Castel Gandolfo: Pope's Summer Residence & Barberini Gardens Tour on Golf Cart
Focus
What makes this tour Special
What to Expect
PRIVATE TOUR
Enjoy your tour with your own private tour expert at your party's disposal only
DURATION
5 hours
START TIME
08:30
PRIVATE DRIVER
Meet&Greet at your hotel/accomodation. Private Driver included throughout the tour
NOT AVAILABLE
Sunday
KID FRIENDLY
This tour is suitable for kids of all ages
ENTRANCE TICKETS
Entrance tickets are included! Enjoy your tour!
- Ticket entrance to the Apostolic Palace
- Exclusive visit to Barberini's Gardens on Golf Cart
- Pick up and drop off with private driver at your disposal
- Reservation fees
- Meet & greet your private guide at your hotel or accommodation
- Gratuities
- Extras
- Lunch (available upon request)
- Music Room (available upon request)
Sites you’ll visit
-
Castel Gandolfo
-
Apostolic Palace
-
Barberini Gardens
-
Pope's Farm
-
Over the centuries Castel Gandolfo has been elected to be the summer residence of the Popes. It is set next to the peaceful lake Albano, that can indeed be seen from one of its balconies. The historical palace takes its origins from the Middle Ages, and its story echoes the history of the Holy Church and the Popes. The second floor houses the private studio and bedrooms used by the Popes up to present.
-
Located just outside Rome, Castel Gandolfo lies on the edge of Lake Albano. Its palace is notable as the summer residence of the popes since 1623, featuring a magnificent terraced park and the former Villa Barberini, built on the ruins of a villa of the Roman emperor Domitian. Precious marble, brocades, and splendid tapestries display the true opulence of the Baroque era.
-
Considered as the green heart of the Pontifical Villas in Castle Gandolfo, they spread for about 55 hectares (11 more than Vatican City!) of which 30 make up a garden while 25 are used for farming. Recently opened to the public for the first time in history, these manicured gardens are a delightful, peaceful place filled with carefully tended hedges, flowers, fountains and overlooks.
-
The farm in the village of Castel Gondolfo, about 15 miles outside of Rome, dates back to the 1930s, when Pope Pius XI oversaw the creation of a model farm at the 135-acre papal vacation estate overlooking Lake Albano. The “Fattoria delle Ville Pontificie” covers 55 hectares and features stables, henhouses, orchards, gardens, citrus groves, a vineyard, spice garden, an olive grove and a dairy farm.
Tour description
Start your journey with pickup from your hotel or accommodation. Relax as your hospitable and private driver takes you to the Papal Villas in Castel Gandolfo. Your amazing private guide will let you enjoy beautiful views of the castle as it displays a mixture of Medieval and Baroque architecture. Board your personal golf cart as your guide takes you around the vast gardens of Barberini Gardens by revealing its fascinating history.
You’ll be lead up to the top of the Colli Albani where you can admire the stunning panoramic views from one of the highest vantage points overlooking the outskirts of Rome. Discover the Papal Farm which embraces the traditional lifestyle of Rome. You’ll be introduced to many of the Pope’s animals such as the cows, chickens, sheep and many others. 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.
Useful information
- Not available on Sunday
- Not recommended for wheelchair users
- All visitors and their bags have to be screened under metal detectors and to be checked by the Vatican guards.
- It is not possible to bring large bags or backpacks, as well as bulky bags, big umbrellas and selfie-sticks. All weapons, hazardous or flammable objects are strictly forbidden.
Full Refund Cancellation Policy
The policies are included and non-optional.
- Dolce Vita policy is applied on all Standard Bookings placed more than 72 hours from the date of the event. We provide all our customers with Refundable Terms up to 72 hours from the date of the event for any reason. To apply for a refund including where your tour is cancelled or changed by Eyes of Rome®, please contact our customer service team at info@eyesofrome.com.
- Peace of Mind policy is applied on Selected Bookings and on all Bookings placed within 72 hours from the date of the event. We provide all our customers with Refundable Terms so if you are unable to attend your booking due to unforeseen circumstances outside of your control you may be entitled to a refund - please see our full set of Refundable Terms and Conditions here. To apply for a refund, please find the instructions on how to apply in the booking confirmation email you received after payment.