whole. I really loved her energy and storytelling style. I also enjoyed the flow of the tour itself, and it made me want to spend more time in Tivoli.
Fabian_S, Apr 2026
Option 1 (balanced, natural):
The places were beautiful, but the guide kept rushing us for no clear reason. Ironically, we ended up with long stretches of free time later on. The time management was poor, and we missed several great spots along the way. The “surprises” didn’t really add much to the experience.
Jane_F, Mar 2026
Great day trip a short distance Rome. Marcia was a great guide. Not why the review is requiring 100 characters to post.
Joseph_L, Mar 2026
Hadrian’s Villa and the Villa d’Este are beautiful and awe-inspiring. Our guide Alicia was knowledgeable and engaging. She was very clear in her directions, which was greatly appreciated. Although it was raining and chilly, Alicia made the history of these beautiful sites come alive for us. Highly recommended.
Darlene_M, Mar 2026
The whole tour was well organized. Our guide is an archeologist and has incredible knowledge of the sites.
Bruce_O, Mar 2026
Very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Interesting information and loved the scenery.
Bus ride back to Rome was stifling hot…..even though 50 F outside.
Lidia_R, Mar 2026
Marsha was our tour guide and she was amazing! Great information, really made the whole experience better.
Joseph_L, Mar 2026
An unforgettable experience! Hadrian’s Villa is something you just have to experience, pictures do not do it justice at all! One of the most beautiful places I have ever been to! Villa d’Este was stunning as well! Sadly I do not remember the tour guides name but she is a local from Tivoli that currently lives at Hadrian’s Villa so she is extremely knowledgeable! She was very kind and funny as well and though she has an accent she was easy to understand. Just a wonderful guide all around! This tour is an absolute must if you love history!!
Lise_D, Mar 2026
It was a wonderful time. Small tour which was very nice. The guide was very knowledgeable and made everyone feel welcomed.
Richard_G, Mar 2026
I would highly recommend this company for and bookings, easy and affordable. The experience with the guide was great 👍
Kate_C, Mar 2026
Good value day trip. Comfortable coach. Friendly and knowledgeable guide. Quite brisk tour at the venues but followed by welcome free time to wander at leisure. Plenty of lunch options in Tivoli.
Rafael_M, Mar 2026
There is a lot of walking involved including going up and down stairs. Many in group did not anticipate this. Aside from this, the tour was good and Maritza was excellent guide.
Virginia_d, Mar 2026
We were met by our tour guide Giuseppe & our driver Emilio. They were both very nice! Then we were off to Hadrian’s Villa. Giuseppe was very knowledgeable about all of our tours & gave us so much information! The Villa is huge & beautiful! We were given plenty of time to walk around & take pictures. Then we were off to Tivoli. It’s a picturesque town with lots of shops & restaurants. After lunch Giuseppe guided us through Villa D’Estes. Wow! He gave us so much information & helped us see it in its glory back in the day. The gardens are tremendous! The fountains are gorgeous! Giuseppe & Emilio made the day very fun & special! I highly recommend this tour to you!
TRACY_C, Mar 2026
This tour was well worth the time and money! Our tour guide was fantastic! We had a wonderful day from start to finish. I can't recommend this enough. The very first restaurant that you get to recommended by the tour company is absolutely amazing. There's also a pizza place right across from it that had outstanding pizza for $10! It was the perfect amount of time for each stop.
Thomas_G, Mar 2026
Extremely rushed, fountains not running, and poor customer service. Tour guide very difficult to understand.
The main reason to visit the Villa D'Este is to see the fountains. They were not running the day of the visit and the villa itself lowered the price of admission to compensate, yet viator did not. I called to complain and they refused any compensation. So, I may not be too willing to use them again.
Evan_A, Feb 2026
Marcia, our guide, and our driver were amazing!! Marcia was extremely smart and made the whole trip fun. Please go see it!!
