We are headed to Rome in February (me, husband, 2 kids age 9 and 4). I am interested in doing a tour of the Vatican through Walks of Italy, it gets you in an hour before the museums open to the public. The only day it would work on our itinerary is Monday though, which is supposed to be a busy day there. Our other option is to tour on our own the afternoon of the day we arrive, which is a thursday. I would purchase tickets in advance online for that option. I would love some input on which time might be better? Is the private early tour worth it? Will we see enough that early before it starts to get crowded? Thank you!
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Vatican Museums are not very interesting for 9 and 4 year olds. Of course there's are myriads of things to see and you'll see only a fraction with 2 little ones in tow.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Tim, we are doing them for sure. The kids actually do great in museums, we've done several in London and Paris. Sure we maybe don't see quite as much as if it was just us, but it works. Just trying to decide which timing is better. Thank you!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
The early morning tours go directly to the Sistine Chapel, so you will not be too crowded there. You will have about 60-90 minutes before the crowds descend, less than an hour of that in the Sistine Chapel. The usual tour takes a full morning, perhaps longer depending on the guide and on whether it includes Saint Peter's Basilica. You can't renter the museums after the basilica, so don't check anything in the cost room. Our tour stopped for a 20-minute refreshment break about halfway through.
Do not eat the pizza at the downstairs cafeteria.