Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo

Escape the vibrant bustle of Rome and journey to the idyllic Italian countryside. Await you the sapphire waters of Lake Albano, cradling the picturesque village of Castel Gandolfo. This historic gem grew around the Pope's summer residence, a true treasure chest brimming with art and history. Step back in time within the Papal Apartments. Explore 500 years of history as you wander through the Pope's private sanctuary. Imagine quiet moments in the library, reflection in the private chapel, and the view from the balcony where the Angelus resonated every summer Sunday. Gain exclusive access to the Secret Garden. Immerse yourself in this haven, a hidden gem within the Papal Palace grounds. Explore the heart of the residence – the Pope's summer offices. Delve into seven unique rooms, each whispering tales of papal history.

Explore the 55-hectare gardens of the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo by open minibus. Listen to the audio guide as you roam the gardens to learn all their secrets. Meet your greeter in the Palazzo before starting your tour. Climb aboard the eco-friendly minibus to discover the Castel Gandolfo gardens. See tree-lined avenues, flowers, fountains, and statues. Admire views of the sapphire blue and emerald green waters of Lake Albano. Take in the remains of Emperor Domitian's residence. Find out all there is to know about the Popes, including which pontiff installed a swimming pool and which one laid low in Castel Gandolfo for months after handing in his resignation.

Explore the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo on a self-guided visit. Top off your experience with a walking trough the Secret Garden and Moro Garden. Arrive in Castel Gandolfo and discover the treasures of the Papal Palace at your own pace. Admire the palace that served as the Pope’s summer retreat, designed by Swiss-Italian architect Carlo Maderno between 1624 and 1626. The first Pope that visited this residence was Urbano VIII. Inside the palace you can find frescoes of Simone Lagi and Zuccari. Discover the gardens and admire Rome from the terrace.

Explore the Vatican Museums' art collection with a trip that includes an optional visit to Castel Gandolfo. Getting into the museums before the general public allows you to see them in all their glory. You’ll walk around the vast galleries in peace and quiet, with plenty of time to admire all the classic statues, Renaissance masterpieces and more. You’ll also be able to spend some time in the Lapidary Gallery, the Borgia Apartment and Raphael Rooms before you make your way to the Sistine Chapel to bask in Michelangelo’s famous ceiling fresco. You’ll have flexible time to admire all the sculptures and paintings in this amazing collection. See all the major artworks and you’ll also be able to spend time in the Borgia Apartment, the Sistine Chapel and of course St. Peter’s Square.

The Vatican and Experience Pass is your key to unlocking the Eternal City. Cover all the essentials Rome has to offer by creating your own unique combination ticket to top attractions and experiences. Saving you time and money, the Pass will supercharge your sightseeing plans, with priority entrance and the masterpieces you'll see at each would justify the price alone. Select among the 3, 5 and 7-choice passes available: at the Touristation office the staff will help to customize it! WALKING TOURS Navona, Pantheon +Trevi Fountain Walking Tour (English only) VATICAN AREA Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Skip the Line ticket Papal Udience + St. Peter's Guided Tour (English and Spanish, Wednesdays only) St. Peter's Dome and Audioguide (NO Skip the Line) Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore audioguide and Dome ticket COLOSSEUM AREA Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Reserved Entrance. Please note Colosseum can be booked 2 days later. Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with Super Sites Reserved Entrance Trajan’s Markets Reserved Entrance Caracalla Baths Reserved Entrance Circo Maximo Virtual Reality Experience Reserved Entrance Largo Argentina Reserved Entrance UNDERGROUND Navona Underground Reserved Entrance Trevi District Underground Guided Tour (English or French) Trevi District Underground Reserved Entrance with audioguide Catacombs Guided Tour with transfer (English, French, Spanish, German, Italian and Polish) PANTHEON Pantheon Skip the Line ticket with audioguide (smartphone app) Pantheon Guided Tour (English only) FOOD EXPERIENCE Panoramic Terrace Breakfast next to the Vatican or Colosseum Panoramic Terrace Aperitif next to the Vatican or Colosseum MUSEUMS Capitoline Museums Skip the Line tickets Leonardo da Vinci Experience with audioguide The Altar of the Fatherland Elevator, Risorgimento Museum and Palazzo Venezia Reserved Entrance Sant'Angelo Castel Skip the Line tickets with audioguide (smartphone app) Palazzo Valentini Experience Reserved Entrance Doria Pamphilj Gallery Reserved Entrance National Roman Museum (Palazzo Altemps, Baths of Diocletian, Palazzo Massimo) Reserved Entrance Cappuccini Cripts Reserved Entrance Palazzo Patrizi Reserved Entrance Palazzo Patrizi Guided Tour (English or French) TRANSPORTS 1 day Hop-on hop-off bus ticket 3 hours bike rental 72-hour public transportation ticket NIGHTLIFE A night at the Opera Light show at the Roman Forum (Summer only) OUTSIDE ROME (trasportation NOT included): Villa Gardens in Castel Gandolfo by minibus Pope Summer Residence with audioguide in Castel Gandolfo Ancient Ostia Reserved Entrance Ticket Tivoli Villas: Villa Adriana or Villa D’Este Reserved Entrance Pompei Skip the Line tickets and audioguide

