I started to plan my 50th birthday present today!!!!

[Barefoot]

sounds like a good plan

you should have a look at these Italy Photography Workshops | Jeff Curto : Photographs - Workshops - Podcasts

I was going to recommend the same thing. Curto's workshops are probably worth the cost just because he's right at home there. I really dig his "History of Photography" podcast. They are just the thing for those long drives(or flights).

[Marko]

Sounds like an amazing gift to yourself at!
way to go!

[Barefoot]

Sounds like an amazing gift to yourself at!

You can't hide money.

[JAS_Photo]

You have got to go to the Vatican for sure while you are there!

[theantiquetiger]

You have got to go to the Vatican for sure while you are there!

I plan to do about 4 days in Rome (including the Vatican). We will do St Peter's Square and other stuff, but I am not sure about the Basilica because all I have seen, there is a 6-8 wait everyday to get in.

[beverly]

Now that sounds interesting. Have a great stay!! And enjoy.

[Marko]

I plan to do about 4 days in Rome (including the Vatican). We will do St Peter's Square and other stuff, but I am not sure about the Basilica because all I have seen, there is a 6-8 wait everyday to get in.

Dude....you MUST GO!
(I skipped the Sistine chapel but went to the Basilica)

Just buy your tickets beforehand...and get there early in the morning WITHOUT A CAMERA BAG. Just a camera. It took us about 45 min to get in when we got there at about 7 or 7:30 AM. And at that time, less tourists...

Just like the grand canyon, there is no over-hype....it's a PURE GEM to see and photograph.
By far the most impressive religious structure I've been in....and I've been lucky enough to have traveled to some amazing places with long religious histories.