GREEN GLORIES

Infuse your hectic Roman experience with a moment of tranquillity and enjoy a stroll in the peaceful oases that grace the ancient town of Tivoli. Located in the Tiburtini hills, just 30 kilometres from Rome, Tivoli has provided Roman citizens with a restful break over the centuries. Exquisite gardens, sweeping views over the Roman countryside, a cool breeze and delicious cuisine all contribute to the town’s long-lasting popularity with capital-dwellers and visitors alike. Tivoli’s main attractions are its UNESCO World Heritage listed historical villas and parks which you will have the opportunity to admire on this full-day quest for a serene, green break.

Meet your private guide and driver outside your accommodation and relax on the ride to Villa d’Este. At the behest of Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este this site was converted from its original state as a monastery to a sumptuous luxury retreat. The property had been given to him by Giulio III as a gesture of gratitude for the cardinal’s decisive contribution to his election as pope in 1550 but the recipient was disappointed with its lack of comforts and outdated appearance. He set about constructing a fabulous villa that could rival the magnificence of the Roman and French courts and, above all, match the splendour of the nearby ancient Roman Villa Adriana.

Inside, the rooms of the mansion are lavishly decorated with Mannerist frescoes depicting mythological scenes but Villa d’Este is best-known for its enchanting terraced gardens adorned with myriad fountains, grottoes, statues and waterworks. Painter and architect Pirro Ligorio is responsible for ideating and designing the garden, a masterpiece of archaeological knowledge, erudition and playful imagination. Roam along the promenades, up and down steps and see how art and nature merge to create a symphony of colours, sounds and scents. Not to be missed are Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Fontana del Bicchierone, the one hundred spouts of the Cento Fontane, the majestic Fontana dell’Ovato and Diana’s grotto, entirely decorated with a triumph of mosaics, bas-reliefs and enamels. Your guide will lead you past the highlights and explain why this giardino delle meraviglie is considered one of the most remarkable and refined examples of Renaissance culture and aesthetics.

After some free time for lunch, set off to explore the fascinating ruins of Villa Adriana. Built as a summer retreat by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, the complex gradually became his official residence and the empire was actually governed from here during the last years of his life. A large court lived permanently on the premises and many guests would have been housed and entertained within the grounds. Hadrian personally supervised construction work and, as your guide will point out, some architectural features and buildings were directly commissioned by the emperor himself as a reminder of his travels to Greece and Egypt. These still stand as testimony to his admiration for sophisticated Hellenic and Afroasiatic culture and philosophy.

The stunning architectural complex used to cover an area of 120 hectares and included imperial quarters, reception halls, thermal baths, pools, temples, theatres, fountains, housing for servants and even underground tunnels used to transport slaves, cattle and food. Although 1,800 years have gone by, Villa Adriana’s crumbling remains still provide an extraordinary glimpse of the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by the ancient Roman court and give us precious insight into the interests and achievements of its creator.

Settle back comfortably in your seats for the return drive to your accommodation in the afternoon.