A visit to the Vatican is always on the list for any visitor to Italy. One does not necessarily expect to see the Pope, but just being in this iconic destination seems to have its own sense of accomplishment. Something like another check in your bucket list.
Today was the opportunity for our Rubicon group to get a closer look at this nation within a nation and a favorite stop for Catholics and non-Catholics from around the world.
We had high expectations for this high point in our Roman Holiday, and it did not disappoint. Our tour included the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, view of the public square and Swiss Guards.
It would have been mind-bending to see the Pope, but he appears in the public square on Sundays and Wednesdays. Sometimes up to a million people pack the square for the papal appearance and blessing.
This is a view of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica.
These are photos inside the Vatican Museum.
Here are images from the Basilica.
The triangular roof in the centre is the Sistine chapel.
Photos are not allowed inside the Sistine chapel, but here is what it looks like.
This is the public area where the Pope addresses visitors and the balcony on which he stands to speak and give his blessings.
These are the Swiss Guards that provide security for the Vatican.
We will have an update of our visit to the Colosseum, one of the world's most famous ruins, in our next blog.
In the meantime, Arrivederci.
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