Surroundings Rome

Papal Palace and Castel Gandolfo Tour

Papal Palace and Castel Gandolfo Tour

8-hour tour with transfer

Easy - Accessible

kid-friendly tour

Experience a traditional Roman outing. Let us take you out of the chaos of the hustle and bustle of the city to eat the world famous “porchetta” as well as to visit one of the region's most renowned wineries.

The Papal Palace in Castel Gandolfo, currently open to the public after centuries of mystery, can now be visited. This quaint little town, barely an hour out of Rome, was the preferred summer residence of popes, and with good reason. We will also visit an exclusive baroque palace of the Roman nobility, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The calm and tranquil setting on the edge of Lake Albano is ideal for relaxing and appreciating the essence of the Castelli Romani.

These volcanic hills were once full of noble residences surrounded by manicured vineyards; with us, you will experience a traditional meal at a typical “fraschetta”. From roasted pork, to cold cuts and cheese, to bread baked with olive branches and vines, this area is particularly well-known for its excellent food. The day would not be complete without a visit to one of the most renowned wine estates of the region. Experience the winemaker's interpretation of the terroir and the particularity of the climate that make these wines unique. Upon request, it is possible to extend the experience with a lunch at the end of the tour.

Tour gallery

Some of the most representative pictures of this tour

Itinerary

Discover the main stops of this tour

Vatican gardens

Vatican gardens

The Papal Palace in Castel Gandolfo stands in a garden which occupies the site of a residence of the Roman Emperor Domitian. You will be impressed by the botanical and architectural wonders of the gardens, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Albano.

Papal Palace

Papal Palace

The papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo is an integral part of Roman history and a great unknown. Built by Carlo Maderno for Pope Urban VIII between 1624 and 1626, it is part of a 55-hectare complex with Italian gardens and other pontifical buildings. Affectionately referred to by Pope John Paul II as ‘Vatican number two’, it has been a public museum since October 2016.

Nemi and its lake

Nemi and its lake

Nemi is a beautiful town in the Alban Hills overlooking Lake Nemi, a small circular volcanic lake famous for its sunken Roman ships. The lake was sacred to the goddess Diana Nemorensis since the lake reflects the moon, the Romans called it Diana’s Mirror (Speculum Dianae). This phenomenon inspired great artists such as Lord Byron and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who stopped here during their Grand Tour.

Local wine and food

Local wine and food

Since 1996, the Castelli Romani area has been home to a large Denomination of controlled origin (DOC) zone that makes a wide variety of wine. But this area is also famous for the delicious local foods which include maritozzi, ciambelle al mosto, coppiette and the crispy bread of Genzano and Lariano. The town of Ariccia is specifically known for the porchetta (roasted pork meat), the perfect meal for meat lovers!

Tour information

Some useful information for your experience

What’s included

Expert and licensed guide, entrance ticket, private transfer, full on-site assistance, sterilized earphones (from 5 people upwards).

Availability

Suggested start time: 9.30 am.