Vatican (St. Peter's and Vatican museum) - Tour or by self?

There is no way to beat the crowds. The museums will be crowded from open until close so just be prepared to deal with very large crowds. I would suggest going in the afternoon to avoid some of the cruise tour crowds. As for taking a tour or doing it on your own, that's really a personal choice. You might consider a tour because the museums are huge but doing it on your own with an audio guide will allow you to go at your own pace and bypass things that are of less interest to you. Donna

AB, We just returned from Rome and the Vatican. Our trip had the limitations of the Sistine Chapel and everything around, under, or near, being closed for the Cardinals. We did use Rick's walking guides for both the museum and St. Peter's. We found listening while in line for the security check gave us a refresher and background for our own touring. So I'd encourage you to use the podcasts and maps and do it yourself adjusting to what you want.
Sue

I recommend getting there early and honestly, the book store is where you buy your tickets, the museum guide is a fantastic book, buy it and take it with you as you walk thru. My recommendation is to be there 30min before opening, get in there when it's quiet and exit into the square when it is still not overly crowded.

Get there early and my opinion skip the tour. We hired a guide there at museum and it was expensive, we had to wait 30 min for her and I did not see any value over the printed guide.
hope this helps.

The line for the museums starts to build more than an hour before opening. Without tickets you must wait in the line. If you buy entry tickets online they will let you in at the appropriate time. If you book a tour they will let you in a few minutes early so you can check in and be at the meeting place on time. Donna

We too found the RS podcast tour to be sufficient. And what's better than free? We like having context for the sites we visit and RS provides just enough, and I am sure the printed guide would fill in any holes in his info.

We too found the RS podcast tour to be sufficient. And what's better than free? We like having context for the sites we visit and RS provides just enough, and I am sure the printed guide would fill in any holes in his info.

My husband and I took a Rick Steves recommended Walks Of Italy tour of the Vatican and it was great. I do not see how anyone gets a decent tour without this...our guide took us to the Sistine Chapel early and we were able to see it before the crowds got there....well worth it! We met our guide, with a group of 8 or so, early one morning, walked past the long line forming and went right in. We were through by noon. Take a Walks Of Italy tour!

I am also trying to decide between using the RS audio,the audio that you can rent, or taking a tour from the website, or a private tour. Is the "printed guide" something they hand you when you buy your ticket or turn in your voucher? I am looking for more feedback from others who have already toured. The RS audio covers the Sistine chapel but seems to miss the other rooms of the museum. Thanks in advance for your opinions.
John

AB, Regarding the Vatican Museum, I would recommend a tour. The Vatican Museum is huge and can be overwhelming! I generally like to do self tours, but I made an exception here, and I am glad I did. The tour I took was with Through Eternity Tours, and they did an exceptional job. To begin with they provided head sets to everyone. This made listening very easy. Their guide was very knowledgeable and explained the art chronologically, taking you through the history as of Rome at the same time. Their tour did a great job in bringing the art to life. Finally, since no taking is allowed in the Sistine Chapel, prior to entering our guide did a great job in prepping us for the Sistine Chapel in explaining what we will see, as well as going over the highlights. Their website is www.througheternity.com

. I do not see how anyone gets a decent tour without this Everyone travels differently. What you may find indispensable others may find not worth it. I prefer an audio guide and a good guide book over an actual tour guide. I like to go at my own pace and spend as much, or as little time at an exhibit as I wish. With a guide, you're on their schedule which is what I don't like. For the most part the information is all the same it's just the presentation that's different. Everyone must choose what they are comfortable with, be it tour guide or audio guide. Neither choice is right or wrong. Each has their advantages and their drawbacks. Donna