Vandana_A, Feb 2026
Please be aware I Got scammed
Guide took us to lunch to place in Tivoli after the lunch when I gave my credit card to pay for the lunch the hostess told me her machine is not working so requested for cash
So I did that driver is the witness
After that guide also told me that internet was not working for the lunch place. In the evening when I checked my credit card was charged by her. So she took both cash for lunch and charged the credit card too. I did not expect to be scammed / cheated as my booking is through viator a well known company
Harriet_O, Feb 2026
Travelers should be aware that the tour requires walking on uneven ground and many steps.
Our guide Alicia was terrific, well versed and engaging. Mario the driver was great.
Debra_C, Nov 2025
Well timed and balanced. Enough information and free time. Our guide, Marcia, was great! The Hadrian was amazing!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the Tivoli Full Day Trip from Rome: Hadrian's Villa and Villa D'Este. It’s wonderful to hear that the timing, information, and free time were well balanced, and that Marcia made the experience even better. We’re glad you loved Hadrian’s Villa—hope to welcome you on another tour soon!
James_H, Nov 2025
Tivoli was beautiful. We had a great time! Pick up and drop off ran smoothly. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave us a lot of time to explore the villas (and take lots of pictures). The fountains at Villa d’Este are breathtaking. We would recommend this trip to anyone looking for an activity outside of Rome.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much! We’re delighted you enjoyed the Tivoli Full Day Trip from Rome: Hadrian's Villa and Villa D’Este. Our guide is thrilled to hear that you had plenty of time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the breathtaking fountains at Villa d’Este. We really appreciate your recommendation!
Gary_L, Nov 2025
Difficulty locating the meeting location. Resulted in missing the bus and we needed to take a private taxi to the location.
Peter_L, Nov 2025
Tour was cancelled due to too few signups. Tour guide told me they don’t do refunds. They offered me a Vatican tour instead, which I had already done. They also asked if I was flexible on the date, but had to fly home the next day.
ToddEbner, Nov 2025
A nice tour of the villas. Very picturesque and Marzia was very informative. She knew so much of the history. I had no idea this waa thenoldest italian garden in the world!
I recommend!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the Tivoli Full Day Trip from Rome: Hadrian's Villa and Villa D’Este. Marzia is delighted you appreciated her insights and the history of the villas and gardens—especially discovering that Villa d’Este is the oldest Italian garden in the world! We really appreciate your recommendation.
Kathy_F, Nov 2025
Wonderful tour. Our guide shared so much information. We had a great day. We recommend this tour to others.
Harmony_S, Nov 2025
Very knowledgeable guide and interesting tour, but I could unfortunately only understand about 75% of what she said. The lunch was not good at all, and unfortunately the time we were given to explore Tivoli was useless given every shop closed for a number of hours midday, so we just sort of waited around.
Allen_c, Nov 2025
Well organized and our guide Marsha was very knowledgeable and helpful and just a nice person. She made sure that everything was perfect
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that Marsha made your Tivoli tour so enjoyable and ensured everything went perfectly. It’s wonderful to know her knowledge, helpfulness, and friendly nature made such a great impression!
Sean_M, Nov 2025
The tour started off very late as the gentleman with the audio sets was 30 minutes late. There was no guide to or from the gardens to provide background information and the tour at the gardens and the villa seemed rushed because we were so late. The Ville de Estes was magnificent but make sure to allow enough time to climb up the steep hill or steps whichever you choose.
Sarah_C, Nov 2025
Had a fantastic day with Marzia touring two spectacular sites near Rome. Had not heard much about these sites but Hadrian’s Villa is truly amazing and we have seen a lot of ancient sites throughout Sicily and Turkey. And Villa d’Este and it’s amazing gardens and.fountains rival anything we have seen. The tour is very well run and an easy day trip.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic day touring Tivoli with Marcia. It’s great that Hadrian’s Villa and the incredible gardens and fountains of Villa d’Este left such a lasting impression, even compared to other ancient sites you’ve visited. We’re glad you enjoyed the well-organized and easy-going tour!
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