1 day

Full Day

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About this activity

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Vatican Museums, Viale Vaticano, 00120 Vatican City Italy

Meet your group and tour guide outside the Vatican’s main entrance at 8:00am. Then, bypass the long entrance lines as your guide whisks you through an exclusive no-wait entrance.

Meander through the lavish galleries of the Vatican Museum, listen as your guide highlights famed masterpieces, relics, and intriguing items visitors often overlook. Next, marvel at the world-famous grandeur of the Sistine Chapel before exploring the Vatican Gardens.

Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, 00040 Castel Gandolfo Italy

Continue on to the lush green Alban Hills via the lesser-known Vatican Train. Hop onboard and admire the view as you travel through Rome and hear some fascinating history of this region. When you alight, follow your guide to the exquisite Renaissance estate, Castel Gandolfo and Barberini Gardens.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Giardino Barberini, Strada Provinciale 71/b Via Carlo Rosselli, davanti al Piazzale Urbano VIII, 00073 Castel Gandolfo Italy

Enjoy free time relaxing in the gardens, then head inside the Papal residence, where Popes have summered since 1626. Explore the Pope’s study, chapel, and private chambers. Then, enjoy panoramic views of the Roman coast from the Papal Terrace.

Finally, board the train back to the Vatican where your tour concludes.

Duration: 1 hour

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Included

English speaking Official Vatican Guide for Vatican Museums and Vatican Gardens walking tour
Return Train to Castel Gandolfo
English speaking Official Vatican Guide in Castel Gandolfo for the tour of the Apostolic Palace, Private Papal Apartments and gardens
Groups of 25 people or less
Entry/Admission - Vatican Museums
Entry/Admission - Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo
Entry/Admission - Giardino Barberini

Not included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Food/Beverage
Gratuities

Additional

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
We may experience delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues
Avoid bringing large purses, bags, or backpacks on your tour
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

Features

Tourism

100%

Cultural

70%

Reviews

5.0

9

A

Alexis B

5 | 2019-07-03

For starters I arrived on time, so 15 minutes late. No surprise the group had left. After speaking to nearby guides they had me call customer service to see what they could do. Initially I though I would just be SOL when they ask to reschedule which I couldn't because I was only visiting for a few days. They ended up pairing Francesca and I together for a PRIVATE Tour. We went at a leisurely place and had amazing in depth dialogue. She is knowledgeable, kind and patient. She was very attentive and we even grabbed espresso after and talked about where to go for authentic Italian food. If possible book a private tour with her. I saw the tour I was supposed to be on the entire time and they weren't allowed to get off the bus where as we could breathe and take it all in on food at our own pace. Ask for Francesca!

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gardneraz.diane

5 | 2018-08-19

An excellent mix of time in the small village, walking thru the residence, spending time in the gardens and a delicious meal at the Farm. The guides very much added to the experience with their knowledge and timing and everything was coordinated so well we didn`t wait. Having only 4 of us made it feel very custom and engaging. Roberto was excellent!

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sophy1231

5 | 2018-07-09

It was wonderful day two great guides Robert and Francesca. Robert talked about a lots of information in Rome and history of castel gandolfo very helpful to understand. Lunch in vatican farm was amazing. All of fresh food typical food of italia. Went to residence of papa and garden also freat great experience with francesca she was very professional to explain everything. Such a special to walk beautiful garden. Definitely i recommemd this tour!!

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RICHARD S

5 | 2017-12-29

An amazing tour . Our guide was fantastic its a unique tour going thru the Papal living quarters and thru the gardens. I will never forget

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Bryan M

5 | 2017-12-25

The opportunity to visit part of the history of the Vatican, courtesy of Pope Francis, was a highlight of our visit to Rome.

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Russell S

5 | 2017-09-24

Very nice, off the beaten path tour. Nice small group, tour guides Rebecca and Isabella were great. Rebecca sure did know her Papal history! Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a good deal of walking, especially through the beautiful gardens. Very nice small village as well.

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David P

5 | 2017-09-24

Fantastic, Fantastic, Fantastic. This tour was above and beyond our expectations. Visiting the Popes residence with a Vatican Guide and learning all the history of the residence was amazing. Our tour guide was fantastic also and very informative throughout the ride and the tour. Walking the Popes gardens and having lunch on the farm with the same food that is sent to the Vatican was amazing. Worth every penny and a must do when you go to Rome. Also, since the Pope does not visit the summer residence, the tour helps the town with income.

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Scott&Deb2017

5 | 2017-09-20

A highlight of our trip to Italy. Robert provided us with so much information along with the Vatican guide. We learned and experience a wonderful tour. It was special.

Vatican Museums and Pope's Summer Residence Day Trip from Rome plus Garden Visit

Rome

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