Step into the world of Cardinal Scipione Borghese on a private tour through his 17th-century suburban manor. This tour shows the evolution of sculpture and painting from the Renaissance through the Baroque era in Rome. Skip the line and hear the scandalous stories behind the Borghese family's private commission of neoclassical art. Witness the incredible detail of Bernini's marble figures and the haunting realism of Caravaggio's shadows. This private tour offers unparalleled access and insight.
What's included
Feel the marble almost breathe
Skip-the-line Borghese Gallery tickets
Expert English-speaking guide
Guided tour of the Borghese Gallery
Iconic Bernini sculptures, masterpieces by Caravaggio & Renaissance paintings by Raphael
Private group experience
Guide tips
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
Your tour begins at the museum entrance
Meet your personal guide in front of the main entrance to the Borghese Gallery. You will receive a brief introduction to the villa's 17th-century origins as a playground for the wealthy Borghese family before heading inside.
Skip the line for baroque masterpieces
Enter the gallery using pre-booked tickets to begin your exploration of the ground floor. Listen as your guide shares how Cardinal Scipione Borghese amassed one of the most impressive collections of art in history through both patronage and occasionally forceful acquisition.
Admire the genius of Bernini
Stand inches away from the incredible detail of The Rape of Proserpina and Apollo and Daphne. Your guide will explain how Bernini transformed hard marble into soft flesh and delicate leaves, earning him the reputation as a successor to Michelangelo.
Explore the Caravaggio room
Step into a space dedicated to the revolutionary painter known for his dramatic use of light and shadow. You will see David with the Head of Goliath and hear about the artist's turbulent life and mysterious death while examining his realistic style.
View the works of Raphael and Titian
Head to the upper floors to discover the softer beauty of the High Renaissance. See Raphael’s Deposition of Christ and Titian’s Sacred and Profane Love while learning about the transition from classical balance to the movement of the Baroque from your guide.
For Reference Only. Itineraries are subject to change
Select participants and date
Free cancellation up to 7 days in advance!
Sat, 20 Jun 2026
Meeting and drop-off point
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Important Details
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4.98
139 Ratings
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An Exceptional Tour
Louise G.
Verified Review
June 15, 2026
Eva was an amazing tour guide: personable, knowledgable and able to guide us through an exceptional collection with ease. We absolutely recommend this tour group & the guide.
Wonderful Tour
Rob P.
Verified Review
June 04, 2026
We used other tour companies for our Vatican and Colosseum tours, and our tour guide for our Borghese Gallery was by far the best. Valentina was extremely knowledgeable due to her art-history education and was able to impart her vast knowledge on the pieces there and elsewhere to my wife and I, but more importantly to our teenage sons. It wasn’t just the history of the particular piece at the gallery, it was also the history of the artist, the time period, and the backstories that separated her as a tour guide. In addition to her excellent work at the gallery, she also provided some recommendations for church artwork that our sons were interested in. Our tour with Valentina was the highlight of our trip to Rome.
Fabulous Borghese Tour, April 30
Nancy F.
Verified Review
May 06, 2026
We had a fantastic Borghese tour with Lisa! She is extremely knowledgeable about the art, historic events, and all the intriguing details that influenced the artists and their work Lisa really brought the art to life! We hope to have her as our tour guide again, the next time we visit Rome!
Eleonora is a fabulous guide for the Borghese
Paul R.
Verified Review
April 23, 2026
I had a wonderful time with Eleonora as my guide through the wonderful Borghese Gallery. She asked me right away about what I wanted before we entered and I gave her my quick background and context and right away she adjusted her approach and the two hours we spent together were great. She was always conscious of the number of people in the rooms we were in and steered us to rooms that were close to empty so we could talk and see everything easily. Here enthusiasm and knowledge of history and the art were excellent and I enjoyed every minute. Bravo!
Wonderful time with Ela!
Beth H.
