Vatican City 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Vatican City

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Vatican Walls

  • Morning: Arrive at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and take a taxi or bus to your accommodation.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Vatican Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the surrounding streets.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Villetta, a cozy restaurant serving Italian cuisine.

Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Albergo Pontifcio, a 4-star hotel located near St. Peter’s Square.

Day 2: Vatican City’s Main Attractions

  • Morning: Visit the Vatican Museums, home to some of the world’s most famous artworks, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling.
  • Afternoon: Explore St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Christian church in the world.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Italian dinner at Ristorante La Veranda.

Tip: Book your tickets for the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica in advance to avoid long queues.

Day 3: The Vatican Gardens and Castel Gandolfo

  • Morning: Visit the Vatican Gardens, a peaceful oasis with beautiful fountains and walking paths.
  • Afternoon: Take a day trip to Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence, located about an hour outside of Rome.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Bella Vita, a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.

Transportation: Use public transportation or take a guided tour to Castel Gandolfo.

Day 4: Exploring the Vatican’s Hidden Gems

  • Morning: Visit the Vatican Library, home to ancient manuscripts and rare books.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Pio-Clementino Museum, featuring an impressive collection of classical sculptures.
  • Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening at Bar della Pace, a cozy bar serving coffee, wine, and snacks.

Tip: The Vatican Library is only accessible by guided tour, so book in advance.

Day 5: Rome’s Iconic Landmarks

  • Morning: Visit the Colosseum, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Roman Forum, a ancient archaeological site filled with history and architecture.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Trattoria al Moro, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Roman cuisine.

Transportation: Use public transportation or take a guided tour to these Rome landmarks.

Day 6: Relaxation and Shopping

  • Morning: Take a leisurely stroll through the Vatican’s charming streets and visit the Vatican Post Office, where you can send postcards with Vatican City stamps.
  • Afternoon: Shop for souvenirs at Via dei Coronari, a street lined with boutiques and art galleries.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at La Rosetta, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary Italian cuisine.

Tip: Be sure to try some of the Vatican’s famous gelato shops, like Gelateria dell’Angeletto.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or visiting any attractions you missed earlier in the trip.
  • Afternoon: Depart for Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and head home.

Things to Know

  • The Vatican City is an independent city-state, so be sure to respect local customs and traditions.
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, covering your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
  • The Vatican City uses the Euro as its official currency.

Tips

  • Book accommodations and tours in advance to avoid high prices and availability issues.
  • Consider purchasing a Vatican City Tourist Card, which grants access to multiple attractions and discounts at participating restaurants and shops.
  • Don’t forget to try some of the delicious Italian cuisine and gelato during your trip!