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Apostolic Palace

Apostolic Palace: Our most recommended tours and activities

Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket

1. Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket

Take a stirring journey through art and religious history with skip-the-ticket-line entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Avoid the long ticket lines and then enjoy your visit at your own pace.  Wander through the Greek Cross Gallery to see elaborately-carved sarcophagi that might just contain the earthly remains of some of antiquity's famous kings and queens. Peek at the Cabinet of the Masks, or tour the Sala degli Animali to see a virtual menagerie of fantastic beasts, real and imagined. Walk the Upper Galleries, including the Gallery of Maps, to see how cartographers depicted the world through the ages. See masterpieces by Renaissance masters in the Raphael Rooms, and rest for a while in the Borgia Apartments. Then, it’s time to marvel at Michelangelo’s exquisite Sistine Chapel, the crown jewel of the Vatican, and perhaps even of all the world’s art treasures.

Rome: Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Official Guided Tour

2. Rome: Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Official Guided Tour

Skip the ticket line and gain fast access to both the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Once inside, meet your guide who will conduct your tour and reveal the intriguing story behind the seminal design. Enter the Pio Clementino Museum and get up close to the astonishing classical Roman and Greek sculptures, before walking through to the Gallery of the Candelabras which is populated with majestic marble structures throughout. Continue on to see the 40 maps frescoed on the walls of the Gallery of the Geographical Maps, the hanging renaissance artworks at Gallery of the Tapestries, and the four Raphael Rooms. Finally, marvel at Michelangelo's fresco "The Creation of Adam" in the Sistine Chapel.

Castel Gandolfo: Pope’s Private Palaces & Barberini Gardens

3. Castel Gandolfo: Pope’s Private Palaces & Barberini Gardens

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to the tranquil Castel Gandolfo where you can follow in the pope’s footsteps. Start off at the Apostolic Palace, pick up your complimentary audio guide, and get ready for a sneak peek into the lives of the popes at their traditional vacation retreat.  Experience the intricate work of the clergy up close as you pass by historical papal gowns and the pope’s portable throne. Explore the pope’s private apartment and enjoy sweeping panoramic views from his hill-top home. Next, visit the Barberini Gardens. Explore the luxurious gardens from the comfort of an air-conditioned minibus. Uncover the history of this unique site with a complimentary audio guide, available in a multitude of languages. Enhance your experience by selecting the full-day option and enjoy a guided tour.

Vatican City: Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Gardens Tour

4. Vatican City: Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Gardens Tour

See Vatican City's top attractions on a sightseeing tour where you don't have to wait in line. Discover the treasures of the Vatican Museums with a guide or on your own. Take in the beauty of the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo's incredible artworks. Explore the Vatican Gardens with an audio guide. Meet near the Vatican Museums and enjoy fast-track access to Europe's most renowned art collection. Dive into the art world with an expert guide or explore on your own, depending on the option chosen. Take in the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, and more. Admire the impressive collection of classic sculptures at the Pio Clementino Museum. Wander the halls of the ornate and elaborate papal apartments, including the Raphael Rooms and Borgia Apartments. Finally, step into the world of Michelangelo as you uncover the secrets of the Sistine Chapel. Continue to the Gardens of Vatican City and receive your audio guide. Learn about the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, the Apostolic Palace, and the Governor's Palace. Admire St. Peter's Basilica from a unique perspective and immerse yourself in this peaceful hideaway. Or choose the option that includes the Vatican 360 experiences gives you 360 access to the Vatican City and Castel Gandolfo Starting off at the Vatican Museum, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Europe’s most renowned art collection. Accompanied by an expert guide, enjoy fast track entrance and dive into the history of the Art world. Admire the impressive collection of classic sculptures in the Pio Clementino Museum. Wander the halls of the ornate and elaborate papal apartments, including the Raphael Rooms and the Borgia Apartments. And finally, step into the world of Michelangelo as you uncover the secrets of the Sistine Chapel. Once you’ve had your art fix, it’s time to explore the Vatican Gardens. Stretching an impressive 57 acres. Enjoy the picture-perfect landscapes and uncover the impressive garden architecture that draws influence from both the baroque and renaissance era. After spending the morning at the Vatican City, it’s time to head out of town by train to explore the Papal Palace at Castel Gandolfo, about an hour north of Rome. Pick up your audio guide at the welcome desk and start your journey through the Apostolic Palace. First up, enjoy the museum and experience the intricate work of the clergy up close as you pass by historical papal gowns and the impressive display of the Pope’s portable throne. Then, it’s up to the Papal apartment. Step into the true home of Christianity as you admire the Pope’s clock parlour, music gallery, the Swiss Hall, and even the Holy Father’s library. The all-access Vatican experience wraps up with a tour of the Barberini gardens. There you’ll not only enjoy stunning panoramic views, but also a complimentary picnic with locally sourced porchetta and wine.

Pope’s Summer Residence Tour with Lunch

5. Pope’s Summer Residence Tour with Lunch

Enjoy a unique half-day tour from Rome that will take you to the lovely town of Castel Gandolfo where you will visit the Papal Palace and its stunning landscaped gardens. Castel Gandolfo, built on the site of the legendary ancient settlement of Alba Longa, is one of Italy’s most picturesque towns and has been home to the Papal summer retreat since 1596. Situated in the Regional Park of the Castelli Romani, it enjoys splendid views over the beautiful Lake Albano, which you will be able to admire from the grounds of the Apostolic Palace. On this tour, you will be able to explore the up-to-now hidden gems of this glorious private residence with an audio-guide in the language of your choice. Following this, you will have the opportunity to see the gorgeously manicured Barberini Gardens and the impressive ruins of Emperor Domitian’s villa, before enjoying a lunch prepared with fresh produce from the palace farm! If you have not already done so, you will have the chance to add a tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica with your fantastic guide onto your experience, in which case, upon your return to Rome, you will be dropped off right outside the Vatican.

