The guides are not allowed to speak inside the Sistine Chapel so they explain the artwork beforehand and give you a diagram to view when you're inside. The best part about this kind of group tour is the price. . I am trying to decide whether I want to do a guided tour or a self-guided tour of the Vatican Museum and also possibly of St. Peter's Basilica. Maybe I should have put this one at the top of the page. Re: Is it worth the $$ to do a private Sistine/Vatican tour? You'll be picked up from your Rome accommodation by a private driver in the early evening, and after passing through a short security line at the Vatican Museums, you'll set off on a tailored private guided tour that lets you experience the famous galleries and incredible Vatican artwork with no crowds. This intimate tour is limited to just six people, making the experience more personal and enjoyable. As big fans of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, my family was exploring options to gain quicker access to the haunted houses during the event, where wait times can sometimes be over 60 minutes. All in all, a certified private guide will cost in the area of $40- $70 per hour. Are Vatican tours worth it? Many are aware of the VIP tours at Disney parks, but Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort also offer various levels of VIP tours daily. We were planning a trip for our anniversary and we're so glad we planned well ahead, otherwise we wouldn't have been able to do this tour. There are 22 different galleries with over 20,000 paintings and sculptures on display, so it is easy to feel lost and overwhelmed. Vatican Early Access Tours - Which one is the best? But with the above, you are also given the chance to go back and take more time in the museums. I've been lucky enough to visit the Vatican Museum and St. Peters a few times but it's been a few years and never when the crowds were this bad: https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+crowded+Vatican+Museum&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8. I must say that I have taken tours with Vatican Museum employees/guides, and some of them have been fantastic. What happens when you book a tour of the Vatican Museums using the official Vatican Museums website? Vatican City is considered an independent nation-state and is the world's smallest such entity. Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers. Architecture Tours. August 27, 2019 Looking for Vatican Museums early access tours? Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. In low season, I love to visit the Vatican Museums and just spend time sitting and enjoying some of these masterpieces in the Pinacoteca. Brandon Shaw Last Updated: December 8, 2022 If you've never been to Rome or the Vatican, the idea seems simple: buy a ticket to the Vatican Museums, head into the Sistine Chapel, and check it off your list. From April - October, you can visit the Vatican Museums on Friday or Saturday night. in early April (not Easter) and it was MOBBED with people. Click here to book a Vatican Gardens + Vatican Museums combo small-group tour. Click here to book an exclusive night tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with maximum 10 people. I used the RS audiotour for St. Peter's and found it very good. So prepare yourself for that, and also plan to arrive a bit earlier than your entry time to give yourself plenty of leeway in case of long security lines. Factors that influence the cost of a private guided tour include: If you want to experience the historic Vatican under the Italian moonlight, we offer a private Under the Stars Vatican tour for up to 12 people, at $89 per person. Sometimes, tickets and tours may not be available on the Vatican Museums website but you might find more availability for tickets and tours on a certified reseller such as Tiqets, Get your Guide, or Viator. Private Vatican tours are are more easily customized to the needs of people with reduced-mobility. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-82699974', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Italy to Australia and we booked an 11am Vatican museum tour which includes the Sistine Chapel and included audio boxes and was perfect timing! I was there at a recommended time, a Thursday at 2p.m. All of these toursinclude the Sistine Chapel, usually ending there. Just echoing Donna's post here. As we explored, we were even able to visit the iconic courthouse and clock tower from "Back to the Future," a highlight for me. No doubt it's a heritage cherished for centuries and holds a story in every fold. And of course, there is not one right answer: this depends on what you are looking for, how much time you have and want to commit to, and your budget. The Vatican museums are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours until 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and 8 p.m. on Saturdays through Oct. 28. Guided Vatican tours can make the experience less overwhelming and more enjoyable. With the help of a professional and expert tour guide, you'll be able to enjoy exploring the Vatican on your own terms. Most tours are offered in English or Italian. My most recent private VIP tour was at Universal Studios Hollywood, which is the only way to gain special access to Super Nintendo World and its working back-lot studio. From ride-on suitcases to personalized bags, these are the best kids luggage options. Other experiences offered by Liv Tours include a Jewish Ghetto & Travestere Tour, cooking classes and tours designed for kids. Vatican City: Tour or only visit? : r/travel - Reddit Changes will take effect once you