The Borghese Gallery, a renowned art institution in Rome, offers visitors a chance to enjoy the works of Italian masters. With an optional guided tour, guests can skip the lines and gain exclusive insights into the gallery’s captivating collection. From Caravaggio’s striking canvases to Bernini’s breathtaking sculptures, this cultural experience promises to leave a lasting impression. However, as the gallery’s second floor undergoes renovation, certain areas may be inaccessible, leaving you curious to discover what hidden gems lie beyond the construction.
Just The Basics
- The tour offers visitors skip-the-line access to the renowned Borghese Gallery, allowing them to explore the impressive art collection.
- The guided tour, limited to 15 participants, provides an in-depth exploration of artworks by renowned Italian masters like Caravaggio, Bernini, Titian, and Canova.
- The tour includes a leisurely stroll through the tranquil Villa Borghese Gardens and a visit to the Pincian terrace, offering breathtaking views.
- Visitors with mobility challenges may face difficulties navigating the museum and gardens, as the Borghese Gallery is not wheelchair accessible.
- The Borghese Gallery’s second floor is currently undergoing renovation, restricting access to certain areas.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Overview of the Tour
The Borghese Gallery and Villa Borghese Gardens tour in Rome offers visitors a chance to skip the line and explore the renowned art collection within the historic Borghese Gallery.
This small-group walking tour, limited to 15 participants, allows you to view artworks by renowned Italian masters like Caravaggio, Bernini, Titian, and Canova.
You’ll also have the opportunity to stroll through the tranquil Villa Borghese Gardens and visit the Pincian terrace for breathtaking city views.
The tour includes pre-purchased entrance tickets to the Borghese Gallery, as well as an English-speaking guide and headsets for better audibility when selecting the guided tour option.
Key Highlights of the Experience
Visitors can marvel at the Borghese Gallery’s impressive collection of sculptures and paintings by renowned Italian masters like Caravaggio, Bernini, Titian, and Canova. The tour offers a chance to explore these world-class artworks up close, from Bernini’s captivating sculptures to Caravaggio’s dramatic paintings.
After savoring the gallery’s treasures, guests can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the tranquil Villa Borghese Gardens, stopping to admire the breathtaking views from the Pincian terrace overlooking Piazza del Popolo.
Whether you opt for a small-group or private tour, this experience provides a comprehensive and enriching exploration of one of Rome’s cultural gems.
Inclusions in the Tour
This tour includes the Borghese Gallery entrance ticket, providing visitors skip-the-line access.
When selecting the guided tour option, it also covers a Borghese Gallery guided visit with an English-speaking guide and the use of headsets for better audibility.
Plus, the tour allows guests to explore the tranquil Villa Borghese Gardens.
The meeting point is at the Piazzale del Museo Borghese, in front of the Borghese Gallery main entrance, and the tour ends at the Pincio Terrace overlooking Piazza del Popolo.
The entire experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
Visitors should note that the Borghese Gallery’s second floor is currently undergoing renovation from March to June.
Meeting and End Points
The tour kicks off at Piazzale del Museo Borghese, right in front of the Borghese Gallery‘s main entrance, and wraps up at the Pincio Terrace overlooking Piazza del Popolo.
This convenient meeting point makes it easy for visitors to find the starting location.
The tour then concludes at the Pincio Terrace, offering stunning views over Piazza del Popolo, one of Rome’s most iconic squares.
This seamless transition from the gallery to the gardens provides a well-rounded experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the artistic and natural wonders of the Borghese complex.
The tour’s start and end points are strategically chosen to enhance the overall flow and enjoyment of the experience.
Tour Duration
The Borghese Gallery tour typically lasts approximately 2.5 hours, allowing visitors ample time to explore the gallery’s renowned collection and stroll through the adjacent Villa Borghese Gardens.
The guided tour option ensures you won’t miss any of the highlights, as an expert English-speaking guide will lead you through the gallery’s masterpieces by Italian artists like Caravaggio, Bernini, Titian, and Canova.
You’ll also have the opportunity to soak in the tranquil beauty of the Villa Borghese Gardens and take in the city views from the Pincian terrace.
With the skip-the-line entry, you can make the most of your time and avoid lengthy queues to enter the gallery.
