Ultimate Vatican Behind the Scenes
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Port
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$220
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 9 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Vatican City UNESCO World Heritage Site
"The Vatican City, one of the most sacred places in Christendom, attests to a great history and a formidable spiritual venture. A unique collection of artistic and architectural masterpieces lie within the boundaries of this small state. At its center is St Peter's Basilica, with its double colonnade and a circular piazza in front and bordered by palaces and gardens. The basilica, erected over the tomb of St Peter the Apostle, is the largest religious building in the world, the fruit of the combined genius of Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bernini and Maderno." Learn more: <https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/286/>
Seabourn is the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage.
Discover the wonders of the Vatican Museum's Sistine Chapel, the Vatican's charming gardens, and St Peter's Basilica. It's a 1.5-hour coach ride from Civitavecchia to the UNESCO World Heritage site Vatican City.
Upon arrival, you will discover the beauty of the Vatican Gardens -- a place of quiet contemplation for popes since 1279, when Nicholas III moved his residence back to the Vatican from the Lateran Palace. Your garden visit includes seeing the house of Pope Emerito Ratzinger (exterior only) 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 only), inaugurated by none other than Guglielmo Marconi in 1931. Watch for the statue of St Peter and take in the terrific outside views of the St Peter's Basilica cupola. 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.
Enjoy free time at 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 some of Rome's renowned landmarks -- Circus Maximus, Venice Square and St Angelo Castle. You'll stop briefly to snap some photos outside the Colosseum.
Please note: Tour requires extensive walking over about a mile of even and uneven ground, cobblestone surfaces and approximately 250 steps. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Parking for the Vatican may be off-site, requiring an additional 30 minutes of walking. Please take this into consideration when booking the tour. The Vatican Gardens are not wheelchair accessible. 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.