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Rome Castle & palace tours

Our most recommended Rome Castle & palace tours

Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket

1. Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket

Take a stirring journey through art and religious history with skip-the-ticket-line entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Avoid the long ticket lines and then enjoy your visit at your own pace.  Wander through the Greek Cross Gallery to see elaborately-carved sarcophagi that might just contain the earthly remains of some of antiquity's famous kings and queens. Peek at the Cabinet of the Masks, or tour the Sala degli Animali to see a virtual menagerie of fantastic beasts, real and imagined. Walk the Upper Galleries, including the Gallery of Maps, to see how cartographers depicted the world through the ages. See masterpieces by Renaissance masters in the Raphael Rooms, and rest for a while in the Borgia Apartments. Then, it’s time to marvel at Michelangelo’s exquisite Sistine Chapel, the crown jewel of the Vatican, and perhaps even of all the world’s art treasures.

Castel Sant’Angelo: Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide

2. Castel Sant’Angelo: Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide

Step into the history of the Mausoleum of Hadrian, usually known as Castel Sant'Angelo, with skip-the-line entry privileges and an optional app-based audio guide. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Tomb of the Roman emperor Hadrian, also known as Hadrian's Mole. Explore one of the eternal city's most emblematic attractions in Rome. Located on the right bank of the Tiber and only a short distance from the Vatican City, the Castel Sant'Angelo is an ancient fortress with centuries of history. You'll learn about the ancient legend of Archangel Michael appearing atop the mausoleum, sheathing his sword, signaling the end of the plague of 590, and thus lending the castle its present name. Finish your experience with a panoramic view over Rome and the River Tiber from the castle terrace. This a great opportunity to take some photos of the Ponte Sant'Angelo bridge, also known as the Bridge of Angels.

Rome: Castel Sant’Angelo Skip-the-Line Ticket

3. Rome: Castel Sant’Angelo Skip-the-Line Ticket

Uncover the secrets within the walls of the Castel Sant'Angelo, a historic mausoleum that's now a museum on the Tiber River's right bank. Explore one of the lesser-known gems of Rome with fast-track entry tickets and enjoy views of the city from above. Skip the lines and walk inside to browse through the artifacts that narrate the building's many transformations. First erected to be a monumental tomb, then a fortress during the medieval ages, and a defensive post for barbarian invasions, the castle will offer you new insights into Roman history. Explore the 5 floors of the museum heading towards a spiral ramp, then see the cells and the rooms that served as a Papal residence, as well as a chamber of ashes where you can marvel at the remains of iconic Roman characters and frescoes preserved perfectly. End this informative trip on the Castle’s astonishing roof terrace and have a picturesque view of the whole city. Be prepared to spot Vatican City, the Tiber River, and the famous Bridge of Angels.

Rome: Small Group Guided Tour of Castel Sant'Angelo

4. Rome: Small Group Guided Tour of Castel Sant'Angelo

Skip the line and enter Emperor Hadrian's Tomb. Walk through its fortified corridors and learn the mysterious and multi-faceted history. Explore the five floors of the castle and learn of those who were once incarcerated there. Take memorable photos of the city once you reach the terrace. Meet your guide in front of the entrance and enter the castle. Prepare to hear the troubled and one of a kind history and learn why it is considered a monument, museum, and archaeological site all at once. Walk the spiral ramp to reach each of the five floors and discover the fortified corridor, Passetto di Borgo, built to connect to the Vatican City so the Pope could escape should he be in danger. Find the chamber of ashes and the cells which imprisoned many historical figures. Make your way to the upper parts of the castle and find different rooms that served as a Papal residence. Observe the perfectly preserved frescoes from the Reneaissance period, and the extensive collection of weaponry. View the city from the top terrace and take beautiful photos of the skyline.

Rome: Castel Sant'Angelo with Priority Entrance

5. Rome: Castel Sant'Angelo with Priority Entrance

Discover the history of this mausoleum-turned-museum with skip-the-line, hosted access. Located on the right bank of the Tiber only a short distance from the Vatican City, the Castel Sant'Angelo is an ancient fortress with centuries of history. Explore the museum's seven floors to discover an extensive collection of ancient artifacts and perfectly preserved frescoes from the Renaissance period. Built in 135 AD for the Roman Emperor Hadrian, the building has played an important part in Rome’s architectural history. Climb the spiral staircase to reach the Chamber of Ashes where a number of historical figures were incarcerated, before continuing up to visit the Papal Residence. Immerse yourself in the stories of each different room as you admire the art within. Finish your experience with a panoramic view over Rome and the River Tiber from the castle terrace. A great opportunity to take some photos of the Ponte Sant'Angelo bridge, also known as the Bridge of Angels.

Rome: Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo Walking Tour

6. Rome: Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo Walking Tour

Travel along the dreamy Italian countryside, far away from the hustle and bustle of Rome. a true treasure trove of art and history. Visit the quaint village of Castel Gandolfo, perched atop the sapphire blue waters of Lake Albano, mushroomed around the Pope’s Summer Palace. Be accompanied by a member of the Vatican staff on a walking tour of the "green heart" of the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo. Castel Gandolfo, which served for centuries as a summer residence and vacation retreat for the pope, is spread for 55 hectares. Enjoy the walk through the botanical and architectural wonders of the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo. Its Barberini Garden produces and ships a basket of fresh produce to the Vatican. See beautifully maintained orchards, vineyards, and over 1000 olive trees around the farm. You can upgrade your walk in the Pontifical Villas with 2 wonderful options: Popes' Summer Residence Visit the Papal Apartment to delve into 500 years of history. Wander from the bedroom to the private chapel, from the library to the studio. Look at the balcony from where the Popes pronounced the Angelus every summer Sunday. Picnic in the Papal Gardens Enjoy lunch with traditional food in the garden picnic area. Savor a porchetta or vegetarian sandwich with bottled water, wine or beer, and typical wine biscuits. Immerse yourself in this treasure trove in the outskirts of Rome. Walk in the footsteps of the Popes around the 7 rooms and summer offices inside the Palace.

