The Perfect Day Trip to Tivoli, Italy in 2024
Tivoli, Italy – A Beautiful Escape to Gardens and Estates an Hour from Rome
Tivoli is a picturesque town located in the Lazio region of Italy, about an hour train northeast of Rome. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful landscapes, Tivoli is a charming destination for visitors. Tivoli’s proximity to Rome makes it an ideal day trip, offering travelers a blend of historical, grand estates and serene, peaceful gardens. Below, I’ll detail how I spent my day in Tivoli and how you can get the most out of your day trip to Tivoli, Italy!
Itinerary
8:00am – Train to Tivoli
Samuel and I set out on our day trip to Tivoli to catch an 8:00am direct train from Roma Tiburtina to Tivoli station. Depending on the time of year you are traveling at, I’d suggest booking your train tickets in advance as summer travel can quickly fill up these trains. These tickets were super affordable, less than $10 a person roundtrip! Enjoy the views as you relax on your train to Tivoli, the Roman countryside is so beautiful!
9:30am – Breakfast in Tivoli
After our journey to Tivoli, we were both super hungry, so our first order of business was getting into the town and fueling up for the day. It took us 10 minutes to walk into the town where we stopped at Pasticceria La Celestiale for our typical Italian breakfast of cappucini and cornetti! We also tried their maritozzo, which is a delicious bread bun cut open and filled with panna (Italian whipped cream). This is our go-to breakfast when we’re in Italy, and the bill is so affordable compared to what you pay for coffee and pastries in the USA.
10:00am – Spend the Morning Wandering Around Tivoli
Once we enjoyed our delicious breakfast, we strolled through the streets of Tivoli and took time to wander through the charming cobblestone lanes, surrounded by centuries-old buildings and beautiful landscapes in every direction. The town’s vibrant history comes to life with every step, from the medieval castle of Rocca Pia to the quaint, ancient churches on every street. Take in the remnants of the Temple of Vesta, perched on a cliff overlooking the serene Aniene River. The bustling Piazza Garibaldi is perfect for a leisurely break, where you can soak in the true Italian atmosphere while enjoying your second espresso of the day at another local café. Then head over to the Cathedral di San Lorenzo, which boasts an impressive exterior and breathtaking interior. We spent some time walking around the church walls and taking in all the historic paintings and magnificent architecture.
12:30pm – The Best Lunch at La Forma
For lunch, we stumbled upon La Forma, a cozy, rustic restaurant nestled in an ancient building near the cathedral. Samuel and I both think this was one of our favorite restaurants during this trip to Italy, so we’d highly recommend. The food was nothing short of amazing, with traditional Italian dishes and fresh, homemade pasta prepared to perfection. We enjoyed Parmigiana di Melanzane (the best one we’ve ever had), Amatriciana, and Spaghetti Pomodoro. The friendly staff and excellent service added to the overall enjoyment, making it a memorable dining experience that beautifully complemented the historic and scenic charm of Tivoli.
2:30pm – An Afternoon of Renaissance at Villa d’Este
The highlight of our day in Tivoli was Villa d’Este, the epitome of Renaissance beauty and grandeur. It’s difficult to imagine people once lived in estates of this caliber. For 15 euros, you can spend the afternoon (just not Monday afternoons since they’re closed) strolling the stunning gardens which truly made us feel like we were back in time, admiring hundreds of magnificent fountains, water features, and sculptures. The intricate water designs are powered by gravity alone and create a mesmerizing symphony of cascading water that enchants visitors. Inside the villa, ornate decorations transport you to an era of elegance. We spent most of our time in the gardens, taking in the panoramic views overlooking the alluring Roman countryside. Villa d’Este is not just a sight to behold but an experience that captures the essence of Italian Renaissance.
5:00pm – Gelato at the Piazza
After a couple hours of admiring Villa d’Este, we headed over to Piazza del Plebiscito. Taking time to sit in a piazza in Italy helps you to truly immerse in Italian culture. At all times of the day, families, couples, and friends are all socializing and enjoying themselves at these public squares. In you visit this Piazza in the morning, you’ll see the vibrant market held in the middle of the square. We enjoyed some flavorful gelato since we were feeling a little worn out from all the walking!
6:00pm – Dinner at the Historical Ristorante Sibilla
As sunset was approaching, we strolled over to a historical restaurant in Tivoli called Ristorante Sibilla. This restaurant dates back to 1720, that’s over 300 years ago! The menu has some unique pasta options, I’d recommend trying the Fettuccine with Zucchini Cream and Pistachios as one of your courses and as always, ending with tiramisu is a requirement! Not really, but it’s definitely worth it. Our dining experiences in Tivoli were so romantic and rustic and we can’t wait to go back!
8:50pm – Train Back to Rome
Tivoli Day Trip Recap
Getting to Tivoli – About 45 minutes by train
Getting Around Tivoli – Tivoli is best viewed on foot, walking around the gardens, small streets, and piazzas will offer you the most immersive experience
Best Time to Visit – March to September
Budget for A Couple – $100-$150 euros
Helpful Tips
- Purchase train tickets in advance at Soluzioni | Trenitalia (lefrecce.it)
- Make sure you double check the Rome departure station! It’s easy to mix up Roma Termini and Roma Tiburtina
- If you’d like to visit Villa d’Este, travel to Tivoli on Tuesday-Sunday as it is closed on Mondays
- If you plan to go into the Rocco Pia, entrance is only allowed on weekends
- It’s a good idea to reserve a table at Ristorante Sibilla in advance
- Wear comfortable shoes! Walking is the best way to explore Tivoli
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