OK so I messed up. I purchased tickets for a Vatican museum plus St. Peters basilica tour for my family in a couple weeks starting at 10:30 am from a site that I believed was the official site and now I know it isn't. And it was 50 Euro more than using the official site! I'm so annoyed with myself for not realizing it (and for not checking RS info-lesson learned). Anyway, it's done-and it's not refundable, well, not without a penalty anyway. So here's my question. I can cancel, lose about 56 euro cancellation fee, and repurchase from Vatican official site for 50 euro less than what I originally paid. So in theory, I should only lose about 6-7 Euro if I do this, and I can get the 8:30 am tour. Is it worth the hassle (and slight extra cost) to do this? Is it that much better to get in earlier? Obviously, if I could go back in time, I would save the 50 euro, but I have not mastered that particular feat just yet. Any info on the advantages of 8:30 vs 10:30 start time is appreciated. I am sure we can take advantage of the later time to sleep in and have a leisurely breakfast and maybe take a walk or something if it is not a big deal to start the tour at 10:30. We are staying near the Termini train station if that makes any difference, and this is our 2nd day in Rome (4th day of trip). Thanks!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Keep what you have and don't look back. An 8:30 start won't beat the crowds by much, and as you pointed out, you can sleep in and arrive fresh, and still skip the line. €50 seems like a lot, but a few pizza lunches will recoup that.
Posted by
OP
Nashville, TN, USA
444 posts
Thank you Zoe! I seem to keep finding things I wish I had planned/done better and it's driving me nuts! My goal for the next 2 weeks is to chill and stop worrying so I can enjoy my Italian vacation :)
Posted by
Meridian MS
248 posts
Don't stress- Zoe is right. I'm in the last part of my Italian adventure and realizing that the details I was most stressed were only in my imagination. Play the hand you've been dealt! Enjoy!
Posted by
OP
Nashville, TN, USA
444 posts
Thanks Susan! I am trying to not sweat the details! :)
Posted by
East Peoria, IL
806 posts
In the context of what you're spending on the trip, 50 euro is a proverbial gnat's eyelash, or something like that. Don't sweat it, and I'll try to follow my own advice next week.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16742 posts
LOL! Not sweating the little stuff is a good way of dealing with it. I'm sure the tour will be GREAT and you won't even remember that you (thought you) paid too much for it later.
Enjoy Rome! It's a terrific city!
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6592 posts
Second guessing yourself is counterproductive, and will take away from the enjoyment of your trip. Many people who post here advise "Once you've booked (plane, tour, whatever), Don't look back." You will have a wonderful time. Don't waste your precious travel time on "coulda shoulda woulda"s.
Have a wonderful time.
Posted by
OP
Nashville, TN, USA
444 posts
Thank you everyone! I've almost forgotten about that 50 euro! I'm sure by the time I start packing next week it will be gone! ;)