Pope's Palace, Castel Gandolfo & Gardens by Train from Rome

Our Castel Gandolfo tour meets first thing in the morning at Termini Station to make sure you get on the right train. Once aboard, we’ll give you a brief introduction to your destination: the town of Castel Gandolfo which has played host to Popes for 400 years as they escaped the hot Roman summers.

Our Castel Gandolfo tour stops first in the Barberini Garden, which you’ll see from the comfort of an electric train with an official Vatican audio guide. Planted atop the remains of Emperor Domitian’s palace, the gardens are a mix of ancient ruins and verdant terraces filled with geometric landscaping and hundred-year-old trees.

Next, we’ll escort you to the Apostolic Palace, which you’ll also explore with a Vatican audio guide. Take in architecture by Carlo Maderno, portraits of past Popes, and real examples of some of their most vibrant ceremonial garb as you learn how the building functioned as a summer retreat, working farm, and even a refugee center.

Since Castel Gandolfo is one of the most beautiful towns in the region, we give you free time to discover it for yourself. We’ll help orient you and give you tips and recommendations, but then you’ll be free to enjoy a leisurely lunch, explore the main square, or simply take in the views over the lake.

Our Castel Gandolfo tour gets you back onto the train to Rome and ensures you make it back to Termini Station without any stress or hassle.