Rome is photogenic from every angle, but St. Peter's Dome ("Il Cupolone") is the undisputed star. If you want to capture photos that make your friends jealous (or go viral on Instagram), you need to know where  to stand. Here are the top 3 spots to capture the perfect shot of the Vatican, plus the gear you need to nail it. 1. Ponte Umberto I (The Classic Shot) This is the  spot. Go at sunset. From this bridge, you get the River Tiber in the foreground, the Ponte Sant'Angelo i

Let's be honest: The Vatican Museums are vast, crowded, and overwhelming. For an adult, it's a bucket-list experience. For a 7-year-old, it can be a 3-hour walk through long hallways. But don't worry. We have helped many families navigate St. Peter's without a meltdown. Here is how to keep your kids engaged (and yourself sane). 1. Gamify the Experience (The Secret Weapon) Don't just drag them along. Give them a mission. There is a fantastic book series called "Mission Rome" t

A day at the Vatican means miles of walking, strict security checks, and blazing sun. Here is exactly what you need in your bag to survive the day. Visiting the Vatican isn't just a walk in the park. It's an expedition. You will be on your feet for 4-6 hours, passing through airport-style security, and navigating crowded museums. If you bring too much, you'll be miserable. If you bring too little, you'll be uncomfortable. After helping hundreds of tourists, here is our "Perfe

Rome is not built for heels. It is built for soldiers. The average tourist in Rome walks between 15,000 and 25,000 steps a day. The historic center is paved with "Sanpietrini" – beautiful, uneven cobblestones that are brutal on your feet/ankles and impossible to navigate with thin soles. Don't ruin your trip with blisters on Day 2. Here is the essential survival gear. 1. The "Cobblestone-Proof" Shoes Forget style for a moment. You need cushioning. The impact of stone is hard

The Rule is Strict: Shoulders and Knees Covered. You might see tourists in shorts around Rome, but the Vatican is different. It is an active religious site and the Swiss Guards are famously strict. If your knees or shoulders are visible, you will be denied entry  to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. Imagine waiting in line for 2 hours under the Roman sun, only to be turned away at the door. It happens every day. The Solution: Dress Smart, Not Hot. Rome is hot in