I plan to visit Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica on a Monday in July. I have 1/2 day and plan to tour after 1:00 PM. What is the difference between booking a private tour ( www.romewalks.com) vs. the guided tours by Vatican (http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va) ? I would like to engage a guide both for information as well as skip the lines.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Both tours give great information and allow you to bypass the lines. I guess the big difference is that the Vatican sponsored tour will probably have at least 20 people on it while the other tour may have less and cost a lot more. Donna
Posted by
OP
Fremont, California
16 posts
Thanks for the response, Donna. I am planning to reserve the Guided Tour for Individuals for the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. Once the tour is complete at the Sistine Chapel, will we able to enter the St. Peter's Basilica directly or do we have to go out and stand in another line for St. Peter's Basilica?
Posted by
OP
Fremont, California
16 posts
So even if I use the Vatican tour, I will be able to use the "tour door" to get to the Basilica bypassing the security line outside? Sorry for asking the same question multiple times. We have a tight schedule and want to get it right. Thanks for your help. I have read your other posts in the forum and really appreciate your help.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
If you're on a tour you'll be able to use the "tour door". If not, then you would need to go around the building and wait in the security line for the basilica. Donna
Posted by
St Louis
411 posts
Sam you will be able to use the "tour" exit to go to St Peter's.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Yes, if you take the tour given by the Vatican you can use the "tour door" to get to the basilica. Donna
Posted by
OP
Fremont, California
16 posts
Thanks for the response. I have done the bookings and looking forward to the visit.
Posted by
Pleasant Hill, CA, USA
473 posts
We just returned from Rome. One piece of advice is do not bring a backpack to the Vatican. They will make you check it and you will have to go back to the museum to retrieve it. If you do bring a bag bring a tote bag or a big purse, they will not make you check these. We had to go back to retrieve our bag and it is a long haul. Especially in 90 deg heat. Have fun.