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Guided Tours for Vatican and Colosseum for a group of 9 people - yes or no

Hi all!

Planning a family trip (9 people ranging from age 19-60, majority in their twenties). Trying to see what makes sense as far as bookinga guided tour for Colosseum and Vatican City. If someone has experienced both guided and nonguided (audio guide) that input would be helpful. I am having a hard time deciding what makes sense because the guided tours can also add up and we are on a budget.
For reference, I understand it's the year of the Jubilee and will be nuts. This is the only year our family with differing schedules could make it work, no alternative. We are remaining positive regardless of crowds :) We are going to be in Rome the Week of May 4th, hoping early May will alleviate some of the crowds.

Posted by
2559 posts

hey hey karabear113
you still haven't told the forum when this trip is.
visititaly.eu
jubilee 2025 (holy year) in rome. it goes on all year expecting 35 million people, taking place at saint peter's basilica in the vatican and saint peter's squares. be prepared for the crowds "packed like a can of sardines" and grumpy. if summer time, it's HOT HOT HOT and humid. many activities/attractions have been sold out for months, or getting up early morning hours (italy time) to hopefully get lucky buying a ticket. if it says skip the line doesn't mean you also skip the security line.
it's supply & demand with costs adding up, especially you have 9 in your group. prices have gone up everywhere on everything, trying to make a living. people all looking for budget
don't know where you are headed off to next but expect many others traveling to same big cities, trains & restaurants crowded, pack light and everyone carries their own bags.
many guides and sites out there:
theromanguy.con/tours
airbnb.com/experiences/rome
getyourguide.com and viator.com (both are third party resellers)
gpsmycity.com/rome
self-guided walking tours
justsimplywander.com
first time guide: best walking tour of rome
have a group get involved searching people, places and things. have a great trip and enjoy
aloha

Posted by
6 posts

Thank you! I just updated my note that we will be there the first week of May, understanding its Jubilee year - but have to make it work.