We will be in Rome from a Saturday through the following Tuesday. We are trying to decide which day we should visit St. Peters and the Vatican museum. I have read to not go on Saturday nor on Monday because those days are crowded since the museum is closed on Sundays. But I don't like the idea of leaving this part of our visit until Tuesday which will be our last day in Rome. We plan to arrive at the museum in mid-afternoon of whichever day we decide to go there. Which day would you choose?
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11852 posts
Given your choices, I'd say Monday if you go on your own. Are you interested in or open to taking a tour? There area some great "early entry" tours that get you in before the crows, especially nice for seeing the SIstine Chapel.
Posted by
Vancouver, WA, usa
37 posts
Pope coronations this Sunday, and it's going to be a zoo. Just left Rome, and they have the square nearly set up for the flood of faithful for the event. Probably worse than Easter.
Posted by
Washington, DC
893 posts
I would also opt for Monday afternoon. What time of year are you going? If it is in the busy time, I also recommend you spring for the extra money and do the early morning guided tours through the private companies. We went last June in the afternoon, and it was so crowded and hot that the thing I was looking most forward to (Sistine Chapel) turned into my least favorite experience (but it's Italy, so it was still awesome!).
Posted by
OP
Towson
125 posts
Thanks, all, for your responses.
@Laurel - We hadn't considered a tour. I just checked out the early morning "Walking Tour". It's pricey but maybe we will let that be one of our splurges for the trip.
@Maryam - We're going in May so I expect crowds will be out in force.
For those of you who have done the early tour, how did you get there that early in the morning? Bus\Metro? Taxi?
We would be making the trip from the Termini area.
Thanks!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11852 posts
We tuck our guests into a cab for the early Walks of Italy Pristine Sistine tour. Get there at 07:00-07:10 and enjoy a cappucino and cornetto before you depart.
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2456 posts
I also took the early morning tour, and being by myself, went by Metro from near Termini. the Republica station was actually nearer my hotel. They were just beginning to put out breakfast at my hotel, so I could grab a pastry on my way out the door. The tour company provides directions to gather at a cafe on a corner near the Vatican, which is open early for coffee etc, then the "check in person" walks the group a few blocks to meet your guide at the entry. Every part of this early trip was very quiet and safe, it was actually nice to be out and around before just about everyone else. In October, It was still dark. If you are going with Walks of Italy, as I did and do recommend, you should be aware as you sign up that they offer senior discounts, discounts for mentioning Rick Staves, and I believe, additional discounts for buying several tours (4 I think, not sure if that includes four tickets on the same tour, or just four different tours.) Often you can piggyback one discount on another. Some of that may have changed this year, but you should at least ask. They have a toll-free number in the US, and the staff there is very helpful and knowledgeable.
Posted by
OP
Towson
125 posts
So we signed up for the Walks of Italy Pristine Sistine tour and we were quite pleased with it. The taxi from the Termini area to the meeting point took about 8 minutes on a Monday morning at 6:30 (not kidding!). This left us ample time for a cappuccino and cornetto before the fun started. Thanks for the recommendations!