Vatican Papal Tunnel and Castel Sant’Angelo Experience
4.7(13)Rome2 hours
VIATOR3.0(2)TRIPADVISOR5.0(11)
+4 photos
At a glance
Duration
2 hours
Price from
$56 / person
Location
Rome, Italy
Rating
4.7 / 5 · 13 reviews
Group
1–15 pax
Cancellation
See policy below
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
TOURISTATION
Description
Discover the Secrets of the Passetto di Borgo: Vatican's Hidden Path
Step into the shadows of history with the Passetto di Borgo, one of Rome’s most fascinating and enigmatic landmarks. This ancient, elevated passageway stretches from Vatican City to Castel Sant’Angelo, holding centuries of secrets—whispers of popes, conspiracies, and daring escapes.
With a dedicated host (not a tour guide), you'll access the Passetto di Borgo and walk along this restricted historic route, once used by popes fleeing danger.
After the Passetto experience, you’ll continue independently to Castel Sant’Angelo, exploring this imposing fortress and museum at your own pace. Discover its papal apartments, prison cells, and panoramic terraces.
Fans of Dan Brown’s Angels & Demons will recognize the Passetto as a key setting in the thrilling tale of hidden Vatican secrets. As you walk through this mysterious corridor, you’ll feel the weight of centuries of intrigue, power, and faith.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Fri, Sat, and Sun
Start times
9:30 AM and 10:15 AM
Next available
Sat, Oct 17
Adult (ages 18+)
$56
Child (ages 6–17)
$6
Infant (ages 0–5)
$6
In demand: 11 of the next 26 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 14.
Tour Options
Passetto & Castel Sant'Angelo
Passetto + Castel Sant'Angelo: Explore the Secret Passetto and Castel Sant'Angelo. An ancient passage connecting the Vatican to the Castel.
Itinerary
Passetto di Borgo
Admission included
The Passetto di Borgo is a hidden passageway that connects the Vatican City with Castel Sant'Angelo. Built in the 13th century, it was originally designed as a secret escape route for the Pope in times of danger. Stretching over 800 meters, this narrow corridor allowed the Pontiff to travel safely between the Vatican and the fortress, especially during times of political unrest. Today, it remains a fascinating piece of Rome's history, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's medieval past.
Castel Sant'Angelo
60 min
Castel Sant'Angelo is one of Rome's most iconic landmarks, originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century. Over the centuries, it has served as a fortress, a papal residence, and a military stronghold. Today, it is a fascinating museum offering breathtaking views of the city, along with an intriguing glimpse into its history. Explore its vast halls, ancient weaponry, and the famous secret passage to the Vatican, the Passetto di Borgo.
What's included
Included
Passetto di Borgo reserved entrance ticket
Assistance at the meeting point
Castel Sant'Angelo reserved entrance ticket
Ancient Rome Multimedia Video
Not included
Guided tour
Pick up from Hotel
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.7
13 reviews
5
11
4
0
3
2
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Rome
Starting price $56 is 51% below the typical $113 for tours of similar length in Rome
Excurgo comparison of 8,083 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The total retail price includes: €24.00 for adults / €0.00 for children (0–5 years) / €2.00 for children (6–17 years): Entry to the Passetto di Borgo and Castel Sant’Angelo €15.00 for adults / €10.00 for minors (0–17 years): Admission to the Ancient Rome Multimedia Video. Assistance at the meeting point. If you have selected one of the additional options, the activity cost will increase accordingly.
Cancellation
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
0+ days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vatican Papal Tunnel and Castel Sant’Angelo Experience take?
Vatican Papal Tunnel and Castel Sant’Angelo Experience lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 2 stops.
How much does Vatican Papal Tunnel and Castel Sant’Angelo Experience cost?
Prices start at $56 per person for this Rome experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Vatican Papal Tunnel and Castel Sant’Angelo Experience run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting at 9:30 AM and 10:15 AM.
How much does Vatican Papal Tunnel and Castel Sant’Angelo Experience cost for children?
Children aged 6–17 pay from $6, adults from $56.
