What's the best way? We will come into Rome about 9am, and are thinking of touring the Vatican that afternoon. Too ambitious? Would it be better to take a tour, or just go there? Our plan is to take a tour, but I thought I'd ask opinions. Which tour group/guide? Any ideas there?
Posted by
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
265 posts
You might want to visit the Vatican's web site. You can buy tickets, get a tour or both. The museum is quite big and takes a while to see. There is talk about just doing the Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, I just don't know if they offer that alone now. http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
If you're coming from the U.S. and will be suffering jet lag I would suggest to put the vatican off for another day. The museums are huge and could take hours to go through. YOu can book a tour directly with the vatican. It lasts about 2 hours and covers the most popular rooms. It ends just before entering the Sistine Chapel. You must go through the museums to see the Chapel. The basilica is free to enter but make sure you are dressed properly. Men must wear pants and both men and women must have their shoulders covered. Women must also have their knees covered either by a skirt, pants or capris. If you don't meet this requirement you could and most likely will be turned away at the door. http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?weblang=en&do Donna
Posted by
Auburn, Washington, USA
515 posts
How long are you staying in Rome. If you have a few days, I would wait till the end to visit the Vatican. The Vatican is most likely the biggest site you will see and do, you could spend a lifetime in there and not see everything. Take a tour, we did that and we saw everything. Very imformative and in English.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
I'd agree with Donna and Brendon... it would be quite exhausting to "see the Vatican" if you try and do so after an overnight flight. I think halfway through the tour you'd be looking for an exit! I'd save the Vatican until you better rested - it will still wear you out - as there is SO MUCH to see. The Vatican, as suggested by Donna, does do a basic tour - and I've been on a few of theirs (Once we toured with a nun as a guide and she was a hoot!). You might read this post for some helpful hints on visiting the Vatican... but I'd wait until you're able to enjoy it, rather than endure it!