Vatican City

Yes, in order to avoid the lines outside you should pre-purchase tickets from the Vatican website. You must book a specific time. If you are late for that time the guards have the right to make you wait in line but that usually never happens. Your ticket is good for all day so if you miss your time slot you can still use the tickets. I would get one for a little later than you think just to be on the safe side. Donna

What if we happen to get there early? Would they let us in, or make us wait? Do you have any idea? Thanks so much for your help :)

I went their last week. In my experience hiring a guide is well worth it. They give you immense information. Cost extra 15 euro if you have already got the ticket.

It depends on how early. If it's a few minutes they usually just let you in. If it's an hour or so they'll make you wait. It also depends on the crowds at the time. If the crowds are starting to thin they may let you in a little earlier. Donna

http://mv.vatican.va/
go to the vatican web-site and book your entrance and tour with guide. Even if you get there on time you might have to wait. Get ready for a real BIG museum with lots of stairs and what I call "museum legs" experience. To see St. pete's and the museum might take you most of the day.

You entry tickets and tour tickets are for a specific time. They let you in at that time without making you wait. That's the point of buying timed tickets. They put you to the front of the line, then you go through security. If taking a tour just go to the tour desk to the left and check in for the tour. If taking a tour the guard will let you in about 15 minutes early so you can check in and be waiting for the guide. Donna

If you arrive in Rome at 10 it will only take you 15 minutes or so to get to the Vatican. If you have entry tickets or a tour booked you can go in at the time of the tickets. St. Marks is in Venice. You may want to reverse your itinerary a bit. After you finish with the basilica you can walk to the piazza navona in about 20 minutes. From there the Pantheon is a 5 minute walk. After the pantheon the spanish steps are about 10 minutes away and another 10 minutes gets you to the trevi fountain. From there its about 15 minutes to the forum and colosseum. After that you can just take the metro to the termini and then back to the docks. Donna

I must be crazy! I'm trying to do Rome in a day :-P My plans are: Get to Rome around 10am from cruise port. Get to Vatican hopefully by 11/11:30. See Sistene Chapel and St. Peter's. Take Metro to Colosseum and Forum. Walk to St. Mark's Basilica, then Pantheon, then Trevi Fountain, then Spanish Steps. Take Metro back to Train terminal. Leave at 6pm. We are best friends, 27 & 28 yrs old, and we've been training in the gym for endourance! We know it will be rushed, but we just chose the must-see's and we're determined to get-r-dun! :)

Thanks for the advice! Yes, St. Marks is in Venice :-P My head has been spinning these last few days with final preparations!