Saint Peter's Basilica

Visiting hours: Basilica (7am - 7pm), Dome (8am to sunset)
The DOME: For young fit people it probably isn't a problem but if you are over 60 or have any breathing difficulties then beware. There is an elevator that takes you part way up but it still leaves you some 326 steps and some inclines to negotiate. It is a one-way system so if you run into problems you have no choice but to continue (heaven knows what happens if anyone has a heart attack). A number of the passage ways are very narrow with no passing places. However, on a clear day, the view is worth it.
Cost: 7 Euros (elevator), 6 Euros (stairs)

Vatican Museums

The astonishingly rich collections - a veritable citadel of museums - offer the opportunity to follow every itinerary of art and history. The museums are composed of several sections:
- the Gregorian Etruscan Museum
- the Pinacoteca
- the Missionary-Ethnological Museum
- the Raphael Stanze
- the Sistine Chapel.
Visiting Hours: 9am - 2pm (no Sundays, except last Sunday of the month)
How to Jump the Queue:
1) Buy tickets online @ 14,00 + 4,00 Euros
http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?action=booking
2) Join professional guided tour

Vatican City

MORNING is emphasized because the lines to enter start forming at least an hour before it opens. You will enter on the side that leads you directly into the Vatican Museum. There is a thorough security check. Be prepared for metal detection of both you and your bags.
Things to do:
1) Vatican Museum
2) St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)
3) Sistine Chapel
4) St. Peter's Square