Italy Trip 2024 Day 2 Part 1 ~ Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica, Feffo Caffe

Day 2 started really bright and early as we still wanted to try our luck at the Vatican and beat the crowd by being early.

So early that the Spanish Steps is still pretty empty lol.

Took the train down and walked towards St. Peter's Basilica. We were really early and the security queue was pretty short.

We were actually too early and arrived before the opening of the dome climb counter lol. So while waiting for the counter to open, I went in the Basilica to take a quick look and snapped some photos with less crowd.

There was indeed an event which resulted in the cancellation of our original tour.

Photos while queuing for our tickets to dome climb.

Got our tickets and enter the Basilica and onward to the entrance to dome climb!

Took a lift up to a lower level before starting the climb. 

Starting the climb.

The view after the climb. Honestly, it quite narrow, but gives a good 360 view since it is the tallest building in the area. 

Lol at the q to clear the security check when we made it to the top.

Enough photos and heading back down.

Back to the Basilica and listening to Rick Steeve guide lol.

Leaving the Basilica and heading for brunch!

Pretty good reviews as compared to many others in the vicinity that apparently are tourist traps lol. 

Lots of pistachio pastries!

Had some shortbread, pistachio cornetto and pistachio cannoli! Ordered a pistachio coffee as well lol. 

Having something savoury with the remaining pistachio snacks. Ham and cheese toast!

That's all for part 1 and head back to the Vatican area post-brunch for Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum!

~ Italy Trip 2024 ~

Italy Trip 2024 Day 1 Part 1 ~ Flight to Rome, Spanish Steps, Via dei Condotti, Lunch at Babette

Italy Trip 2024 Day 1 Part 2 ~ Piazza del Popolo, Terrazza del Pincio, Villa Borghese, Trevi Fountain, Il maestro del gelato, Pantheon, Piazza Navona