Has anyone visited recently? What was your experience? I’m reluctant to buy tickets in advance as I can never be sure what time we will actually get the day started. Did you pre-purchase? Did it make a difference? How far/hard is the walk from the train station to the site? Were taxis and/or local busses available? Any advice or comments would be appreciated.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
996 posts
I did a tour with the Roman guy (which seemed a mix between the official Vatican tour guides for some and then our guide for other parts?) that had us in the "not open to the public" parts of the Vatican (I remember a fountain and some turtles hahaha) and then we hopped on a regionale train FROM THE PRIVATE VATICAN STATION inside the country. Which was SUPER cool. We stopped to pick up passengers right outside the border at a normal station (and we were able to get back to that "outside" station after the day was over) and proceeded to head out there. It was a pretty ride, but after looking at google maps, it was DOWN a hill from the main part of the city. I just looked at some street view and YES I would need some transportation from there. I am sure there are SOME ways to get up, but I can't remember seeing many. The tour had some nice parts though! We had lunch in a garden and a tour of it, then a bit of free time in the town, and then we got to do the palace.
Sorry I can't help you!
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
566 posts
I was there this summer. I rode the train from Termini which took about 40 minutes (choose the direct train, if your intended time allows) to the Castel Gandolfo station. It's a walk uphill from the station. I'm a fit, late-50s guy and it took about 15 minutes (I think) to walk to the town above. Actually, it was a pleasant walk. You can stop along the way if you want to do it leisurely. I didn't see any taxis or buses. The station is small and seemed sleepy--even in late May. The town was pleasant and overlooks a beautiful lake. There are a number of restaurants and shops outside the papal palace.
I did pre-purchase my admission ticket, but probably didn't need to. It wasn't crowded. I got there just as a tour of the gardens was being offered, so I took advantage of that. After always-crowded Rome, this was a nice respite.
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2767 posts
hey hey Wanderlust58
you may be interested in this tour from rome. i have saved it for our next trip to rome.
withlocals.com
beautiful countryside day trip: castelli romani.
saw a special on TV about this area, 30-40 minute train ride to the small villages of frascati, nemi. away from the hustle & bustle of rome. read up about it and if you're interested.
italyreview.com/ nemi travel guide - visit the lakeside town in castelli romani
italymagazine.com/ lake nemi and its wild berry
it's an old article but lots of info for this area. love the idea for a local born & raised in the area to show you the countryside, the lake and it's history & beauty plus the strawberry and it's festival, restaurants, shops and the "best porchetta" at fornoceralli.com
secretroma.com
frascati's historic bakery opens store is historic rome
hoping this helps you out and if you go enjoy it where it is calm. good luck have fun
aloha