Rome-Tivoli Gardens; Villa D'Este
 

We are in our 60's, making our first trip to Rome on June 15. We have an opportunity to have a five hour escorted tour to the Tivoli Gardens, Villa D'Este. It seems worth it. Anyone who has done this sort of thing please share your personal opinion and experience--was it worthwhile, etc.?

Thanks.

Anthony

Absolutely loved Tivoli water gardens at the villa d'Este, where not-so-unworldly cardinals like Este used to hang out, living the good life. The water gardens on the grounds are spectacular - all kinds of bizarro sculptures and of course splish-splashing fountains (subject to not being drought conditions in this arid-in-summer climate). Near the villa is a cascade made in the river centuries ago and about two miles away is Hadrian's Villa - one of the primo Roman archaelogical sites - the ruins of Emperor Hadrian's vast villa where he and his cohorts did much debauchery - very evocoative sight even in ruins. A fantastic day trip - if not doing the guided tour you can take a train or bus to Tivoli, about 25 miles east of Rome i think, easy enough.

We went with Through Eternity tours. Guide spoke with a very heavy English accent- difficult for us to understand but the Gardens were spectacular. I'd say go for it too!

Thanks, PalQ and aneckc.We are so happy to be finally visiting the Eternal City.

Prepare to be delighted! Among all the "glories that are Rome," Tivoli remains one of the favorite sights of our trip. When a neighbor heard we were planning a trip to Rome, she called and insisted that we go to Tivoli. After a hot and busy day of touring, we almost didn't go, but hated having to face her with the news that we had disregarded her suggestion! We went in the late afternoon and it was magical. Enjoy!

Hi Powell,

I agree with all of the above. I went by myself and loved it. It really is beautiful.

Additonally, I agree with PalQ to see Hadrian's Villa. It was lovely, and all the baths on the outside were very interesting to me.

Great pictures of both. Loved it!

Enjoy, T.

I highly recommend a trip to Tivoli and the Villa D'Este. Beautiful gardens and fountains. I considered travelling there by train/bus/foot from Rome, but decided to take a tour. I am glad that I did. It took the hassle out of the day and made it far more enjoyable. It is useful as well to have the commentary from a guide. Just check with your hotel, as they may have an arrangement with a tour company which provides a discount to their guests. Enjoy!

yes both are impressive.we went by bus 2 years ago.i would opt for a guided tour today as it is a bit complicated to get there, from tivoli to hadrians, & from hadrians back to rome. also the ruins have only sparse signs so if you havent read up it will be a bit difficult to imagine what each buildings purpose was.

I agree with Chevy; having done both and if I could only do one it would be Villa D'Este. I found the "water features" much more interesting than the ruins, personally.

Yes, I think it is definitely worthwhile even if it isn't located in the much Fodorite ballyhooed "centro storico." Unlike the Spanish Steps, at least the fountains do something besides just sit there.

Enjoy your trip and that guided tour.