Because of constant changes in the Pope's schedule, it is always best to check where he will be that particular week/day. When we were at the Vatican, even at the Info counters, there was lots of confusion and nobody could really tell whether the Pope would be there the next day and if tickets were available. There is a phone number you can call to find out the schedule but they only speak Italian: 06-6988-4631.
How do you get to Castel Gandolfo?
You can take a train from the Termini station. Check the schedules because service runs every hour or so early in the morning, but later on is more haphazard, if you miss your return train at noon, the next one is about 2 and a half hours later. When you arrive at Castel Gandolfo station, then is a 20 minute uphill climb to get to the Castle where the Pope's audience will be, so allow plenty of time to get there. The views are great along the way but I only recommend the climb up if you're in decent shape, bring plenty of liquids.
Once at the Castle, there is an outside courtyard for people without tickets. The crowds start getting there early. Ticket holders go into the inside courtyard and get to see a little more of the Pope. The Blessing lasts about 20 minutes and is given in different languages. If you are in the outside courtyard you watch everything on a big screen TV set up for the occasion.
Then at the end, the Pope will come out to the balcony of the outside courtyard and bless the crowds, this only takes a few minutes, so don't expect a long ceremony or the like, some people were disappointed because they only got a glimpse for a few minutes and had to wait for hours. If you know what to expect you won't be disappointed.
Alternatively, a Taxi costs about EUR 60.00 one way and it can be arranged from your hotel. Since we had not planned for it, we had a little late start and this was the only way to get there on time which was a good thing since I don't think grandma and grandpa would have liked the climb up from the train stop. Also if you have several people in your group, this might be a good option as well. The taxi dropped us off right at the door and then we made our way back to Rome at a leisurely pace by train.
Another alternative is to book your Papal Audience in advance with Viator. They make all the arrangements whether it is at the Vatican or in Castel Gandolfo, they pick you up at your hotel and you leave the details to them, transportation, tickets if needed, etc. Check them out:
 Audience with Pope Benedict XVI at Vatican City Price: US$44.00 Viator Bookings are essential if you'd like to attend a Papal Audience with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican. Tickets are limited and you must have a confirmed reservation to attend. Book ahead and you won't waste precious vacation time in Rome. |
 Papal Blessing at Castelgandolfo Day Trip from Rome Price: US$56.22 Viator Take this special excursion to receive a Papal Blessing at Castelgandolfo in the summer months only. Availability is limited, so don't miss the opportunity to leave the busy Italian capital to spend time with the Pope at his summer residence at Castelgandolfo. |
 Papal Audience Tickets and Presentation Price: US$39.11 Viator Book your ticket for a Papal Audience with Pope Benedict XVI in the Vatican City. The Papal Audience tickets are free of charge but you must reserve them. This service guarantees to reserve those tickets (with seating!) to see Pope Benedict XVI. The price includes a presentation and explanation of the events of the Papal Audience to prepare you for the gathering. |
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Other Fun Things to Do in Rome: How about a Segway tour of the city? Or a Photography tour with someone to show you around the best spots for that perfect shot? Here are some fun tours arranged by Viator, whether it's a Dinner Cruise on the Tiber or an audience with the Pope.
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