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Castel Gandolfo: Private Papal Palace Tour
4.2
10 Ratings
Castel Gandolfo
Embark on a 6-hour exploration of Castel Gandolfo, the exclusive residence of the Pope. Discover the Barberini Gardens, the Apostolic Palace, and enjoy stunning views of the Alban Hills. Limited to 6 people for a personalized experience.
Embark on a 6-hour exploration of Castel Gandolfo, the exclusive residence of the Pope. Discover the Barberini Gardens, the Apostolic Palace, and enjoy stunning views of the Alban Hills. Limited to 6 people for a personalized experience.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo - Visitors are guided to the summit of the Alban Hills, offering breathtaking panoramic views from one of the highest points overlooking the outskirts of Rome. Upon returning to the Castle, the tour continues through the Papal summer residence, which Pope Francis has transformed into a museum. The tour’s…
- Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo - Visitors are guided to the summit of the Alban Hills, offering breathtaking panoramic views from one of the highest points overlooking the outskirts of Rome. Upon returning to the Castle, the tour continues through the Papal summer residence, which Pope Francis has transformed into a museum. The tour’s highlight is the Apostolic Palace, featuring rooms rich in history.
- Pontifical Palace - Situated within the Papal Palace grounds, the Secret Garden of Castel Gandolfo is a heavenly oasis of peace. This secluded retreat, reserved for papal reflection, captivates visitors with its verdant landscapes, flawless topiaries, and calming atmosphere. It is a rare honor to explore this tranquil sanctuary, usually cloaked in privacy and reserved for the upper echelons of the Vatican hierarchy.
What's Included
- Blue Badge guide
- Transportation by Mercedes E-Class or Mercedes Viano
- Admission Fees
- Professional driver
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Rome (Centrally located hotels)
- Blue Badge guide
- Transportation by Mercedes E-Class or Mercedes Viano
- Admission Fees
- Professional driver
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Rome (Centrally located hotels)
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Lunch
Additional Information
Our classic tour of the Papal Palace in Castel Gandolfo sets itself apart by offering you a deeply personal exploration of this historic sanctuary. With a dedicated private guide, you will discover the Papal Palace’s stunning architecture, rich history, and artistic treasures without the distractions of a large group setting. This tailored experience,…
Our classic tour of the Papal Palace in Castel Gandolfo sets itself apart by offering you a deeply personal exploration of this historic sanctuary. With a dedicated private guide, you will discover the Papal Palace’s stunning architecture, rich history, and artistic treasures without the distractions of a large group setting. This tailored experience, punctuated by fascinating stories and insights, reveals the enduring legacy of the Vatican’s summer residence. Enjoy the serenity of the palace and its surroundings in an atmosphere that is both intimate and awe-inspiring, ensuring an unforgettable journey into the heart of Catholic heritage.
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women
- Wheelchair accessible, please note minor restrictions to a few sites visited, such as Papal Farm and Apostolic Palace
- Food and drinks are not allowed inside each attraction
- Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration or closed due to extraordinary celebrations. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes
- To ensure the safety and well-being of all our guests, every reservation that includes minors (under 18) must be accompanied by at least one adult. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept bookings made exclusively by unaccompanied minors.
Location
Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.2
(10 Ratings)
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Aaugustf
May 29, 2022
A unique and spectacular tour and lunch - In 2 weeks touring central/northern Italy, the tour of Castel Gandolfo with Denis was easily the most spectacular. And not just because of the unique and recent opportunity to tour Castel Gandolfo and its gardens privately and by golf cart, but because of the fantastic transportation from Massimo, and the delightful tasting menu that followed the tour -- the best we had.
Denis was as widely knowledgeable about all things Castel Gandolfo, as he was helpful and outgoing. I would consider myself lucky to have such a pleasant tour and guide again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marconurse92
Jun 22, 2020
Fascinating - The gardens, cared for in every detail, are immersed in a silent and mystical environment. The awareness of walking the same avenues frequented by the Popes leaves an indescribable feeling.
