Begin at St. Peter’s Square (07:00 am). In your ticketed seat, while waiting to see and hear the pope, your Guide will impart fascinating information about the papacy and the Vatican. After the Audience, you’ll be led swiftly past the masses to a Trattoria where you’ll enjoy a wonderful Roman lunch. Proceed to the Vatican museums with our priority Skip-the- line tickets. Discover the maze of courtyards and museums housed in stately palazzi, then on to the Sistine Chapel. Here you will gaze in wonder at Michelangelo’s ethereal frescoed ceiling, then exit directly into St. Peter’s Basilica where you’ll gasp in awe at Michelangelo’s architectural genius. View his precious Pietà, works by Bernini and others, and see the Tombs of the Popes, very close to the tomb of St. Peter.
*NOTE: Papal Audiences are held on Wednesdays if the Pope is in Rome. During the months of July and August, the audience will be held at the Pope’s summer residence, Castel Gandolfo, 40 minutes’ drive from the city center. Private transport will be arranged. Please request here. Don’t jeopardize your Tour! Because of dress code restrictions, entry will be prohibited to those wearing sleeveless shirts and shorts/skirts above knee length.