" I have been to Tivoli, and I have seen one of the first wonders of nature. The waterfalls, the ruins, and the overall landscape belong to those objects, the knowledge of which enriches our most inner souls." J.W. Goethe said.

Ancient Tivoli, called Tibur Superbum by Virgil in his Aeneid, has a much longer history than Rome’s and dates back to 1215 BC when it was considered the most important point of convergence of different peoples. As evidenced by the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor, a building dating back to the 2nd century BC and still visible today. The city served as a refuge and resort for wealthy Romans before the sultry days in Rome.

The three Tivoli villas are clearly considered the ultimate symbol of the beauty and charm of ancient Tibur. Villa Adriana and Villa d'Este have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Don't miss the water games and fountains at Villa d'Este; the grandeur of the Villa Adriana complex, the largest ever owned by a Roman emperor, with floors and walls of precious marble; the magnificent natural park of Villa Gregoriana, where waterfalls, cascades, paths, forests and Roman ruins create a unique setting.

Today’s image of Tivoli is inextricably linked to its thermal baths and to the three magnificent villas which adorn it: the spectacular Villa d'Este and the archaeological area of Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa), both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the landscape view of Villa Gregoriana, run by the Italian Environmental Fund. The unique sceneries that emerged from this area were a favorite of poets, painters, and rich aristocrats who used to come here in the 19th century during their Grand Tour.

The charm of Tivoli is also linked to the local food and wine tradition, characterized by a consistent peasant and popular connotation linked to the processing and production of typical products of the land, such as pizzutello grapes and extra virgin olive oil. The "tiburtina" cuisine is simple and wise, prepared in a balanced way through the use of carefully chosen genuine ingredients, an essential basis for the preparation of dishes that faithfully respect the ancient and humble local cuisine.The Tivoli "Grand Tour" is a charming trip through the archaeology, history, places of worship, and natural sceneries inside Tivoli that you don't expect - well cared for by the love of its citizens and highly appreciated by tourists and lovers of beauty.

Tivoli is a town and comune in Lazio, central Italy, 30 kilometers north-east of Rome, at the falls of the Aniene river where it issues from the Sabine hills. The city offers a wide view over the Roman Campagna. You should consider reserving the whole day for the trip to Tivoli. You can get there from Rome easily by bus (from Ponte Mammolo station) or by train (from Tiburtina Rome station). The journey takes about an hour.