We will be picking up our rental car at Hertz (Via Sardegna 30 A) and heading to Tivoli to see Villa d'Este on the way to Assisi. We enjoy picnics in unusual locations and thought that Villa d'Este would be ideal. However, I saw a posting that send that picnics were not permitted. Has anyone visited recently and brought food into the park?
Posted by
Manhattan
261 posts
This is a historic property that charges admission to enter. It's not the appropriate place for a picnic.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Sorry, Pat, but no picnicking on the grounds. There may be a cafe there, however.
There are some other spaces you can picnic, perhaps near the castle or at the belvedere, but there is definitely a movement to exclude picnicking on/near monuments in Italy, with big fines for violations.
Since you will have a car, there might be a spot near the waterfall (outside the city) where you can picnic.
Posted by
OP
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
37 posts
Thank you both for the updated information. I'd rather plan ahead than be turned back at the entrance. From what I have read, the ticket booth personnel are not customer friendly and I hate being disparaged in another language! I'll look for a restaurant in town.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
There are loads of restaurants to choose from, in all price ranges. Enjoy your day.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8045 posts
Pat, I think you may not understand how much UNlike the Villa Borghese is the Villa d'Este. There are no estate lawns to spread out on. It's an enclosed, if large, fragile stone watergarden. I would be furious if I found you blocking my walkway or sitting on a fountain railing that's ready to collapse. It's also a crowded, popular attraction. After you have seen it, you may see the light.