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Vatican and Sistine Chapel questions

We will be in Rome for 3 full days (May 10 - 13) and I would like to make plans for the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. When I go to the link of the article in this forum I get this information:

"Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Reservation Tips for Rick Steves Tour Members
Buying Direct: To bypass long ticket lines at the Vatican Museums, make reservations before your tour begins. You can purchase a ticket, which includes both the Museums and the Sistine Chapel, up to 60 days in advance. Book your reservation through the Official Vatican Museums Ticket Office. (St. Peter's Basilica is free to enter and does not require a reservation.)". When the click on the "Official Vatican Museums Ticket Office", I get a warning that it is an imposter.

Does anyone have current information and a legitimate link? I want to get our tickets as soon as they are available as they seem to sell out very quickly.

Any other tips to make this visit as smooth as possible? Thanks for any information!

Posted by
116 posts

Thank you for the information! When I did the "Search", these recents posts did not show up. I only got posts from 6 - 9 years ago and I wasn't sure if the information was current.

Posted by
7238 posts

You can filter your search by dates
Above is posts in last year

Search then
“Filter by Type” then click on “Travel Forum” so only forum posts show
Then choose 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, etc

Posted by
116 posts

Thank you very much ChristineH! I didn't think to do that.

Posted by
1191 posts

Just be prepared for LOTS of people. Lots! Booking the tickets early is a smart idea. Standing in line to buy tickets isn't.

We were just there a couple of months ago (the second time doing Vatican) and it was incredibly crowded even for off-season.

Posted by
8002 posts

I would highly recommend a private guide for the Vatican. RS lists a group of specialized guides for the Vatican. I was there in September & again in October & the crowds are enormous!