Tivoli

Tivoli can be seen in a day trip from Rome (an hour by train): the Villa d'Este, with its Baroque fountains, and the Villa Adriana (Emperor Hadrian's residence) are the two must-see stops. April-June brings mild weather ahead of Rome's summer heat. It's cheaper than Rome, thought of as a day trip rather than a multi-day destination. Its two villas, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcase two extremes of Italian architecture: Europe's most elaborate Renaissance gardens and one of the world's best-preserved Roman imperial residences.