We've been invited by the Vatican to tour Borgo Laudato Si' -- the Pontifical Villa gardens at Pope Leo's residence at Castel Gandolfo (where he vacationed in July) on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Private buses will transport us from Rome to the Castle (45 minute drive); once there, we will have choices to participate in a guided walking tour or an ecofriendly bus tour of the 35-hector gardens. The entire trip from pick-up to drop-off should take 4-5 hours.

Cost: $70 per person.

Meeting Point: Istituto Patristico Augustinianum, Via Paolo VI, 25, 00193 Rome, Italy, Patristic Institute Augustinianum

Note that the Augustinianum is across the street from St. Peter’s Square. Pedestrian and car traffic can make it difficult to get to the site by taxi. If you are taking a taxi, you could get dropped off near the Square and walk from there to the Augustinianum.

Meeting time: 2:30pm/14:30.

We will walk together to the bus. Drop off near the Augustinianum is around 7:30pm/19:30 (in time for dinner, which is on your own).

Please wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat and/or sunscreen, and bring a water bottle.

We hope you can join us for this special private event.

Three other side events require advanced registration. You can register for them on separate Eventbrite pages below.

Borgo Laudato Si’ Tour