Step beyond the Vatican walls and into the tranquil world of the Popes’ summer retreat — a place few travellers truly experience. Your day begins in Rome, where your private driver and expert guide greet you for a serene drive through the rolling Alban Hills towards the charming town of Castel Gandolfo.

As the city fades behind, you’ll pass olive groves and volcanic lakes — landscapes once loved by emperors and artists alike. On arrival, you’ll enter the Pontifical Villas, a breathtaking estate perched above Lake Albano, where centuries of papal history and peaceful gardens await.

Get on board of a comfort a comfortable eco-friendly minibus for an exclusive guided journey through the Barberini Gardens, a living tapestry of Roman ruins, sculpted terraces, and fragrant Mediterranean flora.

Continue into the Apostolic Palace, once the private residence of pontiffs escaping Rome’s summer heat. Inside, admire the papal study, private chapel, and the simple rooms that reveal an intimate side of the Vatican few ever see.

Before returning to Rome, take time to explore Castel Gandolfo’s picturesque village — perhaps pausing for a cappuccino in the square overlooking the lake — a spot where even Pope Leo has been known to greet locals.

Finally, relax in your private vehicle for a gentle return to the Eternal City, carrying with you the scent of cypress and the calm of a place where faith and nature intertwine.