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Borghese Gallery Masterpieces Tour

with Timeless Works by Bernini, Caravaggio & Raphael

Borghese Gallery Masterpieces Tour ★★★★★ 5 based on 6 reviews.
5 1
Group size: Max 8 Language: English Duration: 2.5 hrs Start Time: 9:00 AM

2020 travellers' choiceMasterpieces will be unveiled – and the stories behind them uncovered – as a professional art historian leads the way through one of the world’s most acclaimed art collections. We keep the groups small (8 people or fewer!) so that you can get up close and personal with some of Rome’s greatest art.

At a Glance Why You’ll Love It

borghese gallery tickets
Getting your hands on limited Borghese Gallery tickets can be a hassle – we’ve done the job for you!
Feast your eyes on masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael in a lavish Baroque villa.
Revel in the intimate atmosphere of an uncrowded museum in a small group of no more than 8 people.

Tour Summary Get in the Know

Enjoy Jaw-Dropping Art in the Perfect Setting

Nestling amid the greenery of Villa Borghese, the Borghese Gallery boasts one of the finest private art collections in the world. In the 17th century, Cardinal Scipione Borghese assembled the “galleria” in his opulent garden villa, which provides the perfect setting for the Baroque and Renaissance blockbusters it houses. For the already devoted culture vulture, this is an unmissable jewel, but the villa contains enough stunning masterpieces to turn even the most philistine visitor into an art aficionado.

Cardinal Borghese himself was an avid art lover who would go to any length necessary to extend his collection of paintings and sculptures. You’ll be amazed by your guide’s stories of how Borghese stopped at nothing to get his hands on the inestimable masterpieces that to this day fill his namesake gallery to the brim. While we don’t endorse his unjust (and often illegal!) methods, one has to admire the relentless determination – and impeccable taste – it took to create this awe-inspiring treasure trove.

Admire works by Great Masters Up-Close

Though the Borghese Gallery may not be vast as many other museums in Rome, its sheer density of masterworks is enough to overwhelm even the most seasoned art connoisseur. And with the admission ticket being valid for only two hours, you truly need an expert to streamline the visit and ensure that you do not miss out on any of the real gems. Our engaging guides will lead you straight to the most essential pieces and unveil the incredible stories behind them (as well as let you in on the gossip on the larger-than-life characters who created them!).

Traveling in small groups of 8 guests or fewer, you won’t have to use your elbows to get up close and personal with the coveted classics on display. Marvel at sculptures by Bernini – so lifelike and animated that you’ll wonder how he could transform single blocks of marble into such incredible works of art. Take a close look at the face of David and study his tension and determination. Then check out the finger impressions in Proserpina’s legs as Pluto takes her to the underworld. Or, for an all-time “How did he do that?!” moment, study the statue of Apollo and Daphne to see her transforming into a laurel tree.

Go Beyond the Artworks & into the Minds of the Artists

In room VIII, we’ll give you the time to savor the renowned brush strokes (and characteristic “chiaroscuro” technique) of the Cardinal’s favorite Baroque bad-boy – Caravaggio. Every single one of the hyper-realistic pictures is gawk-worthy, but we suggest you pay some special attention to David with the Head of Goliath. As Caravaggio was hoping to receive pardon for a murder he had committed, he wittily painted his own self-portrait on the decapitated head of Goliath and presented the painting to the Pope. Did the ingenious master plan work? We’ll tell you exactly how the story unraveled!

Unlike most other museums in the Eternal City, the Borghese Gallery limits the number of people admitted during each two-hour period, which means you’ll never have to worry about fighting crowds. So, seize the opportunity to admire the many masterpieces from every angle (and only inches away!) without being pushed or shoved, and take a moment to truly absorb the abundance of beauty surrounding you – because this is the way world-class art was meant to be experienced!

What you’ll See Along the Way

Bernini's Apollo and Daphne
Bernini’s David
Bernini’s David
Canova’s Pauline Bonaparte
Caravaggio’s Boy with a Basket of Fruits
Caravaggio’s David with the Head of Goliath
Caravaggio’s Young Sick Bacchus
Raphael’s The Deposition
Titian’s The Profane and Sacred Love
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Tour Highlights

  • Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne
  • Bernini’s Rape of Proserpina
  • Bernini’s David
  • Canova’s Pauline Bonaparte
  • Caravaggio’s David with the Head of Goliath
  • Caravaggio’s Boy with a Basket of Fruits
  • Caravaggio’s young Sick Bacchus
  • Raphael’s The Deposition
  • Titian’s The Profane and Sacred Love

Inclusions

  • Expert English-speaking guide
  • A small group of 8 or fewer
  • All tickets and reservations

Borghese Gallery Masterpieces Tour Reviews

What Our Customers Say…

Borghese Gallery Masterpieces Tour ★★★★★ 5 based on 6 reviews.
5 1

Very Happy!

★★★★★
Martina took us through the Borghese Galleries and was wonderful! She is highly knowledgeable, charming and a fantastic guide. Such an enjoyable experience!
- Margaret S.

Two Great Tours!

★★★★★
Toni also was my tour guide for my group tour of the Borghese the day before the Vatican tour, and I liked her so much I asked David if she could be our guide for the Vatican tour. Going to the Borghese with an art historian made all the difference and I found the tour quite affordable. Just lovely, all around.
- Laila W

Fabulous!

★★★★★
Borghese Gallery tour - the most fabulous tour of art imaginable by Erica, the art is incredible and the stories she told to bring it to life were amazing!
- Nicol A.

Best tour in Rome!

★★★★★
We did the Colosseum tour with Guliano, the Vactican tour with Daniela, and the Villa Borghese tour with Marcello. We were so glad to have chosen What a Life Tours! These were by far the best tours I have ever done! The knowledge, passion, and sincere interest of the tour guides made all the difference in the world! What a Life Tours will be the only company I use or recommend to anyone else from now on!
- Edward C.

Fantastic!

★★★★★
We definitely got it right going with What a Life. Martina toured us through the Borghese Galleria and she was amazing. Charming, intelligent and made the tour so interesting and engaging. It was spectacular and we wouldn't have had anywhere near as great an experience or learned much without her!! Wonderful.
- Marg S.

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