If you remember I write about the Big Bus Tours and I recommend it to have easy access to all top tourist attractions in Rome, Italy. I bought a ticket for 48 hours validity, on my 2nd day I jump off from the Big Bus at Number 6 Stop , this will give me the easy way to St.Peter Basilica, Sistine Chapel & The Vatican Museum.
1. From the #6 Bus Stop, I cross the street and walk through the Castle of Sant’ Angelo, is a towering cylindrical building in Parco Adriano, Rome.
2. I walk about 10-15 minutes away from the castle to St. Peter’s Basilica.
3. I cross another street.
4. Actually, when I got there, I was freeze for a second and I don’t know where is the ticket office to buy and enter the basilica. But the good news is, God sent an angel to help me, because while I’m taking my selfie right there at the square, one lady approached me and ask me if I want to go inside and I said yes, she show me where I can buy a ticket to get inside but there was a very long line and I think it will take one hour queuing. She asked me again and offers me a deal; adds some euro and I can go directly inside without queuing plus I will be accompanied by a tour guide but I will join with another tourist, they called it (joined the tour). In short, I take the deal because I was a bit desperate to get inside. It was a great choice!
5. Together with the lady, I go to their office to pay for the tour and for the briefing, to meet the tour guide and other tourists. As they advise, every tourist cannot bring bulky luggage or bag to avoid hassle on the security check.
6. I smoothly get through the security check. We go directly to the booth where we need to pick up the ticket, headset and GPS radio.
7. We proceed to the hall where the tour guide will explain all the things we going to see inside the Sistine Chapel because they don’t allow the tour guide to make noise inside the chapel. They have a big touch screen, where we can see all the paintings and the tour guide will tell us all the hidden story of those things. We are very lucky because our tour guide is from Hawaii and he is very good in English, he’s also good looking so it is not boring to look at him and listen to him for about 30-40 minutes. haha, I feel like I’m listening to my teacher, discussing History subject but this moment I’m not feeling sleepy but I was so amazed for all the information I’ve learned! hahaha
8.After the discussion of our Tour Guide, we proceed inside the main museum where all statues and paintings displayed.
9.For art lovers, don’t even think to come out in less than 4-5 hours, give time to learn the history. We start walking all the way down to the Sistine Chapel (Galleries of Candelabra, Tapestries & Maps).At the end of the Gallery of the Maps go straight, take the modern staircase to the Sistine Chapel.
It was so much to say and I don’t know how to tell you all the treasures I saw inside the Museum.I have goosebumps all the time! Unbelievable art work ,so better watch this video & have a virtual tour inside the Vatican Museum.↓
Click this → Sistine Chapel Virtual Tour 3D
Discover the end of days as interpreted by Michelangelo painted at Sistine Chapel, learn more about the painting, watch here ↓
↓Michaelangelo Biography Film
10. The tour will end at Sistine Chapel. In front of the basilica, tourist will surrender all the GPS radio/audio guide to the tour guide and tourist will decide if they will go home or stay more at the basilica. In my case, I stay at the basilica and go up to Cupola, the highest point in Rome. I pay 8 Euro so I can take the elevator to the roof level (saving 320 steps), but if you want to be on the top of the cupola I must take the stairs for the last portion (551 steps in total).
11. Take a few moments to absorb the astonishing beauty of the cupola from within – and look down – the main altar.
12. To climb to the top of the dome proceeds through progressively narrower and sloping stairs. The narrow passageway can be uncomfortable if you are claustrophobic.
13.Once at the top, you will be rewarded by the beautiful views.
14. When you’re ready to leave, there is again the option of elevator or stairs. Consider taking the stairs down, as this area contains marble plaques of all the famous who have visited the dome over the years. Going down takes much less time than going up. By the way it’s not allow to use selfie stick, but before the security catch me I’m done already with my selfie picture..hahaha
15. Before leaving the St.Peter’s Basilica, I take more photos especially the Swiss Guard, they are the soldiers who responsible for the safety of the pope. Often called “the world’s smallest army,” they serve as personal escorts to the pontiff and as watchmen for Vatican City and the pontifical villa of Castel Gandolfo.
Do’s & Don’ts Visiting The Vatican Museum;
- No shorts, bare shoulders or miniskirts. This applies to both men and women. Even if you get through security, you will be turned away by the attendants at the door.
- Pushchair’s are permitted in the Museums.
- It is forbidden to use flashlight photography inside the Museums and no photography at all in the Sistine Chapel.
- It is forbidden to touch works of art.
- Any item that could conceivably be used to damage works of art like scissors, pointed umbrellas etc must be deposited in the cloakroom. Alcohol must also be deposited in the cloakroom.
- Tips: Be sure you are wearing comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a whole lot of walking and bring small bottle of water and candies. Be sure you will pay at the office of travel or tour agency and not to the agent to make sure they’re not scams.
You can check this tour agency that lady introduced, to skip the queue and get inside quickly – What a Life Tours.
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