One day in Tivoli

Two thousand years ago Emperor Hadrian built his palatial playground in Tivoli and during the Renaissance, it became the vacation of choice for the Vatican’s foremost Cardinals. With this tour you will visit two grand palaces from vastly different eras – one a magnificent ruin of marble statues, crumbling columns and abandoned lakes; the other a Renaissance masterpiece, as grand now as it ever was. Villa d’Este, a former Benedictine convent was created as a lavish home for the son of Lucretia Borgia, a scandalous Italian duchess who created much drama in 15th-century Italy. Stroll through the villa’s stunning gardens, featuring impressive waterfalls, centenary trees and more than 500 fountains.