Vatican Gardens Tour 2026
Open minibus tour | Priority access to the Pontifical Villas & Astronomical Domes
About The Vatican Gardens Tour
Book this tour and see the green heart of the Vatican City. An open-air minibus will drive you through the lush greenery, as you enjoy panoramic views. You’ll also see plenty of beautiful sculptures and fountains. Discover the differences between Italian, French, and English gardens.
Sit back, relax and explore 55-hectare gardens and Papal Villas by open minibus.
Skip the wait and enter the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo right away. This historic palace served as the summer residence for over 30 popes.
See the different styles of Vatican Gardens. Find out how Pope Nicholas III started the gardens, and how popes after him enriched the space.
Available in English, Spanish, French, Italian and German.
Keep your plans flexible! Book our Vatican Gardens Tour now and pay nothing until 24 hours before the tour starts.
Choose a tour option with included brunch to enjoy a tasty porchetta sandwich and a glass of wine.
I LOVED this tour. First off, you’re in a minibus the entire time, so you really get to see so much of the gardens. And you’re not even walking, so there’s no chance of getting tired! There’s just so much to see…obviously all the greenery, but I also enjoyed all the Virgin Mary artwork.
All I can say is thank God for our skip-the-line entrance to the Vatican Gardens. If we had had to wait in line, we would have literally spent the entire morning there, and wasted time for no good reason. Exploring the Vatican Gardens was so peaceful and unique. For me, the most beautiful ones are the Italian and English gardens. They are filled with shrubs, pagodas, pergolas, temples, and ruins, which are so interesting. Definitely worth seeing!
DESCRIPTION
Vatican Gardens Tour
- Vatican Gardens Tour by minibus
- Multilingual audio guide
- Entrance ticket to the Astronomical Domes (if option selected)
- Porchetta sandwich and glass of wine (if option selected)
- English, Spanish, French, Italian, German
THE SMALLEST COUNTRY’S BIGGEST GARDEN
The host will lead you to the entrance to visit the Vatican Gardens, and then direct you to your minibus. Sit down and strap yourself in for a gorgeous panoramic drive through the gardens!
The Vatican Gardens are divided into three distinct sections:
- the Pope's Orchard
- the Italian Gardens
- the English Garden.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ITALIAN, ENGLISH AND FRENCH GARDENS
The Pope’s Orchard is the only area that produces food, with fruit trees like lemon, orange, apple, and pear. The Italian Gardens are a symmetrical space full of stunning sculptures and fountains. The English Garden has more irregular flower clusters and gentle water attractions like ponds.
To complete your experience and explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel at your own pace with expert insight, consider booking a Private Vatican Tour, the perfect complement to your garden visit.
EASY BOOKING & SKIP-THE-LINE ACCESS!
Save your precious time with a quick booking process and priority entry!
Did you know who created the Vatican Gardens?
It was Pope Nicholas III. In 1279, he moved back to the Apostolic Palace from the Lateran Palace. There were orchards and vineyards just north of the Apostolic Palace. The Pope enclosed this area with walls, creating the Vatican Gardens. The gardens remained mostly the same until they were significantly landscaped in the early 16th century.
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- The Vatican has a dress code: You cannot wear short skirts and sleeveless shirts.
- No smoking is allowed onboard the minibus or inside the Vatican Gardens.
- Pets are not allowed inside the Vatican Gardens.
- It is necessary to bring a photo ID - either a passport or an ID card.
- Children must also carry a photo ID.
- Many visitors combine this tour with an Early Morning Tour of the Vatican. It's a great way to enjoy a crowd-free morning at the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, followed by a visit to the gardens.
Meeting Point
The tour meeting point is at the entrance to the Pontifical Villas on Via Massimo d'Azeglio.
FAQ - Vatican Gardens Tour
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- Skip-the-line access
- Audio guide
- Easy booking process
- Best value for your money!
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