Vatican City: Skip-the-Ticket-Line Private 3-Hour Tour

6. Vatican City: Skip-the-Ticket-Line Private 3-Hour Tour

Skip the ticket line on a private 3-hour Vatican tour for up to 2 persons. Your private guide will lead you through the vast collections of the Vatican Museums, highlighting the most important masterpieces. Experience centuries of art, as your knowledgeable guide recounts the intriguing stories behind the masterpieces you see and tells how they ended up at the Vatican. You’ll marvel at the astonishing Sistine Chapel, and you’re sure to be in awe as you stand and take in the magnificence of Michelangelo's frescoes that surround you. The tour continues with a visit to St. Peter’s, the largest and most important basilica in the Roman Catholic world. You’ll be amazed by the architecture and the works of art inside the church – including Michelangelo's Pietà. Due to Covid- 19 restrictions, you may have to visit the Basilica on your own. Before joining the line for the Basilica, listen to your guide explain the history of the Basilica and what you will see inside. Once you've seen the Basilica, exit to find yourself in spectacular St. Peter’s Square, a masterpiece designed by Bernini.

Rome: Papal Summer Residence Half-Day Trip

7. Rome: Papal Summer Residence Half-Day Trip

Take a tour of the Apostolic Palace, stroll through the Barberini Gardens, and walk in the footsteps of the pope himself on this thrilling half-day trip. After meeting your host near Termini Station, a train will take you to Castel Gandolfo, where you’ll transfer to a comfortable open-roofed bus. Enjoy the Barberini Gardens for an hour while the audio guide explains the interesting details of the area. You’ll be fascinated by the sense of history and grandeur as you pass through this historical must-see. Take in the breathtaking views of the picturesque Lake Albano – and be sure to take lots of photos. From there, you’ll step into the impressive Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope. Take your time to enjoy this world of pure artistic beauty. Visit the luxurious papal apartments, see the gallery of the papal portraits, the extensive Vatican Library, and much more!  An absolute must-do for any visitor to the area.

Rome: Lateran Palace Official Guided Tour

8. Rome: Lateran Palace Official Guided Tour

Join a guided tour to discover the inside of the majestic papal residence that played a key role in the history of the Church. Skip the line and immerse yourself in the spiritual beauty of this complex in southeast Rome. Once inside, your local guide will guide you through the main rooms of the Lateran Palace, such as the Hall of the Popes and the Hall of the Emperors. Make your way through the residence as you admire the frescoed vaults and magnificent ceilings. Continue your way towards the private apartment of the Bishop of Rome. Tapestries of fine workmanship, paintings of the great masters, and precious antique furniture will surprise you at every step. Finally, discover the Lateran Basilica through the stories of the great Prophets and Apostles.

Rome: Guided Baroque City Tour by Segway

9. Rome: Guided Baroque City Tour by Segway

Come with us to discover the beauties of Ancient Rome following our 2-hour tour with our ecological vehicles that will allow you to avoid long and stressful walks and at the same time using our green vehicles you will always respect the environment. Explore Piazza dei Santi Apostoli, Piazza Venezia, Largo di Torre Argentina, Campo dè' Fiori, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Piazza di Pietra, Piazza Colonna, Trevi Fountain, and more. Follow our guides on our totally green electric vehicles and discover with them the most beautiful squares and the most important monuments of the Eternal City while enjoying the city and avoiding fatigue. Our tours will also leave in the event of rain, however, we will ensure that the tour runs safely. The duration of our tours may be longer than planned for reasons beyond our control.

Christian Rome and Underground Basilicas 3-Hour Tour

10. Christian Rome and Underground Basilicas 3-Hour Tour

Enjoy a half-day walking tour of Christian Rome and discover underground treasures in some of the most sensational churches. Your guide will tell you fascinating facts along the way, leading you to the ancient Basilica of San Clemente, and the Cathedral of St. John in the Lateran Palace. Start at the Basilica of San Clemente, the only church in Rome to be built on 3 different levels. Constructed from the 1st to the 12th centuries, 2 underground floors can now be explored, including the Altar of Mithras from the 1st century. Continue to the church of the Santi Quattro Coronati, devoted to 4 anonymous saints and martyrs. In 2002, an extraordinary series of frescoes was uncovered depicting scenes from the Zodiac, Four Seasons, Liberal Arts, and King Solomon. Follow the story of the Emperor Constantine and Pope Sylvester in the Chapel of St. Sylvester, where it is said the famous Constitutum Constantini (Donation of Constantine) took place. End your tour at the Cathedral of Rome, also known as the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. The oldest of the 4 Papal Basilicas, St. John Lateran boasts a splendid façade, but it’s the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs) that will catch your eye.

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What people are saying about Apostolic Palace

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 54,569 reviews

Very good organization of the event. I had a modification of the program. There was a problem with the coach transport from Rome to Castel Gandolfo. The office additionally (outside the program) organized a visit to the Vatican Museum and transport by a special train from the Vatican station, which was a great experience. I highly recommend the trip. The Palace and gardens are worth seeing.

Very interesting tour to the Lateran Palace. The boy who acted as our guide was always very exhaustive and engaging in telling us the history of the Palace and lots of curiosities along the way. It was a very enjoyable tour that I would gladly do again.

This was a wonderful tour of Gandalf’s Estates. We had no idea of the beautiful gardens and views from the area. And lunch was delicious and such an honor in life to have visited there.

Great experience! Our guide had really good knowledge of the historical city of Rome and we learn a lot! Riding a seagway was really funny,too!! Totally recommended!!

Easy and smooth access. The activity provider was very punctual and gave the right information