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Papal Summer Residence tour with lunch included

1.8 (3)
Rome, IT
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Papal Summer Residence tour with lunch included

1.8 (3)
Rome, IT
Share
Experience a hidden gem of the Vatican with the Papal Summer Residence tour. Journey to Castel Gandolfo, a picturesque hilltop village just outside of Rome, and explore the Apostolic Palace and gardens. With the help of an informative audio-guide, uncover the secrets of the Papal Palace that was closed to the public until 2016. Hop on an eco-friendly golf cart to see the stunning Barberini Gardens and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Albano. Indulge in a delicious lunch made from fresh produce grown on the papal estate. To make your day even more unforgettable, consider adding a tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica upon your return to Rome. Don't miss the chance to discover this hidden treasure and make lasting memories.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 5 hours
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • & Audio GuidedSelf Guided Experience
  • Discover the Papal Palace and gardens at Castel Gandolfo
  • Explore the hidden treasures of the Holy See
  • Ride around the magnificent Barberini Gardens in an eco-friendly golf cart
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared with fresh produce from the papal estate
  • Combine the experience with a tour of the Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica
  • Lunch
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Audioguide

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More about this experience

Introduction

Are you ready to embark on a journey through time and explore the hidden treasures of the papacy? Introducing the Papal Summer Residence tour with lunch included, a captivating experience that will transport you from the bustling streets of Rome to the charming hilltop village of Castel Gandolfo.

What to expect?

During this extraordinary tour, you can anticipate immersing yourself in the rich history and grandeur of the Papal Palace and gardens. Once closed to the public, this exclusive opportunity allows you to explore the Apostolic Palace, often overlooked by tourists. Equipped with an audio-guide in your chosen language, you will unravel the secrets embedded within the palace walls, gaining insight into the private lives of the Catholic Church's leaders. Prepare to be enchanted as you glide through the picturesque Barberini Gardens in an eco-friendly golf cart, marveling at the panoramic views of Lake Albano. To satisfy your taste buds, a delectable lunch will be served, featuring fresh produce from the papal estate.

Who is this for?

This tour is designed for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and travelers longing to delve deeper into the Vatican's legacy. Whether you are a devout Catholic or simply fascinated by the intricate tapestry of papal history, this experience will captivate and leave a lasting impression on all who embark on this journey.

Why book this?

The Papal Summer Residence tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore a place of profound significance. Uncovering hidden treasures and immersing yourself in the splendor of the Papal Palace will undoubtedly create lasting memories. The serene beauty of the Barberini Gardens, combined with a sumptuous lunch made from fresh produce cultivated on the papal estate, will transport you to a state of blissful tranquility.

Good to know

It is essential to remember that this tour has limited availability, as the Papal Palace was opened to the public only in 2016 after centuries of secrecy. Therefore, it is advisable to book in advance to secure your place on this exclusive journey. Please note that the meeting point is at the bus stop on Via Cavour 224, so ensure you arrive 25 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Reviews

Visitors who have embarked on the Papal Summer Residence tour consistently express their awe and admiration for this extraordinary experience. They praise the knowledgeable audio-guide, providing them with fascinating insights into the papacy's history. The Barberini Gardens, with their breathtaking vistas, are a highlight for many, and the delectable lunch made from fresh produce receives rave reviews. Overall, visitors leave the Papal Summer Residence tour feeling enlightened, inspired, and deeply connected to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the Vatican.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo

For centuries the Papal Palace at Castel Gandolfo was locked to the public, but in 2016, after over four centuries, Pope Francis finally opened its doors to visitors. Now, on this morning trip from Rome, you will see the palace and gardens, and learn about their fascinating history. In the Palace, made fit for a pope by Urban VIII in the 17th century, you will get a glimpse into the private lives of the leaders of the Catholic Church. Discover some of the Holy See’s hidden treasures as you tour the palace with an audio-guide in your chosen language. Then enjoy a ride around the magnificent Barberini Gardens in an eco-friendly golf cart and savor the views over the magnificent Lake Albano. Lunch will be provided in the lovely ‘Padiglione del Riposo’ before you head back into Rome.

Admission Included

Reviews

(3)

1.8 (3)

Maria_P

It was a disorganized mess. It would have been better with a tour guide to accompany our group throughout. We had 10 people: 6 Spanish, 2 Italians, and 2 Americans who were put into 2 minivans with non English speaking drivers. I should have known something was wrong when I received a text 2 days prior asking if we could switch to another day. When I asked for a refund a "solution" was found. We got there at 1030, wandered around first floor with audio guides and told by Vatican staff that the garden tour started at 11 after which we would have lunch then come back to do 2nd floor of the palace. We had a half hour to wait for lunch which.was better than expected. We had to once again go through security to access 2nd floor of palace after lunch. If it weren't for the Italian ladies who spoke with various Vatican staff about next steps we would probably still be there. So totally disorganized. We were left to figure it out on our own. Don't book with this outfit

italgal

This tour was highly unorganized. It would have been better with a guide from Rome to oversee things. There were 10 of us: 2 Americans, 2 Italians and 4 Spanish that wound up in 2 mini vans with Italian only speaking drivers. The tour wound up being a confusing combo of 1st floor palace; garden tour; 30 minutes waiting for lunch then back to the palace to go thru security again and walk through 2nd floor. Luckily our 2 Italian tour participants took charge and dealt with Vatican staff or we would likely still be there. The lunch was better than expected, the palace and gardens beautiful. This tour company doesn't have its act together. BTW two days prior I received a text from them asking if I could switch to another day as they were having transportation issues. When I asked to cancel instead they immediately found a "solution".

Sonny_W

The castle has full of interesting displays hard to find anywhere else. But the tour has zero English speaking staff. No information provided about how the tour was going to take place, no time info provided. They rush to get over the tour…
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-04-25 15:14
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