Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo

Hidden gems

Travel along the dreamy Italian countryside, far from the hustle and bustle of Rome. a true treasure chest of art and history. Visit the picturesque village of Castel Gandolfo, perched on the sapphire blue waters of Lake Albano, developed around the Pope's Summer Palace. Let a Vatican staff member accompany you on a walking tour of the Secret Garden. Visit the Papal Apartment with audio guide to immerse yourself in 500 years of history. Wander from bedroom to private chapel, from library to study. Look at the balcony from where the Popes said the Angelus every summer Sunday. Immerse yourself in this treasure chest on the outskirts of Rome. Follow in the footsteps of the Popes in the 7 rooms and summer offices inside the Palace.

Choose from many attractions, including sites such a Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and Vatican Museums with skip-the-line entry. Take in opera shows at night, see the Sistine Chapel, travel to a fun park, or take a wine tasting and food tour. Purchase a pass for the number of attractions you want to visit - with 3, 5 and 7-choice passes available. Simply present your voucher at the centrally located Roman Forum station where your professional staff provide you with all necessary information. There's plenty to choose from to make the most of your visit to Rome. Your pass will be activated upon scanning at the first attraction, following which it remains valid for the next 90 days. Choose from the following attractions: • Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Skip the Line Ticket• Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Skip the Line Ticket • Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with Super Sites • Pantheon skip the line tickets with audioguide (app) • Pantheon Guided Tour• St. Peter's Dome and Audioguide (no skip-the-line)• Navona Underground ticket and 3D experience• Trevi District Underground with audioguide• Catacombs guided tour (no transfer included)• Capitoline Museum Skip the Line Tickets • Leonardo da Vinci Experience with audioguide• The Altar of the Fatherland Elevator & Risorgimento Museum & Palazzo Venezia Skip the Line Ticket• Trajan’s Markets Skip the Line Ticket• 1 day Hop-on hop-off bus• 1-hour bike rental• 72-hour public transportation ticket• A night at the Opera (only if available)• Rome Imperial 3D show and audioguide• Caracalla Baths Skip the Line Ticket• Circo Maximo Virtual Reality Experience Reserved Entrance• Sant'Angelo Castel Skip the Line Ticket with Audioguide (app) • Palazzo Valentini Experience Skip the Line Ticket (if available) • Doria Pamphilj Gallery Reserved Entrance Ticket• Panoramic Terrace Breakfast• Panoramic Terrace Aperitif• Papal Udience + St. Peter's Guided Tour (only on Wednesday)• National Roman Museum (Palazzo Altemps, Baths of Diocletian, Palazzo Massimo) Reserved Entrance Ticket• Ara Pacis Museum• Navona, Pantheon +Trevi Fountain Walking Tour (only English) • Largo Argentina Reserved Entrance • Borghese Gallery Skip the Line • Cappuccini Cripts Reserved Entrance OUTSIDE ROME (trasportation NOT included):• A Walk in the Pontifical Villa Gardens in Castel Gandolfo• Pope Summer Residence with audioguide in Castel Gandolfo• Ancient Ostia Reserved Entrance Ticket• Tivoli Villas: Villa Adriana or Villa D’Este Reserved Entrance Ticket • 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 gardens, which you can visit, 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) 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 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.

Wind your way through the history and architecture of the medieval hilltop town of Viterbo. From Porta Romana we'll make our way back in time through the city's charming and historic center. Along the way we'll take in ancient fountains, majestic piazzas and palaces. I will tell you stories of the people and point out details, hidden courtyards and corners. Viterbo was a papal town where popes lived in the 13th century and where the first conclave was held. We will explore the San Pellegrino medieval quarter, one of the best preserved in Europe. Finally, we'll conclude the tour at the Porta San Pietro, the medieval entrance to the town.

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.

This tour allows you to experience 20+ ancient top sights in Rome with our fun knowledgable tour guide. Then, visit Castel Gandolfo to see the Papal Palace complex that has served over 30 popes. Skip the line and enter the Secret Garden to feel at one with nature on a walking tour. We start your day with a 3 hour walking tour at one of the most famous sites that Rome has on your check list, the Colosseum. Be fascinated as your guide takes you through some of the stories and most entertaining moments that this incredible monument to history has to offer. Next, make your way north with stops including the imposing Vittorio Emanuele II Monument. Be wowed by the Forum, the heart of the Roman Empire from 1900 years ago, and historic Palatine Hill. Pause for some ice cream and a well deserved break before going through the heart of Rome. There, encounter the Pantheon, St Maria Sopra Minerva Basilica with its Michelangelo sculpture, the Palazzo Cipolla, and the awe-inspiring square at Piazza Navona with its famous fountains. Finish the walking tour of Rome at the amazing huge baroque Trevi Fountain for many photo opportunities and flip in your spare change. After your walking tour you will make your way to Piazza della Libertà to receive your audio guide before entering Castel Gandolfo. Visit the Papal Apartment with audio guide to immerse yourself in 500 years of history. Wander from bedroom to private chapel, from library to study. Look at the balcony from where the Popes said the Angelus every summer Sunday. Immerse yourself in this treasure chest on the outskirts of Rome. Follow in the footsteps of the Popes in the 7 rooms and summer offices inside the Palace. The tour is 5.5 hours in duration (3 hours Rome Walking Tour & 2.5 hours Castel Gandolfo). (We will not accompany you inside Castel Gandolfo)