I just got home from Rome, and went on the Vatican tour with Angel Tours. I had been there two times before, and did it on my own- I got so much more out of it this time. It begins at noon, and the lines weren't very long at all. You do have to stand in line for the security check, but it was no big deal. The tour lasted about three hours. Even my 20 year old son who has never been into art, enjoyed the Vatican museum tour- they told us lots of interesting facts- especially about the Sistine Chapel. Price was reasonable.

Have fun!

We got a private tour, arranged by our hotel, which cost 240 Euro for 4 people. It was well worth it. Our guide had an associate waiting in line for us, so all we had to do was jump in line with her and we got right in. We got in the Sistine before the "quiet" time, so our guide was able to tell us all about it without having to strain our ears.

sundays are closed for the museum.

Don't go to museum on Monday its the busiest day.

Go to Bascilica first and go to the museum at @ 12 or 1230

Christine,

I took the vatican museum tour only yesterday so my experience is fresh. let me also preface this post by saying that I usually avoid all tours

we had a reservation for the 1030 AM English speaking tour. we mainly did the tour since it allowed us to cut in the line.........and let me tell you, WHAT A LINE IT WAS

I think the line looked to me to be about a quarter mile or longer. it took us at least 5 minutes walking full speed to get to the front of the line.

in just a few seconds we were getting our tickes....20 euro each.

there were 20 people in our tour and our guide Maria was very nice.

I really enjoyed the tour since there was a lot of subtle information and many stories about the painting eg the man that used to hassle michaelangelo on a daily basis, ended up with his face painted in the wall of the sistine chapel, wearing as.s ears and with a snake wrapped around him. many stories like that.

the place is fantastic. I would have paid the 20 euro just to cut in line, and the tour was nice too. it lasted about an hour and a half. of course you are free afterwards to explore on your own.

st peters was really fantastic. words cannot describe it.

also the tombs of the popes, and seeing the pristine bodies of Pope John XXIII and Innocent XI was something special.

we did not walk up to the cuppola since we were prety tired, but we will do that next time

Snaggletooth,

How did you book your tour?

Snaggletooth,

How did you book your tour?

I have navigated the Vatican.va website, but cannot find where to actually book a tour online. Can anyone help?

Thanks!

Jette, I can't post the link, because the vatican website is barred at work! But if you go to www.vatican.it, then click on the link for Vatican Museums, then go to a link called something like Visitor Services and about halfway down the page it talks about Guided Tours. There is a fax number to request a booking. You can only book within 30 days of the date you want.

I have faxed them, but had no reply. So I have no idea if I actually have a confirmed booking or not!

Hello ChristineNYC:I'll give you my opinion on this matter.We just returned from a trip to Rome and other countries and we visited all the places on our own.We went to the Vatican and the Vatican museums and even got tickets for an audience with the Pope.All you need is a good travelers guide,you have to read it though, and presto,you'll be able to see and know everything,on your own time and at your own pace.Good luck and have a good trip.

Thanks Zelda Aus. I will try to fax them. I just thought maybe we could actually book it online!