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*

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### **☀️ 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)

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### **✝️ 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

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### **📿 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

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### **🎁 BLESSED SOUVENIRS**
• **Santo Subito** prayer cards from St. Peter’s
• **Pope’s Chocolate** (Perugina’s special tablets)