from
$66
Skip-the-Line Borghese Gallery Tour
Join a small group to see famous works by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Canova with an expert guide
from$66.12
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
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
405 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. Several reviewers also note the well-paced tours that accommodate group needs, including mobility considerations, making the experience enjoyable and informative for diverse visitors.
Susan P.
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November 06, 2026
Excellent
Wayne M.
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November 06, 2026
Highlight of our trip
kristofer C.
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November 06, 2026
Borghese gallery with Giuliano
Angela C.
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November 06, 2026
Excellent tour with Giuliano. He is very knowledgeable about the art, the culture and the politics surrounding the art. He is also passionate about the beauty of the art and how the artists and sculptors express emotion. We highly recommend his tour.
Excellent tour!!
Jacqueline I.
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November 05, 2026
Absolutely highly recommend the tour guy ! Skip the line and expect highly knowledgeable tour guides !!
Mark H.
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November 04, 2026
Borghese!
Barbara S.
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November 03, 2026
The museum was amazing. The tour guy was knowledgeable and helpful getting us through the museum.
Learned So Much
Carolyn K.
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November 03, 2026
A very pleasant morning with a well informed tour guide.
Amazing tour
Melissa T.
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October 30, 2026
Our guide Eleonara (Ellie sp?) was absolutely phenomenal. Her enthusiasm, passion, and knowledge about the artwork here absolutely pulled you in. The pace was perfect, and she was very kind to some others in our group who were older and needed to rest. I was thoroughly impressed both by the tour and the museum. I learned so much about the art that I would not have probably spent the time reading about. Probably one of the best tours I’ve ever taken.
Best thing we did in Rome
Scott A.
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October 26, 2026
I planned to buy a ticket through the gallery web site and self guide but they were sold out.....and thank God for that. Our tour guide Eleonora (archeologist/art historian) was so well versed in the history and importance of the works we viewed that it brought deeper meaning to the entire experience. Her (and the supporting staff's) enthusiasm was contagious.....I would do this again in a heartbeat. This lady teaches ancient greek and latin and as a Roman knows the history and culture of Rome so well that if I could have her take me through the entire city, I would do it. 5 stars really isn't enough. If you are thinking about visiting the Borghese Gallery, the 2 hour time limit of the ticket really mandates a guide if you want to get anything out of your visit....Just do it!!!
Debra L.
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October 25, 2026
Rosanna was great. Very knowledgeable and her demeanor w the group was great!
Valentina was the best guide!
Gelene M.
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October 25, 2026
Valentina was an excellent guide all throughout the museum. She was very knowledgeable about the art pieces, artist background and Italian history. She was extremely kind to everyone in the group, making sure we were all comfortable and that those with mobility issues could still enjoy the experience without inconveniencing others. She didn’t rush us through the building even though we were limited to two hours.
Borghese Gallery
Kevin O.
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October 24, 2026
The Tour Guy was great to work with and Dinitri was a fantastic guide. Knowledgeable and funny! We’d recommend this as a must see!
Above
Aaron S.
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October 23, 2026
Stephen L.
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October 23, 2026
Eleanor was our guide. She was very knowledgeable and excellent.
A very personal tour
Robert P.
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October 20, 2026
Our tour with Eleanor’s was excellent. She is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Her long history with the museum made her tour special. Highly recommended.
Ellen L.
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October 20, 2026
Borghese Gallery
Packed, but doable
Leah T.
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October 19, 2026
Glad we had purchased the timed tickets as the lines were long.
Gail P.
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October 18, 2026
Borghese gallery tour
Craig R.
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October 18, 2026
Excellent tour. Our guide Dimitri was fabulous. Lots of information and historical content. Really focused on the main highlights of Bernini and Caravaggio. Highly recommended
Samantha D.
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October 17, 2026
Very entertaining and knowledgeable tour We are happy to have spent the time with such a lovely guide.
Extremely informative and spectacular
Vincent M.
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October 16, 2026
Amazing works of art and exceptional guide knowledge! Would recommend.
Great Tour
Sara B.
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October 16, 2026
I learned a lot on this tour and Ele our tour guide was wonderful, very passionate about the art and her job.
Daniel D.
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October 16, 2026
Outstanding
Dawn V.
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October 15, 2026
Monika was an incredible tour guide and a wealth of information. Highly recommend Borghese Gallery with TourGuy
FAQs
Where to meet?
Where to meet?
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
What happens if it rains?
What happens if it rains?
Is there a dress code to enter the Borghese Gallery?
Is there a dress code to enter the Borghese Gallery?
Does the Borghese Gallery ever experience sudden closures?
Does the Borghese Gallery ever experience sudden closures?
Is this tour family friendly?
Is this tour family friendly?
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