from
$76
Skip-the-Line Borghese Gallery Tour
Join a small group to see famous works by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Canova with an expert guide
In the early 1600s, Cardinal Scipione Borghese assembled one of Rome's most remarkable private art collections, filling his hilltop villa with masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio. This small-group tour gets you inside the Borghese Gallery with skip-the-line tickets to witness works spanning from Baroque icons to Canova's famous neoclassical sculptures. With an expert guide and personal audio headsets provided, you'll better understand the technique and stories behind each masterwork.
What's included
Study Baroque masterpeieces
Expert English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line Borghese Gallery tickets
Borghese Gallery guided tour
Radio headsets
Access to temporary exhibitions (when available)
Bernini’s sculptures, Caravaggio’s paintings, Canova’s sculptures & Raphael's masterpieces
Small group experience
Guide tips
Itinerary
Your tour begins near the Borghese Gallery
Meet your guide near the entrance to the Borghese Gallery, a 17th-century villa tucked within Rome's Villa Borghese gardens. Pick up your radio and get ready to step inside one of Italy's most prized art collections.
Skip the line and enter the Borghese Gallery
Skip the long ticket lines and walk straight into security to enter the Borghese Gallery with your reserved group access. Outside, general admissions lines can take up to an hour. Inside, the frescoed ceilings and gilded halls await.
Marvel at Bernini's Baroque sculptures
Take in Gian Lorenzo Bernini's breathtaking masterpieces, including the dramatic Apollo and Daphne and The Rape of Proserpina. Listen as your guide shares fascinating stories about how Bernini brought marble to life with movement and emotion during the height of the Baroque period.
Explore Caravaggio's dramatic paintings
Next, you'll encounter the powerful works of Caravaggio, known for his dramatic use of light and shadow. See the introspective Sick Bacchus and the vibrant Boy with a Basket of Fruit, both reflecting the artist's turbulent genius and revolutionary style.
Encounter Canova's Neoclassical masterpieces
Continue to Antonio Canova's stunning sculptures, featuring the famous reclining Paolina Bonaparte. You'll appreciate the lifelike details and refined beauty that define Canova's departure from Baroque exuberance into Neoclassical grace.
Your tour finishes at the Borghese Gallery
After the guided tour concludes, you're welcome to stay and wander the galleries independently. Revisit a Bernini sculpture up close or take your time in front of a Caravaggio canvas before heading out into Rome.
For Reference Only. Itineraries are subject to change
Select participants and date
Start times are in the product’s local time
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance!
Tue, 13 Oct 2026
Meeting and drop-off point
Important Details
Discover what to expect, what's included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
Dress Code: Comfortable shoes are recommended since you will be standing for most of the tour. Only small fanny packs and purses (max 21 x 15 cm) are allowed in the museum. Larger bags/personal items must be left at your accommodation.
Accessibility: The Borghese Gallery is wheelchair accessible, but if you have any doubts about your mobility, please contact us beforehand so we can best cater to your needs.
Tour Changes: Some rooms of the Gallery may be closed to visitors due to renovation works. Your guide will ensure you see the best works available.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line entrance to the Borghese Gallery
Guided tour of the Borghese Gallery
Radios for a more intimate tour experience
Access to temporary exhibitions (when available)
Bernini’s sculptures, Caravaggio’s paintings, Canova’s sculptures, Raphael's masterpieces, and more
Small group experience
What to bring:
Valid ID
Comfortable shoes
Camera
See what people are saying
4.98
379 verified ratings
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What reviewers sayPowered by Cicero AIBETA
Reviewers frequently praise the guides for their extensive knowledge, passion, and engaging storytelling, which greatly enhance appreciation of the Borghese Gallery's art and history. Some reviewers mention minor issues with technology and logistics, but overall the experience is described as informative, enjoyable, and memorable.
Borghese Gallery Tour
Nancy2088610755 G.
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October 11, 2026
Our guide was fantastic! Knowledgeable, provided an historical narrative arc to understand the artwork. The Bernini sculptures were magnificent! Highly recommend.
Passionate & knowledgeable guide
Vanessa L.
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October 09, 2026
Agnes was an excellent guide - she gave us some interesting stories and background to select artworks, and was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. You would be lucky if you had Agnes as your guide!
Excellent Borghese Tour
Christine B.
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October 09, 2026
Beautiful gallery with an excellent tour guide! Agnes was entertaining and provided detailed history of the Borghese Gallery, sculptors and artists. We really enjoyed it.
Catherine M.
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October 08, 2026
Zenda was a fantastic guide for this world famous gallery.
Our guide made art come alive!
Cathryn S.
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October 06, 2026
I love visiting museums and learn more with a skilled guide. She was so knowledgeable! I didn’t know much about Bernini or the Baroque period, but she helped our group see the tension and storytelling in Bernini’s sculptures. Time flew!
Carolyn M.
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October 05, 2026
Borghese galleria
Sau S.
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October 04, 2026
Tour guide was very knowledgeable and spoke very well. Gave us an interesting perspective that we wouldn’t have known! Worth it!
Jay M.
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October 04, 2026
Fabulous tour with expert guide!!!
You’ll want to return for more!
James L.
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October 03, 2026
Our guide was fantastic!! Sorry i forgot her name but it was a 1pm tour on Sept 30. She brought the art to life with expert knowledge of the details and stories behind the art. Definitely recommend!!
Skip the line gallery tour
christina W.
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October 01, 2026
It was great, giuliano made it very interesting and good
Christine S.
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October 01, 2026
The Villa Borghese Tour
Christine R.
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September 30, 2026
Professional tour filled with interesting historical facts that brought the tour to life. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and informative. Will use this company for all future tours.
John S.
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September 28, 2026
Alessandra was our tour guide. She was the most knowledgeable, articulate, congenial and enthusiastic guide we've ever experienced.
Lauren K.
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September 26, 2026
Borghese Gallery
James C.
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September 25, 2026
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the works in the gallery. We especially enjoyed the sculptures of Bernini.
John K.
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September 25, 2026
Excellent tour, very knowledgeable guide only downside was not aware that you were not allowed to take bags inside, bag had to be left with passports. Apart from that your of the gallery was amazing
Borghese tour.
Angie M.
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September 25, 2026
We loved the tour and the content of the museum. The guide was very passionate about the art and provided historical and artistic insight that we would not have known if visiting the museum on our own.
Rosalie E.
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September 23, 2026
Excellent, knowledgeable leader. Easy to understand and very pleasant.
Great Visit to Borghese
David M.
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September 22, 2026
I booked the tour because it was so difficult to use the Gallery’s website, but I’m very glad I did. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and shared history and insight that I never would have learned on my own. This is a really stunning collection, so I highly recommend this tour.
VIJAY S.
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September 20, 2026
Vicki P.
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September 20, 2026
Impossible to top this
donna S.
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September 19, 2026
I never got our pink haired, sparkling blue eyed tour masters name, but she was AMAZING.
Borghese
john B.
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September 19, 2026
It was awesome highly recommend
jerome G.
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September 18, 2026
Super
Amazing tour
Iliana D.
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September 18, 2026
The tour was a perfect. Started on time, and Davide, our guide, was very engaged, very knowledgeable, answering all our questions.