Learn More About Travel To Italy
Gondola with Rialto Bridge, Venice Did you know that Venice has more than 400 bridges that connect the cities 118 islands? And this is all interconnected with the famed Venice Canals. ...
Read more
Travel Packages All Inclusive from our Advisors
We recognize that vacations are not just an investment, but often the highlights of our lives, and we take that responsibility seriously. We want to ensure you have the best vacation experience. Interested in a job in travel? Click here to learn: How to Become a Travel Agent
Vatican City, Italy, is an independent city-state, surrounded by Rome, and the ecclesiastical home of Roman Catholicism. It is bordered by the Tiber River on the east and stretches west (about 3,935 ft/1,200 m long and 2,625 ft/800 m at its widest point). Free Vatican City
Vacation Package Quote
Fun Travels by Fran
Travel + Events with a Twist
The first building seen from St. Peter's Square is the largest church in the world: St. Peter's Basilica. The highlights inside include many works by Bernini (the tomb of Urban VIII, the Cattedra and his ornate baldachin over the central altar), Michelangelo's Pieta and what may be the oldest statue of St. Peter in existence (whose foot has been worn completely smooth over the centuries by pilgrims who have rubbed it for good luck).
Plan at least three hours to navigate in and around St. Peter's: Be sure to take the elevator or climb the dome to the roof for a spectacular 360-degree view (try to time it for the beautiful sunsets), visit the treasury museum and see the grotto below the church (where St. Peter and other popes are interred). If you have more time, consider applying for a tour of the Vatican gardens or the Scavi, excavations of the necropolis below St. Peter's. These tours must be arranged in advance at the Vatican information desk.
Other Vatican sights include Bernini's Piazza St. Pietro with its massive colonnade and the various Vatican museums. To many, the highlight of the museums is the Sistine Chapel, whose ceiling, single-handedly painted by Michelangelo, has undergone a controversial restoration that revealed colors much brighter than seen previously.
But the museums offer much more: The Egyptian, Etruscan and Roman collections are among the finest and most extensive in the world; the Raphael Stanze are a series of spectacular frescoed rooms; the Gallery of Tapestries and Maps details the Earth as it was thought to be in the 16th century; and the Museum of Modern Religious Art has works by Rodin, Van Gogh, Matisse, Kandinsky, Gauguin and others from the 19th and 20th centuries. Don't miss the Cortile Belvedere with its ancient sculptures, including the much celebrated Laocoon group and the Apollo Belvedere.
The buildings (excluding the basilica) usually let visitors enter 8:45 am-12:20 pm, with weekday hours extended until 3:20 pm mid-March to October. Galleries remain open for about an hour after the entrance doors are closed. With so much to see in a limited time, you may want to see the Vatican over a period of two mornings, saving St. Peter's for the afternoons; the basilica is open daily until 6 pm (7 pm April-September). The museums are closed on Sunday except for the last Sunday of the month, when entry is free (and the crowds are huge).
As with most of Italy's museums and churches, hours do change and visitors sometimes arrive to find the museums closed—we recommend confirming the times so you won't be disappointed. Also remember that the Vatican museums are a good distance away from St. Peter's Square—you may want to take a cab.
On Sunday at noon, the pope blesses the crowd from his apartment window. He holds audiences on Wednesday at 11 am (except in August, when they are held at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, just south of Rome). To reserve a place, contact the Office of the Prefettura, phone 06-6988-3114.
Alternatively, you can apply in person (9 am-1:30 pm) by going to the Portone di Bronzo (Bronze Doors) on the right side of St. Peter's Square, under the colonnade, where you will see members of the Swiss Guard. They will be able to give you tickets (if available), which will give you access to the square on the day of the audience. If you want seats, you must go a step farther and apply at the office inside. Then, you have to go back to the Portone di Bronzo to pick up the tickets for your seats on the Tuesday before your audience, 3-8 pm. Take your passport with you to the audience.
For best viewing of the Vatican's art and museums, traditional wisdom holds that you should get in line before opening hours and steel yourself for tremendous crowds. Since this is everybody else's strategy as well, you may find shorter lines 11 am-2 pm, or else head to the museums the first thing Wednesday morning, when most visitors are packed into the piazza for the papal audience. Alternatively, if you purchase your ticket online, you can skip the lines altogether.