Verified Review
March 22, 2026
We had such a fantastic time at the galleries, where our guide shared such wonderful background stories and insights - and made us feel like we had the place to ourselves (even though it’s a busy place!) A highlight of our time in Rome x
Richard N.
Verified Review
March 17, 2026
Incredibly passionate tour guide made the experience incredible
Randy B.
Verified Review
January 12, 2026
Our guide was a wealth of knowledge and she made every room on the Borghese tour a wonderful experience offering the stories behind the art.
Fascinating Experience
Kelly F.
Verified Review
January 11, 2026
The Borghese Gallery is a very special place as was our guide, Eleonora. Her deep knowledge of history and the gallery made this tour one of the highlights of our vacation.
Artistic Bliss
North Q.
Verified Review
December 29, 2025
This tour allowed for an undisturbed experience of the Borghese Gallery’s stunning collection!! Our guide was knowledgeable and attentive!!
Incredible
Puck N.
Verified Review
December 28, 2025
The arts within the Borghese Gallery were breathtaking!! Sofia, was able to provide detailed insight on every artifact that we were seeing while also allowing us time to take pictures. She was very kind and I would highly recommend her and this tour to future travellers.
Masterpiece Experience
Zane B.
Verified Review
December 26, 2025
This tour offered detailed exploration of art, history & beauty and seeing the Borghese Gallery’s masterpieces up close-was unforgettable. Highly recommended!
Artistic Delight
Quarry P.
Verified Review
December 22, 2025
The Borghese Gallery is absolute must-see! The artworks are breathtaking & the villa’s architecture is stunning!! Our guide’s knowledge and passion enhanced every moment.Highly recommend
History & Art
Clay M.
Verified Review
December 19, 2025
Walking the villa’s halls and saw iconic works was breathtaking!! Our guide’s stories about the artists was fascinating!!
Simply The Best
Magnus A.
Verified Review
December 15, 2025
The tour was fantastic – personalized, insightful and inspiring for all art lovers!
Incredible Collection
Zeke Z.
Verified Review
December 12, 2025
The tour of the Borghese Gallery offered art with insight & elegance!! Our expert guide shared fascinating stories. The villa’s grand rooms & garden views added to the charm. Highly recommend!
Delightful & Detailed
Ziv Z.
Verified Review
December 08, 2025
Discovered the diverse cultural heritage & history - a fascinating mosaic of history and art!!
Moss J.
Verified Review
December 08, 2025
Simply Amazing
Lake Y.
Verified Review
December 05, 2025
The Borghese Gallery’s works were stunning and our guide , was excellent and his passion was contagious!!
Sculptures and Paintings
Yurt W.
Verified Review
December 01, 2025
This tour offered an unmatched way to appreciate incredible artworks without distractions!! The guide’s expertise was impressive and the gallery’s beauty was simply stunning- Every art lover should experience this!
Priceless Experience
Xander V.
Verified Review
November 28, 2025
The private tour let me appreciate every artwork fully!! Our guide was knowledgeble and his explanations of Bernini’s sculptures & Caravaggio’s paintings brought depth to the experience!!
Exclusive Art Immersion
Thorn U.
Verified Review
November 24, 2025
This tour exceeded expectations! Loved seeing Bernini’s sculptures up close!! Daniele was patient and offered such excellent information!! Would definitely recommend!!
Wade I.
Verified Review
November 24, 2025
Truly Magical
Basil T.
Verified Review
November 21, 2025
Fantastic Tour!! Our guide's insights about sculptures and paintings brought the history alive!!
Worth Every Minute
Zia S.
Verified Review
November 17, 2025
This private Borghese Gallery tour was priceless!! Our guide’s deep understanding of the art made every piece meaningful he made the history and art so engaging & fascinating!!
Must-See artwork
Sora R.
Verified Review
November 14, 2025
Great experience. We explored stunning sculptures, incredible paintings and learned fascinating history!!
