Tours & tickets

Lake Albano

Slip into the past as you glide across Lake Albano on a guided kayaking tour from Rome. Admire the stately villas perched on the hills as you paddle by, including the Pope's summer residence. After a brief lesson on paddling, set off on your journey across Lake Albano. Pick up kayaking tips from your guide and enjoy insightful stories about the lake’s history. Visit gems, such as the Village of the Millstones, the Roman Port of Domitian’s Villa, and the Pope’s Trampoline. Then, stop at a secluded beach, accessible only by kayak, where you can take a refreshing swim if conditions allow. Enjoy the soothing sounds of wildlife and the gentle rhythm of the water, making for a truly unforgettable experience so close to Rome. Climb aboard your kayak and head back into the lake. As you paddle, gaze at the summer residence of the Pope, perched atop the hills of Castel Gandolfo and surrounded by lush natural scenery. Finally, circle back to the starting point where you can freshen up with a shower before returning to the capital.

Borgo Laudato Si' is located in the marvelous Gardens of the Papal Villas of Castel Gandolfo, a botanical and historical heritage of inestimable value. With its 35 hectares of gardens and 20 hectares of agricultural area, it is home to more than 3,000 plants and trees of 300 different species, as well as the archaeological remains of the Roman Emperor Domitian's villa. The beauty of the Gardens becomes the natural setting for the development of a place for training in integral ecology, open to all people of good will. The route - aboard an ecological vehicle - winds through the ruins of Emperor Domitian's villa and along avenues that flank beautiful gardens and majestic fountains.

Your tour will begin with you being helped into all of the safety devices, such as the life jacket. You will then partake in a lesson on the ground which will run you through the techniques of paddling and on the use of the kayak. The first leg of paddling will involve your guide teaching you how to paddle, correcting the posture and the movement of your arms as you go. Your first break will then be at the village of the millstones, which consists of submerged stilt houses that you will see from your kayak. After your break, you will engage in another stretch of paddling through untouched nature where you can admire the summer residence of the Popes on the mountain of Castel Gandolfo. You will then take a second break at the Roman port of the Villa of Domitian. Next, you will pass in front of the old structure of the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, where all the kayaking and rowing competitions were fought. Your third stop will then be the Pope's Trampoline, where you will stop to admire the old structure on the lake shore with the ancient papal coat of arms. You will next be invited to continue your tour in a unique way to awaken all your sensory activities, as you paddle in perfect silence and listen exclusively to the sound of nature and the local wildlife. To stay in the theme of wild nature, you will then dock in an uncontaminated beach reachable only by kayak, where if the season allows, you will also dive and swim. Your paddling will then continue to the starting point, from where you will receive another relaxing break.

Discover the astronomical observatories of the Vatican Observatory of the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo. Climb to the third floor of the palace and admire the view of Lake Castel Gandolfo from the panoramic terrace. For the first time in almost ninety years since their construction, the astronomical domes of the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo are opening their doors to visitors. These are two perfectly functioning astronomical observatories of the Vatican Observatory: the “major dome” with a diameter of 8.5 meters, equipped with a Visual Telescope, for observing stars and planets; and the “minor dome”, with a diameter of 8 meters, with the Double Astrograph, used for photographic surveys of the sky and the position of the stars. Access allows, via a spiral staircase, access to the third floor of the Papal Palace, on the highest point of the panoramic terrace, which offers a splendid view of the lake of Castel Gandolfo. It was Pius XI, on September 29, 1935, who inaugurated the new headquarters of the Vatican Observatory, as its transfer from the villa that Leo XIII had built in the Vatican Gardens became necessary due to the light pollution of the City. The astronomical observatory was thus refounded and entrusted to the Jesuits, equipping the Observatory with three new telescopes and an astrophysical laboratory for spectrochemical analysis. Among the various study programs of the new institution, in those years, an important research on variable stars should be remembered.

Castel Gandolfo is a charming town located in the Lazio region, on the shores of Lake Albano, just a few kilometers from Rome. This small but fascinating destination is best known as the summer residence of the Popes, a place steeped in history, art, and nature. A visit to Castel Gandolfo offers a perfect combination of culture, gastronomy, and spectacular landscapes. Our visit begins in the historic center, where cobbled streets and small squares transport us to another era. The Piazza della Libertà is the heart of the town, where the majestic Apostolic Palace stands. This building has served as the summer residence for popes for centuries and is now a museum open to the public, allowing visitors to admire its elegant rooms, historic furniture, and an impressive collection of works of art. After exploring the old town, we head to one of Castel Gandolfo's greatest treasures: the Gardens of the Pontifical Villas. These gardens are an oasis of peace and beauty, a place where nature and architecture blend harmoniously. In ancient times, these grounds were part of the Villa of Domitian, an imposing residence of the 1st-century Roman emperor. Today, the gardens have been meticulously restored and maintained, offering a stroll among fountains, statues, and a variety of Mediterranean flora. During our walk through the gardens, we marveled at the panoramic terraces offering spectacular views of Lake Albano and the surrounding area. We walk along paths surrounded by cypresses and magnolias, while the scent of flowers and aromatic plants envelops us in an atmosphere of tranquility. Among the highlights are the Madama Garden, with its elegant geometric flower beds, and the Avenue of Roses, where a wide variety of roses in different colors create a stunning visual spectacle. A visit to Castel Gandolfo and the Gardens of the Pontifical Villas is an unforgettable experience, a journey through the history, beauty, and serenity of one of Italy's most enchanting corners.

