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Religious Sites

Castel Gandolfo Full Experience with Eco-Minibus Tour of Pontifical Gardens

Ornate hallway inside Castle Gandolfo with frescoed walls and marble floors.
Tree-lined path in Pontifical Villa Gardens, Castel Gandolfo, Italy.
Telescope inside the Castle Gandolfo Observatory with wooden dome ceiling.
Woman enjoying brunch with friends in a bright cafe.

Duration

5 hr

Opens Friday

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience
    • Experience Castel Gandolfo in its entirety, from papal history and astronomy to lush gardens and the welcoming charm of a picturesque Italian town, all in one day.

    • Take an eco-minibus tour through the villa’s expansive gardens, discovering peaceful landscapes and hidden corners.

    • Enjoy reserved entry to the Apostolic Palace, exploring grand papal apartments filled with history and art.

    • Gain exclusive access to the historic observatory domes, where centuries of astronomical study come to life.

    • Explore at your own pace with an insightful audio guide in English/Italian, and choose to upgrade your visit with a delicious porchetta sandwich for lunch.

    • Timed entry to Apostolic Palace

    • Eco-minibus tour of villa gardens

    • Access to secret garden

    • Access to observatory domes

    • Audio guide (English/Italian)

    • Lunch (as per option selected)

    • Guided tour

    • Transport to and from Rome

  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • Step inside the Papal Palace, explore secret gardens, and tour Castel Gandolfo’s unique sites with an eco-minibus and audio guide.

    Getting started

    Begin near the main entrance of Castel Gandolfo, where your ticket is validated. After a brief introduction, receive your audio guide and board the eco-minibus for your journey.

    What to expect

    Castel Gandolfo's Apostolic Palace

    This historic residence, perched above Lake Albano, has served as a papal retreat for centuries and is renowned for its cultural and religious significance.

    Features

    • Minibus garden tour: Enjoy a guided eco-minibus ride through the expansive gardens, showcasing rare plants and scenic views.

    • Papal Palace: Access grand halls and private rooms once reserved for popes, offering insight into centuries of papal history.

    • Observatory domes: Step inside the twin observatory domes, a site of astronomical research and scientific discovery.

    • Lush gardens: Wander through the tranquil secret garden, a peaceful space once used for papal reflection.

  • Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo

    Monday09:00am - 06:30pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Tuesday09:00am - 06:30pmlast entry 05:00pm
    WednesdayClosed
    ThursdayClosed
    Friday09:00am - 06:30pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Saturday09:00am - 06:30pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Sunday10:00am - 06:30pmlast entry 05:00pm
  • What to bring

    • Arrive on time with a valid photo ID matching your booking name to ensure hassle-free entry.

    • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking through the gardens and palace grounds.

    • You’re welcome to bring your own headphones to use with the included physical audio guide.

    • Please adhere to the Vatican dress code by covering your shoulders and knees. A scarf or shawl can be useful.

    • Bring water, especially in warmer months, as some parts of the visit take place outdoors.

    What’s not allowed

    • Large bags, suitcases, and bulky luggage are prohibited inside the venue for security reasons.

    • Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.

    • Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly forbidden on site.

    • Flash photography, tripods, and video recording equipment are not permitted within the palace and observatory domes.

    Accessibility

    • This experience does not offer full wheelchair accessibility.

    • In particular, the twin observatory domes are located on the third floor and are not accessible to visitors with mobility impairments.

    Additional information

    • Transportation to and from the venue is not included. The site is 40 minutes away from Rome by car, bus, or train, so please plan your travel accordingly.
    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

    • Please arrive at the redemption point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the redemption point.

    Ticket redemption point

    • Show your ticket at Palazzo Pontificio.

    • Address: Piazza della Libertà, 00073 Castel Gandolfo RM, Italy .

    Get directions to the redemption point

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