Holy See 2 Day Itinerary

Two-Day Itinerary for Traveling in the Holy See (Vatican City)

Day 1: Exploring Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica

Morning:

  1. Arrival and Check-in: Arrive at your hotel in Rome, which is the closest city to Vatican City. Check-in and freshen up.
  2. Breakfast: Have a hearty Italian breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café.
  3. Vatican Museums: Purchase tickets online in advance (recommended due to large crowds) for the Vatican Museums, which open at 9:00 AM.

Afternoon:

  1. Stroll through Vatican Museums: Spend the morning exploring the vast collection of art and historical artifacts housed within the museums, including the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps, and the Pio-Clementine Museum.
  2. Sistine Chapel: Continue your tour to the Sistine Chapel, famous for its stunning frescoes painted by Michelangelo.
  3. Lunch: Grab a quick bite at one of the many cafés located within the Vatican Museums complex or outside near St. Peter’s Square.
  4. St. Peter’s Basilica: Enter St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the world’s largest churches, and marvel at its grandeur. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful Bernini-designed Baldachin.
  5. Climb the Dome (Optional): If you have energy left, climb the dome for a panoramic view of Rome and Vatican City. Please note that there are stairs involved, but an elevator is available for those with mobility issues.

Evening:

  1. Leisure Time: Take a leisurely stroll around St. Peter’s Square or explore the nearby neighborhood of Borgo Pio.
  2. Dinner: Have dinner at a local trattoria in Rome, savoring authentic Italian cuisine.

Day 2: Exploring St. Peter’s Basilica and Surroundings, and Castel Sant’Angelo

Morning:

  1. Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café.
  2. St. Peter’s Basilica (Continued): Spend the morning revisiting St. Peter’s Basilica for a more in-depth exploration, including the beautiful chapels dedicated to various saints.
  3. Vatican Necropolis (Optional): Visit the Vatican Necropolis, located beneath the basilica, where St. Peter is believed to be buried. Advance booking is required.

Afternoon:

  1. Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant in Rome.
  2. Castel Sant’Angelo: Head to Castel Sant’Angelo, a historic castle that offers breathtaking views of Rome. You can reach it by walking across the scenic Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge.
  3. Exploring Rome (Optional): Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring other sites in Rome, such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain.

Evening:

  1. Dinner: Have dinner at a local restaurant in Rome to conclude your trip.

Things to Know:

  1. Visa Requirements: Citizens of most countries do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. Check the Italian Government’s official website for specific information regarding your nationality.
  2. Transportation: The best way to reach Vatican City from Rome is by walking or taking a short taxi ride. There are no public transportation options directly into Vatican City, but you can easily reach the Vatican via bus or metro and walk the rest of the way.
  3. Dress Code: Modest dress is required for entry to religious sites, including long pants and covered shoulders for women and men.
  4. Security Checks: Be prepared for extensive security checks at all Vatican sites, including bag searches and metal detector scans.