Tours/Rome/Castel Gandolfo from Rome: Apostolic Palace Private Tour with Van
Viator · Private tour

Castel Gandolfo from Rome: Apostolic Palace Private Tour with Van

4.2(10)Rome1 hour
VIATOR3.6(5)TRIPADVISOR4.8(5)

Description

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.

Tour Options

Castel Gandolfo - Private Tour
  • Castel Gandolfo: Private Tour of Castle Gandolfo Apostolic Palace and Gardens. Transfer from/to Rome included. Pickup included

Itinerary

Admission included120 min

You’ll be lead up to the top of the Alban Hills where you can admire the stunning panoramic views from one of the highest vantage points overlooking the outskirts of Rome. Once back at the Castle, you’ll continue your tour through the Papal summer residence that has since been turned into a museum by Pope Francis. The highlight of this spectacular tour is the Apostolic Palace, with rooms filled with history.

Admission included20 min

Nestled within the Papal Palace grounds, the Secret Garden of Castel Gandolfo is a divine oasis of tranquility. This hidden enclave, reserved for papal contemplation, enchants visitors with its lush landscapes, impeccable topiaries, and soothing ambience. It's a rare privilege to wander through this serene sanctuary, typically shrouded in privacy and reserved for the highest of Vatican hierarchy.

Highlights

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 included

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)
Not included
Gratuities
Lunch

Pickup Locations & Times

Pick up at your hotel at 9:00AM your hotel/accommodation in Rome city center (within Aurelian Walls)

Traveller Ratings

4.2
10 reviews
5
7
4
1
3
0
2
1
1
1

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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
  • 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.

Reviews(10)

A
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.

Operator response

Ciao August! Thank you so much for your kind words and to rate Denis, Massimo and the overall experience 5-star! We are so pleased to know we have been successful in delivering our service and most importantly, we are happy to have contributed to remarkable memories of your stay in Rome :) We wish to see you again soon! the Eyes of Rome Team and Denis

B
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.

M
MarcoNurse92
June 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.

2 people found this helpful
G
GlaizaScanlon
October 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!

Operator response

Ciao, thanks for your nice review and for recommending this unusual tour. I like touring in some less commonly visited sites such as this one. I really think it is well worth the time. And the view of the lake was so spectacular!!! More, your daughter was so nice and pleasant. Thanks again for touring with me and I hope to see you again soon in Rome! Ciao, Francesca

M
Marilyn_H
July 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!

1 people found this helpful
C
ciro m
June 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

C
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>

1 people found this helpful
J
JAQUELINE_F
January 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>

1 people found this helpful
M
Marilyn_H
September 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>

You might also like...