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Vatican/St. Peters tour "time and cost" info


larie

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I have been thinking about doing a tour at the Vatican/St. Peters. I understand a guide can't speak in the Sistine chapel. I asked for a quote from Romeinlimo. They quoted me a 3 hour tour for 200 euro's. Does this seem reasonalbe? I thought the Vatican/Sistine chapel takes 2 1/2 hours itself. The price seems a bit steep. Can anyone tell tell me what is about right for time and price for this tour of both places? I don't want to be rushed in the Sistine Chapel.

 

Also, is a costly tour worth it? I have been reading Rick Steve's book and was going to do it on my own, then I started getting a bit overwelmed with it.

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We opted to do the Vatican/Sistine on our own after my cousin (a Jesuit priest) who lived/worked there gave us some suggestions on what to do. His first suggestion was to go early. We took a taxi there and arrived about 6:30 a.m. and waited in line (which was already forming). We were there in August last year and everything was packed so it will depend on your time of year, I'm sure. We got in shortly after it opened at 8:00 ish. He told us to make a beeline for the Sistine Chapel to try and experience it before the crowds arrived. We went directly there but the crowd had already formed. As for being quiet there, you know how people are...it certainly wasn't quiet which is sad because it is beautiful. We, then, worked our way back through to see the rest of the things we wanted to see. Our plans were to go to St. Peter's after that, but upon exiting the Vatican, the line for St. Peter's was unbelievable and it was quite hot so we passed. If I had to do it all over again, I would do the same as I did with the Vatican and get up early, go to St. Peter's and go in first thing. Friends of ours went ot St. Peter's late in the day and had no problems.

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3 hours is a reasonable length of time for all three sites, and €200 would seem appropriate for that length of tour, and also affordable if it's a small group ... i.e. if 6 or 8 or you are doing a group tour with Romeinlimo and then share the cost of the Vatican tour.

 

We've done the group tour directly with the Vatican @ €30 pp, but group sizes are ~25. Have also done a group tour with Angel Tours Rome @ €50 pp - their max. group size is 15. We preferred the latter tour, although both tours were quite similar, and both times felt that the tour was definitely worthwhile vs. on our own (even with our RS book.)

 

Just a comment re the post above, re waiting in line at St. Peter's ... from the Sistine Chapel, you can go directly to St. Peter's and bypass the lengthly line of people waiting outside.

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I have been thinking about doing a tour at the Vatican/St. Peters. I understand a guide can't speak in the Sistine chapel. I asked for a quote from Romeinlimo. They quoted me a 3 hour tour for 200 euro's. Does this seem reasonalbe? I thought the Vatican/Sistine chapel takes 2 1/2 hours itself. The price seems a bit steep. Can anyone tell tell me what is about right for time and price for this tour of both places? I don't want to be rushed in the Sistine Chapel.

 

Also, is a costly tour worth it? I have been reading Rick Steve's book and was going to do it on my own, then I started getting a bit overwelmed with it.

 

Did this on our own in November. Took the local commuter train from the port to S. Pietro station. When we got to the square, we were approached by some people offering tours of the museum. We had a couple of them compete for our business and we ended up paying about EUR35 each (including the price for admission) for a 2.5 hour tour, which was VERY good. The 2.5 hrs also included enough time in the very crowded Sistine Chapel (the guide gave us an overview before entering the Chapel). After the tour, we spent an extra 30-45 mins at St. Peter's Basilica (guide also gave us an overview of this before we entered the site). Also, some of the others in our group was given the choice to stay a bit longer in the museum if they wanted (they were a group of Art and history grad students). Our tour guide REALLY knew her stuff - seems like an art and history graduate student. Be careful not to get conned by some people offering tours, though - *do not* part with your money in the square. You need to go to their office and part with your money there.

 

Otherwise, you can just book a tour directly with the Vatican museum. You can do this via their website.

 

http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/z-Info/MV_Info_Servizi_Visite.html

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Just to add - we are doing a post-cruise Rome stay. So we won't be under a time crunch the day we do this tour. There may only be 4 of us unless I can get anyone to join us. I am still waiting on Romeinlimo to tell me how many people the 3 hour tour for 200 euros will cover.

