Excursion Pope’s estate & private apartment with lunch tour at Civitavecchia

Explore the Papal Estate, Apostolic Palace, and private Papal Apartment during this immersive, full-day sightseeing tour of Castel Gandolfo with lunch.

Civitavecchia, Scenic Drive, Castel Gandolfo, Papal Estate, Apolistic Palace, Lake Albano

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately two-hour drive to Castel Gandolfo, with a comfort stop en route. Situated on a hilltop in the Alban Hills with panoramic views of Lake Albano, Castel Gandolfo is renowned as one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. Upon arrival at the coach drop-off point, meet your guide and depart for the short walk to the Apostolic Palace, an expansive, approximately 135-acre (54.6-hectare) complex of building in a garden setting. Included are the principal, 17th-century villa, Observatory, and farmhouse with approximately 75 acres (about 30.4 hectares) of farmland.

Guided Palace Tour, Gallery of Portraits of the Pontiffs, Papal Apartment

Upon arrival and after a security check, take a guided walking tour of the Apolistic Palace. The Pope’s Summer Estate, the Apostolic Palace was opened to the public in 2014 by a special concession of Pope Francis. Built atop the villa of Emperor Tito Flavius, the Apolistic Palace overlooks Lake Albano and has served as a second home for Popes since 1626. During your walking tour, marvel at the Gallery of Portraits of the Pontiffs, and discover the most private and reserved areas of the Papal residence. Your tour includes the never-before-seen, private Papal Apartment, recently revealed to visitors for the first time ever. Here, view the Bedchamber, Private Chapel, Library, and Study.

Secret Garden, Colourful Flowers, Fountains, Coat-of-Arms, Free Time, Pagnanelli Restaurant

Your tour of the Apolistic Palace concludes with a visit inside the Pope’s Secret Garden, which features exquisite gardens, majestic fountains, and a flower bed where the Pope’s Coat-of-Arms is created with colourful blossoms. Following your tour, some free time is made available for shopping and independent exploration of the Papal Estate, as well as breath-taking views and photo opportunities of your beautiful surrounds. Afterward, proceed for the short walk to the famous Pagnanelli restaurant, which was founded in 1882. Upon arrival, enjoy a sumptuous Italian lunch with wine. After lunch, walk to the coach pick-up point and commence the approximately two-hour drive back to the pier, with a comfort stop en route.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Civitavecchia, Castel Gandolfo, Apostolic Palace, Gallery of Portraits of the Pontiffs, Papal Apartment, Secret Garden, Fountains, Pagnanelli Restaurant, Lunch

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.5 miles (about 2.4 kilometres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 80 steps at the Apostolic Palace. Walking at the Papal Estate is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, conservative attire with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, bottled water, and Euros or credit cards for purchases from the ship.  Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The driving time between the pier and sites visited is approximately two hours in each direction. Since the Pontifical Villas and Apostolic Palace at Castel Gandolfo are still used by the Pope, access may be restricted and/or denied at any given time due to security reasons. Due to the latest world events, a security check should be expected at the sites visited. Ongoing restoration work is often being carried out at the various venues visited. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. This tour might not operate on Sundays or religious holidays. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.