What do you think? Should we spend the extra money and book group tours for the Vatican and/or Colosseum? If we book tours, I plan to use one of the recommended companies listed in the RS Rome guidebook. Our other option would be to download the RS audio tours and go it alone. Which one is a better choice for first timers?
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
The Vatican Museums are well-labeled, the audio tour should be fine, unless you want an early tour to avoid the first group of crowds at the Sistine Chapel. I did a combination of the Vatican Museums/Saint Peter's Basilica with Through Eternity Tours, started at 7:30am. Usually I just go by myself.
The Colosseum is fine with just the audio guide as well. Tour won't help with the crowds there.
Posted by
Tulsa, OK
355 posts
The Vatican is so huge and crowded, I booked a tour through the Vatican site the last time I was there. The price is very reasonable and it was quite good. Whether you do it alone or with a tour, I would suggest the earliest time you can manage. I made the mistake of an afternoon tour last time - which was a big mistake... The first time I visited the Vatican, it was also on a tour but was early in the morning and that was much better. I would never attempt the Vatican alone but that's just me.
If you just want to see the main part of the Colloseum, going alone works fine. I did the underground and third tier tour last time I was in Rome and really thought it was a great addition. You have to be on a tour to go underground but it was well worth the money.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23296 posts
I like tours for one reason and one reason only. One reason is that you are never lost but more importantly you can ask questions. Guess that is two reasons. The audio tours are nice because of all of the information and we often will do both. Personally think a live guide is well worth the money. For first times, I would go with the group. You can always come back and linger but now you know what you are actually looking at.