reload the page. It also offers shore excursions, with pick up and drop-off at your ship in Civitavecchia. What are the Vatican museum hours for 2023? Yes! One of the most famous landmarks in the world, Vatican City draws more than 5 million people each year, which means that no matter when you visit, you can expect massive crowds. Tours last around seven hours and you can choose between . I identified 5-6 things + Sistine Chapel that I absolutely wanted to see, did a bit of research (online), got to the Vatican Museum, identified where the items were, saw them, and literally zipped out of there as fast as I could. Although we always say to plan to return, because you can't do everything in one trip, I would do this visit in the way you consider most ideal for you (whether you prefer more information, organization, or the freedom to skip faster to what interests you), because after you see the crowds on this visit, you may not want to attempt it a second time. But as a VIP, I got to walk on the lot for the first time. The 13 Best Luggage Sets of 2023 - U.S. News Travel Known as the home of Catholicism as well as the home of St Peters Basilica and the Sistine Chapel the Vatican is a must-see tourist site for visitors of all ages. Yes, the tour was well worth the cost. knowing that by the time they get to it, their art appreciation quota is probably going to be way past used up. Recent travelers say they're so glad they chose to visit the Vatican on a private tour, noting how much they enjoyed hearing the guides' personal stories about the museums and the pope. Private Early Bird Vatican Tour. With this small-group tour, you will first visit the Vatican Gardens. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | CST# 2086743 | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. Let us help you find the best tour for you! I didn't mind not having someone talk about the Sistine Chapel due to my knowledge about it. However, at the time of this writing in 2023, the only way to book this early access ticket without a tour is to book breakfast inside the Pinecone courtyard, which actually is a nice thing to do! Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. This ultra-exclusive Vatican tour books up months in advance, so please contact us to inquire so we can contact the Vatican and confirm availability. Please come over to the private Romewise Facebook group and join in the conversation. Recent travelers say the tour guides make this experience especially fun. Even then, it really comes down to the guide themselves. That said, there are tours that help you do this. $255.49. If you do go it alone, go prepared. Tourgoers are also given headsets so they can better hear their guide. Tickets start around $90 for adults and $83 for kids ages 6 to 17. Our approach is very different. You can take the metro to either the Cipro or Ottaviano stop on Line A (orange line) to be dropped near the Vatican Museums. But that is partly because I am lucky enough to live here and be able to visit often. I would never visit again unless I had a private tour outside the normal hours. The complimentary food was also surprisingly delicious. Most Vatican Museum tours do not offer this option, so you will have the Sistine Chapel almost entirely to yourselves. Level Contributor 49 posts 8 reviews 8 helpful votes Private Vatican Tour 9 years ago Save I am looking for a private tour of Vatican City for 3 of us. Climbing the dome at St. Peter's Basilica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, giving you the ultimate view across the Vatican and the city of Rome. After the crowds have left and as the night draws in, join a passionate Vatican guide for a journey through the incredible Vatican Museums and an intimate private viewing of the iconic Sistine Chapel. Only when you enter the Sistine Chapel is it clear how high the ceiling is and how many frescoes there are. The (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Private Vatican Tour - Rome Forum - Tripadvisor In other cases, the tour ends inside the Sistine Chapel, although you may still visit St. Peter's Basilica on your own either before or after your tour. And if you take a more special kind of guided Vatican Museums Tour, like a private, small-group, out-of-hours tour, then it can make an even bigger difference. This is not a tolerable condition for viewing artwork. The Vatican Museum's are so big, I really can't imagine doing it on my own. I would use the RS self-guided tour. When there is a sight that we are highly interested in, we often will splurge on the semi-private or private tours in order to get more personalized experience. Without a tour guide to show you the most interesting and historic parts of the site, a Vatican tour can feel a bit like being at Disneyland - too many people, and too much to see! This is the least expensive option of the Vatican Museum tours. In case it helps you, my must sees were: And even then, there are a lot of different companies that offer the same or similar tours. Normally I would urge you to visit the rest of the museums, as they are chock full of some of the world's most amazing and beautiful art. This meant we were able to be escorted directly to the front of its headliner attraction, Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, which had a 90-minute wait time during our visit. Both are within Vatican City but have separate entrance unless you have a tour that allows you to enter the Basilica by the back entrance. . Both were satisfying for me. After the crowds have left and as the night draws in, join a passionate Vatican guide for a journey through the incredible Vatican