I will be in Rome on a tour during a weekend in June. Since it's closed on Sunday, I will have to see the Vatican Museum on Saturday, but from previous travellers of my tour, I have learned that I might not make it down to the museum until around noon. I have heard of the awful lineups and was wondering if there's a quick way to get in? I heard of the tours offered and was wondering if there's actually a 2pm tour on Saturday - but I read that it closes at 13:45. I'm a little concerned that I may not get a chance to get in.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
507 posts
I wouldn't worry too much about the afternoon. The lines are long in the morning, but usually after noon or 1, things clear up--the line goes quickly.
Posted by
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
215 posts
Was in Rome last summer last weekend
in June with huge line in morning, 2+
hours, but few people around last
hour or two before closing.
Posted by
Olympia, WA
73 posts
I believe the line closes at 13:30 but you will still get some time to see the museum. The exit is 14:45.
Also you have not mentioned which weekend.
According to Vatican Museum web site
http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/z-Info/MV_Info_Orario.html
on Saturdays June 2nd, 9th and 30th, they will beopen until 15:30 and will be open until 13:30 on 16th and 23rd.
They will also be open on 24th which is a Sunday from 9:00 to 12:30 but since the museum is free that day expect huge crowds!
Posted by
OP
Edmonton
7 posts
I am planning to see the museum on Sat. June 16th. So, that will be a day when it closes at 13:45. Do you really think there will be enough time to get in if I make it to the lineup at about noon? I read another traveller's blog who was in the same situation, and she didn't make it to the front of the line in time. She said the lineup was really long. Of course, her trip was in May whereas mine is in June - I don't know if that will make a difference.
Again, does anyone know if there are 2pm guided tours offered on Saturdays when the museum is scheduled to close at 13:45? The Vatican sites seems to say yes, but I don't know if they actually mean Mon-Fri only.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC, Canada
13 posts
With the new hours, lines at the Vatican are apparently worse than ever. If you're willing to pay the extra 10E (above 13E admission) for the guided tour than just fax the Vatican your request with day & time.(fax number is on their website) If they have a tour and space is available they will fax back a confirmation. If not, cross your fingers and hope afternoons are still quieter.
Posted by
OP
Edmonton
7 posts
Does anyone know if there is really a 2pm guided tour on Saturdays? I will be there on June 16th.
Posted by
USA
104 posts
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
507 posts
I don't know about ordering tickets online--seems unnecessary. Lines are longest in the morning (you're probably referring to the line to get into the building that snakes around the wall?). The lines are not shut off at 8:45 a.m.--people line up all day. As I and others have stated above, you're most likely to find short lines in the afternoon. Once you get inside, there's rarely a wait to get tickets.