Tivoli: Hadrian's Villa & Villa D'este | Private

Visit the culmination of natural beauty, ancient architecture, and 16th-century ingenuity only found in Tivoli. 

Escape the hustle and bustle of Rome and head through the rolling hills of the Roman countryside for a stunning 8 hours day-trip. Fresh air, tall trees, and sprawling wildlife greets you as you ride down the curving mountain streets. 

The hillside town of Tivoli greets you with steep hills and overlooks into the expansive valleys ahead. Here, you’ll find the 16th-century Villa d’Este tucked inside this fascinating small town. 

Just outside of Tivoli lies the ruins of emperor Hadrian’s estate, Villa Adriana. The vast estate is beautifully overgrown and preserved. What Tivoli lacks in size it makes up for in allure and is well worth a short day trip to explore its offerings.

Sixteenth-century engineering meets natural beauty at Villa d’Este

At first glance, Villa d’Este might seem like a modest medieval residence tucked away in the heart of Tivoli — but step inside, and you'll discover a masterpiece that defies expectations. Once your guide leads you through the winding entrance, a breathtaking world of lush terraces, cascading fountains, and timeless elegance is revealed. Hidden behind stone walls lies one of the most enchanting gardens in all of Italy.

While the landscape alone is already astounding, it's the fountains that truly steal the show. Designed in the 16th century, these hydraulic wonders are a dazzling fusion of art and engineering — centuries-old mechanisms still set water dancing through the gardens in mesmerizing displays.

And if you're visiting in summer, you're in for a rare treat: Villa d’Este opens its gates for evening visits, letting you wander through its illuminated fountains and fragrant gardens under the soft glow of twilight or moonlight. It's an unforgettable experience where history, nature, and imagination meet in perfect harmony.

Explore the astoundingly vast estate of the emperor Hadrian 

Spread across more than 300 acres, the ruins of the ancient Villa Adriana are dotted with olive groves, reflective pools, and ancient fountains, where statues still stand watch over the remains of one of the most ambitious villa complexes ever built.

Commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, the villa once functioned as a self-contained city in the countryside — bustling with artisans, philosophers, servants, and scholars. Today, its atmosphere still pulses with life, especially when explored with your knowledgeable private guide, who will bring its rich past vividly into focus.

Wander past crocodile-lined pools, admire statues of Antinous, Hadrian’s beloved companion, and walk through the ruins of bathhouses, libraries, temples, and even a hospital. Each section of the villa reveals another layer of Roman ingenuity — from sweeping colonnades to perfectly engineered water features that once kept this mini-city thriving.

With stunning views over the valley and a natural serenity that blends beautifully with the grandeur of its ruins, Villa Adriana is both a historical site and a place of reflection.

Pair this immersive experience with a visit to Villa d’Este for the perfect day in Tivoli. When your visit ends, roundtrip transportation back to Rome is included — and if you’d like to linger a bit longer, we’ll gladly recommend a cozy local spot for lunch, dinner, or a glass of wine with a view.

Discover the soul of ancient Rome, just beyond the city walls.