TIVOLI, GHOST TOWNS AND THE GREEN GOLD OF SABINA ROMANA

First day:

4:00 p.m. – Arrival and check-in with the host.

Leisure time to discover the heart of Tivoli.

8:00 p.m. – Dinner at a local restaurant.

Second day:

9:30 a.m. – After breakfast, meeting with your guide for a tour of the first of Tivoli's two UNESCO sites: Villa Adriana. A grandiose, innovative, revolutionary architecture, the result of the genius of great emperor Hadrian, who realized his ideal of beauty here in the second century AD. A majestic and immense “Villa” equipped with large thermal baths, gardens enlivened by splendid fountains, triclinia, libraries, sumptuous living quarters, worship places, theatres.

Lunch and free afternoon.

Optional: Sanctuary of Hercules Victor or Villa Gregoriana.

Dinner in a typical trattoria

Third day:

After breakfast, we will spend the day exploring the area. We will begin by traveling along Quintilius Varus’ route, otherwise known as the “Via dei Poeti”, and make a stop to admire the Great Aniene Waterfall and the medieval side of Tivoli. Afterwards, we will venture into the heart of the Roman Sabina. This scenic drive is beautiful year-round, but in the springtime, it truly shines. We will meet with the hiking guide at 9:30 a.m. in Palombara Sabina to discover Castiglione, the first of the ghost villages in the Monti Lucretili Regional Park.

Lunch at a local restaurant with tasting of Sabina DOP extra virgin olive oil.

In the afternoon, walk in the medieval village of San Polo dei Cavalieri, on request it is possible to visit the Orsini – Cesi -Borghese Castle, now private property and location for events. The suggestive manor, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Monti Lucretili Park, hosted Galileo Galilei at the time of Federico Cesi, founder of the Accademia dei Lincei.

Free evening.

Fourth day:

9 a.m. – After breakfast, meeting with the guide to visit the second UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tivoli, Villa d’Este or the garden of wonders. Known for its symmetry and geometric rules, the Italian-style garden is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, featuring a harmonious blend of nature and art. The tour will take us through the rich history of the House of Este, delving into their power games, loves, sumptuous banquets, and the unbridled passion for ancient artworks that made Cardinal Ippolito II the last prince of the Renaissance.