Beyond the Vatican - The City and Borgo Pio
Rome, Italy
From USD 102.65
Office phone number: +39 338 884 7405
Beyond the Vatican - The City and Borgo Pio
Rome, Italy
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Get ready to discover the smallest city in the world alongside an expert local guide, from the largest Christian church in the world to the stunning Basilica of San Pietro. But this isn’t just any tour of Vatican City – you'll also be exploring beyond the independent city-state to discover the districts beyond the Vatican Walls, soaking up the incredible history (and snacking on gelato) as you go.
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Highlights
- Uncover Vatican City, the smallest country in the world
- Visit Saint Peters Tomb
- See the districts flanking the Vatican Walls
- Discover one of the most important gems of the Christian World
- Visit local stores in the historic neighbourhood of Borgo Pio and enjoy a gelato
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Meeting point:
At the Vatican Obelisk in Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City
View on Google Maps.
- Starting time: 3.00 PM
- Ending point:
Castel Sant’Angelo
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, 1 gelato.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide
Meet your expert local guide at the Vatican Obelisk in St. Peter’s Square. The obelisk is 25.5 meters high and sits on four bronze lions. It was once the centrepiece of the Circus of Nero where saints where martyred. St. Peter’s square is the main entry point into the smallest country in the world. Vatican City is only 0.17 square miles in size!
Upon arrival you can take in the grandeur of art and architecture designed in 1656 by Bernini. It consists of 284 columns with 88 pillars and 140 statues of saints. The Basilica of San Pietro that we see today was built on the burial site of Saint Peter, who was crucified by Emperor Nero.
The Basilica was commissioned by 'The Renaissance Pope' or 'Warrior Pope' - Pope Julius II in 1503. Its construction began in 1509 and was designed by Bramante. Michelangelo took over the project in 1547 and made some changes to its original design.
The Basilica covers a surface of over 22 square metres and sits at a height of 220 metres. Its Dome offers one of the most iconic views of Rome's skyline and is the largest dome constructed using masonry.
Experience the magnificent interior of the largest Christian church in the world to admire a collection of masterpieces. Highlights include Bernini's high altar and 'La Pieta' by Michelangelo, the only masterpiece he ever signed.
We’ll then arrive in Borgo Pio, a medieval district adjacent to Vatican City and the actual name of the district where Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican stand. Borgo is the fourteenth historical district of Rome and is situated on the west bank of the Tiber river.
The golden age of Borgo Pio was during the Renaissance when major architectural changes took place in the area under Pope Leo X and Clement VII. Some of the most important artists in Rome lived here during this time including Raphael.
Enjoy a stroll down the main street to see local bakeries and eateries and meet local vendors. See the house where Raphael and Mastro Tita, a famous executioner lived. The most modern personality to have lived in the area is Pope Benedict XVI who lived in Borgo Pio for over twenty years before being elected.
After enjoying a gelato, we’ll continue toward the Tiber River to Castel San Angelo and the bridge of Saint Angelo. We’ll then pass though the charming Via dei Coronari where you will bid farewell to your guide.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, 1 gelato.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide
Dress standard: Please wear comfortable shoes for walking. It is also important that you have shoulders and knees covered to enter St Peters Basilica. If you do not abide to these rules you will not be permitted inside.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
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Dietary Notes
We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests. You can do so in the ‘Additional information’ box at checkout, or by emailing us at info@[CITY]urbanadventures.com
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Local contact
Office phone number: +39 338 884 7405
Email address: info@romeurbanadventures.com
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