Exploring Vatican City in One Week

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

Vatican City, Vatican City

Morning

Check-in at Hotel

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to settle in and rest before beginning your Vatican City adventure.
From the airport, you can take a taxi or a private transfer to your hotel in Vatican City.
€€, 1-2 hours

Afternoon

Stroll in St. Peter's Square

After settling in, take a leisurely stroll in St. Peter's Square to admire the stunning architecture and plan your itinerary for the upcoming days.
St. Peter's Square is located just outside St. Peter's Basilica, a short walk from most accommodations in Vatican City.
Free, 1-2 hours

Evening

Dinner at a Local Trattoria

Enjoy a traditional Italian dinner at a local trattoria near your hotel, savoring pasta dishes and regional wines.
Ask your hotel for recommendations on nearby trattorias for an authentic dining experience.
€€€, 1-2 hours
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Day 2: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Vatican City, Vatican City

Morning

Visit Vatican Museums

Begin your day with a visit to the Vatican Museums, home to an impressive collection of art and historical artefacts including the renowned Sistine Chapel.
The Vatican Museums are located within Vatican City and can be easily accessed by foot from most accommodations.
€€, 2-3 hours

Lunchtime

Lunch at the Vatican Cafeteria

Grab a quick lunch at the Vatican Cafeteria inside the Vatican Museums complex, offering a convenient dining option amidst your sightseeing.
The Vatican Cafeteria is located within the Vatican Museums.
€€, 1 hour

Afternoon

Explore the Sistine Chapel

Spend the afternoon marvelling at Michelangelo's masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel, taking in the iconic ceiling frescoes and the Last Judgment.
The Sistine Chapel is located within the Vatican Museums complex.
€, 1-2 hours

Evening

Italian Dinner at a Michelin-starred Restaurant

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Vatican City, enjoying a culinary experience with a view of St. Peter's Basilica.
Make a reservation in advance at a Michelin-starred restaurant for a memorable dining experience.
€€€€, 2-3 hours
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Day 3: St. Peter's Basilica

Vatican City, Vatican City

Morning

Visit St. Peter's Basilica

Begin your day with a visit to the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world, and admire its stunning architecture and art.
St. Peter's Basilica is located in Vatican City, a short walk from the Vatican Museums.
Free, 1-2 hours

Lunchtime

Picnic at the Vatican Gardens

Enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch amidst the lush greenery of the Vatican Gardens, a serene escape from the bustling city.
Book a guided tour of the Vatican Gardens in advance to access this tranquil setting.
€€, 1-2 hours

Afternoon

Visit Castel Sant'Angelo

Explore the historic Castel Sant'Angelo, a mausoleum and fortress with panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome.
Castel Sant'Angelo is within walking distance from St. Peter's Basilica.
€€, 2-3 hours

Evening

Dinner at a Rooftop Restaurant

Dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Tiber River and enjoy a romantic evening with stunning views of the cityscape.
Reserve a table at a rooftop restaurant along the Tiber River for a memorable dining experience.
€€€, 2-3 hours
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Day 4: Vatican Gardens and Castel Sant'Angelo

Vatican City, Vatican City

Morning

Guided Tour of Vatican Gardens

Embark on a guided tour of the Vatican Gardens, exploring the lush landscapes, ornate fountains, and hidden gems within this picturesque retreat.
Book a guided tour of the Vatican Gardens in advance, as access is restricted.
€€€, 2-3 hours

Lunchtime

Casual Lunch at a Garden Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a garden cafe near the Vatican Gardens, savouring fresh salads and local delicacies amidst a peaceful setting.
Look for a charming garden cafe in the vicinity of the Vatican Gardens for a delightful dining experience.
€€, 1 hour

Afternoon

Explore Castel Sant'Angelo

Spend the afternoon wandering through the halls and ramparts of Castel Sant'Angelo, immersing yourself in the history of this iconic structure.
Walk from the Vatican Gardens to Castel Sant'Angelo for a seamless transition between attractions.
€€, 1-2 hours

Evening

Gelato Tasting in Borgo District

End your day with a gelato tasting tour in the charming Borgo District, sampling traditional Italian gelato flavours from local gelaterias.
Wander through the narrow streets of the Borgo District to discover hidden gelato gems.
€, 1 hour
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Day 5: Vatican Library and Vatican Necropolis

Vatican City, Vatican City

Morning

Visit the Vatican Library

Explore the Vatican Library, one of the oldest and most important libraries in the world, housing a vast collection of manuscripts and rare books.
Book a guided tour of the Vatican Library for an insightful visit to this historic institution.
€€, 1-2 hours

Lunchtime

Pasta Lunch at a Local Trattoria

Enjoy a classic pasta lunch at a traditional trattoria near the Vatican Library, indulging in Italian comfort food.
Ask for trattoria recommendations in the vicinity of the Vatican Library for an authentic dining experience.
€€, 1 hour

Afternoon

Explore the Vatican Necropolis

Descend into the Vatican Necropolis for a guided tour of the ancient burial grounds beneath St. Peter's Basilica, uncovering archaeological treasures.
Reserve a guided tour of the Vatican Necropolis in advance to explore this fascinating underground site.
€€, 2 hours

Evening

Wine Tasting at a Local Enotecca

Wind down with a wine tasting experience at a local enotecca, sampling fine Italian wines and learning about the country's winemaking heritage.
Discover a cosy enotecca in Vatican City for an intimate wine tasting session.
€€€, 1-2 hours
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Day 6: Pontifical Swiss Guard Barracks and Apostolic Palace

Vatican City, Vatican City

Morning

Tour of Pontifical Swiss Guard Barracks

Embark on a guided tour of the Pontifical Swiss Guard Barracks to learn about the history and duties of the Swiss Guard, the world's smallest army.
Book a guided tour of the Swiss Guard Barracks for an informative insight into this elite military unit.
€, 1-2 hours

Lunchtime

Al Fresco Lunch at Apostolic Palace Gardens

Enjoy an al fresco lunch in the picturesque gardens of the Apostolic Palace, savouring a meal surrounded by lush greenery and historical architecture.
Book a table at a restaurant within the Apostolic Palace Gardens for a unique dining experience.
€€€, 1-2 hours

Afternoon

Visit the Apostolic Palace

Explore the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope, and marvel at the opulent rooms, artworks, and Vatican City's administrative centre.
Book a guided tour of the Apostolic Palace to discover the history and significance of this iconic landmark.
€€, 2-3 hours

Evening

Dinner at a Traditional Roman Osteria

Dine at a traditional Roman osteria near Vatican City, savouring authentic Roman dishes and local wines in a cosy setting.
Explore the nearby neighbourhoods for an osteria serving Roman culinary delights.
€€€, 2-3 hours
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Day 7: Ponte Sant'Angelo and Vatican City Walls

Vatican City, Vatican City

Morning

Walk to Ponte Sant'Angelo

Start your day with a leisurely walk to Ponte Sant'Angelo, admiring the ancient bridge lined with stunning angel statues overlooking the Tiber River.
Walk from Vatican City towards Ponte Sant'Angelo for a scenic morning stroll.
Free, 1 hour

Lunchtime

Lunch at a Trattoria by the Tiber River

Enjoy a riverside lunch at a trattoria by the Tiber River, tasting fresh seafood and Roman specialities while soaking in the serene atmosphere.
Choose a trattoria with outdoor seating along the Tiber River for a delightful dining experience.
€€€, 1-2 hours

Afternoon

Walk Along Vatican City Walls

Take a leisurely stroll along the Vatican City walls, enjoying panoramic views of the cityscape and the surrounding Roman neighbourhoods.
Explore the pathways along the Vatican City walls for a scenic afternoon walk.
Free, 1-2 hours

Evening

Farewell Dinner with a View

End your week in Vatican City with a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the city skyline illuminated at night.
Book a table at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views for a memorable dining experience.
€€€€, 2-3 hours
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