A popular day trip from Rome (about 45 minutes away) included in many tours. Visit lush Villa d'Este, a convent-turned-palace, complete with an aquatic pleasure park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Elaborate fountains and fish ponds spout in its impressive gardens. Don't miss the miniature version of ancient Rome or the Organ Fountain, which once played music. The estate is open daily except Monday 8:30 am to dusk. Admission is 8 euros. Down the street from Largo Garibaldi. Phone 199-766-166. http://www.villadestetivoli.info.
The magnificent cascade of the Villa Gregoriana is also worth a stop. Admission 6 euros. Daily except Monday April-September 10 am-6:30 pm; March, October and November 10 am-2:30 pm. Open December-March by reservation. Phone 077-433-2650. http://www.villagregoriana.it.
To get to Tivoli by car, take the Via Tiburtina 20 mi/32 km southeast from Rome or take the highway (A24 for L'Aquila, and take the Tivoli exit). The most convenient way to get there, however, is by the train from Tiburtina Station.