TIVOLI: HADRIAN'S VILLA AND VILLA D'ESTE

An excursion to the countryside to explore Hadrian's imperial villa, an amazing archaeological site, the most complete estate to have survived the fall of the Roman empire. A veritable Versailles, it included baths, libraries, theatres, dining areas, pavilions, and private suites partly inspired by Egyptian and Greek architecture. The Renaissance Villa d'Este was commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este, son of Alfonso I d'Este and Lucrezia Borgia and grandson of Pope Alexander VI. Italian style gardens and more than 200 fountains. Villa d'Este has provided inspiration to many painters, writers and musicians and continues to delight with its endless views and sparkling fountains. Both villas are in the Unesco World Heritage list.