4 Best Park and Garden Tours in Rome

Rome has the Colosseum, the Forum, the Palatine Hill and countless other ancient attractions, but it also has beautiful parks and gardens that not only allow you to get in touch with nature in the Italian capital, but also give you the perfect excuse to take a break in the middle of your tour. They are definitely worth spending some time in.

Discovering the gardens of Villa Borghese, visiting the papal parks in Castel Gandolfo and marvelling at the meadows adjacent to the Via Appia are some of the best things to do in Rome. Here's everything you need to know to enjoy tours of Rome's parks and gardens.

One of the best ways to discover one of Rome's top attractions is to take a guided tour of the Borghese Gallery and its adjacent gardens. These experiences, which combine art, history and nature in a single tour, will allow you to visit one of Italy's most extensive art collections, as well as the natural area surrounding it.

The Borghese Gardens were created in the 17th century as part of the landscaping project for the villa of the same name and offer a green oasis in the midst of urban chaos. Along its natural paths, you can discover fountains, statues and a variety of exotic plants that were brought from all over the world to adorn this space and demonstrate Rome's influence on every continent. In addition, the gardens offer panoramic views of the city from several strategic points.

With tickets to the Borghese Gallery, which is also included in the tour itinerary, you can admire works by Caravaggio, Bernini, Raphael and Titian. Many of the iconic sculptures of the Renaissance, such as Bernini's Apollo and Daphne and Titian's painting of Sacred and Profane Love, are the stars of these rooms, which are among the best museums in Rome.

During this experience, you will also learn about the history behind the Villa and Borghese Gallery, which was promoted by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V, who ordered the construction of the villa, assembled the art collection and transformed the grounds of the complex into one of Rome's most outstanding gardens.

Details of interest

• Price: around £85.
• Duration: approximately 2 hours.
• Advantages of this option: you can combine a cultural tour with relaxation in the villa's gardens, which offer a path lined with statues and some of the best panoramic views of the city.

If you want to discover one of the most popular sites in Rome and its surroundings, then you cannot miss a visit to the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo and, above all, its gardens. This summer residence located about 25 kilometres from the centre of Rome is a place full of history and natural charm. In addition to the architecture of the palace, you can marvel at the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds the surrounding park.

The Gardens of Castel Gandolfo are considered one of the most beautiful and best preserved in the Roman region. This green space covers more than 55 hectares and sits on the ruins of the ancient villa of Domitian, a 1st-century Roman emperor known for his paranoia and bad temper.

From the gardens, built high up, you can also enjoy views of Lake Albano and its surroundings, as well as some fascinating sites that make up the complex, such as the Grotto of the Virgin and the geometric labyrinth. If, after visiting Castel Gandolfo, you want to delve deeper into the history of the Vatican and its influence on art and culture, you can buy tickets for the Capitoline Museums.

Strolling along these paths will allow you to enjoy a unique landscape that combines classical elements, such as fountains and sculptures, with wooded areas, flower beds and orchards. Please note that although tickets to Castel Gandolfo do not include a guided tour, you can take one for an additional cost in several languages.

Details of interest

• Price: around £26. The guided tour has an additional cost of approximately £15.
• Duration: approximately 2 hours.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to visit one of the most architecturally beautiful palaces in Rome and its delicate surrounding gardens.

One of the most effective ways to get an overview of Rome is to take an electric bike tour of the Appian Way, the aqueducts and the catacombs. This tour will also take you through the green spaces of ancient Roman villas, offering a respite from the historical visit. Among these sites are the gardens of the Villa dei Quintili, a residence with panoramic views and lush vegetation.

The Appian Way, known as the Queen of Roads, was one of the first and most important Roman roads. During this tour, you will have the opportunity to cycle along its ancient cobblestones, which have witnessed centuries of history. Along the way, you will discover ancient monuments, such as tombs, mausoleums and arches, which reflect the timeless grandeur of the Roman Empire.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this tour is the visit to the Roman aqueducts, which are marvels of ancient engineering. On an electric bike, you can ride along the paths that follow the route of these aqueducts, which brought drinking water to the city for centuries. Their arches, rising above the countryside, blend in with the nearby meadows, where you can take a break before returning.

Finally, in addition to the Appian Way, the aqueducts and their gardens, the tour also allows you to visit the catacombs of Rome, ancient underground cemeteries that offer an intriguing glimpse into the early centuries of Christianity. You can explore these labyrinthine galleries, which served as a burial place and refuge for Christians persecuted during the Roman Empire, and discover a place steeped in mysticism.

Details of interest

• Price: around £77.
• Duration: approximately 4 hours.
• Advantages of this option: you can combine several attractions in Rome and travel in a very comfortable mode of transport that requires little effort.

