Private Tour

Day Trip from Rome: Pope’s Summer Residence & Gardens Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

5 hours

Mobile ticket

Visit the serene summer residence of the Pope, overlooking Lake Albano. This Private experience includes a guided visit to the Papal Palace and beautifully landscaped gardens, with the option to enjoy local specialties in the hilltop town.

Travelers will have the opportunity to explore the stunning gardens and residences that have served as a summer retreat for Popes over the centuries. You'll walk through beautifully maintained botanical gardens, admire ancient Roman ruins, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

This peaceful and elegant location offers a perfect escape from the busy city of Rome and a deeper look into the heritage of the Catholic Church.

This experience includes round-trip transportation, so you can relax and fully enjoy your visit to one of Italy's hidden treasures.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Round-trip transportation

Access to the Papal Gardens

English-speaking guide

Entrance ticket to the Papal Villas (summer residence)

Free time to explore, shop or enjoy lunch

Hotel pick up and drop off

Tips

What To Expect

Via Cavour

Meeting point Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo, located in Via Cavour 15. Our staff will wait for you at the entrance holding a sign with your name.

Admission Not Applicable

Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo

Transfer to visit the Papal Villas, the Pope’s serene summer retreat. Beautifully preserved, the Papal Villa is a unique glimpse into the private life of the pontiffs away from the Vatican.

1 hour • Admission Included

Options

Day Trip from Rome: Pope’s Summer Residence & Gardens Tour

Reviews

5.00

8 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A great hidden gem
Craig P,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Deborah was an excellent guide to and from Castel Gandolfo. She had a great deal of information and was great company. The palace and grounds are a great hidden treasure, which we were privileged to see and discover.
Castegandolgo is a gem and Deborah a great tour guide.
joaquinj858,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a fantastic experience. Deborah is a great tour guide. She made the drive to Castegandolfo from Rome and back fly by. Great comments and excellent knowledge of history. The gardens and residence are amazing.
Day trip to Castel Gandolfo.
953maurae,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We throughly enjoyed escaping the city today with a visit to Castel Gandolfo. Our guide Debra met us with a smile and was a knowledgable escort for this trip. It was a wonderful experience!
Beautiful Views
tinagY3411BO,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this trip. So much beauty with the gardens and Lake Albano. Wonderful lunch with our fantastic guide Debora. I highly recommend going for the breathtaking views.
A hidden gem
Charles C,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Debora was one of the best tour guides we ever could’ve hoped for. The Popes, summer home and gardens are so beautiful and interesting. It is a must do while in Rome. Our guide went out of her way and surpassed our expectations.
Great guide .. Book this tour . Beautiful site and tour
Diane F,
Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The guide was excellent. She provided great translation for English. She was very attentive to the group's needs by providing transportation that was needed and assisted when there was some challenges for one persons walking up steps. Would recommend !!!!
Hidden gem and a break from the crowds of Rome.
F1424MCdianed,
Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Debora our guide was awesome, so knowledgeable and fluent in English. She tailored our tour to our specific interests. The garden was spectacular but the museum is the real experience. The location is a hidden gem. Do not miss out on this! Book NOW.
Pope's Palace a Must
warren P,
Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Excellent tour of the Papal Palace and Gardens of Castel Gandolfo. Beautiful views of Lake Albano. A wonderful day trip from Rome.