Rome for 3 days - do you recommend any of the Vatican tours?

Posted by njmatsuya (Tokyo, Japan) on 04/26/14 07:43 AM

We'll be in Rome for 3 days (actually 3 days, 4 nights), and plan to follow Rick's "Rome in 2 or 3 days" suggestion from his Italy guidebook.

Wondering though - do you especially recommend any of the Vatican night or hidden museum tours in addition to Rick's suggested plan? (not even sure if they are available at the time we'll be there, but thought I'd ask before checking). The site I'm looking at is here: http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?action=booking

From what I can tell, these are NOT covered by the Roma Pass, correct?

Posted by Zoe

Toledo, Ohio, US

04/26/14 12:46 PM

11613 posts

Neither the Vatican museums nor most other functioning churches are covered by the Roma Pass, they are administered by the Holy See. The Italian state administers many museums and sites, others are administered by the Comune di Roma.

Posted by Tom

Farmingville, New York, USA

04/26/14 02:35 PM

381 posts

The scavi tour is a don't miss but not real easy to get a reservation. But give it a try.

Posted by Laura

Rick Steves' Europe

04/30/14 12:03 AM

16895 posts

We've heard the Scavi tour recommended a lot on this forum. Go for it!

Posted by Lee

Dallas

04/30/14 12:30 AM

1022 posts

It's all personal. At night we want a great meal followed by a walk around. Rome is a fine place to do that.

Posted by Paul

Eastern Iowa, USA

04/30/14 01:13 AM

8255 posts

It probably depends a bit on whether you are Catholic and/or what the Vatican means to you. Regardless of your religious leanings, if the cost for the convenience to skip the lines to see the Vatican Museum and the Sistine chapel is worth it, or to your schedule to do it at night appeals, then do it. Otherwise still go, just wait in line a little while. Of the other tours on the site, many are for groups or are costly private tours. If the Vatican is not big in your life, most are not likely worth it. What I do not see is individual booking for the Scavi tours (go here: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/institutions_connected/uffscavi/documents/rc_ic_uffscavi_doc_gen-information_20090216_en.html ) To me this was well worth it. Also there are separate bookings for the Vatican Gardens, but that site seems to focus on groups. I have heard mixed reviews, those that love gardens enjoyed, the more casual visitor less so.

Posted by donna

Pa and Italy

04/30/14 07:10 PM

4152 posts

With only 3 days I would not include any tours. You really don't have time for tours. Just visit the sites on your own and plan on taking tours on your next visit.

If you are there on a Friday night I would suggest visiting the vatican museums then. It will save you a lot of time as you'll be able to do other sites during the day.

Donna