Sandro was an excellent guide. His knowledge was extensive and he made the sculptures and paintings that he focused on come alive. Would highly recommend this experience.
Express Borghese Gallery Tour
See the Borghese’s essentials in a streamlined evening visit
The Finer Details
In the company of an expert in art history, in this 2-hour Borghese Gallery private tour, you will explore the essential works of Cardinal Borghese's famed collection. Discover masterpieces by Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini, and end your day with a little extra insight into art and politics in 17th-century Rome.
This tour takes advantage of the shorter late entrance window offered by the Borghese Gallery and allows you to experience these masterpieces at the quietest time of the day when the big crowds have left. You will meet your expert guide in front of the gallery and begin introductions immediately as you prepare to enter the museum. As you learn about Cardinal Scipione Borghese and his penchant for building relationships with the most acclaimed artists of his era, you will understand why his collection has attracted visitors for centuries. With faultless taste and a skilled eye, he tirelessly collected works of the highest standards throughout his lifetime. The resulting collection provides the perfect lens through which you will examine the crossroads of art and politics in Rome during the 17th century.
Your expert will guide you through a condensed visit of the various floors of the Galleria where some of the most remarkable High Renaissance works are housed, from Bernini's life-sized statue of Apollo and Daphne to Raphael's reverential painting, The Entombment. You will also have the privilege of discovering paintings by the likes of Caravaggio, Titian, Coreggio and Bronzino while gaining better insight into the politics of building a private art collection during the era of Cardinal Borghese. Leaving the gallery together as the doors close for the day, your guide will wrap up this concise introduction to one of the most impressive private collections in the world just in time for an evening aperitivo.
This tour takes advantage of the shorter late entrance window offered by the Borghese Gallery and allows you to experience these masterpieces at the quietest time of the day when the big crowds have left. You will meet your expert guide in front of the gallery and begin introductions immediately as you prepare to enter the museum. As you learn about Cardinal Scipione Borghese and his penchant for building relationships with the most acclaimed artists of his era, you will understand why his collection has attracted visitors for centuries. With faultless taste and a skilled eye, he tirelessly collected works of the highest standards throughout his lifetime. The resulting collection provides the perfect lens through which you will examine the crossroads of art and politics in Rome during the 17th century.
Your expert will guide you through a condensed visit of the various floors of the Galleria where some of the most remarkable High Renaissance works are housed, from Bernini's life-sized statue of Apollo and Daphne to Raphael's reverential painting, The Entombment. You will also have the privilege of discovering paintings by the likes of Caravaggio, Titian, Coreggio and Bronzino while gaining better insight into the politics of building a private art collection during the era of Cardinal Borghese. Leaving the gallery together as the doors close for the day, your guide will wrap up this concise introduction to one of the most impressive private collections in the world just in time for an evening aperitivo.
Sites Visited
- Borghese Gallery
- Includes viewings of the Apollo and Daphne, Sacred and Profane Love, and The Rape of Proserpina
Included
- 2 hours with a Ph.D. or MA-level guide
- Advanced ticket reservation
Logistics
Tickets
Our visit to the Borghese Gallery includes advance entry tickets, allowing you to skip the general ticket office line. Although you can skip the main ticket line, there may still be a brief wait for security screening or ticket scanning. Please be aware that the museum enforces a strict limit on the number of visitors allowed at any given time, resulting in highly limited ticket availability. Consequently, some changes and reschedules may occur, and we appreciate your patience in these instances.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
- For more information and inspiration while planning your travels to Rome, take a look at our other Context experiences.
FAQ
Why is this tour shorter than other Borghese Tours?
The Borghese Gallery offers a special, shortened visiting window at the end of the day. The time permitted inside the museum for this window is 1 hour and 15 (as opposed to the usual 2 hours) and the ticket prices are reduced accordingly. We begin our Evening Borghese Gallery private tour 30 minutes before the entrance time in order to pass through security and begin our introduction to the subject matter. You will have 15 minutes at the end to exit the gallery and wrap up your discussion with your expert guide.
What is a private tour?
The Borghese Gallery offers a special, shortened visiting window at the end of the day. The time permitted inside the museum for this window is 1 hour and 15 (as opposed to the usual 2 hours) and the ticket prices are reduced accordingly. We begin our Evening Borghese Gallery private tour 30 minutes before the entrance time in order to pass through security and begin our introduction to the subject matter. You will have 15 minutes at the end to exit the gallery and wrap up your discussion with your expert guide.
What is a private tour?
Limited exclusively to travelers in your party, our private tours are tailor-made to provide a unique and personalized experience for you and your companions. You'll enjoy a higher degree of flexibility with scheduling, allowing you to decide when the walk best fits into your trip. Plus, we'll work with you to tailor your itinerary to match the interests and dynamics of your group, and you'll get personalized time with your guide.
What is a small group tour?
Our small group tours cover the same itineraries as our private tours, but they place you with other travelers. Our small groups are capped at six participants. They operate on a pre-scheduled calendar and are designed to provide an opportunity to engage with and learn from other travelers.
Are tickets included?
Yes, our team will take care of the necessary reservations in advance, and you'll pay for the tickets upon booking. Your guide will collect them for you at the entrance of the museum on the day of the tour.
Can I take photos inside the Borghese Gallery?
Yes. Photography is permitted during the tour, but please ensure that your flash is off.
Why isn't this tour offered on Mondays?
On Mondays, the Borghese Gallery is closed to the Public. We are unable to offer tours.
Why isn't this tour offered on Mondays?
On Mondays, the Borghese Gallery is closed to the Public. We are unable to offer tours.
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
-
Borghese GalleryRome museum with Renaissance and Baroque paintings, sculptures, and art collections.
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
-
English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
-
Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
-
Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
-
HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
-
Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
-
Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
-
GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
-
Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
Before entering the gallery, Paolo gave us some historical context which was greatly appreciated. His knowledge of history and the pieces in the gallery added so much to our experience. We thoroughly enjoyed this tour and consider it a highlight of our trip to Rome!
Our Borghese tour with Paolo was next-level. He didn’t just explain art—he compared styles, techniques, and historical context in a way that made everything click. Also somehow avoided the crowds. Easily one of the best tours we did.
Book a Tour
Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.
Structured, never scripted
Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.
Crafted for conversation
With 12 or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.
Experts, not guides
Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.
