A Divine Weekend at the Pope’s Residence: Vatican Splendor & Roman Soul

#springitinerary *Walk in the footsteps of pontiffs between Michelangelo’s masterpieces and hidden papal gardens* --- ### **☀️ DAY 1: Vatican Majesty** **7:30 AM - Sunrise at St. Peter’s Dome** • Climb **551 steps** for golden-hour views over the **Apostolic Palace** (Pope’s home) • *Secret:* The tiny **Vatican post office** atop sells special stamps **9:00 AM - Papal Audience (Wednesdays)** • Secure tickets for **Pope Francis’ blessing** in St. Peter’s Square • *Pro Tip:* Wear white to potentially be chosen for gifts! **12:30 PM - Lunch at Hostaria Dino e Tony** • Priests’ favorite for **cacio e pepe** and Frascati wine **3:00 PM - Vatican Necropolis Tour** • Descend to **St. Peter’s tomb** beneath the Basilica (book months ahead) **6:30 PM - Aperitivo at Borgo Pio** • **Gelateria Old Bridge’s** papal-approved pistachio gelato **8:30 PM - Dinner at Velando** • Former convent serving **carciofi alla giudia** (Jewish-style artichokes) --- ### **✝️ DAY 2: Sacred Secrets** **7:00 AM - Scavi Tour** • Exclusive access to **ancient Roman streets** beneath the Vatican **10:00 AM - Vatican Gardens Buggy Tour** • Zoom past **Pope’s helipad** and **Mater Ecclesiae Monastery** (Benedict XVI’s home) **1:00 PM - Lunch at L’Arcangelo** • Cardinal-approved **gnocchi alla romana** **3:30 PM - Castel Gandolfo Day Trip** • Tour the **Pope’s summer palace** & swim in volcanic Lake Albano **7:30 PM - Golden Hour at Passetto di Borgo** • Walk the **Pope’s escape route** to Castel Sant’Angelo **9:00 PM - Finale at Emma Pizzeria** • Wood-fired **pizza bianca** like Vatican guards eat --- ### **📿 HOLY HIGHLIGHTS** ✔ **Pope’s Window** - Where he gives Sunday Angelus ✔ **Vatican Pharmacy** - Oldest in world (since 1874) ✔ **Swiss Guard Barracks** - Spot their **Medici-era uniforms** ### **🛐 LOCAL KNOWLEDGE** • **Dress Code:** Covered knees/shoulders for Vatican • **Silent Hours:** 1:00-3:00 PM near papal residences --- ### **🎁 BLESSED SOUVENIRS** • **Santo Subito** prayer cards from St. Peter’s • **Pope’s Chocolate** (Perugina’s special tablets)