Emperor Hadrian chose Tivoli to build his personal estate outside Rome, Hadrian’s Villa. Be stunned by this exotic palace adorned with impressive statues and decorations inspired by Hadrian’s journeys to Asia Minor and North Africa. Follow your private, entertaining guide and listen to stories about the Emperor, who loved traveling. Be stunned by the best-preserved parts of the Villa, that comprise pools and an artificial grotto. Admire the so-called “Maritime Theater”, a round portico with a vault and pillars that form an artificial pool. We will have lunch in the spectacular garden of the “Ristorante Sibilla” overlooking antique Roman temples. A dish of fresh pasta, creamy mozzarella and tomatoes, all matched with Italian wine, and of course… with a view of the hills! Follow the lead of your expert tour guide and reach your second destination: Villa d’Este, the palace of the Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, governor of Tivoli. Built on the ruins of a Roman temple, the palace is a Renaissance masterpiece adorned with beautiful gardens and fountains. Drawing inspiration from the nearby Villa Adriana, Villa d’Este features impressive technique of hydraulic engineering that had an enormous influence on European landscape design. Generally, we start the tour at 8.00 am, with pick-up right at the quayside, so you will find us immediately as you get off the ship.