No passport is needed to enter the Vatican, but it does have a very strict dress code. Shoulders, midriffs and knees must be covered, or you will not be permitted inside any of the buildings, gardens or excavations. Regardless, summertime crowds are always very large. As in Rome, beware of thieves and pickpockets who prey on tourists—especially on buses bound for the Vatican.
We serve customers all over the USA! Contact us for a custom curated vacation package for your preferred dates, budget, airline & more.
Vatican City, Italy, is an independent city-state, surrounded by Rome, and the ecclesiastical home of Roman Catholicism. It is bordered by the Tiber River on the east and stretches west (about 3,935 ft/1,200 m long and 2,625 ft/800 m at its widest point).
The first building seen from St. Peter's Square is the largest church in the world: St. Peter's Basilica. The highlights inside include many works by Bernini (the tomb of Urban VIII, the Cattedra and his ornate baldachin over the central altar), Michelangelo's Pieta and what may be the oldest statue of St. Peter in existence (whose foot has been worn completely smooth over the centuries by pilgrims who have rubbed it for good luck).
Plan at least three hours to navigate in and around St. Peter's: Be sure to take the elevator or climb the dome to the roof for a spectacular 360-degree view (try to time it for the beautiful sunsets), visit the treasury museum and see the grotto below the church (where St. Peter and other popes are interred). If you have more time, consider applying for a tour of the Vatican gardens or the Scavi, excavations of the necropolis below St. Peter's. These tours must be arranged in advance at the Vatican information desk.
Other Vatican sights include Bernini's Piazza St. Pietro with its massive colonnade and the various Vatican museums. To many, the highlight of the museums is the Sistine Chapel, whose ceiling, single-handedly painted by Michelangelo, has undergone a controversial restoration that revealed colors much brighter than seen previously.
But the museums offer much more: The Egyptian, Etruscan and Roman collections are among the finest and most extensive in the world; the Raphael Stanze are a series of spectacular frescoed rooms; the Gallery of Tapestries and Maps details the Earth as it was thought to be in the 16th century; and the Museum of Modern Religious Art has works by Rodin, Van Gogh, Matisse, Kandinsky, Gauguin and others from the 19th and 20th centuries. Don't miss the Cortile Belvedere with its ancient sculptures, including the much celebrated Laocoon group and the Apollo Belvedere.
The buildings (excluding the basilica) usually let visitors enter 8:45 am-12:20 pm, with weekday hours extended until 3:20 pm mid-March to October. Galleries remain open for about an hour after the entrance doors are closed. With so much to see in a limited time, you may want to see the Vatican over a period of two mornings, saving St. Peter's for the afternoons; the basilica is open daily until 6 pm (7 pm April-September). The museums are closed on Sunday except for the last Sunday of the month, when entry is free (and the crowds are huge).
As with most of Italy's museums and churches, hours do change and visitors sometimes arrive to find the museums closed—we recommend confirming the times so you won't be disappointed. Also remember that the Vatican museums are a good distance away from St. Peter's Square—you may want to take a cab.
On Sunday at noon, the pope blesses the crowd from his apartment window. He holds audiences on Wednesday at 11 am (except in August, when they are held at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, just south of Rome). To reserve a place, contact the Office of the Prefettura, phone 06-6988-3114.
Alternatively, you can apply in person (9 am-1:30 pm) by going to the Portone di Bronzo (Bronze Doors) on the right side of St. Peter's Square, under the colonnade, where you will see members of the Swiss Guard. They will be able to give you tickets (if available), which will give you access to the square on the day of the audience. If you want seats, you must go a step farther and apply at the office inside. Then, you have to go back to the Portone di Bronzo to pick up the tickets for your seats on the Tuesday before your audience, 3-8 pm. Take your passport with you to the audience.
For best viewing of the Vatican's art and museums, traditional wisdom holds that you should get in line before opening hours and steel yourself for tremendous crowds. Since this is everybody else's strategy as well, you may find shorter lines 11 am-2 pm, or else head to the museums the first thing Wednesday morning, when most visitors are packed into the piazza for the papal audience. Alternatively, if you purchase your ticket online, you can skip the lines altogether.
