About this experience
Discover the serene beauty of Castel Gandolfo, the Pope's historic summer residence, nestled above Lake Albano. This private day trip from Rome offers an exclusive glimpse into the lavish Papal Palace, where you’ll explore its stunning rooms and terraces with picturesque lake views. Stroll through the Borgo Laudato Si' gardens, once reserved for papal use, before enjoying a leisurely lunch paired with local wines in a charming tavern carved into volcanic rock. Perfect for families or those looking to escape the hustle of the city, this tour promises a relaxing day in the Roman countryside.
- Private door-to-door transport from your Rome hotel
- Guided visit to the Papal Palace and Borgo Laudato Si' gardens
- Enjoy lunch with local wine tasting in an underground tavern
- Ideal for families, with a moderate walking pace and accessibility options
At a glance
- Duration: 8 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 8 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Round-trip private transport from your Rome hotel
- Lunch in one of the town's traditional underground taverns, cut directly into the volcanic rock, with a tasting of Castelli Romani wines from the surrounding hills.
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Papal Palace admission, Borgo Laudato Si' gardens admission
Not included
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
Private pickup from your hotel for the short, scenic drive into the Alban Hills.
Your driver-guide takes you inside the Pope's historic summer residence for a guided visit through the papal apartments, staterooms and terraces overlooking Lake Albano. Popes used the palace for nearly four centuries until Francis chose not to and opened it to the public in 2016, so you walk through rooms that were private for generations.
A walk through the former private papal gardens, now open as an ecological centre — manicured planting, working gardens and Roman ruins from the villa the Emperor Domitian built on this ridge in the first century. The grounds sit on the crater rim, with views down to the lake throughout.
The road skirts the volcanic crater lake that gives the Alban Hills their shape, with your driver-guide explaining why Romans have escaped here since antiquity and why the Popes followed.
Lunch in one of the town's traditional underground taverns, cut directly into the volcanic rock, with a tasting of Castelli Romani wines from the surrounding hills. Afterwards you have free time to walk the town at your own pace — it's small enough to cross end to end — with the papal square, the lake terraces and the local shops all within a few minutes.
Enjoy the ride back to Rome
Meeting and pickup information
- We will pick you up at the meeting point you will provide. The driver will be waiting for you with a sign with the lead travelers name.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- 753 Tours
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
What is the cancellation policy?
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