If you’re a very religious Catholic, you’ll be sure to include in your visit to Rome at least a day at the Vatican. For all others who happen to be touring Rome, a day at the Vatican can also be a very inspiring experience. Ask your hotel concierge for prices, instructions and suggestions on how to schedule your day.

You can take a taxi from your hotel, or by public bus or metro transportation from Rome’s Termini. If you take the metro, take line A and get off at the Cipro stop. Spend time there at the enormous Vatican Museum. The sprawling complex has 1400 rooms, and each has its own charm and interesting artifacts.

Return to the metro and go to the Ottaviano stop to arrive at the Vatican. The Holy City is a sovereign state in the middle of Rome, with living and working quarters for its 1,000 Catholic officials and working citizens.  St. Peter’s Square is the entranceway to the Vatican, and at various posts, are the colorful members of the Swiss Guard, a mostly ceremonial group dressed as they did more than 400 years ago.

Public audiences with the Pope are on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Attendance is by ticket holders only. For ticket information go to  www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/tickets.htm. Additionally, every Sunday at 12 noon, the Pope delivers a blessing from his window balcony, and visitors can gather with the crowds to see him from St. Peter's Square.

For art and history lovers who want to visit the famed Sistine Chapel, home of Michelangelo’s magnificent ceiling art, we suggest you book with an official guided tour group, such as Our Vatican Tours. Individuals who arrive at the Chapel may have to wait in line up to two hours, but tour groups usually get priority and quicker entry. For information, go to www.myvaticantour.com