We would like recommendations on how to see the Vatican in the most sane way possible i. e. lesser crowds.
Is the Walks of Italy tour the best option? Another tour group? Independently?
If we see the Vatican and Sistine Chapel on our own is the afternoon as calm as first thing in the morning?
Thanks!
Posted by
San Diego, California
5649 posts
Thee are many changes for 2024. Hopefully these work out for you.
Safe travels!
Posted by
3 posts
Hi - reading all these posts - I went to book vatican museum tickets on the direct website - nothing available for dates when I am there - Do the third party tour groups purchase these tickets and if I want to go there do I need to book a tour with one of the tour guide companies? I was planning on having a tour anyway - do tour companies do the museum? I thought only the museum itself had official guides... I'm confused! suggestions?
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8913 posts
Authorized guides can lead tours in the museum. There are some restrictions. There are places that they are not allowed to speak and places where the group is required to keep moving.
My concern would be is if the tour company really has tickets in hand to the Vatican or not. I know from personal experience that Walks of Italy often sold Underground tours of the Colosseum without actually having the tickets, hoping it would somehow acquire them in time. When they did not, ticketholders were informed that the tour was cancelled with just one or two days notice.
Key to this whole issue is how badly do you want to see the Vatican? If it is really important to you, make sure that any tour company you go with actually has the ticket for what they are selling you in advance. Ask them directly, in writing, and get a written response.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16621 posts
ergoanya, what date/ticket did you try and book for? If the selection shows as "The visit is not currently bookable for the selected date" then it's not sold out; it's too early for purchase. The website is currently showing guided tours available for booking through March 21 so 60 days or so in advance. I believe your trip is in April?
Yes, tickets for high season (which is a better part of the year anymore) do sell quickly when they become available but not necessarily because of 3rd parties. It's one of the most-visited museums in the world; nearly 7 million visitors last year. They extended hours this year to be able to provide more tickets.