Borghese Gallery

Yes you can do both in the same day.
the hours for the Borghese
Tuesday to Sunday, from 8.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.

You need a reservation time, even if you are using your Roma Pass for entrance.
You are limited to 2 hours in the gallery and it is very well documented and you
can guide yourself through.

You can telephone the gallery for a reservation time, or have your hotel call for you.
It is best to get an entrance time pretty far in advance - it fills quickly.

I think it could easily be done, and certainly without a guide! You have to make a reservation, and arrive a half hour early. I suggest taking a taxi between Vatican City and Villa Borghese, or just allow yourself plenty of time if you are taking a lunch break in between and using some other form of transportation.

BTW, you are only allowed inside for 2 hours, and that really is plenty of time.

The Borghese layout is simple and I did not feel the need for a tour. After a full day of standing in museums, you can exit to the Borghese Gardens and rest on a bench for a while.

Joan, I did the Walks of Italy "Pristine Sistine" tour last fall, and it was excellent. However, only a small part of the time is actually in the Sistine Chapel, maybe 15 to 20 minutes, early and before it is crowded, very nice. Most of the tour is actually in the Vatican Museum and then it ends in St. Peter's Basilica, where you can stay longer if you like. Then it takes more time to make your way out of the Vatican complex, including the gift or book shops, if you like. By the time I left all that it was 12:30 or 1:00 pm, and I was bushed and ready for a lunch break. You can certainly then make your way to the Borghese Gallery, by bus or even walking. I would suggest a late afternoon reservation. You do need a reservation in advance, as the number of people allowed at one time is limited, and then only for two hours before they clear the gallery and let the next group in. You really do not need a guided tour at the Borghese, but there is an audio tour you can get there for a few euro, which I found very informative.

Hi Joan,

i also agree with the comment to obtain a reservation late in the afternoon for the Borghese; you don't need a tour guide. I would plan to use the time inbetween to purposefully sit down (your feet & back will be very tired from standing through the Vatican tour) at an outdoor cafe or park - a little peaceful, uncrowded hour or two to rejuvenate you to be able to appreciate going back inside & see more art.

Don't miss the Borghese Gallery. It isn't huge but it is magnificent. As others say the park is also nice. The vatican museum is huge. you may want to find out the areas that interest you the most so you can save some time and pass through quickly the areas that don't interest you that much

Agreed that it can be done in the same day. For the Borghese Gallery, you will need to call and make a reservation for the afternoon (even with a Roma Pass). I forget the times offered, but I think 1:30 and maybe 3:30 are options. As previously noted, you need to reserve one of the entrance times, and then you only have two-hours before being ushered out. I also agree that taking a taxi between the two is a good option, otherwise, take the metro to the Spanish Steps area and then take the electric bus up to the gallery. They have a pretty decent food stand/counter inside the gallery that you could do for lunch if you are tight on time. Get the Rick Steves' Rome guidebook and use that to walk through the gallery. Although it can be done on your own, I found a little background knowledge through the guidebook very helpful.

As far as I know, appointment times for the Galleria Borghese are on the hour, every two hours (you need to be there 30 minutes prior). You don't need a tour but an audio guide would be helpful.

After your visit, you can go through the gardens and through the park. At some point, look for signs that say "Pincio". They will take you to a large terrace with great views of Rome. Follow the footpath down to Piazza del Popolo (you can see the Piazza from the terrace). There are lots of bars and restaurants (pricey, better for a drink than for food).

Thanks to all for your input. Very much appreciated.
Joan

I have a 7:30 am tour of the Vatican that ends at 1 pm and a visit at the Borghese at 3 pm. I plan to grab a bite after the Vatican tour and then take a bus or taxi to the Borghese, depending on time.