Vatican City 7 Day Itinerary

Vatican City Travel Guide

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
    • Fly into FCO, the closest airport to Vatican City
    • Take a taxi or bus (around €6-10) to your hotel in Vatican City or nearby Rome
  • Afternoon: Visit St. Peter’s Basilica (free admission)
    • One of the largest churches in the world and a must-visit for Catholics and non-Catholics alike
    • Be amazed by Michelangelo’s Pieta sculpture
  • Evening: Explore the Vatican City neighborhood (Vaticano) and its restaurants, cafes, and shops
    • Try some delicious Italian cuisine at one of the many local eateries

Day 2: Vatican Museums

  • Morning: Visit the Vatican Museums (tickets around €20-25 per person)
    • Home to an impressive collection of art and artifacts from the Vatican’s history
    • Marvel at works by artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio, and Bernini
  • Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the Sistine Chapel (included in museum ticket price)
    • Admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling painting, “The Creation”
    • Learn about the art, architecture, and history of the chapel
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Vatican City or nearby Rome

Day 3: Castel Sant’Angelo and Piazza Navona

  • Morning: Visit Castel Sant’Angelo (tickets around €14 per person)
    • A former fortress and prison turned museum
    • Offers stunning views of the city from its rooftop
  • Afternoon: Explore Piazza Navona (free admission)
    • A charming square with beautiful baroque architecture
    • Admire Bernini’s famous fountains, including “The Four Rivers”
  • Evening: Wander through the streets of Trastevere, a bohemian neighborhood in Rome

Day 4: Vatican Gardens and St. Peter’s Square

  • Morning: Visit the Vatican Gardens (tickets around €20-25 per person)
    • A peaceful oasis in the heart of Vatican City
    • Offers beautiful gardens, fountains, and walking paths
  • Afternoon: Explore St. Peter’s Square (free admission)
    • The largest public square in Europe
    • Admire Bernini’s famous colonnade and fountain designs

Day 5: Day Trip to Pompeii

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Pompeii, an ancient Roman city near Naples
    • Visit the ruins of this once-thriving city (tickets around €15-20 per person)
    • Learn about life in ancient Rome and see preserved artifacts from daily life
  • Afternoon: Return to Vatican City and enjoy some free time

Day 6: Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Shopping

  • Morning: Visit the Pantheon (free admission)
    • One of the most well-preserved ancient Roman buildings in Rome
    • Admire its impressive dome and oculus
  • Afternoon: Explore the Trevi Fountain (free admission)
    • A beautiful baroque fountain where legend says you’ll return to Rome if you throw a coin into its waters
    • Visit the nearby shopping street, Via del Corso

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring Vatican City’s streets one last time
  • Afternoon: Head back to Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) for your departure flight

Visa Requirements

  • Citizens of EU countries, USA, Canada, and Australia: No visa required for tourism purposes
  • Other nationalities: Check with the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your home country for specific requirements

Transportation

  • Taxi: Available from airport to Vatican City (around €30-40)
  • Bus: Take bus 34 or 62 from FCO to Vatican City (around €6-10)
  • Metro: Take metro line A to Ottaviano-San Pietro stop and walk to Vatican City (around €1.50 per ride)

Tips and Essentials

  • Language: Italian, but English is widely spoken
  • Currency: Euro
  • Weather: Best time to visit is from September to November or March to May for comfortable temperatures
  • Safety: Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas and tourist hotspots

Additional Tips for Vatican City

  • Dress modestly when visiting St. Peter’s Basilica and other sacred sites
  • Take a guided tour of the Sistine Chapel to avoid long lines and get the most out of your visit
  • Explore the Vatican Gardens on a weekday or early morning to avoid crowds
  • Don’t miss the stunning views of Rome from Castel Sant’Angelo’s rooftop