How the tour goes
Young explorers turn into real trackers: hunting for evidence, studying sculptures through a magnifying glass, decoding hidden symbols and helping the mythical creature find its way home.
Every step brings them closer to the answer — and to understanding that the Vatican is not only a place of prayer but a living heart of human history.
What you will see
- St Peter's Square — a vast embrace in stone, realised by Bernini.
- The ancient Egyptian obelisk and the mysterious patterns in the pavement that hold the signs of old wisdom.
- The palace where the Pope lives, and the roof from which the white smoke rises to announce a new pontiff.
- The interior of the basilica — a symphony of light, marble and gold in which architecture turns into prayer.
- The Pietà — pure human grief carved in stone.
- The bronze baldachin and the Pope's throne — the summit of Bernini's baroque genius.
- And finally the posts of the Swiss Guard, in blue, yellow and red uniforms that look as though they stepped out of a history book.
What you will learn
- We will unravel the secrets of St Peter's Square and how the central shrine of the Catholic world came to be.
- We will look into the history of Christianity and the Catholic faith, and see how religion shaped European culture.
- We will get to know how the Vatican works as a state — what makes it unlike any other country, how it is governed and why this tiny enclave became the spiritual centre of the world.
- We will find out who the apostle Peter was and why he became the keeper of the keys of heaven.
- We will see the square through Gian Lorenzo Bernini's eyes and read the meaning of its perfect lines — arms of stone gathering in the faithful.
- We will uncover the secret of Europe's greatest dome and the ingenuity of its construction.
- We will follow the young Michelangelo from first idea to the finished Pietà, a masterpiece in which stone breathes both pain and tenderness.
- We will learn to see the golden ratio, and feel the harmony of the Renaissance and the strength of the human spirit in every detail.
- And of course we will hear the story of the oldest army in Europe — the Swiss Guard, its traditions, its oath and the uniform designed from Michelangelo's sketches.
Who it suits
Families with children aged 4 and up who want to discover a Vatican that is alive, warm and mysterious.
Anyone who loves adventure, secrets and stories that come alive in front of them.
A perfect fit for children, teenagers and adults who would rather learn about the world through play, beauty and inspiration.
How to prepare
Buy your entrance tickets in advance (they are not included in the tour price).
Dress for the Vatican dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered. In hot weather bring a light scarf to throw over your shoulders or tie round your waist to cover your knees.
Bring documents for everyone in the group, children included, to confirm ages for reduced tickets.
Do not forget water and a snack for the children.
Book a tour
Leave your phone number and we will call back and find a date.
