Amazing experience if you have the chance. Be sure to book tickets in advance for a tour through the Vatican Museums. We arrived first thing in the morning on a summer day and it was fantastic. The walking tour was approximately 1.75 miles, with two breaks to refill water bottles and one for the bathroom. Slightly hilly with stairs that may be difficult for those with mobility limitations, although there seems to be a bus-based option too. A serene start to your day before the rush of the museums.....
The Vatican Gardens cover nearly half of Vatican City State. They are located on the slope of Vatican Hill, surrounded by defensive walls with bastions on three sides. On the eastern side, they border the apse of St. Peter's Basilica and the extensive wing of the Vatican Museums.
I visited the Gardens as part of a guided tour with breakfast that beats the line for early morning entry. It is definitely worth the extra cost to explore the gardens without the large crowds. The gardens and buildings are even more stunning in the early morning sunlight.
Just recently toured the Vatican City gardens by bus. You need a guide to book tickets for you in order to access the gardens where popes and saints have prayed. In addition to being beautiful, there is a unique sense of peace and calm that cannot be felt through books or photos. The history is presented in several languages including German, French, English, Italian, and I chose Spanish for the earphones provided. There are great opportunities for photos from the bus. The tour lasts 50 minutes and provides a nice break from all the walking and endless stairs in Rome. Travel comfortably and be prepared! Worth the visit.
If you're visiting Vatican City, make sure to book the garden tour; you won't regret it! The gardens are enormous, with statues enhancing every corner, and the landscaping is so beautiful that it will soothe your eyes before you enter the museums. You'll also get to see St. Peter's Basilica from behind.