Accessibility and Mobility Considerations
Borghese Gallery isn’t wheelchair accessible, so visitors with mobility challenges may have difficulty navigating the museum and gardens.
Public transportation is available nearby, but travelers should have a moderate level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the tour.
All personal belongings must be left on arrival at the Borghese Gallery reception, and strollers and pushchairs aren’t allowed on the group tours.
Unfortunately, the Borghese Gallery’s second floor is currently under renovation, so visitors may not be able to access certain areas of the museum during this time.
Despite these limitations, the Borghese Gallery and Villa Borghese Gardens offer a unique cultural experience for those able to participate.
Renovation Notice
Currently, the Borghese Gallery’s second floor is undergoing renovation work from March to June, restricting access to certain areas of the museum.
While visitors can still enjoy the gallery’s impressive collection of artworks on the first floor, they won’t be able to access the second-floor galleries during this time.
The renovation project aims to improve the visitor experience and preserve the gallery’s treasures for years to come.
Travelers should keep this in mind when planning their visit and adjust their expectations accordingly.
Despite the partial closure, the Borghese Gallery remains a must-see destination for art enthusiasts in Rome, offering a unique opportunity to explore the works of Italian masters like Caravaggio and Bernini.
Additional Tips and Reminders
Travelers must leave all personal belongings on arrival at the Borghese Gallery reception, as they’re not permitted inside the museum. Strollers and pushchairs are also not allowed on the group tours.
Plus, visitors should have a moderate physical fitness level, as the tour involves considerable walking through the gallery and gardens.
The Borghese Gallery isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation. Visitors should note that the second floor of the gallery is currently under renovation from March to June.
The Borghese Gallery and Villa Borghese Gardens tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore some of Rome’s finest art and natural beauty.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Pompeii Day Trip From Rome With Mount Vesuvius or Positano Option
- Skip the Line: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel With St. Peters Basilica Access
- Expert Guided Tour of Colosseum Underground OR Arena and Forum
- The Original Roman Crypts and Catacombs Tour With Transfers
- Tuscany Guided Day Trip From Rome With Lunch & Wine Tasting
- Colosseum Underground and Ancient Rome Small Group – 6 People Max
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photography Allowed Inside the Borghese Gallery?
Photography is generally not allowed inside the Borghese Gallery. However, visitors may take photos in the outdoor Villa Borghese Gardens. Visitors should follow the gallery’s policies and instructions from staff while touring the museum.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Villa Borghese Gardens?
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy in the tranquil Villa Borghese Gardens. However, consuming food or beverages inside the Borghese Gallery itself is prohibited.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
Yes, the Borghese Gallery offers discounted tickets for students and seniors. Students can get reduced-price admission with a valid student ID, while seniors aged 65 and above qualify for a discounted ticket.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?
The cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours before the tour start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are subject to a cancellation fee. Travelers should review the policy carefully before booking.
Can I Leave My Luggage at the Borghese Gallery During the Tour?
No, visitors cannot leave their luggage at the Borghese Gallery during the tour. The tour information states that all personal belongings must be left on arrival at the gallery reception, as they are not allowed inside.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto Food and Wine Tour
- The Original Fettuccine Alfredo Experiences in Roma
- Fountains and Fallen Angels
- To & From Ciampino Airport – Rome City Center Shuttle Bus
- Urban Rafting on Romes Tiber River
- Ancient Tour of Rome by Mini Cooper Classic Cabrio With Aperitif
- Global: Esim High-Speed Mobile Data Plan
- Private Day Trip From Rome to the Amalfi Coast
- Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Fully Guided Tour
- Private Golf Cart Tour in Rome
- Skip-The-Line Colosseum Tour With Palatine Hill and Roman Forum
- Transfer Civitavecchia Port
- Drinks, Bites & Views of Rome by Night Private Tour
- Rome: Fresh Pasta Wokshop and Meal With a Local
- Rome: Small Group City Tour by Golf Cart With Gelato
Final Words
The Borghese Gallery offers a unique opportunity to explore its renowned art collection, with skip-the-line access and an English-speaking guide to enhance the experience.
Although the second floor is currently under renovation, visitors can still enjoy the stunning works of Caravaggio, Bernini, Titian, and Canova, as well as the tranquil Villa Borghese Gardens and breathtaking views from the Pincian terrace.
