Private tour in Rome Giampaolo P

Galleria Borghese, a shrine of the Arts

4.5

(4) reviews

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Giampaolo P.

4.9

Guide rating

91

Reviews

Tours delivered

6 hrs

Avg. response time

Welcome to my profile! I am a native, officially licensed Guide for Rome and a licensed Educator in Didactics for the Visually Impaired, with a Doctorate in Art History and a researcher in Arts and Palaeography. The path to becoming an official guide here in Italy is NOT short and straight. I have dedicated a good portion of my life to studying and deeply furthering my passion for Italy, its history and its importance in shaping the world that we all live in today. I am eager to help you to see, understand and to fully grasp, not just the 'wow factor' of what you're seeing, but also its place in all of our histories. No matter where we were born. As a re-enactor I also love to show objects, tools, music, food, scents that may help you to touch, listen, visualize and understand habits of the past. So much has changed and yet, so little. This kind of sensorial experience is also a very good key for the ones with special needs. In fact I am also a specialist in the particular needs of the elderly, the visually impaired and those with mobility issues. Nothing needs to hold you back from what will be not just the holiday of a lifetime, but also a new learning experience. That is why I am more oriented toward the EDUCATIONAL side of the tour, deepening and discussing CULTURAL and HISTORICAL aspects of the masterpieces we will discover together. I lead small groups with a maximum of 8 guests, my tours last longer than the average so that you can feel fully engaged and free to ask whatever you want, and I like answering questions. I love to share my knowledge with those whom are curious and motivated but I am NEITHER AN ENTERTAINER NOR A COMEDIAN; as one my clients noted, "If you're just looking for photo ops and fluff, he may not be the guide for you. But, if you want to learn about the amazing history of Rome, he's your guide!". The key my tours is FACTS: so I DO NOT indulge in blood, gore and spicy gossip but just keep to HISTORY. Believe me: Rome has definitely much more to offer than just the Colosseum and the Vatican! You can learn much more about History and Art visiting lesser known, more exclusive treasures rather than the usual "must-see" blockbuster. For this reason in addiction to the classical itineraries I love also to suggest specific, tailored thematic tours lasting one or more days, in order to favor a full immersion experience of Rome's beauty. And that is surely the best souvenir of all. CREDENTIALS Scuola Specializzazione in Storia dell'Arte (Ph. D. ), Siena (2005) Degree in Art History, Rome (2000) Licensed Vatican Operator for Didactics and Visual and Motorial Disability, Vatican (2012) Licensed Guide for Rome district (2001) Diploma of Librarian, Vatican (2017) Diploma of Archivist & Palaeographer, Rome (1999) none

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Giampaolo P.

Overview of your Rome tour

Scipione Borghese, the secretary of State and nephew of Pope Paul V, dominated the politics and arts of the papal kingdom in the early 1600: his art collection was considered the most beautiful in the world and it is still located in the Gallery conceived for this purpose. A greedy collector and a man of no scruples, the Cardinal amassed there legally (and illegally) an incredible number of ancient roman sculptures, his picture gallery being the most complete and updated to the various tendencies of painting, with masterpieces of Raffaello, Tiziano and definitely the biggest number of Caravaggio paintings in a private collection. But most of all Scipione discovered the talent of the young Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the artist that would have literally invented the baroque style expressing his genius in any field of the arts. The cardinal sponsored generously his wonderful early sculptures: Apollo and Daphne, Pluto and Proserpina, David are still displayed in the original location, conceived to exalt their view.

Recent Reviews

Susan K.United States
June 2025

Having used Tours by Locals in many cities around the world, we looked forward to a quality experience with Giampolo. In fact, our tour of the Borghese Gallery exceeded our highest expectations, being (as another review states) “the best tour of an art gallery [we] ever had”. It is difficult to convey the richness of detail he added to every exhibit, describing how sculptures and paintings reflected the evolution of social mores and political history of the time. His knowledge of technique in painting and sculpture brought the art to life, enabling us to see clearly what we would have missed entirely without him. You will not find a better guide! David & Susan Kuhn

Paul F.Australia
April 2023

We visited the fabulous Galleria Borghese five years ago, and on our recent trip to Rome decided to do so again, this time with an expert guide. Giampaolo made the visit so much more interesting, sharing his expert knowledge of the building, the history of how the art was acquired, and the paintings and sculpture. ( Any one of the Bernini sculptures alone is worth seeing!). He was personable and easy to understand - definitely recommended.

Linwood B.United States
September 2022

Best tour of an art gallery that I've ever had Giampaolo gave what is perhaps the most informed, interesting art tour that I have ever had, and I've had over ten personal tours by this company alone. He combined the relevant history of the museum and pieces, along with elucidating the salient artistic attributes of the many pieces that we surveyed in the museum during our time slot. I give my highest recommendation to Giampaolo!

Your Rome tour itinerary

Borghese Gardens Borghese Gallery No knives, weapons, glass bottles, alcoholics, backpacks, large bags are allowed. Due to possible shortage of tickets, please ALWAYS inquire before proceeding with the booking. Please indicate as well special needs or mobility issues.Complaints will not be accepted for declining the booking if these rules are not followed. Feel free to contact me if you would like to customize this tour!

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Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

Walking tour

What's included
Private Guide
Tickets: Galleria Borghese
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Private Transportation
Tastings
Private Transportation With Driver
Equipment
Public Transportation
Classes Workshop
Accommodation
Services
Meeting location

Lazio, Lazio, Italy

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Galleria Borghese, Piazzale Scipione Borghese 5, Roma

Other details
Tour categories
Art And Culture
Museums
Architecture
History
Tour reference number
943247
Languages
Italian
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

4.5

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Rome best suited for?

This private tour in Rome is perfect for art enthusiasts and history buffs who want to explore the masterpieces of Raffaello, Caravaggio, and Bernini. It's also ideal for those who appreciate the Baroque style and want to learn more about Scipione Borghese's incredible art collection. With its minimal activity level and wheelchair accessibility, it's suitable for families with kids, seniors, and travellers with mobility concerns.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Rome be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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