The highlight of our Cruise Excursion to Tivoli is a private tour of Hadrian’s Villa, exploring the archaeological site in-depth with an expert local guide and learning about how the emperor Hadrian ruled the Roman Empire from his luxurious private estate in Tivoli. On this full-day excursion, you’ll also get to visit the beautiful Villa d’Este, renowned for its extravagant, fountain-filled gardens as well as its frescoed interiors. During your visit, you’ll discover the fascinating links between Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este, and hear stories about how Cardinal d’Este made his vision a reality. The cruise excursion includes private transportation, with a driver picking you up at Civitavecchia and taking you back at the end of the day.
Your Cruise Excursion to Tivoli begins with a brief stop on Via Tiburtina. The travertine marble used to construct the Colosseum was extracted at the quarry here, which is still in use today. We will then continue on to Hadrian’s Villa, one of the most spectacular Roman ruins in the world.
You will then be driven to Hadrian’s Villa, arguably the most impressive of all the imperial villas, and one of the most magnificent Roman ruins in the world. This site is much more than a villa - it’s a sprawling estate including a palace, theatres, expansive gardens, pools and fountains.
On your private tour of Hadrian’s Villa you’ll explore the buildings and gardens, which are spread over an area twice the size of Pompeii, and learn about the life, career and artistic tastes of the emperor, who was inspired by his travels throughout the Roman Empire.
Exploring evocative sites such as the Private Library and the Maritime Theatre, you’ll be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of the villa and its gardens. The famous Canopy is another highlight; this lake surrounded by arcades and statues is perhaps one of the most beautiful places in the entire country.
A very different kind of villa is the next stop on your Tivoli Cruise Excursion. A walk through the winding streets of the historic town centre takes us to Villa d’Este, a 16th century villa famous for its breathtaking beauty. There are 500 fountains in the gardens, creating a sense of luxury, wealth, and limitless imagination. Your private tour to Villa D’Este will also give you a new perspective on Hadrian’s Villa, as you discover how the cardinal stole many statues and monuments from the archaeological site in order to decorate his own gardens.
You’ll also have the chance to explore the beautifully decorated rooms of Villa D’Este, which are filled with spectacular frescoes. As you explore these luxurious rooms and admire the views of the gardens, your guide will tell you about the public and private life of d’Este, a patron of the arts who once aspired to become pope.
A Cruise Excursion to Tivoli from Civitavecchia is the perfect day trip, enjoying the tranquillity of these beautiful villas and their gardens. The best alternative if you have already visited Rome.