Visiting the Vatican: Tips, Trips & Hidden Gems

The Vatican’s divine frescos and sculptures, from Michelangelo to Raphael and Bernini, draw visitors from around the globe. There’s so much to see while visiting the Vatican that it can be a little overwhelming, and you don’t want to go all that way only to miss its best treasures.

This guide will allow you to explore in a more efficient way than the other 25,000 tourists visiting the holy enclave every day.

Avoid the worst of the crowds with an early-access ticket, and see Vatican Museum highlights that others miss in their scramble to crane their necks at the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling (make sure you do that too!)

Wander the Vatican Gardens, and relax at the pope’s summer palace in the afternoon. For those wanting to unlock the Holy See, this is the best way to see the Vatican in all its glory.

Beat the queues for the holiest of holy places

The best time of day to visit the Vatican is before your fellow culture hounds have woken up. On Saturdays, we can get you access to the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums before they open to the public.

This does mean getting up early and arriving at 07:45. But, it also means you’ll avoid most of the infamous queues. There will be less rubbing shoulders with hordes of tourists, and you’ll have a more relaxed time with some of the greatest artworks in human history.

Hidden gems of the Vatican Museum Collection

Believe it or not, some people visit the Vatican Museums and see only a fraction of the masterpieces on show. For instance, did you know there’s a Van Gogh painting and a version of Rodin’s The Thinker in the Collection of Contemporary Art? A lot of visitors miss them but armed with the insider knowledge below, you can make the most of your time in the Vatican Museum Collection.

Touring the Vatican Gardens

After your encounter with the divine Vatican art, it’s time to head out and reflect on all you’ve seen. Popes and cardinals have used the Vatican Gardens for contemplation and prayer since the 13th century. Starting from 10 am, you can linger in their auras during a blooming beautiful one-hour tour.

After your garden stroll, things only get more magical. There’s a private train running between Vatican City and the Pope’s summer palace – and you’re getting on it.

Roundtrip to Castel Gandolfo

The popes knew how to enjoy their summer holidays. Seated in the Alban Hills, the charming lakeside village of Castel Gandolfo – widely considered to be one of Italy’s most scenic towns – has been under the jurisdiction of the Vatican since the 16th century.

Arriving at the train station, you’ll hop on an open-top, eco-friendly shuttle bus to tour the Gardens of the Pontifical Villas. With vibrant flowers, well-trimmed bushes, and terraced slopes, this is horticulture at its best.

Visiting the Apostolic Palace

After experiencing the papal equivalent of a zen garden, you can opt to visit the Apostolic Palace. This summer residence was only opened (in a very limited fashion) to the public in 2014, making this a special opportunity for you to see what a papal holiday home looks like.

Explore Castel Gandolfo

Having explored the palatial grounds, you’ll have some free time in Castel Gandolfo, offering you the opportunity to stroll through the lakeside town. Quench your thirst with a glass (or two) of local wine at Antico Ristorante Pagnanelli. Not only is this the best wine bar in town (and a great restaurant!), it also has a lush green interior and stunning views of Lake Albano.

Alternatively, at Il Grottino you’ll find the most delicious mushroom fettuccine available on the slopes of the Alban Hills. Here, too, striking views are on the menu.

If you have time (and energy) left, head into town for a souvenir hunt. The Gandolfinis are an artistic bunch, as you’ll notice from the souvenirs they sell. Their hand-painted ceramics make for a great gift! You’ll be back at Roma San Pietro railway station at around 18:30.

Tour Itinerary

• 07:15/08:00: Tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel + audio guide
• 10:00: Tour of the Vatican Gardens + audio guide
• 11:00: Train from the Vatican station to Castel Gandolfo and transfer to the Pontifical Villas by shuttle
• 12:30: Visit to the Apostolic Palace
• 13:30: Tour of the Gardens of the Pontifical Villas by eco-friendly bus + audio guide
• 14:30: End of the tour and exit from the Gardens of the Pontifical Villas
• Lunch (if selected) and free time
• 17:10: Meeting at Castel Gandolfo’s train station
• 17:24: Departure from Castel Gandolfo
• 18:39: Arrival at St. Peter’s Station (Rome)

More Vatican City Guided Tours

We’ve just shown you the best way to see everything Vatican in one day – on a Saturday, that is. For more information on visiting the Vatican Museums and its other beautiful sites, check out all our Vatican tours.

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For more Rome inspiration, here are 10 Alternative Activities in Rome: Without the Crowds