About this experience
Tivoli is famous for its extraordinary atmosphere, stunning views, and three villas that are UNESCO heritage sites. Together, we will visit the d’Este estate, uncover the secrets of its garden, and stroll through the stone streets of the town. I will reveal the history of the cardinal, talk about the ancient past of these places, and the intricacies of garden art.
What to Expect
Be inspired by the beauty of architecture and interiors
We will visit the Villa d’Este, 'guests' of Cardinal Ippolito II, an influential figure of the 16th century. You will walk through halls elegantly decorated with frescoes and see that it was truly one of the most magnificent villas of its time. A prototype for Versailles, it inspired many famous talents.
A creation of nature and man
Marble cascades will lead us to a fairytale garden with ancient cypresses, secluded grottoes, ponds, and playful fountains. Where water jets sparkle among the alleys, forming rainbows in the sun, I will talk about the adventurous life of the cardinal and his once powerful ancestors. We will discuss the heroic ancient past of these places and even the amazing life of plants that have turned this garden into a mysterious world.
Through the stone alleys
We will then transport ourselves to the Middle Ages, strolling through the picturesque streets of Tivoli and admiring rare icons and skillful mosaics in the silence of temples. Before you will appear the real life of the locals with their unchanged cafes, craft workshops, and a vibrant vegetable market.
Continue the walk through the city or to the villas
After the tour, you can stay in Tivoli for a self-guided walk and lunch at one of the taverns.
Or head to Villa Gregoriana, where a powerful waterfall cascades into the gorge, small bridges hang over the cliffs, and miraculously surviving columns of an ancient temple rise.
Or visit Villa Adriana, the creation of the ingenious engineer emperor, to stroll among the grand ruins, centuries-old cypresses, and olive trees.
Organizational Details
Additional Expenses
- Tickets to Villa d’Este (purchased directly at the museum) - from 10 to 13 euros depending on the availability of an additional exhibition
- Tickets for the train from Rome to Tivoli - 3.50 euros one way
Please Note
- In case of bad weather or transport strikes, instead of this tour, I suggest visiting the Barberini Museum or the National Museum of Palazzo Massimo
- If more than 6 people participate, we will use audio long-range communication
Photos from reviews
Julia
March 29, 2024
We had a great day at Tivoli. Nelly is an excellent tour guide! She told us the whole history of this place on the way, took us through the ancient streets in the town. The villa was delightful! Nelly cherished every minute of our time, showing and explaining everything - the organization was top-no...
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Anatoliy
August 15, 2023
I traveled around Europe: Rome, Belgium, Paris. Along the way, I had 8 tours! And I am grateful that fate brought me to Nelly. I had 2 tours with Nelly: the Borghese Gallery and Tivoli. Before visiting the Borghese Gallery, I was clueless, but after 3 hours with Nelly, I came out a different person....
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Maria
June 5, 2023
This is my second tour with Nelli, and this time everything went wonderfully. Nelli tells fascinating stories about the events of days gone by, using historical facts and legends. The villa and gardens themselves are magnificent, and if you are not in Rome for the first time, it is worth taking the ...
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