We are a family of 6 and plan to go to Italy in July, the busiest season. I am planning to reserve tickets ahead of time for the Vatican Museums. I have already reserved tickets for the Colosseum. When I got those tickets I got one ticket for a reduced cost because our son is under 18, however I could not use the print at home option, but instead printed out vauchers to show at the entrance to trade for tickets. Is this going to be a slower entry process and longer line because of this? If it is would I be better off just buying him a full price ticket for the Vatican Museums just so we can print at home and enter the Vatican more quickly?
Posted by
34 posts
I don't know the answer to your question-- but if you're able to spend the extra money, you could book the Vatican breakfast--you get breakfast along with early entry to the Musei Vaticani and the Sistine Chapel. It's $76 per person. I just booked ours for the end of June--the tickets become available two months ahead of time-- and I'm hoping they make the lines more manageable! (And yes, I received a voucher.)
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
At the colosseum you may be slowed down by 5 minutes but it's certainly nothing to be concerned about. You'll go through the security line, no one can skip that, then go to the special events counter to get your actual tickets. I've never had more than 3 people in front of me or waited more than 5 minutes to get my tickets or check in for a tour. It's very quick. Be sure to bring passports as proof of age.
Same thing for the Vatican museums. You'll be put at the front of the security line then you'll go to the desk to exchange your voucher for tickets. It won't take more than a few minutes.
Donna
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Thank you, your replies are very helpful! You mentioned making sure that we bring our son's passport as proof of age; Will that be sufficient and we do not need to get him an International Student Identity Card? We are also taking our daughters, a 26 yr. old and twins who are 23. They have all graduated from college and no longer students, but I see there is an International Youth Travel Card for people under age 30. Are they worth buying for $25.00 each? We are renting a car for the whole trip, only taking a few trains, so the travel passes are not quite worth it for us. I have already broken down all the costs. We will spend most of our time in Switzerland, so the Swiss half Pass will be the best for there.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Yes, a passport is sufficient to prove age.
Don't bother with the discount card because your other children don't qualify for discounts given by state run sites.
Donna