Learn about the fascinating history of the Papacy with a 1 hour walking tour designed to help you understand and connect with Christian Rome before experiencing the Papal Audience (entrance tickets included!) in Vatican City with Pope Benedict XVI every Wednesday.

Your expert tour guide will be waiting at Castel Sant'Angelo, the traditional fortress of the Popes. From here you will learn about the development of the Papacy from the first Christians through Constantine's era and up to the current wonder of Vatican City. Walk the length of the famous passetto which served as a secret escape passage from the Papal apartments to the Papal stronghold of Castel Sant'Angelo. Stand in awe before Saint Peter's Square created by Bernini in the 17th Century as you become familiar with St. Peter's Basilica. The informed tour guides will brief you on what to expect at the Papal Audience and prepare you for your gathering with Pope Benedict XVI.

This event takes place either in the Sala of Paul VI or in Saint Peter's Square depending on the preference of Pope Benedict XVI. Experience the awe and wonder which occurs at the Papal audience as Cardinals read in various languages reaching out to pilgrims and visitors from the far reaches of the world. Listen to the Pope's weekly message as he enters the central stage. Feel free to sing with the spiritual leaders of the Church and pray with the Pope - the head of State of Vatican City. Or just sit back and observe the phenomena while taking it all in. Either way you wish to experience the Papal audience rest assured that you will be informed and in good hands with helpful staff there to guide you along.

Schedule Details

Departure Dates:

Wednesday

Unavailable Dates:

• July 09 to 28

Departure Point:

Tour commences nearby Castel Sant'Angelo. The meeting point is easy to locate and your guide will be waiting for you.

Departure Time:

Departs at 9:00am. Please be ready at 8:45am.

Return details:

The tour ends at St. Peter's Square.

Additional Information

Inclusions:

• Guided walking tour introducing you to the history of the Popes in Rome (1 hour)
• Guaranteed entrance ticket to see the Papal Audience with Pope Benedict XVI
• English speaking tour guide

Exclusions:

• Optional gratuities
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Additional Info:

• This tour must be booked at least 24 hours in advance of your travel date.
• Confirmation for this product will be received at the time of booking, unless you are booking within 48 hours of travel date. In this case, confirmation will be received within 24 hours of booking, subject to availability.
• Tour is operated in English unless otherwise specified.
• This tour requires a fair amount of walking and comfortable shoes are recommended. 
• The tour duration is approximately 2.5 hours, however it depends on length of the Papal Audience.
• Depending on the time of year the actual location of the Papal Audience may alternate. During the warmer months from approximately Easter week to the end of September the Papal Audience is held outdoors at St. Peter's Square whereas during the colder months the audience takes place in the Sala of Paul VI within the Leonine Walls of Vatican City. The decision regarding the location of the Papal Audienc is made by Vatican officials the day before the event.  Regardless of its location within Vatican City this tour guarantees entrance tickets.

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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