Recently came across and article on the web about Walks of Italy, Jason Spiehler, and the "Pristine Sistine" tour. The entrance is at 0800 and the claim is "See the Vatican as the Popes intended. This is the VIP visit to the Sistine Chapel! Before the museums open to the public...." There is maximum of 12 people on the tour. Sounds like a great opportunity to get a head start. Has anyone here taken this tour? I think it is quite new. Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Cesena, Italy
791 posts
Thanks....I've had that Kiss tune in my head all day since I saw this header.
Posted by
OP
Forest Grove, OR
11335 posts
Context is much more expensive, and at night. I would still love to hear about Walks in Italy if anyone has experience. Rick recommends Jason in his book, too. I think this is a really new offering, though.
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
Haven't used Jason, but I've taken Context tours a number of context tours in several cities. They are amazing with so worth the few euros extra. Almost all of their groups are limited to 6 people, and they'll go with fewer, so the guides can adapt tour to group interests. I've done their Vatican Museums/St Peters tour and found it to be remarkable, even though I had been their a number of times on my own. Interesting, and guaranteed you'll learn new things.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
Context tours are pricey, but their guides are top rate experts and scholars.
Posted by
Texan in CA
4407 posts
Thanks, Ron :-(
Christine...Sixteen
I haven't taken any tour there, but I've read that this particular tour is new, and I've read great reviews about Jason Spiehler...
I highly reccomend reading "Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling".
Please note that just recently anyone in Vatican City, not just entering St Peters, must wear appropriate attire. I say that in response to the Walks of Italy note that you can put on your conservative clothing at the end of the tour prior to entering St Peters. (see recent 'To The Boot' post "New Rules: 'Appropriate Clothing Required for ENTIRE Vatican City")
Posted by
San Diego, CA, USA
38 posts
Yes, this is a new tour offered by Walks of Italy, Jason Spiehler's company. He's been in Rick Steves' for the last 2 editions. You can find it on his site at Walks of Italy - Customizable Walking Tours for Your Vacation in Italy. This is where you can find the Pristine Sistine - the Chapel at its Best.
I have not taken the tour yet, but I know Jason and can confirm that the tour meets at 7:45am and heads straight to the chapel at 8am, then goes through the museum backwards so that you've avoided all crowds in the Sistine Chapel (hence the clever name). Also, the tour is offered every day, and (he assures) will always run with any booking. I took at look at Context's page and they do not seem to be running it, as it appears you cannot book their late night version. I've also taken an "After Hours" Vatican tour before, and it was quite expensive and most of the museum cannot be toured during it since you're at the mercy of the custodians who choose where you go and when.
Hope that helps anyway, let me know how that goes!