Hi
We've toured the Vatican Museums several times and have enjoyed it. I was reading on of of the boards for commenting on the RS guides that someone was able to book a visit to just the Sistine at 9am. Does anyone here know about how that is done? She mentioned that it was quiet and there were only a few dozen people there at that hour.
Posted by
Portland, OR
282 posts
I have read several reviews where people have tickets for the first entry time of the day to the Vatican Museums and then essentially skip the rest of the museum and walk as fast as possible directly to the Sistene and they are virtually along for at least 30 minutes before the crowds start to show up. Sounds like a great plan!
Posted by
Fontainebleau, France
893 posts
There are tour companies that offer "before it opens" tours - for a price. Through Eternity offers one: http://www.througheternity.com/semiprivaterome/semiprivaterome001.htm My parents used that company for a tour of the Vatican Museum & St. Peters and raved about it. THey did not do the early entrance one above, though, as they thought it was too expensive.
Posted by
Toledo
653 posts
It probably was a great plan until it was posted here...
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
It's posted on all of the forums to buy first entry tickets and then rush right to the chapel. Unless taking one of those very expensive tours there really is no time anymore when you have a few minutes in the chapel with little to no others inside. It's a shame that some people are only interested in seeing it and miss out on the other incredible artwork the museums have to offer but it's a personal decision that everyone must make on their own. Donna
Posted by
OP
St Louis
411 posts
Thanks for the responses. We've done both the Through Eternity Vatican Tour and the Vatican's own tour on previous trips. The Through Eternity tour is, as you point out, pricey but TOTALLY worth it. I was not aware that you could purchase entry tickets directly from the Vatican website, so good to know. I've got my 9am ticket and now just need to figure out the shortest way to the chapel LOL. Wish I could make a day of it again, but this trip is more Tuscanycentric so our time in Rome is short.