Ultimate Super Vatican: Vatican City & the Keys of Heaven

All set for a full day of touring, we departed the port of Civitavecchia, Italy on a cool, overcast day. There were 25 other passengers on the tour. We began by heading for the private properties of the Pope known as the Pontifical Residence of Castel Gandolfo, with a planned visit to the Barberini Gardens.

Civitavecchia, Italy

1 hour and 45 minute drive

Upon arrival at Castel Gandolfo, our tour paused for a few moments while the tour operator came up with a strategy to get those with mobility issues up the very step climb and into the town. As this was being sorted out, the bulk of the group commenced tackling the large hill on foot.

*Our journey started here as we walked up the lengthy inclin*e

*The town of Castel Gandolfo outside of the Papal Palace was quaint and inviting*

Once all parties were gathered atop the hill, we were ushered into the courtyard of the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo where we saw an outside view of the Papal apartments including the balcony from where the Pope delivers Sunday mass. We learned that entering the Vatican State meant exiting Italy, as the Vatican has been its own country since 1929.

*The view of the Papal Apartments from the inside courtyard of the palace*

*The room from which the Pope delivers mass*

*The outside courtyard of the Papal Palace in the town of Castel Gandolfo*

Castel Gandolfo, Italy

45 minutes climbing and free time

After having a look around the courtyard of the Papal Palace we boarded the Vatican Electric Bus with a Vatican escort to ensure we did not wander about the property unescorted. Unfortunately, the bus had pulled down a plastic window shade due to the rain, so it was difficult to get clear photographs during the journey. I sat in the back of the bus and made the most of a difficult situation.

*The palace grounds and one of the many winding paths*

*The impressive walkway up to Villa Barberini*

*The grounds featured enormous* *hedges and many statues*

Papal Farm, Castel Gandolfo, Italy

20 minute ride; 15 minute stop

After driving around several majestic terraces and viewing the beautifully maintained orchards and vineyards, we stopped at the Papal Farm where we were provided samples of locally produced Yogurt. A small micro store inside was selling Olive Oil and Honey blessed by Pope Francis. This turned out to be a great gift idea because there was no other time to purchase this type of souvenir.

*Delicious yogurt produced on the property*

*There are a variety of animals* *kept on the grounds*

Gardens of Vatican City, Castel Gandolfo, Italy

10 minute ride; 5 minute stop

After a few quick photos we passed the Papal Observatory on our way to the Barberini Gardens. Unfortunately we did not get the opportunity to walk through these wonderful gardens, but instead viewed them first from afar, then again from a small road lookout high above. It was a magnificent view with the hills and valleys being captured below us.

*Built on the side of the hill, these gardens were amazing*

*From above you can see the meticulous design unfold, with the city and Lake Albano in the distance*

*The Barberini Gardens were simply beautiful*

Old Roman Amphitheatre, Castel Gandolfo, Italy

10 minute ride; 5 minute stop

Getting back into the Vatican Electric bus, our next stop was at the ruins of an old Roman amphitheater built for the Emperor Domitian.

Castel Gandolfo, Italy

10 minute return

Now the Vatican Electric bus headed back to our origination point outside the Papal Palace. As this journey came to a conclusion I found myself reflecting most about the enormity of property owned and controlled by the Vatican. Indeed a 135 acre complex of buildings in a lush garden setting amongst thousands of olive trees.

*There were an enormous number of greenhouses on the property*

*A simple fountain placed amongst the carefully manicured gardens*

*The path to the farmland with grape vines*

Lunch

45 minutes

Our tour guide let us go for a 45-minute lunch on our own, however it was still too early for lunch in Italy. Therefore, there was simply not enough time to sit and enjoy a lunch at Castel Gandolfo! What I would like to see is an amendment to the tour where a box lunch is provided during the one-hour journey back to Rome.

Regardless, we ate at Ristorante Arte e Vino who most graciously opened early to serve us. Along with several others, we had the most enjoyable food, and I would say the Brochette with White Wine, although hurried, tasted amazing!

1 hour drive

Shortly after lunch we departed Vatican City and headed on our way to Rome.

Roman Coliseum, Rome Italy

1 hour bus tour

Upon arrival in Rome, we first stopped near the Roman Coliseum for a quick photo opportunity.

