Tivoli from Rome

You put some pretty narrow requirements on your request. My only suggestion if you don't find something in advance is to use the TI in the train station. They generally will have some specialized local tours. Good luck.

Perhaps, as Frank said, my criteria are too limiting.

So let me try again: Has anyone taken a tour of any kind that you would recommend for a day trip to Tivoli from Rome? Ideally where it didn't feel like you were being herded from place to place.

Thanks!

No recommendation implied, but did you find:
https://www.viator.com/Rome-tourism/d511-r7931859611-s109979531?m=28353&supag=6517261091&supsc=kwd-58049337211&supai=691601302286&supap=&supdv=c&supnt=nt:g&suplp=9003605&supli=&supti=kwd-58049337211&tsem=true&supci=kwd-58049337211&supap1=&supap2=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpNuyBhCuARIsANJqL9MWC9_SOn41pM1m5H_j5upwqU8lzxwgjVn6yKqJ7S6-kH9EdTDRYQ4aAlP2EALw_wcB

Viator is deprecated here because it is a reseller, but if you have the energy it's easy to identify the real provider and book with them. However, in Poland I found that the provider's web site did not have some of the tours that Viator had. Go figure! I had a good experience, and even had to use Viator to change the date (well in advance) because I'd made a website mistake, my fault.

I can understand that you want it "done for you", but as you appear to have read, it is entirely practical to do this independently. However, it's a challenge to do both by public transit in one day. (Long walk to Hadrian's Villa from the public bus stop.) And on a hot day, it could be exhausting. I personally wanted to see particular things at Hadrian's Villa, but especially if you have been to Pompeii, I don't think it is an absolute must do, while Villa D'Este is a must-do. Opinion,.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I ended up booking this tour:

https://www.scootaroundrome.com/visit-rome-tours/rome-day-trip/tivoli/