Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens & Castel Gandolfo Day Tour

Your experience

Highlights

• Skip-the-line tickets allow you to access the Vatican Museums before the crowds and experience the privilege.
• Embark alongside a knowledgeable art historian guide on a captivating journey through the Sistine Chapel.
• Within the museum collections, be amazed by the Pope's summer residence and the vast array of housed artifacts.
• Providing you with the added benefit of convenient transportation, the tour price includes round-trip train tickets to Castel Gandolfo.
• Sourced from the local region, indulge in an array of delectable meats, cheeses, and pasta during a midday meal.

Full description

Begin your day bright and early by meeting your tour guide at the Vatican Museums. With your special access ticket, skip the line and enter 45 minutes before the general public. After a quick security check, start your tour by exploring the best galleries alongside your knowledgeable art historian guide. This includes the Gallery of the Tapestries, the Gallery of the Candelabra, and the Gallery of the Maps. Next, delve into the fascinating history and techniques behind Michelangelo's iconic ceiling in the Sistine Chapel before experiencing it firsthand. Then, venture into the exclusive Vatican Gardens, a serene oasis reserved only for special tour groups. Take in the peaceful atmosphere and admire the beautiful surroundings. Following your Vatican Gardens tour, head to Vatican City's train station and board the train bound for Castel Gandolfo. Once the residence of Emperor Domitian, the Barberini Gardens offer a stunning blend of meticulously designed hedges, vibrant flowers, elegant fountains, and ancient Roman ruins. Throughout your excursion, your knowledgeable guide will regale you with captivating tales detailing the rich history of the gardens and the myriad points of interest nestled within its borders. Following your immersive exploration of the vibrant landscapes adorning the Barberini Gardens, a delightful intermission will be provided for lunch, thoughtfully included as part of your tour package. Indulge in a delectable feast featuring an array of locally-sourced, organic Italian delicacies, including succulent meats, artisanal cheeses, luscious olive oil, ripe tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta.After satisfying your palate, an exceptional opportunity awaits you to embark on a self-guided expedition through the esteemed Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo, an esteemed summer retreat for the Pope. Transformed into a captivating museum accessible to the public, this majestic residence beckons you to explore its countless chambers, art galleries, and even a remarkable collection of automobiles once driven by former pontiffs. As your senses absorb the magnificence of this historical gem, rest assured that your round-trip train ticket will seamlessly transport you back to Vatican City, bringing a fitting conclusion to your extraordinary and unforgettable journey.

Includes

• To avoid the hassle of waiting in line, score special access tickets for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, granting you privileged early entry.
• Made with locally sourced ingredients, indulge in the delectable flavors of a delightful lunch.
• To make things easier, you have the option of buying train tickets to Castel Gandolfo and returning back with them.
• An expert in art history who is fluent in English and capable of offering guided tours.
• Obtain tickets for a visit to the Pope's summer residence and experience the opportunity.

Not includes

• Gratuities

What to bring

• Shoes that give a comfortable and elevated experience.
• Observed for a long time in various cultures and religious traditions, the practice of wearing a head covering, commonly known as a kippah, has been commonly acknowledged.

Not allowed

• Shorts
• Items such as luggage or bulky bags
• Skirts of a shorter length.
• Shirts without sleeves
• Tripods

Know before you go

•  Unfortunately, the itinerary for this tour does not include a stop at St. Peter's Basilica.
• On occasions such as state visits or significant religious gatherings, certain sections of the Vatican may unexpectedly close. In the event that a part of the tour is inaccessible, the guide will offer explanations from outside the closed areas and will also include an additional area within the Vatican Museums to compensate.
•  Frequently, artwork goes through restoration processes or is loaned to other museums for exhibitions. If the artwork is accessible, it will be included in the itinerary, otherwise, a suitable substitute will be added.