From happy customers

Loved by 46 million+
Stefania Piccardo
GB

Stefania

United Kingdom
Oct 2025
5/5

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review-image
Easy and fast check-in at reception. Beautiful rooms and amazing paintings. The cafeteria has also nice food and the gardens are beautiful. Highly recommended.
Nassi hugo Serge Piero
FR

Nassi

France
Jul 2025
5/5

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Visitor flows well managed by time slots. No overcrowding. A very pleasant visit, with a truly impressive final room.
Andrija Galić
HR

Andrija

Croatia
Dec 2025
5/5
The guide was nice and knowledgeable,but her English was hard to understand because she has hard Italian accent and she speaks very fast. She should talk much slower...other than that she was fabulous.
DONNADIEU Estelle
FR

Donnadieu

France
Nov 2025
5/5
Our guide Ivana was fascinating and we learned a lot. The works on display are magnificent and the tour is really great.
Jean-Michel DELANOE
FR

Jean-michel

France
Dec 2025
5/5
Very friendly welcome from the person in charge of giving out the tickets and Qr code for the audio tour. It was a good omen before a two-hour non-stop enchantment. Many thanks.
Liz Fatecha
PY

Liz

Paraguay
Oct 2025
5/5
The works are wonderful. An operator helped us get there, as we entered from the piazza del popolo side. She was very attentive and kind.
NICOLA KEARSLEY
DE

Nicola

Germany
Dec 2025
5/5
The bus stops were easy to find and the tickets were just scanned on my phone which was fast and easy to do. The bus took us to all the sites around the city and the ear piece commentary gave us all the history and information as well as tips on things to see and visit. Well worth the money!
Jos Johannes Albertus Gerlings

Jos

Dec 2025
5/5
The Hop On Hop Off bus provided for a total of 3 boardings. This allowed us to do both afternoon and evening tours. In the evening, the weather was beautiful and Rome and all its monuments were very beautifully lit. This gave a whole different experience to the Hop On Hop Off tour. Definitely highly recommended!

Top things to do in Rome

After much anticipation, you’ve arrived at the Borghese Gallery in Rome and thousands of paintings and sculptures lie ahead of you, waiting to be appreciated. Maybe you’ve heard of the few ‘famous’ ones, like Caravaggio’s David with the Head of Goliath, or Raphael’s Lady with the Unicorn. But the museum has so much more to offer, and you’re curious to learn about the rest. Here’s where an expert guide comes to the rescue.

Be led into room after room of sheer mastery and technical skill across a variety of mediums, from canvas to marble and more. Learn about artistic techniques and prominent art movements that have shaped creative expression over centuries.

Borghese Gallery tours
  • Learn from an expert: Perhaps you’ve never heard of the art technique ‘chiaroscuro’. Or are still unclear on what the word ‘Baroque’ means. A guide-cum-art historian will explain all these terms to make your visit enriching and educational.
  • Small groups: Booking a small-group guided tour means that you’ll get the chance to interact freely and more intimately than in a larger group, where you can feel lost. The guide will also be able to pay more individual attention to you in this setting. 
  • Priority access: Since Borghese Gallery allows timed entry and you can only enter during your slot, you get to automatically bypass the lines and enter the museum without waiting. This allows your guide to directly lead you to the best bits of the museum so you can make the most of your tour.
  • Efficient exploration: The gallery can be a little overwhelming to navigate by yourself. With a guided tour, you can explore the gallery more efficiently and cover all the major highlights.
Explore major Borghese Gallery artworks
apollo and daphne at the borghese gallery
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Apollo and Daphne

Bernini's Apollo and Daphne in the Borghese Gallery portrays the tragic myth of Apollo pursuing the nymph Daphne, who transforms into a tree to evade him after being struck by Cupid's arrow.

David with the Head of Goliath

Caravaggio's remarkable self-portrait stands out at the Borghese Gallery. Painted during his fugitive years, it depicts David holding Goliath's severed head, which is believed to symbolize Caravaggio himself. The contrast between vibrant David and desolate Goliath showcases Caravaggio's mature artistry, marked by dark tones and intense emotion.

Melissa, Dosso Dossi

The majestic oil painting inspired by Raphael, depicts the sorceress, holding a tablet and a torch, who freed knights from the curse of Alcina, an evil fairy, by transforming them from trees, stones, and animals to their human forms.

The Deposition

This artwork depicts the moment when Christ's body is taken down from the cross and mourned by his loved ones. Considered to be one of Raphael's most profound works, the painting is known for its exceptional use of color and composition.

What are the benefits of taking a guided tour at the Borghese Gallery?

A guided tour enhances your visit by providing expert insights into the Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. Your guide —who’s well-versed with the layout of the museum and its top artworks — will help you efficiently navigate the gallery, ensuring you don’t miss any highlights.

What can I expect from a small-group guided tour at the Borghese Gallery?

Small-group tours offer a more personalized experience, allowing for interaction with the guide and a closer look at iconic artworks by Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini and others.

How do I prepare for a guided tour at the Borghese Gallery?

Before visiting Borghese Gallery, follow these tips to make the most of your guided tour: Arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and consider bringing a small notepad for jotting down any interesting facts or artist names. Pre-booking is essential as tours can sell out quickly.

How long is the guided tour at the Borghese Gallery?

Most guided tours are approximately 2 hours long, which is ideal for covering the main highlights of the gallery without feeling rushed.

Can I book a guided tour on the day of my visit?

While it’s possible, chances of actually getting a guided tour in the time slot of your choice are slim. It’s recommended to book in advance to ensure availability, as tours are popular and often sell out quickly.

Does the guided tour include access to the entire Borghese Gallery?

Yes, guided tours typically cover all major sections of the gallery, including famous artworks and sculptures — unless some sections of the gallery are closed off for maintenance or some other reason.

What if I need to cancel my Borghese Gallery guided tour?

Most tours offer a flexible cancellation policy, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled time for a full refund.

Are there any specific artworks to look out for on the guided tour?

Yes, your guide will highlight masterpieces like Bernini’s "Apollo and Daphne" and “Rape of Proserpina”. Then, there is also Caravaggio’s "David with the Head of Goliath" and Raphael’s "Young Woman with a Unicorn". But these are just some of the most famous ones, there are plenty of other lesser-known yet equally fascinating pieces like the “Sleeping Hermaphrodite” or “Pauline Bonaparte”.

Is a guided tour of the Borghese Gallery suitable for families with children?

Yes, the guided tours are family-friendly and can be a great way to introduce children to art and history.

What happens if I'm late for my guided tour at the Borghese Gallery?

If you’re late, you may miss part of the tour. It's important to arrive on time as the tour has a set schedule and cannot be delayed for latecomers.

Do guided tours of the Borghese Gallery include the Villa Borghese Gardens?

No, these guided tours offer access to just the museum. You will have to book separate tours if you want to explore the wider Villa Borghese and its other attractions like the gardens, museums, etc.

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