Does Vatican Papal Tunnel and Castel Sant’Angelo Experience sell out?
It can: 11 of the next 26 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Vatican Papal Tunnel and Castel Sant’Angelo Experience for free?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller The total retail price includes: €24.00 for adults / €0.00 for children (0–5 years) / €2.00 for children (6–17 years): Entry to the Passetto di Borgo and Castel Sant’Angelo €15.00 for adults / €10.00 for minors (0–17 years): Admission to the Ancient Rome Multimedia Video. Assistance at the meeting point. If you have selected one of the additional options, the activity cost will increase accordingly.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Vatican Papal Tunnel and Castel Sant’Angelo Experience worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 13 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by TOURISTATION.
Reviews(13)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
M
Mary_W
June 22, 2026 · via Viator
Got to see it....just later than I would have liked.
My early tour was folded into a later one. I had booked early because of the extreme heat. The tour was fine but wanted to be done earlier. They said it was an "operational" issue. I suspect they didn't have enough to justify the earlier one. Not the guide's fault.
Operator response
Dear Customer,
Thank you for your valuable feedback.
We sincerely regret any inconvenience you may have experienced. At Touristation, customer satisfaction is our highest priority, and we always strive to provide the best possible experience for our guests.
Unfortunately, on rare occasions, operational circumstances beyond our control may require adjustments to scheduled tours, as happened in this case. We fully understand your preference for the earlier departure, especially considering the high temperatures, and we apologize for any disappointment this change may have caused.
We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the tour itself and appreciated the work of the guide.
Thank you once again for taking the time to share your experience. Your feedback is important to us and helps us continuously improve our services. We look forward to welcoming you again and providing an even better experience in the future.
Best regards,
Touristation Customer Service
T
Tricia_D
May 23, 2026 · via Viator
Lots to see but would...
Lots to see but would have like a little explanation or information on the purpose and use of the actual tunnel.
Operator response
Dear Tricia,
We sincerely understand your disappointment , at Touristation, customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we are fully committed to providing our customers with a satisfying travel experience.
The package you booked unortunately did not include any guided tour service, which may have prevented you from fully appreciating your experience.
Thank you once again for your feedback. We hope to welcome you back to Rome in the near future.
Best regards,
Touristation Customer Service
M
Marlene A
March 7, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Passetto du Borgo
Punctual, friendly, competent
N
N1342CVfrancescaa
March 6, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Interesting tour for families
Very interesting and family-friendly program. Martina the guide very kind and helpful👍
B
bovindone
February 28, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A day to remember!
Martina made my mother's trip and birthday a day to remember forever!
I recommend it to everyone, experience that to say wonderful is nothing short of!
Perfect organization, we will do more tours with you!
Dajeee ❤️
Daniele and Tiziana
3
333celesteh
February 3, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Family Hoffmann
Very professional service by Laura, thank you very much We had a great time in Vatikan City Family Hoffmann from Berlin, Germanx
6
635constanzah
February 2, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Vatican visit
Good experience and the girl who attended us wonderful, very friendly and clear with the directions.
Thanks for the experience
K
Kaci c
February 2, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
St Peter’s Basilica audio guide & host
Really friendly, helpful and explained everything very well.
Would definitely recommend booking with them for a tour.
M
marjorieannmenor
January 17, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Book with Martina
Martina did a wonderful job explaining our plan for the day. I highly suggest booking with her.
Operator response
Dear Customer,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We truly value your input, as every review is an opportunity for us to improve. Your feedback inspires us to continue enhancing our services and ensuring the best possible experience for our customers.
Thank you once again for your review. We look forward to serving you again in the future.
Best regards,
Touristation Customer Service
Q
Q7491DIalejandrom
January 17, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Passetto di borgo and Castel Sant’Angelo
Martina was amazing and provided all the necessary information!
Operator response
Dear Customer,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It’s incredibly important to the Touristation team that we provide a memorable and enjoyable tour experience, and your feedback truly means a lot to us.
We look forward to welcoming you again soon!
Best regards,
Touristation Customer Service
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Vatican Papal Tunnel and Castel Sant’Angelo Experience
