I hoped to visit the Vatican April 1, 2023 and waited until 60 days prior to book as noted in forum, now they say SOLD OUT. Is it better to book an early breakfast tour or guided (anytime) tour anyway? Which guided tour do people recommend?
Posted by
alameda, ca, usa
2687 posts
Just yesterday I booked the guided early access with breakfast for 4/28–many people on the forum have highly recommended it to avoid the crowds and enjoy the Sistine Chapel, then after breakfast you can explore the other areas. I used the official website, www.museivaticani.va and the ticket is called the Prime Experience, 68 euros.
Posted by
Washington DC
27968 posts
The tour options on the Vatican website seem to be less expensive than those offered by commercial agencies. I haven't taken any of them.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8862 posts
Do the early tour. The crowds can be oppressive.
Posted by
Colorado, USA
15 posts
Following this. My family is planning to visit Rome in early June. So, is 60 days prior the earliest to book or latest that one should try to book? I see from the link https://tickets.museivaticani.va/home/fromtag/3/1686376800000/VG-Musei that I can book now.
I looked at the "Prime Experience- Vatican Museums" tickets, but there doesn't appear to have a choice of times. Are these all early breakfast times?
Posted by
Vancouver Wa
260 posts
Take a look at walksofItaly.com it was a few years ago but we booked the early entry with breakfast and it was great. Definitely would use them again.
Edit: Looking at the website they offer the early entry pristine Sistine tour without the breakfast and there is availability for April 1st!
Posted by
Washington DC
27968 posts
When you click through on one of the tour selections on the Vatican website, you should see the starting time(s). I think there's only one option for the early-entry tours. They're trying to give tour members a little time in the museum before the doors open to the general public. You need to be an early bird to take advantage of those tours.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16522 posts
I looked at the "Prime Experience- Vatican Museums" tickets, but there
doesn't appear to have a choice of times. Are these all early
breakfast times?
Yes, "Prime Experience" tours are all early breakfast times. This is the description of this tour from the Vatican's website:
"A proposal intended for visitors interested in enjoying the unique experience, entering into the Vatican Museums one hour before the official opening time. The guided tour is conducted by an authorized educational Guide. Having finished the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious American Breakfast - at a table- in the magnificent setting of the Vatican Museums. After the American Breakfast, it will be possible to visit (without the guide) the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel."
Posted by
Washington DC
27968 posts
If you opt for an unguided entry, I'd think renting the audio guide would be a good idea.
Posted by
39 posts
We visited in October and had the same sold out experience. I opted to purchase the “Day in Rome” tour which included tickets to Vatican, Sistine chapel, Pantheon, Colisseum, and more. It was a full day walking tour (9-4) and was great because it removed the stress of acquiring tickets. I believe it was with The Tour Guys. Best of luck!