The Palace traces the history of the Church and all its exponents, giving visitors the opportunity to observe the living quarters of the Popes.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Glaizascanlon
Oct 28, 2019
Amazing Day Trip - Castel Gandolfo - We had an amazing tour of the Castel Gandolfo thanks to our amazing tour guide Francesca D'Orazio! We were in awe and in shock of how beautiful this site is. The gardens are truly amazing!! We booked a private family tour (4 adults and my daughter of 16 months) and Francesca was so amazing with all of us! She was very knowledgeable about the history of the site and gave great background information about everything we saw. She made the experience so memorable by working with the security guards to show us secret rooms in the palace and we had the chance to go out to the terrace to view Lake Albano! (Which not all tour groups get to do) we finished the day by having lunch with her at Ristorante Pagnanelli which was delicious and also had great views of the lake. This was included as part of the tour which was great!
If you are looking for a beautiful, easy, and quick day trip outside of Rome, book the private tour of Castel Gandolfo with Francesca! Pick-up at our hotel was prompt (start the day at 8:30 am) and we were back to Rome by 3:30 pm and there was decent traffic coming out of the city. So it’s a perfect day trip if traveling with elderly family members or young children. Highly recommend this tour and company!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marilyn_h
Jul 18, 2019
Loved this tour so much, I did it AGAIN! - I did this private tour with a companion two years ago and did nothing but brag about what a fantastic opportunity I found in it. So much so, that two MORE friends were enthusiastic enough to ask to go along. Four of us signed up and were wowed by our terrific guide, Francesca Dorazio. Francesca is passionate about her Vatican job and it was infectious. We already knew that what we were about to experience was unique, and could discontinue at any time, but it was Francesca who made each room in the palace come alive. She was able to answer any question with ease, and was completely at home, as if she lived in the Palace. The gardens were mesmerizing and our driver excellent. Afterwards, a wonderful meal that just did not end, with delightful and imaginative courses. Francesca was alerted to some allergies and made sure all went smoothly for our group of four. I can't say enough: this trip is so worth the money! I would not have done it a second time if it wasn't, so, don't hesitate!
Review provided by Viator
Ciro
Jun 15, 2019
Week in Frascati - Visit Papal Summer Residence
Before entering, already in the courtyard conveys an emotion that can not; be described , the exhibition of the cars that have accompanied the various Popes over the course of a century, not to mention the internal beauty where you can admire the sumptuous frescoes that immortalize the history of the church, the emotion occurs again when you visit the study of the Holy Father as well as the bedroom.
An indescribable emotion.
The only out of tune note (in my opinion)
is the price of the ticket + visit to the garden and 'of eur 48 x two people.
Such beauties should be visited by everyone at a lower cost.
c.m
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Clint_w
May 31, 2018
If you're looking for an over the... - <p>If you're looking for an over the top experience, this is it! Franchesca our guide who was amazing and our driver Alessandro both spoke beautiful English and were informative and engaging as well as extremely service oriented. Our private golf cart tour of the gardens took us where the group bus tour could only see from the perimeter. The castle tour was great, but what made it truly special was the private entre to the 4 personal rooms of the Pope not open to the public tour. The coup de gras was the incredible lunch on the balcony overlooking Lake Albano with 5 courses and wonderful wines to experience a true Italian feast! This was the highlight of our trip!</p>
Review provided by Viator
Marilyn_h
Sep 19, 2017
OMG! Don't miss this opportunity if... - <p>OMG! Don't miss this opportunity if you have even the slightest interest in seeing the interior of the Apostolic Palace. I had high expectations and they were surpassed. We noted the group tours there, with headphones. I have to tell you, having a private Vatican guide gave undivided attention, and we were able to see the rooms without having to strain through the large groups present. The luncheon afterwards was amazing, both in the food and the view. I can't wait to go back and do this again.</p>
Review provided by Viator
Barbaraat4621tv
May 24, 2022
Precise and well organized tour - We decided to take this tour to see the gardens and the apostolic palace at its best. The full ticket costs 27 euros... A little expensive but well organized. We skipped the line and got into an electric bus that took us around the gardens. Everyone yes we had an audio guide and an attendant showed us at a time which number to listen to. The gardens are a spectacle among ancient ruins and wonderful trees. After the garden you visit the apostolic palace.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jaqueline_f
Jan 18, 2018
Too expensive for the tour and the... - <p>Too expensive for the tour and the guide tour was boring and not well informed about the tour . The tour begin late and the guide tour wanted to finish early. We have a little discusión for this situation .</p>
Review provided by Viator
