Tivoli: Villa Adriana and Villa D'Este

Interestingly, the existence of the city of Tivoli predates the founding of Rome by approximately 2 centuries. It is believed that the village was founded through an Aboriginal ritual, where younger people are challenged to abandon the old village and start a new city.

The fact is that, taken by the Romans a few centuries later, the city, because of its natural beauty and abundant water resources, became the favorite place for several wealthy families throughout history.

We will advance along the ancient Via Tiburtina and, just 30 km from Rome, we will visit two, among many others, large residences, from different historical periods: Villa Adriana (imperial period) and Villa d'Este (papal period). Both are listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
At the foot of the Tiburtini hills, in an area of ​​quarries and sulfur, tombs and travertine, we find more than 30 buildings, built by Emperor Hadrian. Hadrian's Villa, from the 2nd century, whose ruins express grandeur and beauty, is a result of the emperor's desire to build monuments and places, inspired by the works he would have seen on his trips to the East.

As for Villa d'Este, it is one of the most beautiful preserved and well-known Renaissance residences. Surrounded by wonderful Italian-style gardens and decorated with numerous fountains and water features. The Fountain of Neptune is worth mentioning, the work of Bernini, one of the popes' favorite architects.

The tour is focused on exploration, especially of the two villages. If interested, the client can request a quote for an additional hour or two to explore the village, which we recommend, given the eccentricity of the city.