Rome sights, skip-the-line or not

Steve's comment re St. Peter's reminded me of something I forgot to mention in my previous post.

From the Sistine Chapel there is a "secret" exit to St. Peter's that drops you off right in front of the doors, bypassing the security line. Nominally it's only for tour groups but this doesn't seem to be enforced. If you don't care about the rest of the Vatican Museum after the Chapel, you could slip out this way.

Im my experience the line is always long at the Sistine Chapel - because it's a relatively small space - but you shouldn't have any problem in March at the other places. I'd say save your money, it'll be better spent on gelatos.

If your own interest is in skipping the lines (not taking a tour) then there are other options for the places you mention.

Pantheon: no lines.

Vatican Museum/Sistine Chapel: The days of lines stretching around the block are generally over. It can still be crowded, especially around holidays or on the free days. You can purchase tickets/reservations directly from the museum online now, which I believe is a 4 euro fee on top of the ticket fee. Probably less than Viator. You arrive at the time you reserved, use the right-hand line (for tour groups) and show the guards your confirmation. Then go all the way upstairs to the ticket area to receive your museum tickets.

Colosseum: You'll be in Rome for three days. You may want to consider the Roma Pass which gives free admission to 2 sites as well as includes a 3 day transit pass. Many people use it to visit the Colosseum/Forum (1 ticket) and the Borghese Gallery. It's not useable for the Vatican.

If you don't buy the Roma Pass, a second option is to buy a ticket at Palentine Hill or the Forum ticket booths. It's all one combo ticket, so you can buy your ticket there, then go to the Colosseum and skip the ticket line. With either a ticket or the Roma Pass, you stay to the LEFT and avoid the crowds lined up to buy their tickets.

There is another advantage to skip-the-line tours besides the fact that you get to view these incredible places before they become crowded with the general public. From our experience these tours are hosted by very knowledgeable people who can give you so much more personal information and insight into what it is you are looking at. Especially the Sistine Chapel that is amazing to view but even more awe inspiring when you hear about the why, how and wherefores. We had almost an hour of viewing to ourselves and once the public was admitted there was no talking allowed so you must view it silently, possibly trying to read from a guidebook in less that ideal lighting. For an unforgettable experience, I would spring for the tour.

I have to recommend to avoid Viator. I've had multiple problems with them in multiple countries/trips. To make some long stories short, they charge you right away, but don't necessarily book you for the service purchased. Then you are either out your money or spend several hours, even days, on the phone chasing them, wasting your precious vacation time. Beware!

In late March there will be lines for the Museums early in the morning, but probably not after 11 AM. These TIPS may help you in planning your visit. I do not believe you will need skip-the-line tickets if you plan for a "later in the day" visit. I live next door to the Vatican Museum entrance and see the lines (or lack of) each day.