Intro:
This tour allows you to visit and compare two very splendid villas from two different ages. Both villas are rightfully listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

You may choose between a half day tour (4 hours) that includes only one villa, or a full day tour (7 hours) that includes both villas and lunch in between. Lunch and tickets into the sites are not included in the tour price.

A drive through the Roman countryside will take you to Tivoli, a wonderous place in the vicinity of Rome.  There you will find the famous Villa De’Este and Villa Adriana.

The enchanting Renaissance era Villa d’Este beckons you to spend a day enjoying its impressive symphony of countless fountains, grottoes, nymphs, carved stones and plays of water set in the heart of the magnificent Italian style garden.  The structured landscape blends art and history in a most harmonious style reminiscent of the hanging gardens of Babylon, one of the wonders of the ancient world.           

With its concentration of unique and beautiful water features including fountains, grottoes, plays of water, nymphs and music, guests of the Cardinal were duly impressed and amazed.
The main focal point of the garden, the giant ‘Water Organ Fountain’, flows down a huge drop into lovely, shady pools of cool water.

From 1605, Cardinal Alessandro d'Este added his own touch not only to restore and repair the vegetation and the waterworks, but also to create new designs to the layout of the garden and to add to the decorations of the fountains.

The inside of Villa D’Este is one of the most beautiful residences of the Renaissance built by the cardinal Ippolito D’Este in the 1550’s.

Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana), an elegant country retreat comprising of some 30 buildings of both sacred and secular nature constructed by Emperor Hadrian (Adriano) in the 2nd century A.C., is a stunning formation showcasing the remains of a once glorious imperial palace, baths, gardens, pools, theaters and libraries that take you back to the height of the Roman Empire. The Villa Adriana complex is enormous with several underground passages and tunnels. There are lakes, libraries, baths, temples, theaters, apartments and gardens. With such a colossal area, it’s easy to imagine that even Hadrian himself may have needed a guide.

The emperor supervised the building of the villa himself and included architectural elements of his travels. The gardens are glorious, and although most of the sculpture was removed from the site during renaissance excavation, enough remains for visitors to appreciate the magnificence of a Roman imperial garden.

Born in 76 AD and later succeeded Trajan as emperor, Hadrian was one of ancient Rome’s most notable figures. The story of his succession is mysterious in itself rife with secrets and legends. According to the historian Dio Cassius, Hadrian's accession was mainly accomplished through the actions of Empress Plotina, who kept Trajan's death a secret for several days. During this time, she sent letters to the senate informing them that Hadrian was to be the new heir. Although the letters carried the empress’ own signature, she likely used the excuse that Trajan was too ill to write. Another rumor suggests that someone had been secretly smuggled into Trajan's chamber by the empress in order to impersonate his voice.
Only after the empress was sure of Hadrian’s accession did she announce Trajan’s death.

Towards the end of his reign, Emperor Hadrian actually ruled the Roman empire from this very place. Abandoned during the decline of the Roman Empire, it was rediscovered in 15th century by Pope Pius II who initiated excavations on the site.  Although only some of the original structures still survive, you will find delightful surprises waiting at the turn of each corner.

Aside from its impressive beauty, Hadrian’s Villa is also a significant cultural and archaeological site.  But due to the rapid deterioration of the ruins, Hadrian’s Villa has been placed on the World Monuments Watch “Most Endangered Sites” list. It is quite fortunate that we are able to enjoy this once wondrous place today.

We thank you for choosing Stefano Rome Tours for your guided tours in Rome and beyond. Wish you safe and happy travels!

Please note
This tour is not offered on Mondays as the Villas are closed to the public.