No passport is needed to enter the Vatican, but it does have a very strict dress code. Shoulders, midriffs and knees must be covered, or you will not be permitted inside any of the buildings, gardens or excavations. Regardless, summertime crowds are always very large. As in Rome, beware of thieves and pickpockets who prey on tourists—especially on buses bound for the Vatican.
Vincent Vacations - Authorized Vatican City Vacation Planner
Questions? Call us at
1 (888) 976-0061
For Groups of 10
or more rooms, or 8 or more Cabins, please use of Group Form
Click Here for our Group Department
Vincent Vacations is an award winning travel agency. We serve clients all over the US.
Learn more about:
How to become a travel agent!
We are an IATAN, CLIA, ASTA, IATA Accrediated Travel Agency
See all awards & certificates.
3/30Gondola with Rialto Bridge, Venice Did you know that Venice has more than 400 bridges that connect the cities 118 islands? And this is all interconnected with the famed Venice Canals. ...
Read more
10/29Taking a family trip anywhere can be a big deal, but when you go with your big Italian family, it is epic!! I am the youngest of six children and this October, we had the privilege of tak...
Read more
12/19We are happy to assist you with all your Italy travel planning needs. Italy is a country rich in history, culture, and love. It truly is a bucket list destination that every traveler should experience...
Read more
6/3In Italy I have visited Florence, Venice, Sienna, San Gimignano, Pisa, Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Positano and Vatican City. Each city has something unique to offer. The scenery, rich history and food a...
Read moreClick on a location below to learn more. We recognize that vacations are not just an investment, but often the highlights of our lives, and we take that responsibility seriously. We want to ensure you have the best experience.
All of these are signs that you are a great fit to become an independent travel agent, and turn your love of travel from passion into profit!
Learn MoreOur motto at Vincent Vacations is, we go so you know! We want to ensure you have the BEST experience, whether it's a river cruise, or a corporate group incentive trip, we want to ensure your vacation is a success.
Many of our travel agents have been in travel since 2002! With Vincent Vacations, all travel components are taken care of - this includes accommodations, air, transfers, tours, activities, insurance, contracts, EVERYTHING.
Destination weddings, Anniversaries, vow renewals, honeymoons, engagements, elopements, retie the knot, babymoons, proposal trips and more
Corporate group retreats and incentive trips, seniors-only river cruises, friends & family getaways, special group anniversary celebrations and more
All-inclusive resorts, Hawaii, cruises, Europe, African Safaris, exotic Fiji and the islands, there are so many travel options for families
Adventures by Disney, Disney Cruise Lines, Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Resorts, Aulani, Universal, MyDisneyExperience, Disney Genie, characters dining, and more
We know Europe! Paris, London, Rome, Florence, Barcelona, Swiss Alps, Prague, Amsterdam, Venice, Athens, Vienna, Madrid, let's go!
Ocean cruising, river cruising, yacht charters, expeditions, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Viking, Lindblad, there are so many options when it comes to cruising
We create custom travel itineraries and trips, and we know travel - Whether it's Universal, river cruises, safaris, yacht charters, Australia, Thailand and more!
Get A Free QuoteWe serve customers all across the USA
Debt free and in business since 2013. Vincent Vacations has agents in Dallas, Kansas City, Houston, Shreveport, Little Rock, Roswell, Oklahoma City and more locations.
Travel agents can help save time and stress by doing the research and handling all your bookings for you. An experience travel agent is best at finding great deals and packages, as well as providing you with helpful information and tips. They can also help you plan special activities and experiences that you may not have thought of on your own. All in all, using a travel agent can be a great way to make sure you get the most out of your trip.
In travel since 2002, and in business since 2013, our travel team serves clients all over the US! Planning a vacation away from home takes a great team. We have taken the time to build a team of dedicated, smart, hard-working personnel who are each committed to excellence and service. We work side-by-side, creating and ensuring INCREDIBLE vacation experiences for you and your group. Our store front in-office team, and our travel consultant independent contractors, work all around the US.
In business since 2013, we are your #1 source for travel!
Free Vacation Package Quote
