This a our first trip to Rome.
I'd like some advice on tours.
I would like to spend at least 3 hours in the Vatican museum
then go to St. Peters, I don't want to rush
Is there an early tour to get in the Sistine Chapel so it is less crowded
Same for Ancient Rome, I'd like to take a day maybe even a day and a half. It sounds like if you don't sign up for a tour you spend hours in line. I'd appreciate any advice.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1 posts
I have toured with Presto Tours on 2 separate occasions. Our tour guide the first time was Michael and he is the best tour guide i have ever had in any city! His knowledge and ability to entertain is amazing.
We also used another guide, Ryan, who was also terrific. They are both from the USA and speak perfect english. The tours we took were of the Vatican City *3 Hours and another of the Colosseum and ancient rome *3 Hours. Lots of great reviews all over the place on this company.
O yeah- The bonus with this company is no waiting in line on any of their tours :-).
Posted by
nj, nj, usa
23 posts
I booked the Vatican tours directly with the Vatican. I'm hoping it will be relatively painless and it does say on the confirmation that you don't stand in line.... we don't leave for another 2 weeks.
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
Visit the Vatican Museum later in the day when the entry queue is short - about 12:30/1:00. The museum is open until 6p. The mornings are the most crowded time so keep that in mind before you book a morning tour, even if it skip the general entry queue.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Sam makes a good point Carolyn... come later in the day for less crowds and a shorter line. Also, the "best" days to go are probably Tuesday and Thursday - but we're "in season" now so it's getting MORE crowded.
I was by there on Wednesday (NOT A GOOD DAY TO GO because of the outdoor mass and resulting crowds) and the line was about 45 minutes at 1 PM. Monday's, Wednesday's, and Saturday's seem to be the busiest days!
I usually take folks about 2 PM and we've rarely waited in line... but I have not been in about 3 weeks; I'm sure it's a tad more crowded!
There is a "traffic flow" directly to the Sistine Chapel. I'd say avoid that and head off in other directions - you'll see some incredible art! Raphael's Ascension is off to the RIGHT when you get to the top of the entry escalator, and a few Caravaggio's also - Most people go LEFT! Also, don't miss the Raphael Room's - INCREDIBLE!
Have a great time!
Ciao,
Ron
Posted by
Bel Air, MD, USA
261 posts
We did an 8:45 "skip the line" tour with Presto on 6/27. But when we got there, the lines into the Vatican museum were not that long. When we left the museum at lunch time, there wasn't any line at all. I liked wandering the museum without a guide. We used the RS Rome book that has a Vatican museum tour. It worked well for our family, with 2 teenagers. Also, the Sistine Chapel was not as jam packed as I thought it would be. We sat on benches around the edge for at least 30 mintes.