Tivoli Tour from Rome: Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este Gardens

Ancient imperial luxury and Renaissance fountains, just minutes from the city

Stroll gardens, pools and fountains that emperors and nobles once loved, with a professional guide telling the stories behind them. It is a guided visit to two UNESCO-listed villas in Tivoli, just minutes from Rome, with entry to both included.

Options for this experience

2 options

From € 268 per person, depending on the option and date you choose. See options & prices

Small group tour option 08:30 Guide in 4 languages Shared tour small group option: maximum of 12 people on the tour. Car or minivan for a maximum of 6 people. Includes pickup.

Private Tour Option 08:30 Guide in 4 languages Private tour option: personalized service just for you. Duration: 5 hours, including the journey from Rome to Tivoli and back. The guided tour lasts about 3.30 hours. Car or minivan for a maximum of 6 people. Pickup is included.

None of these options right for you? See 12 alternatives ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este

• Travel from Rome to Tivoli
• Listen to guide's introduction and stories
• Explore Villa Adriana's gardens and pools
• Discover Villa Adriana's architecture and history
• Visit Villa d'Este's Renaissance gardens
• See Villa d'Este's fountains and waterfalls

Stops and time spent at each 2 stops

1. Tivoli passing by
2. Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este Entry included 1h 30m

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off at no cost.
• Air-conditioned minivan ride at no charge.
• Guided visit led by a professional guide.
• Admission to both villas.

Times

Looking for another day or time? ›

• Tuesday to Sunday 08:30

Information

Walk Emperor Hadrian's 2nd-century villa and the fountains of Villa d'Este near Rome, with a guide who shares the stories and scandals behind them.

Group Private 2 similar group tours ›

Live guide English, Spanish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included. See the pickup points

Book up to 1d before

Ages Adult (9 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Infant (under 4)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort Stroller-friendly Infant seats available Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems Infants must sit on laps

More information The pickup points, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

4.67 ★★★★★ Excellent 48 verified traveler reviews 83% rated it 5 stars

5 ★ 40

4 ★ 3

3 ★ 3

2 ★ 1

1 ★ 1

Read all the reviews ›

The experience

You walk into Emperor Hadrian's villa, built at the beginning of the 2nd century AD, where grand gardens and swimming pools open up around you. The architecture is impressive, and the setting feels far removed from the chaos of the capital. Your guide brings it to life with the stories of how it was built and the intrigue of the Roman families who lived nearby.

Then comes Villa d'Este, a Renaissance garden made for a cardinal who wanted a residence fit for his new status. Fountains, ornamental basins and waterfalls fill the park, and the garden has been among the earliest gardens of wonders, shaping gardens far beyond Italy.

Both villas sit on UNESCO's World Heritage List, so the stories you hear are tied to some of Italy's most treasured heritage. The day moves from ancient imperial luxury to Renaissance splendor, with a guide beside you the whole way.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 8 years); Infant (under 4).

Can I see the gardens and pools at Hadrian's Villa?

Yes. Villa Adriana sits in a setting of gardens and swimming pools, which the guide illustrates on arrival.

Does the guide explain the scandals of the Roman families?

Yes, the guide covers how these buildings were constructed and the scandals of the Roman families of that time.

Is Villa d'Este on UNESCO's World Heritage List?

Yes, both Villa d'Este and Villa Adriana are on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

How big is the Villa d'Este garden?

The palace and garden complex covers about 4.5 hectares, and its irregular plan uses parts of an older monastic building.

Operated by Welcome Italy. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago