Ultimate Vatican Behind the Scenes
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Port
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$269.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 9½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Discover the wonders of the Vatican Museum's Sistine Chapel, the Vatican's charming gardens, and enjoy outside views of the St Peter's Basilica. It's a 1½-hour coach ride from Civitavecchia to the Vatican City.
Upon arrival in Rome, you will discover the beauty of the Vatican Gardens -- a place of quiet contemplation for popes since 1279. Your garden visit includes seeing the house of Pope Emerito Ratzinger (exterior view) and the Fontana dell'Aquilone -- the great fountain with a special water play that is quite remarkable considering that it is fed by a pump-free gravity system. Don't miss the piece of the original Berlin Wall, donated to the Vatican when it was dismantled in 1989.You'll also see the Vatican Radio Station (exterior view), inaugurated by none other than Guglielmo Marconi in 1931.
Watch for the statue of St Peter and take in the terrific view of the St Peter's Basilica cupola from an unusual perspective. Catch a glimpse of the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Government Palace, the Vatican train station, the Academy of Science, and the Casina di Pio IV -- former summer palace of the Popes.
Visit the Cabinet of the Masks. This constitutes an exclusive area of the galleries, whose name comes from the beautiful Roman mosaics depicting masks that adorn its floor.
Along with tiled mosaic, paintings and stucco that decorate this room, the Cabinet of Masks also features several works of sculpture.
Inside the Sistine Chapel, marvel at the masterpieces of Michelangelo, including his frescoes of the Creation on the ceiling and The Last Judgment on the altar wall.
Finally, enjoy outside views of the St Peter's Basilica -- by far the largest church in the world.
Enjoy free time in St Peter's Square to purchase lunch (at your own expense) or to explore and shop at your own pace.
A panoramic drive through the Eternal City shows you Rome's renowned landmarks -- Circus Maximus, St Angelo Castle and the Colosseum.
Notes:
Tour requires a considerable amount of walking. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. The Vatican Gardens are not wheelchair accessible. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Walking is required over about a mile of even and uneven ground, cobblestone surfaces and approximately 250 steps. When the designated motorcoach drop off/pick up point for St Peter's Square is congested or unavailable, an alternative drop-off/pick-up point is used, requiring an additional walk of .6-mile. Please take this into consideration when booking the tour. Modest attire is required; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience; each guest is responsible for returning his/her headset after the tour. Missing headsets incur a €50 fee. Photography and video are not allowed in the Sistine Chapel. You will encounter lines and delays -- your patience is appreciated. Lunch is not included. Tour does not operate on Wednesdays, Sundays or religious holidays.