Vatican City-6-day-itinerary

August 6, 2024

Vatican City Travel Itinerary (6 Days)

Morning: Arrive in Rome, Italy. From there, you can take a taxi or public transportation to the border of Vatican City.
Visa Requirements: As a tourist, you won’t need a visa for Vatican City since it’s an independent city-state within Rome, Italy. Your passport should suffice as identification.
Border Crossing: Be mindful that while Vatican City is tiny and surrounded by Italy, its borders are strict regarding religious items and behaviors (e.g., no shorts or revealing clothing). Dress modestly when entering.
Evening: After crossing the border, you might enjoy a dinner at one of the local restaurants near St. Peter’s Basilica, getting an early feel for Vatican City.

Morning: Start your day by visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Christian church in the world. Be sure to admire its impressive architecture and try to catch a glimpse of Michelangelo’s famous Pieta sculpture.
Things to Know: Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking on marble floors and standing for periods. Also, consider purchasing tickets online beforehand if you want to visit the Basilica’s dome or take a guided tour that includes access to areas not open to the general public.
Afternoon: After visiting the Basilica, explore the adjacent St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro). It’s known for its large crowds, but also offers an opportunity to people-watch and enjoy the area’s lively atmosphere.

Morning: Spend your day exploring the Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani), which house some of the world’s most famous art pieces, including Raphael’s frescoes. The museums are vast, so plan your visit carefully or consider a guided tour to get the most out of it.
Things to Know: Wear comfortable walking shoes as the museum is quite large and includes several buildings. Consider buying tickets in advance for a time slot that suits you best. If possible, opt for a skip-the-line ticket for efficiency.

Morning: Within the Vatican Museums, visit the Sistine Chapel (Capella Sistina), famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling painting, which took him three years to complete. The chapel is one of the most renowned art spaces in the world.
Activities: Consider attending a Papal audience if your visit coincides with it. This is an opportunity to see the Pope in person and participate in this unique experience.

Morning: Visit the Vatican Gardens (Giardini Vaticani), covering over half of Vatican City’s area. These beautiful gardens offer a peaceful escape from the city, featuring walking paths, lakes, and several sculptures.
Things to Know: Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking in a park setting. The gardens might not have a lot of signs or information points, so it’s beneficial to hire a guide if you’re interested in learning more about their history and significance.

Morning: On your final day, take some time for last-minute sightseeing. Consider visiting the Passetto di Gregorio (Gregory’s Corridor), which is an underground passageway used by popes to travel between Vatican City and Castel Sant’Angelo.
Afternoon: Head back to Rome or your next destination, reflecting on a memorable trip that included exploring one of the world’s smallest but most fascinating countries.

Transportation within Vatican City:

Walking is the best way to explore Vatican City. It’s small enough to cover on foot.
If you prefer not to walk, consider renting bicycles for short distances.
Public transportation in Rome can be used to travel back and forth from the city border.