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Just as a comparison.....we did a private tour (just husband, me and guide) with Angel Tours our first trip there.

 

We paid 500 euros and did the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peters in the morning...... took a quick bite for lunch at a pizza place, taxied to the Coliseum and did it, the Forum and Palatine Hill in the afternoon. So basically had the private guide for the whole day. Was really an awesome day. Pricey yes....but we had her all to ourselves, could control our time and best of all - ask a million and two questions which she answered all :) I can highly recommend them for a great day.

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I will be the contrarian on this one. We spent an entire day touring the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica on our Rome trip in October 2006, solely using Rick Steves' Rome guidebook, and it was great to be able to go at our own pace the entire day with no time restraints. Certainly, if you are with a small tour, that beats trying to get close to the works being described by your guide, but I chose to spend our money elsewhere.

 

If you do not have time constraints, being able to tour at your own pace simply makes for an unbeatable experience.

 

We returned to Rome for five days post-cruise in June, and again exclusively used the Rick Steves' guidebook (although I purchased this year's edition). We did not return to the Vatican, but his guidance/tips for our visits to other sights in Rome also were very good.

 

Enjoy your trip!

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DIY is indeed possible and sometimes a better option. But much depends on what sort of traveler you are, and only you can answer that question.

 

Like CintiPam, I enjoy doing extensive research and reading ahead of time, have a strong interest in history and art, and am the sort of person who learns more by planning and experiencing something on my own than by listening to someone else tell me about it.

 

However, I realize not everyone is like that. Sometimes it makes sense on a first visit to have a tour, particularly when time is tight. Then on a subsequent visit you can go back and do the things that interest you most on your own.

 

I guess what I'm trying to say is this: If your instincts are telling you that you can do it on your own, don't be afraid to try. The Rick Steves books are spot on. You may feel overwhelmed by the details, but you will be glad he includes them once you get there. (By the way, he has a free downloadable podcast for the Sistine chapel and for St Peters -- but not for the Vatican Museum)

 

If you opt for a tour, I don't know that I'd go for the expensive private guide, but rather I'd book the Vatican's own guided tour which is quite reasonable, but at the cost of a larger group. Another option is the Vatican's audioguide, which will allow you to move at your own pace but still get information about what you are seeing.

 

You will never have the Sistine chapel to yourself, it's just too big of a draw. The most empty I've ever seen it was last December......I could actually see a little bit of floor rather than just shoulder-to-shoulder people!

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If you opt for a tour, I don't know that I'd go for the expensive private guide, but rather I'd book the Vatican's own guided tour which is quite reasonable, but at the cost of a larger group. Another option is the Vatican's audioguide, which will allow you to move at your own pace but still get information about what you are seeing.

Also, if you choose one of the Vatican tours, you avoid the line. You can pre-book them on line at the Vatican web site.

 

You will never have the Sistine chapel to yourself, it's just too big of a draw.

This is not entirely true. I have been in the Sistine Chapel when there were just 15 of us, including a Vatican archivist who was our tour guide. It was extremely expensive (I can't remember now, but something like 250 Euro per person) but after hours tours (they begin when the museum closes at night) have been available for several years now. They don't work for the typical cruise ship visitor, but for those spending time in Rome before or after a cruise, it's something to think about. After about five visits to the Vatican Museums during the day, that half hour nearly alone in the Sistine Chapel was a revelation that, for me, was well worth the cost.

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This is not entirely true. I have been in the Sistine Chapel when there were just 15 of us, including a Vatican archivist who was our tour guide. It was extremely expensive (I can't remember now, but something like 250 Euro per person) but after hours tours (they begin when the museum closes at night) have been available for several years now. They don't work for the typical cruise ship visitor, but for those spending time in Rome before or after a cruise, it's something to think about. After about five visits to the Vatican Museums during the day, that half hour nearly alone in the Sistine Chapel was a revelation that, for me, was well worth the cost.

 

Sorry, should've said that during NORMAL hours you will never have the Sistine chapel to yourself. :D I know about the after-hours tours but could not see most people ponying up that amount per person (including myself).

