7 Days in Vatican City

Vatican City demands your full attention. This tiny sovereign state packs centuries of religious history and artistic brilliance into less than half a square mile. You'll walk through the world's most significant Catholic sites, from St. Peter's Basilica to the Vatican Museums, with each step revealing layers of human creativity and spiritual devotion. Start at St. Peter's Square, where Bernini's colonnade frames your first glimpse of papal power. The basilica itself towers above you - a Renaissance masterpiece that's part architectural wonder, part spiritual sanctuary. Inside, Michelangelo's Pietà is a marble testament to human craftsmanship and religious passion. The Vatican Museums won't just impress you - they'll overwhelm your senses. Raphael's frescoes, ancient Roman sculptures, and the mind-bending complexity of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling represent humanity's greatest artistic achievements. You can't rush these galleries. Each room tells a story of human genius, religious commitment, and cultural transformation. This isn't a typical tourist route. It's a profound journey through art, faith, and human ambition, compressed into one extraordinary destination.

Tips

• Book Vatican Museums tickets in advance to avoid long lines
• Budget around €50-100 per day for meals and additional tours
• Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites