I don’t like to admit it, but I knew virtually nothing about the Vatican except it is where the pope lives and it’s the smallest country in the world. I didn’t even know if The Vatican and Vatican City were the same thing, but after our time there, boy did I learn some stuff – and we are going to share that with you today. Firstly, we tell you the best way to see the Vatican museums and St Peters and give you a couple of hints how to miss the crowds.  Then we take you through the most spectacular rooms, galleries and courtyards full of history and artwork.  But it’s not all painting and sculptures. Come with us as we walk through the 250m long tapestry room where the eyes in the tapestries follow you as you walk along. Next is the map room where there are centuries old maps painted on the walls underneath a gold ceiling.  The rotunda room has a gigantic ancient Egyptian purple marble bathtub, which is valued at 2 billion euros! If that isn’t enough marble, then listen as we tell you about the marble zoo – yep I said marble zoo – where the animals actually look like they have fur – because of the colours inside of the marble – they were beautiful. Of course, we take you inside the Sistine Chapel to hear about the famous Michelangelo paintings, plus we give you some funny stories of how all that came to be – you won’t believe it. Then if that isn’t enough stunning art and history, we walk through the massive St Peters square with the incredible colonnades and then we share the opulence of the inside of the basilica – just think domes, gold, stunning, mind blowing and you might get close to what it is like. Listen to the end to hear about which pope is embalmed in a glass coffin that you can see while in the basilica. I know you will want to see all the pictures that accompany this episode – so click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/65/vatican There is a lot to take in in this episode – but we know you will be blown away – so please enjoy Episode 65. Oh, by the way if you know anyone planning a trip to Italy then please share our Italian series with them at www.beachtravelwine.com/italy You find all our other podcasts at www.beachtravelwine.com If you are looking for a travel blog to inspire and help you plan your holiday then this is one of my go to's click here www.totraveltoo.com