I am looking a the official Vatican tour site...the tours mention about five "museums", but the list of museum sections runs to almost 30. If we take the tour can we also wander through the rest of the museums? And if we do, about how long can we expect it to take? We have a whole day for the Vatican (museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's) Also, I assume there is at least one gift shop, is this accessible without paying the entrance fee? We are staying close by, visiting at the beginning of the trip, and may want to shop on a later day. thank you.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
If you book the tour that doesn't include the basilica you can re-enter the museums and enjoy the rooms not included on the tour (you can also revisit the rooms included on the tour if you wish). How long it takes depends on your interest. The tour will last two hours. You can spend one additional hour or 5 additional hours. It's really your choice. Yes, there is a gift shop but I have actually never visited it at the start of the day so I don't know if you can visit without paying admission. It might be something to ask once you get there. donna
Posted by
OP
Lee, NH, United States
33 posts
Thanks Donna, that sounds good.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
There's lots of useful info on visiting the Vatican here: Ron in Rome on the Vatican
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
360 posts
One other thing to keep in mind is that if you're on a tour and do go into the Basilica, it's also the fastest way in (unless you show up when it first opens, maybe). We used the Rick Steves shortcut and "blended" in with a tour group between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's and I think the ordinary line would've been a couple of hours long by 11 a.m. I agree with the others that the amount of time that you spend depends on how much you like to just stand there or read or if you go off on your own outside the tour. My husband and I are pretty quick and did it all within about four hours (including climbing the St. Peter's dome).