Papal Blessing at Castelgandolfo Day Trip from Rome

Take this special excursion to receive a Papal Blessing at Castelgandolfo in the summer months only. Availability is limited, so don't miss the opportunity to leave the busy Italian capital to spend time with the Pope at his summer residence at Castelgandolfo.

Leaving Rome, you will pass the enormous ruins of the Terme di Caracalla before taking the ancient Appian Way and passing the Chapel of Domine Quo Vadis.

Your tour will then proceed through the hills to the south of Rome. The area known as the 'Colli Albani' is home to many picturesque villages such as Frascati, Nemi, Genzano and Ariccia, and the splendid Villa Aldobrandini.

The Pope's summer residence is very near the volcanic lake of Albano. The Papal Blessing takes place in the square facing the Papal Palace of Castelgandolfo.

Schedule Details Departs:

Sunday
03 August, 2008
17 August, 2008
24 August, 2008
31 August, 2008

The Papal Blessing takes place during the months of July or August every year during the Pope's vacation at Castelgandolfo, the official summer residence. The above dates are subject to change until the official announcement is received in May 2008.

Departure Point: Tour departs from centrally located Rome hotels. If you're staying outside the Aurelian Walls or did not confirm hotel pick up - all tours will depart from 5/a Via Farini, located off Via Cavour, Rome. This departure point is a few minutes walking distance from Termini Railway Station and easy to locate. Departure Time:

• From Rome hotels: 8:00am
• From central meeting point: 9:00am

Return details: Tour concludes at 5/a Via Farini (centrally located and close to Termini Railway Station). In some cases, it is possible to be dropped off nearby your hotel but this cannot be guaranteed until the day of the tour as it depends on Rome traffic conditions and the location of your hotel. Please ask your tour guide on the day of travel. Hotel Pickup:

Hotel pick up is available from all Rome centrally located hotels ONLY. To view a full list of Rome hotels pickups, click on the 'View Map' icon above. Please list your full hotel name and address at time of booking. If you are staying outside of the central city area, please make your own way to the departure point (5/a Via Farini, Rome).

Cruise Port Pickup:
For passengers arriving into Rome on a cruise ship, you must book separate cruise port transfers between Civitavecchia and Rome. If you choose to combine transfers with a scheduled tour commencing in Rome, take into consideration the traveling time from the Port of Civitavecchia to Rome. It is approximately 1 hour and you should allow minimum 30 minutes to disembark cruise.

Additional Information