Holy See 3 Day Itinerary

Three-Day Itinerary for Exploring the Holy See (Vatican City)

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

Morning:

  • Start your day early to avoid the crowds at the Vatican Museums. Purchase a skip-the-line ticket in advance to save time.
  • Explore the museum’s extensive collection, including the Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps, and the iconic Pio-Clementino Museum with its Laocoön and His Sons sculpture.
  • Don’t miss the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes.

Afternoon:

  • Visit St. Peter’s Basilica. Remember to dress appropriately as shoulders and knees must be covered.
  • Climb to the top of the Dome (there’s an elevator and stairs) for a panoramic view of Rome.
  • Explore St. Peter’s Square, take photos with the famous Bernini colonnade, and witness the Swiss Guard on duty.

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants near St. Peter’s Square or in the Vatican neighborhood.

Day 2: Exploring the Holy See’s Gardens and Art Galleries

Morning:

  • Visit the Vatican Botanical Garden. You’ll need to join a guided tour (available only on specific days) or have a Vatican employee accompany you.
  • Head to the Braccio Nuovo, where you can find several art galleries, including the Borgia Apartments and Gallery of Statues.

Afternoon:

  • Explore the Gallery of Candelabra and Gallery of Tapestries. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful frescoes by Raphael in the latter.
  • If you have time, visit the Church of St. Peter in Chains, where you can see Michelangelo’s Moses sculpture.

Evening:

  • Dine at a restaurant in Rome and consider attending the Pope’s Wednesday Audience or Sunday Angelus prayer if your visit coincides with these days.

Day 3: St. Peter’s Prison, Vatican Library, and Castel Sant’Angelo

Morning:

  • Visit St. Peter’s Prison, a small underground complex where popes were imprisoned. Access is granted through guided tours organized by the Vatican Museums.
  • Head to the Vatican Library, one of the oldest libraries in the world, and marvel at its beautiful architecture and collection.

Afternoon:

  • Take a walk along the Tiber Island and visit the Hospital of Santo Spirito in Sassia, built by Pope Nicholas III in 288 AD.
  • Visit the Castel Sant’Angelo, a historic castle that offers stunning views of Rome. Note that it is not within Vatican City, but it’s a short walk across the Tiber River.

Evening:

  • Enjoy your final dinner in Rome and reminisce about your incredible journey through the Holy See.

Visa Requirements:

  • Citizens of 105 countries can enter the Vatican without a visa for up to 90 days within a six-month period. Check the official Vatican City State website for more information.

Transportation:

  • The best way to get around Vatican City is by walking, as it’s quite small. To travel between the Holy See and Rome, you can use public buses (such as bus 40 or 62), taxis, or the metro (Ottaviano – San Pietro – Musei Vaticano stop).