We are planning a European vacation this summer for 28 days with our 10 nd 13 year old children. We have 5 nights in Rome. Does anyone have a private or small group tour recomendation for the Vatican and Collosum?? Ive heard the tours are worth it to avoid the lines!
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
Through Eternity offers great private tours but keep in mind you can reserve tickets for these sights direct if your only goal is to avoid the lines.
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
I think a private guide is worth every penny spent. I recommend going to the Vatican in the afternoon -- unlike others who will recommend going early and lining up. I stay at the Hotel Alimandi Vaticano across the street, and the early morning lines are crazy! It's a secret, donn't tell anyone!
Posted by
Orlando
516 posts
Group tours will be fine. Through Eternity is very good and have small groups. I wouldn't spend the money for a private tour.
Posted by
Costa Mesa, CA, USA
503 posts
Just returned from 2 1/2 weeks in Italy with our sons 18 and 20. For the Vatican we did a tour with Walks of Italy. Yes, it was expensive but we all felt it was money very well spent - and we are not "tour people" in general. The tour met early - 7:30am. Tour benefits - a visit to the Sistine Chapel without the crowds and a having a guide to give context to what we were seeing. I would suggest doing a tour (whether this one or the one through the Vatican which is less expensive) - unless you are well versed in art the Vatican can be overwhelming. We also did the underground tour at the Colosseum which was very interesting - Rick Steve's audioguide is also good and the benefit of that is that it is free. As for the lines, here is a tip for the Colosseum. Skip the lines at the Colosseum and buy your ticket on Palatine hill - (which is just up a short road from the Colosseum). Since the ticket is good for the Colosseum, the Forum and Palatine hill, it doesn't matter where you buy it. The day we were there, the lines to purchase tickets for the Colosseum were long - but the line at the Palatine hill? There wasn't one!!!
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
You don't need to be on a tour in order to bypass the lines. You can buy entry tickets that allow you to do the same thing. These are timed tickets so you can pick the time that works the best for you. You can also book a tour directly through the Vatican museums websites. These tours are wonderful and very affordable.
http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?weblang=en&do
If the only reason you wish to take a tour is to avoid the lines then please, save yourself the money and just book entry tickets. The VAtican museums also offers a very good audio guide.
Donna
Posted by
OP
29 posts
Thank you for the replies. Absolutely I want to avoid lines where possible (especially since we are traveling with kids!), however I like the idea of getting more informaiton and details that youw ouldnt normally get if you toured a site on your own. I think I will book a small tour for the Vatican. Our pastor and bishop have written us a letter to the Vatican requesting priority (up front) seeting for the Papal mass while we are there.Might as well get the most out of the tour as well. Out of eveything we are seeing while we are in Europe, my 10 year old is most excited to see the Vatican and Pope Francis!!!
Posted by
1 posts
Last time I was in Rome, I was able to locate a wonderful guide. She was able to narrow in on the interests of our small group. The size and scope of the Vatican Museum is overwhelming to me. Particularly with kids I think it would be make the experience more meaningful for all.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11852 posts
Walks of Italy is awesome. I have used them twice and was thrilled! A private guide for the Ancient Rome will add value and meaning. For about 150 euros you will gave a great experience in a 3 hour tour. I recommend Three Millennia Tours highly. Tony is a genius about Rome and will tailor to your interests.