Getting in vatican faster with tour vs skip the line?

Unless you'd booked one of the tours which involve an early opening, I don't expect one will get you in quicker: everyone has to go through the same security check. As far as being "better", whether a guide would be more advantageous than going solo is entirely up to personal preference.

If you intend to see St Peter's as well, there is an advantage to taking one of the combos which include both museums and church as you DO skip a 2nd security line that way: tours enter the basilica directly through a reserved entrance at the back of the Sistine so you don't have to deal with another queue there. You can find those on the Vatican's website, and there are others offered by private companies.

We went a week ago with an early entry tour (Walks of Italy's "Pristine Sistine" for the 3rd time) and not only is entry early and quite quick, having a guide to explain the art, the history, and the building is worth the cost. A good guide can help you get the most out of a few hours in these very large, indeed overwhelming, museums.

Yep, that's what I meant by "early opening" and "private company". "Pristine Sistine" (Walks of Italy) sees consistently great reviews from RS readers who've taken it.

Wow, three times, Laurel? You've probably learned enough to be able to provide guide service! :O)

@ Kathy - My memory is like a sieve (or in Italian, Ho un memoria che fa acqua!)

Went once as a tourist with all the wonder and awe, and twice with special guests. All over the course of almost 6 years.

My memory is like a sieve

Glad I'm not alone. I swear details leak out my ears at night. HA.

So how is the Vatican and Rome overall currently with the Jubilee year going on? Is it more crowded than normal?

I did the guided tour and got alot out of it besides skipping the lines,very informative.
Mike