Looking to book a Hadrian’s Villa tour from Rome? Located just 20 miles from Rome in Tivoli, the Hadrian’s Villa is a stunning Renaissance villa listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Enjoy a guided tour from Rome and catch a glimpse of the past by visiting the magnificent Hadrian’s Villa.
This article will provide an overview of the Hadrian’s Villa, what to see, how much tickets cost, what are the best Hadrian’s Villa tours from Rome, travel tips and more.
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What will I see?
Hadrian’s Villa is an ancient villa built for the Roman emperor Hadrian during the 2nd century AD, initially as a place to relax from daily life. However, around AD 128, Hadrian started to use the villa as his official residence to govern the Roman empire directly from there.
During the 4th century AD, the Roman empire started to decline, and the villa progressively began to deteriorate. The most valuable statues were taken away from the villa, which only served as a warehouse by the Ostrogoths and Byzantines during the Gothic War (AD 535-554) before being abandoned.
During the 16th century, Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este decided to remove most of the remaining statues in Hadrian’s Villa to decorate his villa, the Villa d’Este, located at only 300 metres from Hadrian’s Villa.
You will be able to see a lot of typical places in these archeological ruins, such as:
- The Maritime Theatre (made of an entrance that allows you to go inside an atrium and join a circular gantry with ion columns);
- The Canopus (an Egyptian-style water body of 119 metres long by 18 metres wide);
- The therms baths (separated by a building serving as an entrance hall);
- The Pecile (the largest of all the Hadrian’s Villa buildings: 235 metres long, 110 metres wide, with a 110-metres long and 25-metres wide pool);
- The Academy Terrace (offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area);
- The Philosophers’ Room (all the philosophers and writers protected by Hadrian met in this room to express their philosophical ideas);
- The Imperial Palace (restored at the behest of Hadrian, also contained a garden).
How long does it take to get there from Rome?
By car:
It takes 45 minutes to get there from Rome, via the A24.
By bus:
The trip between Rome and Tivoli lasts approximately one hour (from Rome’s “Mammolo” metro station, where buses from the regional bus company Cotral can take you to Trivoli).
By train:
It takes 40 minutes to get there from Rome Tiburtina train station. A train ticket costs €2,60. Once arrived in Tivoli, take a regional bus from the bus company “CAT Tivoli” to go to Hadrian’s Villa (line number 4).
How much does a Hadrian’s Villa ticket cost?
A standard ticket costs €10, but you will not be able to skip the line if you buy it on site! If you are aged between 18 and 25, you can choose the reduced ticket (it only costs €2,00). Otherwise, it is free for children aged under 18 (but an adult must accompany children under 12).
To buy Hadrian’s Villa tickets online and skip the line, click here:
How much does a Hadrian’s Villa tour cost? Is it worth it?
Luckily, grabbing a ticket for one of Hadrian’s Villa many tours can help take the stress out of navigation. After all, there’s nothing better than being led around the city by an expert guide, because you’ll get an insider’s take on some of the most fascinating city spots.
Hadrian’s Villa tours from Rome cost between €40 up to €250 per person, depending on the services offered by the tour companies. Included services are varied: transport in air-conditioned buses, the presence of a local guide, lunch, supply of headsets, hotel pick-up…
Most of the tours are worth it because you will be generally picked up from your hotel without having to walk to a meeting point. In addition to that, you will be free to ask the local guide all the questions you want, and you will skip the line to enjoy your trip even more!
Furthermore, you will also visit the Villa d’Este beside discovering Hadrian’s Villa. The Villa d’Este, located only 300 metres from Hadrian’s Villa, is an architectural masterpiece and one of the most beautiful Italian Renaissance gardens.
How to book a Hadrian’s Villa tour?
You may book directly with an online travel agency such as Viator, Getyourguide, Civitatis or Musement to name a few.
Prices are very competitive and discounts are offered on a regular basis. Make sure you do a price comparison before booking as you will often find generous discounts.
Should I visit also the Villa d’Este?
Definitely! The Villa D’este is located 300 meters only from the Hadrian’s Villa, it would be a pity to miss it. The Villa d’Este is one of the most beautiful Italian Renaissance gardens and is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 2001). It contains a lot of fountains and pools that will allow you to take beautiful pictures!
What are the Hadrian’s Villa opening hours?
Here are the opening hours of Hadrian’s Villa:
- From January 2nd to January 31st, from 9am to 5pm. The last admission is at 3.30pm;
- From February 1st to February 29th, from 9am to 6pm. The last admission is at 4.30pm;
- From March 1st to the last Saturday of March, from 9am to 6.30pm. The last admission is at 5pm;
- From the last Sunday of March to April 30th, from 9am to 7pm. The last admission is at 5.30pm;
- From May 1st to August 31st, from 9am to 7.30pm. The last admission is at 6pm;
- From September 1st to September 30th, from 9am to 7pm. The last admission is at 5.30pm;
- From October 1st to last Saturday of October, from 9am to 6.30pm. The last admission is at 5pm;
- From the last Sunday of October to December 31st, from 9am to 5pm. The last admission is at 3.30pm.
What other things can I see around?
In addition to the villas, it is also possible to visit the Villa Gregoriana and its park, also located in Tivoli. The park mainly consists of forests that lead to the Great Waterfall, and the caves of Neptune and Sirens.
Travel Tips
- If you chose a tour in bus, make sure you arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the departure.
- Don’t forget your passport and/or identity card if you chose a tour, some companies may require it before the departure.
- If you are prone to motion sickness, do not forget to take medication prior to your trip.
- If you chose a tour, pay attention and follow all safety instructions and do not hesitate to ask questions to the staff.
Wishing you an excellent visit in Tivoli. Feel free to leave a comment below 