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Dear Cynthia,

Thanks for your advice. You have been 'spot on' with all your prior advice. We have chatted before regarding other cities. I may return to Rome this fall and I intend to focus on the Vatican this time with a stop at the Borghese Museum afterwards if time permits. I will go straight to the Vatican from the ship, via the train. I understand the three sites in the Vatican are the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum. Which one should we go to first, then second and then last and can you tell me about the side exit/entrance that quickly gets you from one of the sites to the next? I will probably buy Rick Steves book for the trip. You will be able to spot me in a heartbeat, I will be the 55 year old woman on Oct. 16 with Rick Steves in my hand and a multitude of little yellow post-its sticking out of the top of the book!

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Dear Cynthia,

Thanks for your advice. You have been 'spot on' with all your prior advice. We have chatted before regarding other cities. I may return to Rome this fall and I intend to focus on the Vatican this time with a stop at the Borghese Museum afterwards if time permits. I will go straight to the Vatican from the ship, via the train. I understand the three sites in the Vatican are the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum. Which one should we go to first, then second and then last and can you tell me about the side exit/entrance that quickly gets you from one of the sites to the next? I will probably buy Rick Steves book for the trip. You will be able to spot me in a heartbeat, I will be the 55 year old woman on Oct. 16 with Rick Steves in my hand and a multitude of little yellow post-its sticking out of the top of the book!

 

 

Well, I could quote you chapter and verse from Rick Steves!

 

If the Vatican is your first destination, take the train from Civitavecchia to Roma - San Pietro station. From there, you'll see the dome of St. Peters and you'll know what direction to head in. It's a bit of a hike from the station to the entrance of the Vatican museum, which I recommend you do first. (You'll walk around the colonnade of St. Peters to get there.)

 

Vatican Museum (including Sistine Chapel) -- if you can pinpoint a time you will likely arrive, I highly recommend pre-reserving your ticket for the museum to avoid wasting any time standing in line. You can do this through the official Vatican website: http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/MV_Home.html

 

Take your Rick Steves with you and follow his Vatican museum tour. Just be aware that the powers-that-be at the Vatican often change up the traffic flow through the museum, so don't get disoriented if you have to follow a different path.

 

Eventually, you'll end up at the Sistine Chapel. (I suggest you leave this for last, so see everything you want to see in the museum before entering the chapel.) Enjoy the wonderful frescoes there. Once you are done, you will walk down the length of the chapel from where you entered. When you reach the other end, you'll see two doors (one to the left and one to the right). Take the door to the right, even if there is a sign that says "Tour groups only."

 

You'll walk along a passage with a couple of turns, and eventually you will end up in the vestibule of St. Peters, without the long wait to get inside.

 

St Peters -- Rick Steves will come to your rescue again with a guided tour of the basilica. Once you are done, you've covered the major highlights. You can exit through the front, enjoy the colonnade and the obelisk for a few minutes, then head out through the front of the colonnade and pick up a taxi to take you to the Borghese gallery.

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I will also be going to Rome post-cruise in September and researched a tour of the Vatican. I wanted to do the same tour, but I didn't want a private tour. I searched Tripadvisor and ended up booking with Presto Tours. They do a 3-hour tour for 54 Euros; the groups are not more than 15 people; and there is no waiting in line. They do 2 tours of the Vatican a day at 8:45 and 1:30. We choose the 8:45 one because we heard it was more crowded in the afternoon.

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Sorry, should've said that during NORMAL hours you will never have the Sistine chapel to yourself. :D I know about the after-hours tours but could not see most people ponying up that amount per person (including myself).
I felt the same way when I first heard about it, but decided to do it finally as a 50th birthday present to myself. It was worth it and I'm glad I did it, and I'm generally kind of a cheapskate. I can't understand the amount of money people are willing to hand the cruise lines for relatively simple shore excursions - most of which cost more than the Vatican after hours tours. At any rate, for me it was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing and, compared to the cost of the entire trip, I was able to convince myself to pry open my wallet and go for it.
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Dear Cynthia,

Thanks for your advice. You have been 'spot on' with all your prior advice. We have chatted before regarding other cities. I may return to Rome this fall and I intend to focus on the Vatican this time with a stop at the Borghese Museum afterwards if time permits.