Castel Gandolfo: Palace Ticket and Gardens Minibus Tour

7. Castel Gandolfo: Palace Ticket and Gardens Minibus Tour

Explore the Papal Palace at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide. Admire the architecture, learn its history, and discover its many collections of art, relics, and more. Extend your visit with a minibus tour of the Barberini Gardens and admire the intricate displays. Once you arrive at the Castle doors, pick up your audio guide and begin your walk through the palace. Gaze at the many treasures, from uniforms and relics to artworks and furniture. Learn the interesting history of the Pontifical Residence, commonly known as the Second Vatican. Designed by the Swiss-Italian architect Carlo Maderno for Pope Urban VIII, and it has served as a summer retreat for various popes since the 17th century. Don't forget to pay your respects to the sedan chair of Pope Pius IX, and the BMW used by Pope John Paul II, before taking the option to visit the Barberini Gardens on a 45-minute minibus tour. The gardens offer views of intricately designed shrubbery and unique fountains, the perfect finisher to the palace experience.

Rome: Castel Sant'Angelo Tour with Fast-Track Access

8. Rome: Castel Sant'Angelo Tour with Fast-Track Access

Skip the lines at the Castel Sant'Angelo to set off on a guided tour. Enter the castle with skip-the-line access and learn about its history from your guide. Explore the famous castle that was erected by Emperor Hadrian to be his tomb. See how the building was also used by popes as their private residence, as the state treasury, as a prison, and as a location for public executions throughout its history. Have the chance to discover the rich history of the castle and its magnificent architecture and paintings. Be introduced to the emperor's burial place, the papal apartment, and treasury room. Admire the beautiful angel sculptures along the Ponte Sant'Angelo bridge, also known as the Bridge of Angels. Finish off the incredible experience with a panoramic view from the castle's terrace and take stunning photos of the city.

From Rome: Pompeii Tour with Naples or Positano Option

9. From Rome: Pompeii Tour with Naples or Positano Option

Travel from Rome to Pompeii in an air-conditioned private bus, accompanied by an archaeologist guide. Benefit from skip-the-line entry and enjoy a guided tour of the ancient city. Throughout the ruins, come across a death cast, a plaster recreation of an unfortunate citizen preserved by the superheated volcanic ash. After visiting Pompeii, drive up the slope of Mt. Vesuvius, (from April to mid-November), one of Europe’s few active volcanoes located in the Vesuvius National Park. From here, take a short hike up to the steaming crater for stunning views of Capri and Sorrento. During the winter season between November and March, Mt. Vesuvius is closed, so your tour will follow the coastline and take you to the city of Naples. Explore the iconic Castle Nuovo, the famous art deco Umberto I Gallery, or simply wander around the monumental Plebiscito Square.

Rome: Secrets Beneath Castel Sant'Angelo Guided Tour

10. Rome: Secrets Beneath Castel Sant'Angelo Guided Tour

Take part in a small group tour led by a professional guide to admire some areas of the Castel Sant'Angelo that aren’t normally available, such as the Olearie, the historical prisons, and the theater of Clemente VII. Use your skip-the-line entry ticket to save time and begin your 2-hour guided tour of the famous castle erected by the Roman emperor Hadrian as his tomb. Uncover how the building has served as a private residence to popes, a treasury of the state, a prison, and a public execution site. Discover the rich history behind the castle and marvel at its magnificent sculptures and paintings. See the burial place of the late emperor, the pope’s apartment, and the treasury room. End your incredible experience with a panoramic views over the city from the castle's terrace.

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The best day trips and excursions from Rome are:

Pompeii

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What people are saying about Rome

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 1,420 reviews

I was unsure if it was worth going to Pompeii for the day as it was an all day excursion with my family. I am so glad we went, our tour guide, Enrica and our driver, Marco made the trip relaxing and enjoyable. When we arrived at Pompeii, we were greeted by a knowledgeable guide specifically for the archeological site and we learned quite a bit about life in Pompeii prior to the eruption of Vesuvius. It is was all pretty fascinating and even my teenage son was equally interested. We would’ve preferred ti hike Mt. Vesuvius but unfortunately this option was not available in Feb. but we did get to explore Naples a bit. Highly recommend, a nice way to break up our visit to Rome.

Brilliant tour experience with lots of helpfull information about the history of the castle. Easy to get around the building and nice coffee stop on the way around. Have been to Rome many times and walked past it but such a great surprise to do such an enjoyable tour. Well worth a visit and adds to the vatican experience.

Our guide, Alec was super knowledgeable on the history of Rome. I didn’t think much going into the castle but it turned out to be very interesting and one of my favourite tours after spending a week in Rome! Definitely recommend

great service and a really good place to visit with fantastic views of Rome!

It was beautiful to see everything just lots of stairs!!