Villa d'Este

The Caelian Hill is a nice area to walk through. It's very historic. The younger Graechi brother made his last stand there and there are three ancient churches to visit.

My recollection is that the villa's gardens are accessible only through the building. There may be other gardens in Villa d-Este.

KRS, I'm not seeing where this attraction is closed until late April? As far as I know this is the official website:

http://www.villadestetivoli.info/indexe.htm

And this is the visiting info:
http://www.villadestetivoli.info/infoe.htm

I did see a note from last year under "News" that stated:
"On Monday 26 April 2021 the Villae will reopen to the public from Monday to Sunday, reservations required on Saturdays and public holidays."

This is where you may have been confused?

Rome parks: in addition to Susan's suggestion, look at Villa Borghese. It is VERY large so take a map.
http://www.060608.it/en/cultura-e-svago/verde/giardini-ville-e-parchi-urbani/villa-borghese-parco-di-culture.html

Oh my goodness Kathy, I think you are right. I guess I shouldn’t be googling so early in the morning. Thank you!

LOL, I know what you mean about morning internet research! More coffee, please? ☕️
And you're welcome; hope it works out for ya!

Villa d'Este is gorgeous in the Spring! Bit of a haul by train and a bit of a walk from station to garden but at least it won't be hot!

A closer park, but less of a "garden," is Parco degli Acquedotti, a short Metro ride from Rome. It's great walking among the ancient aqueducts.

I went on a small group day tour from Rome that started with Hadrian's Villa. I enjoyed Tivoli much more after seeing what Hadrian built - Tivoli was modeled on it. The tour wasn't expensive. I had the option to stay longer to see more of Villa d'Este and get back to Rome on my own, but I was too knackered and just got back on the tour's minibus.

We visited both Tivoli and Hadrian’s Villa on our own, all by bus from Rome. It was very easy. I think RS outlined it in his book but this was years ago. After Tivoli and Villa d’Este we had a fast lunch in a restaurant opposite the entrance to Hadrian’s Villa. The grounds were vast. Have a great time and safe travels.

The Villa Borghese is probably the most famous park in Rome, and it's huge. Not to be confused with the Galleria Borghese, which is in the park. (Bus destination signs, for example)

Regarding d'Este:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/tivoli-day-trip-from-rome

@chani, Can you tell me what tour you used? Thanks!

@ KRS

5th and 6th September 2018 in Tivoli with three of my children and grandchildren. The cost for the villa and gardens for an adult was €10, the children too young for the fare. My wife decided we should make a picnic of the day. Had our B&B make up some salad rolls, I purchased some pastries at my local bar and beer stubbies. Placed the beer at the base of a nappy bag just in case there was a security check. Spent at least 4 hours enjoying the gardens and had picnic lunch. Do not know if it was allowed, but we did it.

Blessed with a lovely summery day around 26c and light breeze which contributed to make the day extremely enjoyable. The children were able to run and make noises. Get their hands into the water features. The previous day they had spent 11 hours flying into Rome from Bangkok to meet up with us. Left Hadrian’s Villa for next time.

Just revisited my videos and photo’s. Tivoli is an enjoyable hilltop town. For me the gardens lived up to the advertising and you tube videos.

Regards
Ron