Hello, reading about a lot of different tour guides for the Vatican, Sistine C and St Peters....are the guides from the Vatican itself worth it? Im sure the more individual tours are better, just much more expensive.
Thank you
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
I've always found the information given on the Vatican sponsored tours to be great. The guides have always been very personable and answered any questions posed to them. I don't find the cost prohibitive in any way and think it's a very good value for the money. Only you can decide if, for you, it's worth it or not.
Donna
Posted by
Englewood, CO
1 posts
We were stationed in Italy for four glorious years and took advantage of all the travel opportunities. I ALWAYS got Rick's books before we visit and those alone were good. There are lots of tour groups at the Vatican and I would not pay for one. There are many pamphlets at the start in many different languages. There is so much to see at the Vatican and it's crowded, but you can take your time without having to pay a tour guide by the hour. Also, visit the Sistine Chapel first thing in the morning. We went to the Vatican first and should have gone to the chapel early instead. The lines are crazy long! Have fun!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23781 posts
Personally, I think there is always a great benefit to a live tour guide. Think about - you are spending thousands of dollar to get there and you want to save the last $20 dollars by not having a guide. I would skip a meal first. Often we will return after the guide tour to slowly absorb everything.