Tivoli

We braved the public transport system in a big way today and caught a bus, the metro and another bus to go to Tivoli and see the wonderful gardens of the Villa D'Este. We were worried as the BBC had yet again prophesized rain to no avail - another beautiful day in bella Roma. The gardens were lovely with lots of spectacular fountains and terraces and superb views over the valley. We celebrated with a glass of Prosecco.

Then we had a slightly worrying trip to Hadrian's villa - just 3 kms away but badly signposted - perhaps they are trying to cut back the numbers of tourists to this outstanding World Heritage site. But we made it on another bus and luckily it got overcast as we would have been burnt alive as we trundled around the 300 old acres that make up the site. It is quite superb with lots of lovely pools surrounded by statues and porticos, theatres, myphaeums and a beautiful library with its own courtyard. Also no cobblestones! It too has lovely views, with Tivoli on the hill behind it and the valley below.

It did not seem so hard getting back and we are planning a nice dinner tonight as Liz leaves tomorrow. The blog may not be quite as exciting from now as a result - we shall see!