Wow, the most stunning cathedral in the whole wide world. We visited without a guide and the building was just breathtaking from the amazing sculptures, monuments, art and stained glass windows. I visited the crypt where previous popes are buried. St. Peter’s is free entry but if you want to go up to the Dome there is a fee to visit. There was a queue in the square which took us approximately 20 minutes to reach security checks, but the wait was worthwhile. Definitely recommend.

We got the full experience tour with a guide of the Vatican museums, Sistine chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Our guide was called Serena, she was fantastic 10/10. Very knowledgable, friendly, informative, funny and engaging. She was fantastic. The first part of the tour was through the museum, it is huge with so many rooms full of art, tapestries, paintings, statues etc. Without the guide and her wealth of information we wouldn’t have enjoyed this half as much. There is no talking allowed inside the Sistine chapel so all tour guide info is given before you go in, using a very helpful digital screen with pictures etc so the guide can talk you through what to look for. It was very interesting, incredibly busy even for February but please listen to your guide and/or respect the numerous signs on the way in - no talking or photos inside the Sistine chapel! Our guide then met us at the back of the chapel and took us to St. Peter’s. She was brilliant at pointing out Swiss Guards etc going past us and again had so much knowledge about the exterior and interior of St. Peter’s Basilica. Once inside she showed us around, informing us of numerous items/areas inside. She directed us to the holy water font if anyone wanted to bless themselves, which we liked as we could bless our wedding rings, as we where on honeymoon in Rome. After the tour had finished Serena had advised us we could enter the underground area to see the crypt of the Pope’s, aswell as the dome of St. Peter’s (additional fee of €8 with no escalator or €10 with the escalator). We decided to do both the crypts and the dome and found both worthwhile. Even if you pay €10 for the escalator, this will take you up to the internal dome, however still includes 200 steps up to the outside dome (amazing 360 views and definitely worth it in my opinion). However please note the steps are up through quite a small, restricted area so it may not be for you if you are claustrophobic or have mobility problems. Overall the Vatican was so interesting and we definitely thought the guide ticket was worth it. Our guide Serena, as above, was fantastic. Thank you Serena. Just a little additional information, our hotel was near trevi fountain. We found it easier to get a taxi over to ensure we arrived in time for our tour (12 euro), however we just walked back as found this the best way to navigate Rome. There are so many sights at every corner, it seems a shame to miss it in transport. We stopped off for lunch along the way but approx 30 mins walk.

No photo will ever capture the feeling of St Peters Bascilla! Absolutely stunning!! We didn’t buy a ticket. We just joined the queue outside the Bascilla in St Peters Square which looked massive when we arrived but went down really quick to be honest and was free!!! The Bascilla itself was gorgeous and huge, stunning paintings, sculptures inside. We paid €8pp (cash) to walk to the top of the dome, the view is incredible and a must BUT the walk up there is very, very hard work. You can pay €10pp to get the Elevator though!! Inside St Peters Bascilla you can also visit the Tomb of the Popes (free) which again I would recommend. Out of all my time here in Rome, the Bascilla was 100% my favourite bit. Definately do it!! :)