Castel Gandolfo: Private Papal Palace Tour

Embark on a 6-hour exploration of Castel Gandolfo, the exclusive residence of the Pope. Discover the Barberini Gardens, the Apostolic Palace, and enjoy stunning views of the Alban Hills. Limited to 6 people for a personalized experience.

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo - 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…
What's 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)
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Lunch
Additional Information

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,…

Location
Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(9 Ratings)
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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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Glaizascanlon
Oct 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marilyn_h
Jul 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!
Review provided by Viator
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>
Review provided by Viator
Marilyn_h
Sep 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>
Review provided by Viator
Jaqueline_f
Jan 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>
Review provided by Viator
From $223
up to 7 guests
1 Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).