Me and the family will be heading to Rome in mid May for a week and I was wondering when is the best time to book tours. The plan was to book as soon as possible but can I wait until I get there to book a tour that would occur later in my stay. The possible tours would be 1)Pompeii, 2)Colloseum/Forum, and 3).Sistine/ St. Peters. It occurred to me if I book in advance, that takes away a lot of flexibility with the weather. I could certainly book a tour for the first part of the trip, but should I hold off and book the rest when I get there or are they likely to be booked up? Thanks
Posted by
Chicago
8223 posts
Certainly; two of those places I've been to and I did not book them in advance. Pompeii is big so no way it would sell out (I went last May) it has tour guides onsite. Sistine Chapel I booked the day before with a guide to skip the line, but you might book the early morning before the musuem opens tour as it will get unpleasantly crowded when the museum opens at 9 even with a guide.. The Colloseum/Forum I have not been inside yet but would book in advance.
Posted by
11660 posts
Book Roman historic sites well ahead. Are you looking to take a tour at each site?? Do you mean an escorted tour to Pompeii? Or going there on your own and hiring a guide at the entrance?
Posted by
New England
1662 posts
Hudg, when you say "tours," do you mean something like https://www.walksofitaly.com/ or https://theromanguy.com/ ?
Both tour companies are well recognized and get very good reviews. I think they are flexible too with bookings (and changes or cancellations.) Call to inquire.
The Vatican runs its own private tours too. On my first trip to Rome, I got a "Vatican Museum" tour through one of their official tours. It was not expensive. I bought the ticket the day before my tour. Only, it was sched for December 8 - The Feast of The Immaculate Mary. Wall to wall people....
If you book a Vatican tour, you will have entry right away to St. Peter's. But, if you choose to visit St. Peter's on your own, you go through security and enter (free of charge.) You can visit St. Peter's with a guide book or an audio guide.
There is also this if interested and compatible with your phone: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-tours/italy
The Colosseo has tickets for self tours or guided tours for a bit more Euro. Check out their website.
https://www.coopculture.it/en/
May in Rome will be busy, I am sure.
Added: One other suggestion: Check each site and its policies about bags, cameras, etc.
Vatican has a policy - no big bags, backpacks or luggage, or large umbrellas. These will need to be checked. If so, then you will need to retrieve them which will affect your going directly to St. Peter's after the Vatican tour.
St. Peter's allows photo taking - restrictions are clearly noted.
Colosseo has a bag policy.
If you go to the Borghese Museum - no bags are allowed. I think? they give you a clear, plastic bag to carry your wallet/phone. It's best to check.
If you go with walksofitaly or theromanguy tours, they will advise you ahead of time of the policies or restrictions. Things may change.
Posted by
OP
39 posts
Yes the two guided tour companies I was looking at were walks of Italy and The roman guy. Thanks everyone. Looks like I can wait a bit before I book which is actually a relief. Still ironing out the itinerary. I'm also not sure weather to book a guided tour or go on or own(with prebought tickets of course) --no way are we standing in those long lines. Any suggestions for the three places I mentioned?
Posted by
New England
1662 posts
Well...for me, hands down is St. Peter's. I can be a walking PR for them, lol.
On my first trip to Rome, I visited the Vatican, but, it was a "drive-by" experience, sadly. Almost any time at the Vatican can be overwhelming, but, as I mentioned, I did not think about the day or celebration when I booked the ticket - newbie lesson, lol.
But, the Sistine Chapel is worth the visit!! Gorgeous. More crowd control. I spent 20 minutes or so in there with my guide and group. She left us at the entrance to St. Peter's. I fell in love with the Basilica right then and there.
Adding: Hudgens, maybe you can watch YT vids of TheRomanGuy. Sean is one of the lead guides, very down to earth, a great sense of humor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKVOoixNkrs
Oh, and Sean lives in one of the Vatican neighborhoods.
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
We were extremely pleased with Walks of Italy for Colosseum/Forum tours. We were fortunate to tour with a group of 8. Our guide was knowledgeable, and shared insightful stories throughout the tours. We met two other couples and we all went for lunch & Gelato afterwards. Memorable day!
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
If you're stay includes a Friday, look at the Vatican after hours tour. This is probably the least crowded time. If not the morning tour with breakfast might work.