"Game Plan" for the Vatican

I was there a couple weeks ago and this was my experience.

We did the scavi tour at 11:00 am and it was awesome. When that ended, we walked right into St. Peter's Basilica since the exit is right by the front doors.

Once we were done there we went and had a bite to eat as our tickets for the museums wasn't until 2:30. After we ate we walked around to the museum entrance and walked right in...an hour earlier than our ticket time.

There was no line up outside and there was a small one to buy tickets inside. We used the pre-booked line to get our ticket and walked in. Not sure the extra fee for pre-booking was worth it but oh well.

No tickets required for St. Peter's.

With 10:30 tickets you can spend as much time as you wish in the museums. There is a cafe so if you get hungry you can get a bite to eat. After the sistine chapel just take the exit marked for tours and go into the basilica. You can spend as much time as you wish there, too. You might want to consider climbing the dome. See how long the line is and decide then. If you don't already have scavi tickets you probably won't get them as they are booked months in advance and they are very hard to get. I wouldn't worry about it. Just put it on your list for your next trip.

Donna

Quick Question..bought my vouchers online for the museums and chapel, I see a lot of people talk about sliding out the group door to St. Peter's, do we need tickets for St. Peter's or do we just walk in? Thanks in advance

And be sure everyone is dressed appropriately, or you'll be on the sidelines... :-(

Thanks Liz

Grazie !

Don't stand on the benches to get a better picture.....

They really, really don't like that. ;)

But you can kiss and rub St Peter's foot. Please don't steal his keys...

Before you leave go out and sit in St. Peter's square for at least 45 minutes. Watch all the people, fill your water bottle at the spigot at the fountain. Check out the markings on the ground. Locate the tiny stove pipe the white smoke comes out of when a new pope is elected. Look for the brightly costumed Vatican Guards, they seem to love having their picture taken. It is the most amazing place to relax after walking the endless rooms of the Vatican Museum. I had to force my husband to 'just sit' but it was a great way to end our visit.

If you know artists whose works you like in particular, do some research, using guidebooks and the Vatican website, to see where in the Vatican museums their pieces are located. Same with ancient Roman sculptures - make sure you know what rooms they're in, so you don't miss them. Enjoy!