I just went to the Vatican's official website to reserve an entry time to the museums on July 23, 24 or 25. Their calendar shows from July 16-31 (I know it is closed on Sundays) not one available reservation time. On previous visits to Rome I have reserved entry times not terribly far in advance and had no problem. I would skip the museums this time altogether but my sister has not been yet. I would like to avoid buying tickets through Viator Tours as it would probably cost approx.$20 more per tkt. Do you think these dates are just not available to reserve yet or are truly filled up?
Posted by
NYC
922 posts
Their "CONDITIONS OF PRE-SALES" page says: It is possible to purchase up to a maximum of 10 admission tickets for each transaction, from 60 days before the date of the tour until 15 minutes before entering, according to the availability. You're just at the 60-day mark and it's a weekend. I'd say try again Monday, or Sunday if you can't bear to wait. NOTE: The above wording is from the link at the bottom of the page for booking individual tickets - even though it uses the word 'tour' in the paragraph. http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/html/policyGenerale-en.html
Posted by
OP
Mpls, MN
1003 posts
Thank you Rose! I missed that.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
They have not released any tickets beyond the 15th yet. You can see the dates available are in green and the ones not released are in orange. Just wait a few days and keep checking. They will release them at their own convenience. Sometimes it's 60 days sometimes it's 60 days-ish......Just keep checking. No need to pay extra. Donna
Posted by
Dallas, Texas, USA
16 posts
Are these actual tickets they send you, or something you print on your computer? I am leaving for Rome tomorrow.
Posted by
OP
Mpls, MN
1003 posts
David I last did this in early October 2011 for a trip to Rome in mid-Oct. It is very easy to do and you should definitely do this prior to leaving home. I printed out a voucher after making reservations online and had to bring it with me to pick up the tickets. The lines at the Vatican Museum in Mid-October were extremely long and we just walzed up to the door, presented our voucher and got our tkts. People in line were asking where we got our tkts. Do this to save yourself lots of time in line!! I will do this very soon for a trip this July. Buon Viaggio!