Does anyone know of a reputable tour group for the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel? We have been to the Vatican many times and want to "use" a tour company to get us advanced tickets, before the regular 10:00 a.m. crowds line up. Additionally, when we enter with the tour company, we do not want to stay with the tour, since we have already done so numerous times. Does anyone know if they allow ticket holders to leave their tour group and go on their own, since the Museum technically does not officially open until 10:00 a.m.? We are hesitant to pick a tour group off the web because anyone can have a web site. Does anyone have one they recommend? Thanks, Jan
Posted by
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
705 posts
I used Angel tours but their tour doesn't start unit 12.30. I don't think you will have a problem leaving the tour. I'd let them know in advance what you plan to do. If you pay for the tour and then choose to leave that would be your decision. If you only want them to get you the entrance tickets and are not prepared to pay the extra for the tour then you may have a problem. To find a reputable company use trip advisor - search Vatican tours and a whole lot of information comes up including reviews of tours people have taken. Also I'm sure you will get a heap of posts here.
Posted by
Alpharetta, Ga, usa
21 posts
Through Eternity Tours are good , a little more expenseive, but very good and they have a 10:30 tour
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
Just returned from Italy. Did the Roman Odyssey Tour company for the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peters. It was at 12 noon for 50 euros each including admission. Tour companies can no longer go to the front of the line. You still have to stand in line with your tour guide. The 12 noon tour gets in the line when it is considered to be the shortest (as compared to the morning lines). The only tour that completely avoids the lines is the one that is organized and arranged by the Vatican itself. You have to send a fax to them requesting a day and time--look it up on their website. Roman Odyssey was o.k.--a small group tour.
Posted by
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
705 posts
If tour companies don't go to the head of the line anymore than I would definately recommend Angle tours. When you go to join the queue the poor guide stands in the queue while you go off for gelati or coffee and he/she tells you what time to come back and rejoin them in the queue. Doing it that way I was only in the queue about 10 minutes. Their tours are 20 or 25 Euro and good but if you wanted to duck off I don't think that would be a problem.