Exclusive Pope's Summer Residence Tour with Gardens and Lunch

Información

Delight in the rare privilege of discovering the Pope’s summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, recently opened by Pope Francis for a select number of tours. Until a short time ago such a visit would have been impossible, but for the first time we offer an exclusive experience of this magical realm, filled with secrets and history, that is sure to charm you thanks to our privileged position as an official Vatican partner, all with benefits you can’t find anywhere else!

This unique and carefully crafted tour takes you on a journey of discovery to the Vatican’s most coveted getaway in Castel Gandolfo just 15 miles south of Rome in the verdant Alban hills, where you will be treated to a guided visit of the Papal summer residence, including the Apostolic Palace and the Barberini Gardens, as well as a once in a lifetime chance to have a buffet lunch on local products that come directly from the Pope’s private farm, with the chance to buy them for yourself, a rare privilege usually reserved exclusively for Vatican citizens, dignitaries, the high clergy or the Pope himself, and we’re the only tour operator to offer this!

Meet the expert guide who will accompany you throughout the day at a central location in Rome before embarking on the 1-hour bus ride to Castel Gandolfo via private coach. As the city slowly transforms into lush forested hills, you will already begin to feel the enchantment of this singularly unique area. Not only is it sealed off from the noise and chaos of central Rome, it is also a place where nature amazingly still reigns supreme, a fact that has drawn the Popes here for centuries. Once arrived, you will stand in awe of the natural context that the Papal summer residence stands in, an immense volcanic lake whose crater walls are crowned by the Papal Palace itself.

Once arrived and fresh with the captivating stories and commentary provided by your guide on the way up, you’ll have some free time in the town of Castel Gandolfo for a coffee break, shopping for souvenirs or just exploring its narrow alleys and sweeping views with tips and recommendations from your guide.



Meeting/pick-up point: At Piazza Re di Roma, in the exact center-point of the square.
Duration: 6.5 hours.
Start/opening time: At 8:30am.
Languages: English.
Dress code: Entrance into religious sites requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. The supplier cannot be held responsible for refused entry due to improper dress.
Others: It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated and missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded.
Extra measures may be implemented at some venues due to heightened global security. As a result, we may experience delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues. Extra measures may also restrict the size of bags that can be brought inside.
Our coordinators will be wearing blue polo shirts or jackets to be easily recognizable at the meeting point.
This tour involves a fair amount of walking and stairs; comfortable shoes are recommended.
We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group tours.
The participation on its tours will be denied to any guest under the influence of drugs or alcohol or to any guest whose behavior is disorderly, or poses a threat to other guests or staff.