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Time to see Borghese Gallery during RS Venice, Florence, Rome Tour?

I will be on the VFR tour in a few weeks, and I would love to visit the Borghese Gallery while in Rome. In the tour information it suggests the best time to see sights not included on the tour is on Day 9 (a Saturday), which is the morning tour of ancient Rome, ending at the Forum. Does anyone know what time I could anticipate the morning tour ending? Would it be possible to get from the Forum to the Gallery for the 2:00 PM entry or would the 3:00 entry be better? I would need to be back at the hotel no later than 5:30 in order to get ready for the final group dinner. Would a taxi be my best option? Thanks for any suggestions/advice.

Posted by
7181 posts

These tickets are very hard to book, but in my opinion, a must-see. The sooner you book the better. Who cares if you miss the first course of the final dinner? Just tell the guide what you are doing. He's heard it all! Remember that Borghese Villa is a huge, huge park with a dozen entrances. The Borghese Gallery is a specific place, near the perimeter. Because you can't stay inside more than two hours, a taxi is an essential splurge.

I would skip lunch if I had to, put granola bars in your pocket. There's a small cafe at the Galleria in case you get there ahead of time. (Pre-pandemic, anyway.) Probably a sausage cart in the park, but no real idea.

Posted by
23178 posts

Find a taxi stand, look for a hotel, at the end of Forum tour. Taxis are relatively cheap in Rome. You are only allow two hours inside so a 2pm or even 3 will work.

Posted by
41 posts

On VFR in 2018, we finished the group tour at the Forum around 12:30 pm, based on the time stamp of my photos.

Enjoy the tour!

Posted by
12 posts

Thanks everyone, I greatly appreciate the advice. I have booked my tour for 2 PM and have packed a protein bar! I am thrilled that I will have time to visit the Borghese Gallery!

Lauren

Posted by
62 posts

Use a taxi from forums to gallery. I actually did exactly that just last week. Originally I tried to use a bus, but for some strange reason, my bus never came after 30 mins.. and so I just used a taxi to make sure I made my timed entry in time.

Also last week when I visited, the cafe was closed and there was no food vendors in the park.

Posted by
12 posts

Thanks Alexander - this is great information.
I always appreciate the helpful advice on this board. I have my tickets and will plan to take a taxi.

Grazie

Posted by
26 posts

I just returned from Italy, and the Borghese Gallery was one of the highlights of my time spent in Rome. I took a taxi to the nearest entrance, arriving about 30 minutes before my reservation. I got the audio guide first, securing it with my passport. Next, I checked my bag, which is required. They have a very efficient process for checking and retrieving belongings- fast and easy. With time to spare, I enjoyed a cappuccino in the cafe, and then got in the short line leading to the gallery about 10 minutes before my reservation. If you're within 10-15 minutes of your time slot, you can go inside. With only two hours, I wanted to make the most of it! The gallery itself was such a pleasure to stroll through with limited visitors, and the audio guide, I believe, is quite good. I hope you have a wonderful time!

Posted by
12 posts

Thank you for this information, Sara. I've heard good things about the audio guide and will plan to use it. This is all very helpful!

Lauren