We’ve designed this tour to give you access to two properties that were once the exclusive domain of the Popes. First, we’ll take you the Barberini Garden, a favorite retreat for Pope Benedict, then it’s on to the Apostolic Palace where generations of Popes spent the summer months away from the heat and crowds of Rome. With audio guides at both sites and an expert tour leader to take care of logistics, this is an accessible way to escape the tourist path in Rome and see two of the most impressive properties owned by the Holy See.
Pope's Palace, Castel Gandolfo & Gardens by Train from Rome
Summary Description
Highlights
- - Step inside the Pope’s summer residence with a visit to the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo.
- - Explore the historic Barberini Garden at Castel Gandolfo for panoramic views, beautiful plants, and ruins dating back to the days of Ancient Rome.
- - Enjoy free time and lunch in the picturesque town of Castel Gandolfo.
- - A friendly, local tour leader escorts you to and from Castel Gandolfo on the train from Rome.
Description
Meet your guide at Termini station in the morning. u a brief introduction to your destination: the jewel in the crown of the Castelli Romani region, the town of Castel Gandolfo, which sits overlooking the crater lake of an extinct volcano. For 400 years the breezy little town hosted the Popes during the hot Roman summer and today we are going to see both the gardens and the Apostolic Palace that they built here.
Our first stop is the Barberini Garden, which you’ll explore on an electric train with an audio guide. Built on the remains of Emperor Domitian’s palace, the gardens are a unique mix of Roman ruins and carefully cultivated flora; verdant terraces filled with Cedars, Cypress, and Holm Oaks mixed with geometric flower beds that erupt into bloom in the spring and summer. Although these gardens, which were a favorite of John Paul II, have been cultivated since the 17th century, they have only been opened to the public in the last few years making this an experience some 400 years in the making.
After the gardens, we’ll take you directly to the Apostolic Palace, which was the summer home of the Popes before the pontificate of Pope Francis. Walking through its corridors with an official Vatican audio guide, you’ll take in beautiful architecture by Carlo Maderno, portraits of past Popes, and real examples of some of their most vibrant ceremonial garb. Along the way, you’ll gain a greater understanding of the ways that the papacy has changed over the centuries.
After you’ve seen the best of the Apostolic Palace, we’ll orient you in the town of Castel Gandolfo then give you some free time to get lunch and do a little self-guided sightseeing. If you have any questions about what to see or where to eat, don’t hesitate to ask - that’s why we’re here.
Finally, we’ll meet back up and hop on the train back to Rome, where we’ll leave you at Roma Termini Station.
Sites Visited:
• Castel Gandolfo Hill Town
• Papal Palace
• Barberini Garden
Included / Excluded
- - Tickets to Papal Palace with Audio Tour
- - Tickets to the Barberini Garden with Audio Tour
- - Transportation to and from Rome
- - Expert Walks Tour Guide
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Start / End Locations
Start Location: Termini Train Station - caffè 'Vyta Santa Margherita, Piazza dei Cinquecento, 1, Rome, IT
Start Location Notes: This tour meets inside Termini Train Station, just outside the entrance to the caffè 'Vyta Santa Margherita', by the train station access/exit along Via Marsala.
Start Location Directions: https://www.google.de/maps/place/Roma+Termini+Railway+Station/@41.9009273,12.5022603,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xa4307dbef261a994?sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjnlIeFhcHQAhVJKMAKHUk2BU8Q_BIIhwEwCg
Commentary
Guide : English
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs or strollers on this tour.
- Please note that the tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows after tour commencement or departure.
- Please remember that the attire must be appropriate. Both men and women are asked to wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. It is sufficient to bring extra coverings (e.g scarf) with you to put them on before entering to the holy areas. Walks cannot be held responsible for denied entry due to improper dress.
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 72 hours
Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 72 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Options and Pricing
2020 Pricing
| 2020 Pricing | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (15 - 99 years) | €45.00 |
| Child (2 - 14 years) | €40.00 |
| Infant (0 - 1 years) | N/A |
Terms and Conditions
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
Additional Information
Ticket age ranges:
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)
About operator:
Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.
In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Basic Information
- Duration: 7 hours
- Category: Day Trips & Excursions
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