Holy Rome

Of course no trip to Rome is complete without a stop at the Vatican.  While the 4-6 hour line to get into St. Peter's itself was a bit too long for our taste, we did explore the impressive Vatican museum with its Egyptian collection,

sumptuously decorated walls and ceilings

and the chambers painted by Raphael himself.

The highlight, of course, is the Sistine Chapel (with its strict no photography rule).  That was well worth tolerating the hordes of others who also wanted a glimpse of this masterpiece.  At the end of the tour, visitors walk out of the museum via the double helix staircase.