We’ll begin at the Barberini Gallery. Home to one of Rome’s most powerful families, the Palazzo Barberini houses masterpieces such as Raphael's La Fornarina as well as impressive staircases. Our resident art historian will shed light on the importance of what we are seeing, the stories behind the imagery, and place these artworks into historical context.  After a morning well spent in this majestic art gallery, we’ll take a break for lunch at a local dining establishment. We may even pop in to see works of art in situ at churches and palaces on our route.

Fueled by Italian food, we’ll head to our last stop, perhaps the most famous private art collection in Italy: the Borghese Gallery. Originally built as a suburban villa on the outskirts of the city, this gallery showcases a significant portion of Cardinal Borghese’s art selection, including masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, Bernini, and Caravaggio. In around two hours, we’ll cover the most important works and explore the relationships between art, society, and politics in 17th-century Rome.

At the end of our full-day art itinerary, we will emerge with a deeper understanding of two powerful Roman noble families and the art collections they amassed. Over the course of the day, we will develop a better understanding of not only the art that the collections contain but also the intricacies and politics of art collecting during the Baroque period.  

Please note: the Borghese Gallery is undergoing renovation works and some rooms might be closed unexpectedly. Your expert will adapt the itinerary accordingly if necessary. 

Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. They are designed to provide a learning experience that is completely tailored to you and your traveling companions. Private tours give you more flexibility with scheduling (you decide when the walk best fits your trip), the ability to tailor your itinerary (we'll work to match the itinerary to the interests and dynamics of your group), and more personalized time with your guide.

Are tickets included?
Yes. Context will take care of the necessary reservation in advance. You will pay for the tickets upon your booking, and your guide will collect them for you at the entrance of the galleries on the day of the walk.

What are skip-the-line tickets?

For this tour, your tickets are pre-purchased, which allows you to skip the ticket office line upon arrival at the venue. You may still have to wait in a security line or in a line to have your pre-purchased ticket scanned.  

 
Can I take photos inside the galleries?

Yes. You may use a camera or a phone camera, but you may not use a flash to take photos.