*A great view of both the Arch of Constantine and the Roman Colosseum*

Next we drove about seeing the traditional touristy sites of the city. These included Circus Maximus, the Temple of Hercules, the Theater of Marcellus, Mussolini’s Balcony, and Largo di Torre Argentina where Julius Caesar is said to have been murdered.

*The **Hercules Temple of Victor** is the only surviving building of Greek marble*

*The Theatre of Marcellus is considered the blueprint for the large Colosseum*

*The area with the flag* *is Mussolini’s Balcony*

*The central area shown is Largo di Torre Argentina, the site where Caesar was killed*

*Victor Emmanuel II Monument,* *the first king of a unified Italy*

Museum of the Vatican, Rome Italy

45 minute inside visit

Now traveling on foot we entered the Museum of the Vatican. I first noticed the immense amount of marble which was literally everywhere. After clearing the security checkpoint we entered into the Gallery of the Candelabra, then quickly along to Tapestries.

*The ‘Jesus Appears to Mary Madeline’ tapestry was an inspiring sight*

Along the way we saw some very intricate ceilings and reliefs.

*The ceiling relief in the Gallery of Tapestries*

*The detailed ceiling of the Gallery of Maps*

Now we moved to the Maps & Navigation Area. Our journey, which involved an absolute body-to-body army of others, was crowded, but breathtaking.

*There was incredible artwork even over the doorways*

*This is another painting over a doorway that appears to be in 3D*

The last area of our visit prior to entering the Sistine Chapel was the Immaculate Conception Room.

*The ceilings, woodwork, and frescoes took 9 years to complete*

Sistine Chapel, Rome Italy

15 minute inside visit

At the end of our journey through the Museum, we made our way to the Sistine Chapel. Here in this most sacred of places, as one might imagine, there is NO photography or talking permitted. However, who needs to talk when you can see Michelangelo’s most admired painting on the ceiling or examine the area of the Conclave on the floor. Or likewise, re-examine your faith in all things holy and spiritual.

This is the view looking back at *St. Peters Basilica (on the left)* *and the Sistine Chapel (on the right)*

*This is the view when leaving the Sistine Chapel (on the left) and before entering St. Peters Basilica (on the right)*

St. Peters Basilica, Rome Italy

3 minute walk; 45 minute inside visit

Exiting the Sistine Chapel we made the short walk to St. Peters Basilica. Before stepping inside, we paused to view the Holy Door and snap a few photos. Then once inside we viewed the Holy Door from the inside. The Holy Door is opened and blessed by the Pope every twenty-five years or when the Pope declares it to be a Holy year. In 2016, the door was opened for the Holy Year of Mercy. On our previous visit, Exclusive Best of Rome, we had entered the Basilica through this Holy Door, so I was curious to see the method by which it had been sealed.

Outside view of the Holy Door with marble plates above
representing the last 2 times the door was opened

Afterwards, we turned to view the infamous sculpture of the Virgin Mary & Jesus, by Michelangelo, before making our way to the magnificent alter of St. Peters Basilica.

*Sculpture of the Virgin Mary & Jesus by Michelangelo named ‘The Pity’*

*The main altar of Saint Peter’s Basilica*

Then we walked around and admired every nuance of this most holy place.

*Looking back at the main entrance to the Basilica*

St. Peters Square, Rome Italy

Exiting St. Peters Basilica into St. Peters Square is quite the experience. First we came alongside the gates to the Vatican State.

The Vatican, St. **Peter**’s **Basilica, and the Pope are** guarded
by members of the Swiss Guard

As we ventured into the square our guide stopped to point out the location of the Papal smokestack on the Sistine Chapel roof. He also showed us the balcony used by the Pope when delivering the Sunday mass at this location.

*Looking out onto St. Peter’s Square* *which can seat up to 300,000 people*

*Looking back at St. Peter’s Basilica and to the right is where the smoke from a conclave appears*

30 minutes souvenir shopping

Exiting along the square and the Vatican State, we made our way to a corner gift shop for some souvenir shopping. Inside the shop, in a side room, was an very extensive collection of beautiful mosaics to view/purchase.

15 minute walk

Walking back to rejoin the bus, we began the two hour journey to the port and our awaiting ship.

Cruise Port: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Tour Name: Ultimate Super Vatican: Vatican City & the Keys of Heaven

Cruise Line/Ship: Holland America Oosterdam

Tour Guide: Daniella and Patricia