Borghese Gallery "Story Tellers" Small Group Tour
Explore Rome’s Baroque Masterpieces with Expert Guides and Skip-the-Line Access
Did you know the Borghese Gallery is home to nearly 800 masterpieces, including works by legendary Baroque and Renaissance artists like Caravaggio, Bernini, Raphael, and Titian? Without a guide, exploring this vast collection could take an entire day—but with our expert-led small group tour, you’ll uncover the gallery’s most famous works alongside hidden gems in just two hours, all while having the time and space to ask questions and fully appreciate the art around you.
- Meet your guide in Villa Borghese Gardens
- Borghese Gallery
- Bernini’s “Apollo and Daphne"
- Raphael’s “The Deposition”
- Caravaggio's “Boy with a Basket of Fruit”
- Bernini’s “David”
- Titian’s “Sacred and Profane Love”
- End your tour inside the Borghese Gallery
Begin your two-hour tour at the entrance to the Borghese Gallery, where you’ll meet your knowledgeable guide and a small group of fellow art aficionados. Your guide will then lead you to the gallery’s most impressive works, from Bernini’s lifelike sculptures to Raphael’s expressive canvases and Caravaggio’s intense scenes. With captivating stories and a group size limited to 15, enjoy a personalized experience as you explore one of the most famous collections of antiquities in Rome within the Borghese Gallery.
Small Group Borghese Gallery Tour
Your 2-hour tour includes:
Skip-the-line Borghese Gallery tickets
Small group size for a personalized experience
See works by Raphael, Bernini, Caravaggio, and more!
Engaging English-speaking guide with expertise in art history
Welcome to the Borghese Gallery!
To make the most of your two-hour tour, your excursion begins at the entrance to the Borghese Gallery. However, we recommend arriving early to explore the breathtaking Villa Borghese Gardens surrounding the museum. Wander through the serene woodlands and vibrant flower beds, savor a coffee on the lush green lawns, and discover the many statues and fountains scattered throughout the grounds. Additionally, save time to admire the magnificent exterior of the Borghese Gallery, with striking Baroque architecture and classical sculptures, before meeting up with your guide.
When it’s time to begin your tour you’ll bypass the queue with skip-the-line tickets and head straight inside the gallery. Immediately upon entering, you’ll realize just how much art there is to see, and while you could easily spend the entire day here, this tour is specially designed to highlight the most significant works as well as a few hidden gems. No time will be wasted searching for your must-sees, thanks to your guide’s expertise, who will also share lesser-known stories about each artist and the deeper meaning behind masterpieces by Raphael, Bernini, Caravaggio, and more.
Discover works by Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Come face-to-face with splendor of the archaeological marbles within the gallery’s extraordinary collection of sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This celebrated Baroque artist was no doubt an artistical genius, and his ability to capture fleeting moments of action and emotion is truly astonishing. Prepare to be amazed by the intricate "Apollo and Daphne," in which Bernini captures the very moment Daphne transforms into a laurel tree. The sculpture of “David” is another must-see, portraying the biblical figure ready to launch a stone from his sling, aiming to defeat Goliath.
Masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Titian
As you continue your exploration of the gallery, you’ll encounter some of the most iconic paintings in art history. Follow your guide to Raphael’s "The Deposition", a powerful and emotional depiction of Christ’s body being carried to the tomb. Moving on, Caravaggio’s "David with the Head of Goliath" will stop you in your tracks, with its intense realism and dramatic use of light and shadow. Of course, your guide will ensure you have time to marvel at Titian’s “Sacred and Profane Love” and decide for yourself the debated meaning behind the two women sitting by the fountain.
Hidden Gems of Borghese Gallery
In the final stretch of your tour, your guide will lead you to some of the gallery’s lesser-known pieces. Depending on the group’s interests, you may discover the "Boy with a Basket of Fruit", painted by Caravaggio in his early days as an artist. Or you may wish to check out Caravaggio’s evocative "David with the Head of Goliath," a fascinating contrast to Caravaggio’s more famous version. Then, after two delightful two hours, it’s time to bid farewell to your guide. There’s no need to hurry off, though. Stick around to revisit your favorite masterpieces or ask your guide for recommendations on other works to see.
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
2 total reviews
Leave a reviewGreat experience
Herman Sinnema
My tour of the Galleria Borghese was an incredible experience. The museum itself is fantastic and quite large, offering a vast array of art and history to explore. Our guide, Dimitri, made the visit even more special. He took us to the best pieces in the museum and shared fascinating insights about each one. His enthusiasm and pride in the museum were evident, creating a pleasant and engaging atmosphere throughout the tour. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the Galleria Borghese.
AMAZING!
Unverified Review
The Borghese Gallery Tour exceeded all my expectations. Our guide Piero’s deep passion and knowledge brought the art to life, transforming each masterpiece into a story rich with history and emotion. The smaller group made the experience intimate and engaging, allowing us to linger and ask questions. The highlight was the detailed exploration of Bernini's sculptures and Caravaggio's paintings, which I now appreciate on a whole new level. This tour is a must for anyone wanting a deeper, more personal connection with Rome’s artistic treasures. It was the highlight of my trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
It's always smart to wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on your feet for most of the tour. A good camera or smartphone with a camera is also recommended.
What to bring?
It's always smart to wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on your feet for most of the tour. A good camera or smartphone with a camera is also recommended.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
The Borghese Gallery is wheelchair accessible, but if you have any doubts about your mobility,, please take a look at our Private Borghese Gallery Tour.
What happens if it rains?
We run our Borghese Gallery tour rain or shine. If the weather is extremely bad and the Borghese Gallery is closed, we'll inform you as soon as possible.
Is it possible The Tour Guy will change this Borghese Gallery tour time?
Yes, your tour time could change due to minimum numbers not being reached. If your tour time changes, we'll inform you as soon as possible.
Is there a dress code to enter the Borghese Gallery?
While there is not a specific dress code, you will be expected to be wearing shoes and a shirt to the Borghese Gallery. We also recommend wearing footwear you'll be comfortable walking in.
Is lunch or dinner included in the price of the tour?
No, but our knowledgeable guides will happily point out excellent places to eat after your tour.
Are drinks included in the price of the tour?
No, but our knowledgeable guides will happily point out excellent places to grab a drink after your tour.
Can I bring my kids, and do I have to pay for them?
All ages are welcome on our Borghese Gallery tour. Kids five years and younger are free.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup is not included on this tour. You'll meet your guide at the entrance to the Borghese Gallery.
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