A Segway tour of central Rome and Villa Borghese is an ideal experience for those who want to explore the best of the city in comfort and in less time. This type of tour allows you to move easily through the narrow streets of the historic centre while witnessing the beauty of Rome's most iconic monuments and squares.

The itinerary on board a Segway includes visits to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Piazza Venezia, home to the Altar of the Fatherland, a monument commemorating the unification of Italy. However, this tour will also take you through the gardens of Villa Borghese, one of Rome's most peaceful parks. This extensive green space offers a relaxing escape from the bustling city life and has some of the best sculptures in the Italian capital.

The advantage of the Segway is that you can leisurely explore the tree-lined paths and discover the artificial lakes in the heart of the garden while enjoying the fresh air and natural landscape that characterises the villa. In addition, the park is home to several cultural attractions, such as the Borghese Gallery, which contains one of the city's most famous art collections.

Villa Borghese is not only a natural refuge, but also the setting for some of the best views of the city. During the tour, you can admire Rome from the Pincio Terrace, a privileged spot high above the Italian capital.

Interesting details

• Price: around £58.
• Duration: approximately 2 hours.
• Advantages of this option: you can see more places in less time in a comfortable and relaxed way.

As with other experiences in the city, you can book a tour of Rome's parks and gardens in advance online or hire one once you arrive at your destination. Due to the high demand for tourist services in Rome, I recommend booking your place before your trip.

Also, if you plan to visit Rome in summer, which is the Italian capital's high season, you will have certain advantages by booking online in advance, such as better prices or a fixed rate at the time of booking. This will also allow you to design a more optimal and detailed itinerary for your travel plan, which will save you time and allow you to make the most of your days in the city.

The answer will depend on the option you choose, but in general you will be able to see the best gardens in Rome as well as the attractions in the surrounding area, such as the Borghese Gallery and Castel Gandolfo. On some electric bike or Segway tours, you can even visit the Trevi Fountain, Via Appia and other famous monuments in the Italian capital.

These experiences also give you the chance to rest and relax in the parks and gardens you visit and discover some of the best views of Rome, so you get double the benefit from participating in these excursions.

Keep in mind that Segway and electric bike tours combine several attractions in one tour, so they could be a good alternative if you are only in Rome for a short time and want to get an overview of the city. In short, they are highly recommended if you are spending three days in Rome or even less time.

• If you plan to visit the city in summer, which is one of the best times to travel to Rome, I recommend booking your excursions in advance, which will allow you to save money and plan a more effective itinerary.
• Choose combined options. The most outstanding green spaces, such as the Borghese Gardens or the park adjacent to Castel Gandolfo, are located near palaces, museums and monuments that are well worth visiting in Rome and are often included together in some experiences.
• If you plan to take a tour of Villa Borghese, which is located in a relatively central area of the city, keep in mind that you can take advantage of this location to participate in some of Rome's best food tours in the nearby streets.
• Get ready to walk! They say that you can get to Rome on foot, but once you're in the city, you'll also have to cover many kilometres and distances, especially in the parks and gardens, which offer many nature trails. Take into account the season and the weather and equip yourself with the right clothing and accessories to enjoy your experience.

Rome is known for its monumental works and everything there is to see in the Vatican, but it also has a natural side that you cannot miss and that you can discover in the city's parks and gardens. In addition, near these sites you will find many other activities in museums and palaces, so joining a tour of these areas is a complete and very interesting alternative for visitors.

Keep in mind that a visit to the city's parks and gardens will also give you the opportunity to take a break between excursions. This makes it a great option if you are planning to visit Rome with children, as the little ones will find a place to rest and parents will find a safe environment.

If you opt for a guided tour, not only will you be able to discover Rome's parks and gardens with the assistance of an expert local guide, who will tell you the history of each site as well as anecdotes and interesting facts about each place, but you can also combine these tours with other nearby alternatives that will transform the experience into a unique journey.

The Borghese Gardens, for example, can be complemented with a visit to the art gallery and its rich heritage. The Castel Gandolfo Park can be combined with a tour of one of the city's most outstanding buildings, thanks to its lavish architecture. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to visit famous sites in the centre of Rome, such as the Via Appia and the Trevi Fountain, one of the most popular Roman monuments, surrounded by myths and curiosities.

Finally, keep in mind that with the assistance of an expert local guide, you'll save time and money during your trip and also get some of the best tips for your trip, as they'll show you the best places to eat, the museums that are free or low-cost, and the spots where you'll find the most outstanding views of the Eternal City. Are you ready to embark on an adventure?