We were looking to do a Vatican tour and had reached out to a few companies. We were thinking of going with Roman Odyssey, but they want us to pay a deposit via paypal prior to the tour. I can understand their reasoning, but I'm a bit leery of paying a deposit for a tour prior to getting there.
Is this the norm?
Susan,
We booked our Vatican tour with Angel Tours prior to arriving in Rome. I don't believe they required advance payment, but I wanted to pay as much ahead of time as possible. The day we were to go to the Vatican, my husband became ill and decided to stay at the apartment. When our friends and I arrived at the Vatican for the tour I told them he was not going to attend. The Angel Tours guide refunded my money in cash on the spot. I was very impressed with Angel Tours and will use them when we return!
I went on a vatican tour with roman odyssey in february. we actually weren't meaning to go on a tour at all, but we ran into one of their tour guides and he just let us join the tour. (This happened on the free sunday and we ran into trouble getting in, so we came back the following day for the tour.) The guide was very nice and accomodating, so I feel like the rest of the company would be that way too. The tour was wonderful. I wouldn't feel leery about paying a deposit before leaving. I'm sure it will all work out.
To add to my previous post, it is probably a good idea to secure tickets in advance, because many tours have limited spots and they fill up quickly depending on when you're going. (I went in feb, so it wasn't a problem). you wouldn't want to show up and not be able to go on a tour.
This is the link to purchase Vatican tickets:
http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/
It was very easy and only a four euros a ticket surcharge, which is alot better than the sucharge you'll find with tour companies.
Make sure your credit card will accept an Italian charge - my two minute transaction stretched out a bit as I waited for approval from my bank. Easy easy!
We were in Rome last week and did a guided audio tour in St Peter's Basilica and audio tour only for the Vatican Museum (Sistine Chapel included). For this we went to one of the tourist information centers (look for the "i" signs in the city) who also sold us our Roma pass. I think we paid 23Euro. So yes, you can purchase a tour when you get to Rome.
I have booked couple of different tours with "Through Eternity Tours " no charges until the day of the tour.
