Vatican City 6 Day Itinerary

Title: 6-Day Itinerary for Exploring Vatican City

Day 1: Arrival & St. Peter’s Basilica

  • Arrival: Check into your hotel in Rome (near Vatican City) and freshen up.
  • Afternoon: Visit the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica. Marvel at its grand architecture, including the famous dome designed by Bernini and Michelangelo’s Pieta. Remember to dress appropriately as knees and shoulders must be covered.
  • Evening: Dine at Osteria del Pegno, a local trattoria near St. Peter’s Square, known for its authentic Roman cuisine.

Day 2: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

  • Morning: Explore the vast Vatican Museums. Don’t miss the Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps, and the stunning Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s frescoes. Book tickets online to avoid long queues.
  • Afternoon: Visit St. Peter’s Square again for a different perspective during the day and see the Swiss Guard in action.
  • Evening: Dine at Dal 1924 Basso, located in Trastevere, offering delicious Italian dishes in a cozy setting.

Day 3: Vatican City - Day Off

  • Morning/Afternoon: Spend a leisurely day exploring lesser-known sites such as the Vatican Botanical Gardens, Braccio Nuovo (New Wing of the Vatican Museums), or the Borgia Apartments.
  • Evening: Enjoy a romantic dinner at Caffè Propaganda, offering a variety of Italian dishes with a modern twist.

Day 4: Castel Sant’Angelo & Trastevere Exploration

  • Morning: Visit Castel Sant’Angelo, located across the Tiber River from Vatican City. The castle offers panoramic views of Rome and has an interesting history.
  • Afternoon: Explore the charming neighborhood of Trastevere. Stroll through its narrow cobbled streets, visit the Santa Maria in Trastevere basilica, and enjoy local gelato at Gelateria dei Correre.
  • Evening: Dine at Da Enzo al 29, another popular restaurant in Trastevere known for its traditional Roman cuisine.

Day 5: Vatican City - Day Off (Optional Activities)

  • Morning/Afternoon: Consider visiting the Vatican Observatory, the Pope’s Summer Residence at Castel Gandolfo (open from April to October), or the Pope’s Car Collection.
  • Evening: Indulge in a special dinner at Enoteca Vaticana Askanius, offering a wine tasting menu paired with delicious dishes.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning/Afternoon: Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Rome before heading to the airport. Remember to check out the local markets for souvenirs!