Do you think it would be more ideal to tour the Vatican Museums on Saturday, December 23, or Thursday, December 28? I understand they have shorter hours in the winter, so we are planning to arrive as soon as they open and spend the day. I have read that they are very crowded on Saturdays, and on days preceding or coming right after holiday closings. They will be closed on Sunday, December 24 through Tuesday, December 26; right? Wednesday, December 27, we are signed up for the Papal Audience, so that day is out, as we would not have much time left for viewing the Vatican Museums. Our only other options are Thursday, December 28, and Friday, December 29. Which day would have the fewest crowds, in your opinion? Would the Roman Pilgrims in town tend to fill up the Vatican Museums every day of the Christmas season? Or would they be more likely to visit the museums BEFORE or AFTER Christmas Day? Does anyone know?
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11845 posts
It is going to be busy. It is always busy, it seems. My recommendation is to book an early tour, one that lets you get in before the masses and have some enjoyment, especially of the Sistine Chapel, before the hordes arrive. Look at Walks of Italy and their Pristine Sistine tour.
Posted by
OP
365 posts
I don't want to take a special early, private tour of the Sistine Chapel, as they cost so much more, and I doubt we could get up early enough to make it to it. My question is in regard to the regular tours that you get from the Vatican itself. I'm guessing Thursday the 28th of December will be less crowded than Saturday, December 23?
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Grace, there isn't a day when they are less crowded, especially during a high season. You're going during a high season so the museums will be packed from open until close every day of the week (except Sunday because they're closed). With it being so busy you might not have a choice once the tickets are released as they will sell out quickly.
Donna
Posted by
OP
365 posts
Thanks for the info. I did see that there is a bargain for the Pristine Sistine. You can buy one ticket for $106 and get a guest ticket for $49. That would make each ticket about $78? I can't remember how much we paid for regular tickets issued by the Vatican? The Vatican doesn't release their tickets until two months before the tour dates, so I guess I'll need to be sure to try to get my tickets the day they start releasing them, as it sounds like there will be a ton of Pilgrims wanting to get them for Christmas, too. Can anyone recall the price of the regular Vatican Museum Tour tickets issued by the Vatican?
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Use the official website to check prices.
Donna