Vatican & Ancient Rome - How long to see?

If i was alone, and the Vatican was empty, it would take at least two days, even weeks. However, the vatican can be incredibly crowded and for me that is pure buzz kill and exhausting. The last two times I have been there it was literally a conveyor belt of tour groups and all your could do is just move through with the crowd. When it is like this I can only handle about three hours. Palantine Hill, the Forum and the Coliseum can be done in about 6 hours, more if you want to take more in, less if you want. It is up to you and how fast you want to walk through these places. My suggestion is that you start at the Palantine Hill (the tickets lines are much shorter) then you can enter the Forum from the hill, and then you can enter the Coliseum with the same ticket and not have to stand in the really long line for the Coliseum.

A very good tour of the Vatican museums and Saint Peter's Basilica can take five hours (with a scheduled break for refreshments). Mine was scheduled as four hours, but the guide was very thorough. In one day, I did that tour (started at 7:30am) and made a 3pm appointment at the Galleria Borghese, but I think it was overload for the friend with me. As for value, I've been to the Vatican and Saint Peter's many times, this was my first tour. I thought the main value was getting to the Sistine Chapel before the bus loads arrived. There is no dawdling on these tours and you can't re-enter once you leave the museums.

Six hours sounds right for the Colloseum/Forums/Palatine.

So I would say take two separate days and add a visit to smaller sights in the nearby neighborhoods to each day.

I think two days is reasonable. I recommend planning ahead and doing some research to identify your top choices of things to see and them figure out how to work your way through the Vatican Museum to see those. If you are arriving in Rome from the US, you might consider doing the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill that afternoon since they are outdoor activities that require walkiing. If the sun is out, this is the best way to beat jet lag!

check out Walks Of Italy tours. I took their Vatican tour it started at 7:30 and lasted about 4 hour maybe a little more. Also did their afternoon tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine hill. We went to the upper level and bottom level of the colosseum. It was also about 4 hours. both were great and we had plenty of time to see other things both days.

There are two places in Roma that I always encourage our guests to experience via a tour: The Vatican Museums and Ancient Roma (Colosseo, Palatino and Foro Romano). The Vatican Museums highlights take 3 hours. Don't try to wander around and find them yourselves. As Joyce mentioned Walks of Italy has a wonderful tour that will take you to the Sistine Chapel before it gets crowded, and also through the other highlights and the Basilica. Small group of 12 people so fairly intimate. I've gone twice and everyone I send on it loves it.

For the Forum, et.al., I currently recommend Sonia Tavoletta ([email protected]). She is fabulous and frankly easier to book than Francesca Caruso (who is also amazing ). There is nothing like having your own guide. Plan 3 to 4 hours depending on your interest and endurance.

These two tours will be investments in your trip. You will better understand the sites and make the best use of your time. Skimp on dinner and splurge on the tours if you must.