Will be in Rome early October and would like recommendations for in-depth private tour of Vatican.
We are doing the Scavi Tour on Wed 7th in the afternoon.
Suggestions for tour companies?
- w/especially more time in Sistine Chapel
- papal tombs
- which museums?
- gardens
What specifically to must see in 3-4 hours (of course Basilica itself, Sistine Chapel)
Thanks!
What specifically to must see in 3-4 hours (of course Basilica itself, Sistine Chapel)
That depends entirely on what you're interested in. My daughter could spend hours in the Egyptian section of the museums while my son could spend the same amount of time in the Raphael rooms. It's a personal preference. You should check out the Vatican website to see what the site and museums have to offer.
http://w2.vatican.va/content/vatican/en.html
http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/z-Info/MV_Info_Settori.html
There are several tour companies out there that do after hours tours of the museums and chapel. Most start early in the morning and give you between 15-30 minutes in the chapel before the regular visitors get there. Be aware that there is no talking allowed inside the chapel so you won't get commentary while inside if you take a regular hours tour.
Donna
As regards tour companies, my advice is to be aware that even top-notch companies don't always deliver what's promised and paid for. We took a 3-hour tour with Dark Rome in June called a "semi-private" tour of the Vatican museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. They promised: "Early-morning access, thanks to our Official Partnership, means you will enter the Museums before they open to the general public so you’ll stay ahead of the large crowds." Not so much. Evidently there are MANY other "official partners" who were also there early. By the time we got to the Sistine Chapel, we felt like cattle being herded. I couldn't even turn around. And the guards don't let you stand in one place for more than 3 seconds. We'd seen it before, but our friends had not and I felt sad that this was their experience. Also promised was that "With 12 people or less per group, your visit will be intimate and you will enjoy a more personal interaction with your guide." Also not true. There were at least 20 people in our group. Our tour guide was great, a true historian and a Rome local. For the price we paid (around $80 per person), we expected to receive what was advertised. Maybe it will be less crowded when you are there -- I hope so!
