I've heard lots of talk about an official online booking system for the Vatican - not unlike the Florence sites. Does anyone know if this is true? When might this be up and running?
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
Rumor is that the general public will be able to make reservations for the Vatican Museum by summer. I hope this is true!
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Scott,
The Vatican has a new director (Hooray!). The gentleman in charge, Antonio Paolucci, formerly ran the Ufizi in Firenze (Florence). We have had more changes THIS YEAR than in many years prior --- and all are good changes! He is in favor of implementing a system simlar to what he did at the Ufizi.
As of yet there is no Vatican supported system for pre-booking. Tour Groups pay 4 Euros a head to secure pre-bookings... not sure when, or if, the Vatican will circumvent that cash flow.
I take friends al the time and we do St. Peter's Basilica, go do lunch, and then hit the Vatican Museum about 2:30 - 3:30 PM. As of yet we have encountered no lines. Last year, we had few lines after 3 PM. They WILL kick you out at 6 PM... In fact, I've been asked to leave the Sistine Chapel at 5:30!
I think we will see the "Ufizi system" in the future but not this year... Ciao!
Posted by
OP
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
122 posts
Thanks for the info - much appreciated! I have booked a tour through Angel Tours.
Scott