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Gelato, Gondolas, and Gladiators: Day 3

Writer's picture: Rachel VelthuisenRachel Velthuisen

Updated: Oct 31, 2024

Day 3: Exploring the Marvels of Vatican City


Today, our Roman holiday took an international turn as we stepped into the world's smallest country: Vatican City (My 22nd country!). From awe-inspiring art to towering domes, our day was filled with unforgettable sights and experiences. Here's how our family tackled the spiritual heart of Rome.


Morning: Early Birds Catch the Art


Pro Tip #1: Book an early morning, skip-the-line tour. Trust me, it's worth the early wake-up call!


Our day began bright and early at 7:30 AM, thanks to a tour I'd booked through one of my preferred suppliers. As we approached the Vatican, we saw various group tours getting ready to enter. While there was a line for tour groups to go through security, it was nothing compared to what we saw next.


The line for non-tour visitors was already wrapping around the rather large plaza area. We felt incredibly relieved to be part of a group tour as we made our way through security. When we left later, that general admission line had grown even longer – I can't imagine how long those people had to wait! Not a line I would want to wait in if there in July!



St. Peter's Basilica: A Feast for the Eyes


After the Sistine Chapel, we moved on to St. Peter's Basilica. "Beyond beautiful" doesn't even begin to describe it. The sheer scale, the intricate details, the history - it was almost overwhelming.


Here's where our family split up for a bit. Ethan wasn't feeling his best, so he, Claire, and I decided to stay terrace. But Emile and Natalie were up for an adventure - they climbed to the outside of the dome! From their breathless (literally) descriptions when they came back down, the view was absolutely worth the climb. We did get to admire the inside of the dome as we walked along the inside pathway before heading down from the terrace.


Pro Tip #2: If you have varying energy levels in your group, St. Peter's Basilica offers something for everyone. Don't feel pressured to do it all!




Our tour guide was absolutely fantastic, bringing the history and artistry of the Vatican to life for all of us, kids included.


Before reaching the Sistine Chapel, we wound our way through the vast Vatican Museums. It's hard to overstate the sheer volume and quality of art housed here. From ancient Roman sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces, every turn revealed another treasure.


Some highlights that stood out:


  • The Gallery of Maps: Long hallways lined with intricately painted topographical maps of Italy from the 16th century.

  • The Raphael Rooms: These frescoed chambers by Raphael and his students were a preview of the artistic marvels to come. The famous "School of Athens" fresco was a particular hit for me.

  • The Spiral Staircase: Not ancient, but definitely Instagram-worthy. This modern double-helix staircase had our teens reaching for their phones.


Pro Tip #3: Pace yourself in the museums. It's easy to get "art fatigue" before reaching the Sistine Chapel. I recommend a game of "pick your favorite piece in each room" to keep everyone engaged.





The Sistine Chapel


After exploring the museums, we finally arrived at the real show-stopper: the Sistine Chapel. Before we entered the chapel, our guide did something brilliant. He stopped us at posters of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling and walls, pointing out key details and explaining their significance. This preparation was invaluable. When we finally entered the chapel, instead of fumbling with audio guides or squinting at our phones, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in the experience.



No photos are allowed inside the Sistine Chapel, and honestly, I'm glad. Combined with our guide's preparation, this rule forced us all to be present in the moment. We spent our time tilting our heads back, admiring the paintings, and searching for the details our guide had highlighted. Even our teens, usually glued to their phones, were engaged in a silent game of "spot the detail." It was a powerful reminder of how sometimes, less technology can lead to a more meaningful experience.


Pro Tip #4: Pay close attention to your guide's explanations before entering the Sistine Chapel.


Afternoon: Rest and Relaxation


After a quick lunch at the Vatican, we headed back to our apartment for some much-needed downtime. Traveling over the years with kids, and even as teens, has taught us the importance of building in rest periods - it helps stave off the dreaded combination of jet lag and cultural overload.


Evening: A Taste of "Regular" Rome


Feeling refreshed, we ventured out again in the evening. We stopped by the Basilica dei Santi XII Apostoli before dinner. It's a beautiful church in its own right, but I'll admit, after the grandeur of St. Peter's, it was hard for any other church to compare!





Reflections on Our Vatican Adventure


As we settled in for the night, I reflected on our Vatican experience. Here are some key takeaways:


  1. Early morning tours are a game-changer, especially when traveling with kids/teens.

  2. Sometimes, splitting up to accommodate different interests or energy levels can make everyone happier.

  3. Build in rest time, especially after high-intensity sightseeing days.

  4. Be prepared for the fact that after seeing something as grand as the Vatican, other sights might seem a bit... underwhelming. That's okay!


Looking back, I'm so glad we made the effort to visit the Vatican. Yes, it got crowded the longer we were there. Yes, it was a bit overwhelming. But seeing the beauty of St. Peter's and gazing up at the Sistine Chapel ceiling? Priceless.


Tomorrow, we're in for a treat as we dive into another aspect of Italian culture - food! We're staying in Rome for a pasta making class. Will our culinary skills match up to the masterpieces we've seen in the Vatican? Probably not, but it's sure to be a delicious adventure!


Have you visited the Vatican with your family? Any tips or memorable moments to share? Drop me a email to let me know.

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