 

singlemom, do not forget that you have to book the Borghese Museum ahead of time because I believe that only about 360 people are allowed in every two hours at 9, 11, 1, 3 and 5 for two hour visits. BTW, Rick Steves' advice about going to the second floor first and then starting at the first floor was super; maybe 20 people went upstairs first and then when we started at the beginning, it almost was like having the place to ourselves.

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Cynthia, do you think that in mid-October, singlemom just can walk into the Borghese without a reservation? I do not want to misspeak here and defer to your Rome expertise.

 

Pam

 

I would definitely recommend reserving ahead for the Borghese gallery. Thanks, I was so focused on the Vatican portion that I didn't even think to add that!

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I felt the same way when I first heard about it, but decided to do it finally as a 50th birthday present to myself. It was worth it and I'm glad I did it, and I'm generally kind of a cheapskate. I can't understand the amount of money people are willing to hand the cruise lines for relatively simple shore excursions - most of which cost more than the Vatican after hours tours. At any rate, for me it was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing and, compared to the cost of the entire trip, I was able to convince myself to pry open my wallet and go for it.

 

 

Well, I have to admit that while I wouldn't cough it up for the Sistine, if I had the chance to do something special like get a personal tour of the inside of Augustus' tomb or dine in the excavations of Nero's Golden House, I probably wouldn't hesitate...;)

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I have been thinking about doing a tour at the Vatican/St. Peters. I understand a guide can't speak in the Sistine chapel. I asked for a quote from Romeinlimo. They quoted me a 3 hour tour for 200 euro's. Does this seem reasonalbe? I thought the Vatican/Sistine chapel takes 2 1/2 hours itself. The price seems a bit steep. Can anyone tell tell me what is about right for time and price for this tour of both places? I don't want to be rushed in the Sistine Chapel.

 

Also, is a costly tour worth it? I have been reading Rick Steve's book and was going to do it on my own, then I started getting a bit overwelmed with it.

 

We had only two and a half days in Rome so we opted for an early morning tour of the Vatican with Presto Tours. Tour was extremely well-organized and we did not feel rushed at the Sistine Chapel or anywhere else. Ryan, our tour guide, was excellent. Tour ended at St. Peter's, and we spent some extra time there. If you're fit, climb the staircase to the dome.

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Which would be faster from the Vatican? Should I take a taxi to the Borghese Gallery or the Metro, Line A to the Piazza di Spagna stop and walk? We will take an 8 am train from the ship, so we will get to the Vatican around 9 am. We will be there on Oct. 16 and I hope the crowds will have slightly subsided. Can I book the 1 pm ticket for the Borghese?

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Which would be faster from the Vatican? Should I take a taxi to the Borghese Gallery or the Metro, Line A to the Piazza di Spagna stop and walk? We will take an 8 am train from the ship, so we will get to the Vatican around 9 am. We will be there on Oct. 16 and I hope the crowds will have slightly subsided. Can I book the 1 pm ticket for the Borghese?

 

 

I haven't ever compared the two directly, but the Borghese is a fair hike from the Spanish steps and I think in this instance a taxi would be fastest. (You also have a much shorter walk to the taxi stand at St Peters than to the Metro station.)

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Assuming you will finish in St Peters, you walk out the front doors and continue down the length of the colonnade (the covered porticoes that extend around the piazza in front of the basilica). When you get to the end, you should be able to spot the taxi stand just to the left of the large street (via Conciliazione).

 

BTW, Rick Steves' little maps, while not always drawn to scale, are very good at showing the location of taxi stands, metro stops, etc.

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I haven't ever compared the two directly, but the Borghese is a fair hike from the Spanish steps and I think in this instance a taxi would be fastest. (You also have a much shorter walk to the taxi stand at St Peters than to the Metro station.)

 

Not just a fair hike, but a hefty uphill hike as well.

 

We took the 116 small green elettrico minibus from Campo di'Fiori right to about 50 yards from the entrance to the Borghese, its eastern terminus but, although I know it starts near St. Peters, I do not know exactly where it starts there. Certainly a taxi is the fastest way.

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