Hello friends! We are a family of 4, including 2 teen girls, 15 and 18--and I'm thinking to see the Vatican Museums we should book a tour. It looks like the Vatican offers its own, but the choices are confusing. Here's what I'm looking at: http://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en/visita-i-musei/scegli-la-visita/musei-e-collezioni/musei-vaticani-e-cappella-sistina.html
Recommendations are welcome!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16742 posts
There are two guided tours which are probably the most popular: one (2 hours) which covers highlights of the museums, and another (3 hours) which is the same as the other but includes St Peter's basilica as well. They are here (links below) and both of them are with a larger group. In either case you'd want the tour for individuals and not groups as those are for booking 16 people or more who are traveling together and must do their tour together.
But should you happen to be in Rome on a Friday (between April-October), the late-opening tour of the museums is also very popular as they are less crowded. As your children aren't young, I'd probably choose this one if the dates work:
Posted by
6 posts
Hi Kimberly,
Did you manage to book a tour? In case not, then there many tours available in Romen which includes the Vatican churches, museums, St. Peter's Basilica and other sites in Rome. You can also book one day or two day tour. Guided tours are also available. You can book from these sites - Headout, Tickitaly, Viator.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16742 posts
Sarah, I don't see any need for Kimberly to book tours through a 3rd party. It's best whenever possible to use the attraction's own websites and ticketing sources or work directly through a reputable tour company.
Posted by
OP
San Jose, CA
95 posts
We ended up booking directly on the Vatican website and were able to make one of the Friday night tours. It was awesome. We walked right in and almost had the place to ourselves. Highly recommend!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16742 posts
Well done, Kimberly! Delighted that you could make the Friday night opening, and that you had a wonderful time!
Posted by
1 posts
Kimberly, what time of year did you go? This sounds like a great alternative to a pricier tour I've seen that goes in before general admission opens (Pristine Sistine).
Posted by
OP
San Jose, CA
95 posts
We were there mid-June. They do the Friday nights April-October. Have a great trip!