Vatican Tours Beyond the Velvet Rope, Rome tours & activities, fun things to do in Rome | VELTRA

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Rome EDITOR'S PICKS
Vatican Tours Beyond the Velvet Rope
Millions visit the Vatican every year for its Renaissance masterpieces and timeless architecture, but the city-state offers unforgettable experiences more than its often-packed museums. Go beyond the usual and escape the crowds to uncover the Vatican’s best hidden gems in style. See St. Peter’s tomb on an immersive Vatican Scavi tour, explore the majestic Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo, indulge in a hearty breakfast at the Vatican Museums before it opens, and more!
1. Go on a Vatican Necropolis tour to find an ancient city of the dead in the excavations under St. Peter’s Basilica and see the mausoleum of the first pope
2. Enjoy access to the original Bramante Staircase, which is usually closed to the public, and marvel at its innovative design
3. Conquer the tallest dome in the world with a St. Peter’s Dome climb for a bird's eye view of Vatican City from the cupola
4. Dig deep into St Peter’s Basilica’s rich history with a Vatican Crypts visit and pay respects to the Catholic leaders laid to rest at the papal tombs
5. Watch the sunrise as you enjoy breakfast at the Pinecone Courtyard before the Vatican Museum opens to the public
6. See the Holy Father in person at the Papal Audience with Pope Francis and hear his themed message
7. Delve into Roman history as you go beneath Vatican Hill and visit the Via Triumphalis Necropolis, opened only in 2013
8. Beat the crowds and the heat with an after-hours Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour—only available for selected days in the year
9. Admire Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes in peace and quiet, just like it's meant to be, with a Sistine Chapel tour before it opens to the public
10. Board an electric train from Vatican City to the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo and retrace the 500-year heritage of the papacy at the Papal Apartments.
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