I have searched the archives, and I know this topic has been discussed a lot in the past. However, many of the posts are outdated, so I want to make sure I am getting current information. I am planning to make reservations for an entry time at the Vatican (We are planning to visit on June 28th, and the website says to wait until 2 months out.), but I am wondering if we should book a tour guide (either through the Vatican or otherwise). I know that Rick has a Vatican Museum audio tour that can be downloaded, and I wondered if that would be just as good of a resource????
Posted by
Austin, TX, USA
492 posts
They change the route through the Vatican museums quite often so the only audio guide that is really usable for the museums is the one your rent from them, enter the number of where you are and it gives you info. We've used a guide and rented the audio guides on different trips to the museums and have to say that if you have a good guide, they can be a great asset, if they are only so-s, they aren't worth the money. We found Rick's audio guide for the Basilica to be pretty good, you can listen to it before you leave and decide if it will work for you.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15791 posts
I happened upon a used "Guide to the Vatican" for $4 in a used book store. It was printed in 2005 - but they don't move the collections around much. They were on sale at the Vatican for about 10 or 15 euros. I found the guide was enough for the museums, and then I used Rick's audio guide for the Sistine Chapel.
Unless you are huge art and/or history buffs, I would think the guide (printed by the Vatican) would be enough.