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 bying your tikets by your self in the vatican entry desk) 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 activity, and you will be drop in the frant of entrance of the Papal Palace & Gardens in Castle Gandolfo where you will be able to take your time to visit this stunning place with your audio guied.durtaione of this acitvy 90 minutes. 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 15.00 pm) and take you back to your accomodation. PLEASE NOTE: this is a private transfer service with Audio Guide . PLEASE NOTE: it is important to read the whole description above to avoid misunderstandings, thank you! PLEASE NOTE: 1-3 people booking will be pik-up by a pvt car if more than 3 there will be a pvt van . 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.

Embark on a delightful journey through the picturesque Roman countryside on this full-day tour that seamlessly combines natural beauty, local flavors, and retail therapy. Begin at 9:00 AM, when your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your preferred location in Rome, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure beyond the city’s hustle. Your first destination is Nemi, a quaint hilltop village famous for its lush forests and delectable sweet treats. Arrive around 10:00 AM and have roughly 45 minutes to explore this charming town. Stroll through its narrow streets, admire the serene views over Lake Nemi, and if you wish, treat yourself to a unique tiramisu infused with mountain fruits, a local specialty that perfectly captures the essence of this enchanting region. Next, journey to Castel Gandolfo, a historic town overlooking the shimmering Lake Albano. Renowned as the summer residence of the Pope, Castel Gandolfo boasts a fascinating blend of papal history, Renaissance architecture, and breathtaking panoramas. Soak in the views of the tranquil lake, take photos, and perhaps explore the local cafes or shops. Whether you’re an avid photographer or simply appreciate scenic beauty, Castel Gandolfo offers a truly serene escape. The final stop on this tour is the renowned Castel Romano area, celebrated for its impressive designer outlet shopping. Arrive here in the early afternoon and have free time until about 5:00 PM to browse an array of international brands, hunt for bargains on your favorite labels, and enjoy a leisurely lunch or snack at one of the many eateries. This is the perfect place to shop to your heart’s content, picking up souvenirs or that special piece you’ve been eyeing. After your retail adventure, reconvene with your driver for a relaxed return trip to Rome, arriving back at your initial pick-up point in the early evening. This tour effortlessly blends culture, cuisine, nature, and shopping, offering a refreshing alternative to a typical day in the city. Whether you’re tasting tiramisu in Nemi, gazing out over Lake Albano, or exploring designer stores at Castel Romano, you’ll discover a well-rounded experience that captures the true spirit of the Roman countryside.

Escape Rome on an eco-friendly e-bike adventure to the Castelli Romani! Travel by train and bike to explore the stunning Papal Palace, the volcanic lakes of Albano and Nemi, and charming villages. Enjoy local cuisine and breathtaking scenery. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: - Eco-Friendly: Travel by train and e-bike, minimizing your environmental impact. - Castel Gandolfo: Visit the Papal Palace, the Pope's summer residence, and explore the historic center. - Lake Albano: Admire the breathtaking views of this crater lake. - Nemi Village: Discover this ancient village, famous for its lake, legends, and strawberries. - Local Lunch: Savor delicious regional specialties in a traditional restaurant. - Train Travel: Relax and enjoy the scenic train ride to and from Rome. - Expert Guide: Learn about the history, culture, and nature of the Castelli Romani. EXPERIENCE THE CASTELLI ROMANI: Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Roman countryside, cycling through picturesque landscapes and discovering the rich history of this region. SAFETY AND COMFORT: Enjoy a safe and comfortable ride on carefully selected routes with little traffic. Our expert guides ensure a relaxed and informative experience. Book your unforgettable e-bike tour to the Castelli Romani now!

Once you have booked, you will inform us about the meeting point. There you will meet our driver who will be with you for all the tour at the various main stops. This will allow you to move from one point of interest to another quickly and comfortably, making your day perfect. Based on the time of this tour, we recommend 4 stops: -Castel Gandolfo - Lago di Albano - Nemi (Lago di Nemi) Our driver will wait approximately 20/30 minutes for each stop to give you time to take photos, enjoy the place, eat something or simply enjoy an espresso.

Visit this history-packed region near Rome with 2 separate hop-on hop-off lines that stop at the Roman castles scattered across the Tusculum area or Alban Hills. Enjoy flexibility, see famous villas, castles, and palaces, and marvel at the Castel Gandolfo Lake. Choose between a ticket for Line 1 or Line 2 or get both and spend your weekend exploring the ruins outside Rome. Board your bus at the meeting point in Rome and head out into the countryside, hopping off and back on again until you catch the bus back to the city in the evening. Leave Rome on Saturday with Line 1 and visit several of the more prominent towns, starting with Frascati, and continuing to Grottaferrata, Marino, Castel Gandolfo, and the Castel Gandolfo Lake. Travel around the region on Sunday on Line 2 to see Albano Laziale, Ariccia, Genzano, Lanuvio, Nemi, and Castel Gandolfo. When you board, receive a €20 voucher to spend at local restaurants or use it to enter the attractions you stop at. As you ride through the countryside, learn about the sights you see from the live commentary onboard.