Elected as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Castle Gandolfo will amaze you with its beauty of the surrounding nature and its elegant historical centre. In a splendid position overlooking Lake Albano, Castle Gandolfo is situated on the brink of a volcanic crater. Above all, the small town is famous for the Papal Palace where Popes have spent their summers since the 17th century. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Papal Palace (where you will be given an audio guide if asked, remember to specify the language you want it in once you arrive there), open to the public only recently, and the Barberini palce and gardens, (which you can visit and by your tikets by your self) befor this actiy vity , where you will be able to admire french-style gardens, special kinds of flowers, roman statues and fountains. You will be picked up by a private driver (9.30am) on van or a car, in the morning from your accommodation one hour before the start of your tour, and you will be personally taken to the entrance of the Papal Palace in Castle Gandolfo where you will be able to take your time to visit this stunning place. After your visit (that should take up to two hours) we will be leaving you the time to also explore the city and have lunch or an italian aperitivo (not included in this package). Once you are over with your visit, our private driver will personally pick you up again (around 14.00-15.00pm) and take you back to your accomodation. PLEASE NOTE: this is a private transfer service PLEASE NOTE: it is important to read the whole description above to avoid misunderstandings, thank you! PLEASE NOTE: We ask you to kindly provide us your phone number and evry one name and the sername so that we can contact you for any changes.

Are you ready to escape the bustling streets of Rome and uncover the hidden gems of the Roman countryside? Join us on an exquisite 8-hour private tour to explore the enchanting Roman Castles of Ariccia, Nemi, and Castel Gandolfo. With an English-speaking chauffeur and deluxe vehicle at your disposal, prepare for a day filled with breathtaking scenery, rich history, and unforgettable experiences. Your adventure begins as your luxurious deluxe vehicle pulls up to the entrance of your Rome hotel. With anticipation mounting, you'll be greeted by your friendly English-speaking chauffeur, ready to guide you on this journey of discovery. Settle into the plush comfort of your ride as you bid farewell to the Eternal City and set your sights on the picturesque Roman Castles Your first stop is the charming town of Ariccia, nestled in the verdant hills of the Castelli Romani. Known for its stunning architecture and delectable cuisine, Ariccia is famed for its succulent porchetta, a savory roasted pork dish that tantalizes the taste buds. Stroll through the quaint cobblestone streets, admiring the Baroque beauty of the Chigi Palace and the majestic Bernini-designed Bridge of Ariccia. Next, you'll venture to the picturesque town of Nemi, perched on the shores of a tranquil volcanic lake. Renowned for its captivating beauty and ancient traditions, Nemi is steeped in mythology and legend, earning it the title of the "Mirror of Diana." Explore the town's charming streets, visit the quaint shops offering local crafts and delicacies, and soak in the serene atmosphere that envelops this hidden gem. Your final destination is the historic town of Castel Gandolfo, nestled atop the Alban Hills overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Albano. Here, you'll discover the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo, the traditional summer residence of the Pope. Marvel at the grandeur of the palace, stroll through the immaculately manicured gardens, and enjoy panoramic views of the tranquil lake below. As the sun begins to set on your day of exploration, your chauffeur will escort you back to Rome, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey. Reflect on the memories made and the sights seen as you reminisce about your enchanting tour of the Roman Castles. Conclusion Experience the charm and beauty of the Roman countryside on this unforgettable 8-hour private tour of Ariccia, Nemi, and Castel Gandolfo. With an English-speaking chauffeur and deluxe vehicle at your service, immerse yourself in the rich history, stunning scenery, and culinary delights of the Roman Castles. From ancient ruins to picturesque lakeside towns, this journey promises to be an unforgettable adventure filled with discovery and delight.

Escape the hustle and bustle of central Rome for a full-day mountain bike tour in the surrounding countryside and follow a route through pristine nature and landscapes that have inspired some of Italy’s best known artists. The moderately difficult 50-kilometer route will take you past some of Rome’s most historic sites, such as Trajan's Baths, the Ninfeum of Egeria, Villa dei Quintilli and Caracalla’s Baths. Departing from near the Colosseum, bike through Caffarella Park to the Aqueduct Park, named after the historic aqueducts that run through this part of the Appian Way regional park. Because of its idyllic ambiance, Aqueduct Park is often used as a film location. Take the train from Capanelle to Castel Gandolfo, before hopping on your mountain bike to explore the surroundings of Lake Albano. Stop at a local restaurant with a wonderful view of the water and relax as you enjoy a traditional lunch of Italian cuisine. Lake Albano is also known as Castel Gandolfo Lake, after the castle and the Pope’s summer residence that overlooks the lake. After lunch, head back to Rome, cycling a nice descent to set you up for the Appia Antica. Relive the glory days of the Roman Empire as you bike along cobblestone streets that date back 2,300 years. Pass ancient tombs and ruins from the Roman Republic.

Discover a fascinating world at a short distance from Rome, a tour in the heart of the Roman countryside, the “Castelli Romani”: a real unique experience. The tour starts from your hotel, riding along the “Via Appia Antica“ to admire the beautiful countryside and historical villages such as Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence. Stop for a visit to a winery where you will have a tasting of 4 types of the finest wines from this flourishing area with tastings of local products. The tour continues on the shore of the volcanic origin Lake Albano to taste the famous “Porchetta” and other typical local products and sip the local wine “Romanella”. Then you will reach Nemi, where the famous Museum of Roman Ships is located, famous for its Strawberry Festival (first weekend in June) and for its lake surrounded by a very magical atmosphere. Then back to Rome.