Museums and an intimate private viewing of the iconic Sistine Chapel. In an early version of a selfie, Raphael included himself into the painting! Vatican, Italy Want to add a bit more "epic" into your Vatican visit? Many popular movies and television shows of past and present, like Netflix's "Never Have I Ever" and cult-favorite "Desperate Housewives," film here at its many soundstages and practical sets. The Vatican tour is a comprehensive tour that will show you the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the St Peter's Basilica. Second, you will be assigned a tour guide who is directly employed by the Vatican Museums. ), There are a lot of Vatican Museum tours that offer very early morning entry to the museums (see above.). Through Eternity Tours offers a number of other guided experiences in Rome, including an Angels and Demons tour based on the bestselling book. There wasn't just one highlight but many, and favorites included the special access to Super Nintendo World and the walking tour of the back lot. Tours last around seven hours and you can choose between a fully private tour or a mix-in tour where you're paired with up to 20 other guests. We literally went through the museums and opened them up and turned on all the lights. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. Guided Vatican tours can make the experience less overwhelming and more enjoyable. This tour takes you through the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. I forget what the cost was, but it seemed reasonable although my husband didn't want to pay it. After an hour of viewing we had an easy walk to the Vatican museum and entered at our prebooked time of 11am. If you are still not sure which tour to book, you canvisit this tour booking page where you can choose the length of the tour, the time of day, and the maximum group size you want(the smaller the group, the more it costs per person.). However, it is possible to gain early access to the Vatican Museums, and enter before the 9 AM opening time. Here are just some of the reasons why a guided tour of the Vatican is worth the expense: Enjoy access to expert historical knowledge. A lot of people will try (on the internet or in . Groups of seven or more must use headphones. Peruse our collection of Vatican tickets to enjoy skip-the-line entry, guided tours, or combo offers. HOWEVER, you should know that nobody can skip the line for security, and when Rome is really crowded, as it is nearly all the time lately, you may find a bit of a wait to get through security. Vatican Guided Tour is an official tour operator authorized by the Vatican to have privileged entrances - skip-the-line guided tours. This type of tour includes a shortcut from the Sistine Chapel into the basilica which is a HUGE time-saver. But - the walk back through the museum to get out was pretty long. But how much does a private tour of the Vatican cost, and what do you get for your money? I was initially hesitant about spending so much money for this tour, but now I almost feel like we got a bargain for what we paid. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. Admire the ancient Roman and Greek statues, the Flemish tapestries created by Raphael's students, and the gorgeous topographical depictions of Italy. It works for a 2.5 day visit as well. You can book this through Take Walks and I assure you it will be one of the most amazing things you've ever experienced! Absolutely! Duration: 3 hours. I have some doubts about my mobility. 14. Enjoy delicious pasta, historic landmarks and the Tuscan countryside on these immersive experiences. 100% personalized Whether you are traveling with your family, friends, partner, you'll have a 100% personalized service with a private tour of the Vatican. Stonehenge tours from London are a popular and easy day trip. You just have to go through security. With this 3-hour tour, you will go with group of around 30 people into the Vatican Museums at 8am, before they open to the general public. Wondering which of the many Vatican Museum Tours is right for you? I've also taken part in pretty much every Vatican tour out there, and love that experience also. You'll still have a wonderful close-up view of the exterior from the terrace. Beautiful, beautiful, astounding church. . You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. Book a private Rome tour and see the Colosseum, Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and more in just one day! Read more. Having the ability to ask questions as you go and engage in a dialog with the guide . Enjoy a VIP experience at the Vatican with this semi-private morning tour that includes breakfast on site. This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity. You'll explore the Vatican Museums before they open to the general public so you can admire famous sights like the Sistine Chapel in a more intimate atmosphere before finishing with skip-the-line access to St Peter's Basilica through a reserved entrance. 4 reasons why you have to choose private Vatican tours - You Local Rome Yes! This article was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information. Named for the giant pinecone that adorns this large and beautiful outdoor space, the Pinecone Courtyard was designed by Donato Bramante. Click the below to book a group tour of the Vatican Museums that includes: Of course one of the benefits of taking a tour is the possibility to skip the line. Also, many people do want to "just" see the Sistine Chapel, so this helps to keep the visit short if you want to. We've Put Together the Best Vatican Tours For You! However, the Vatican opens its doors to everyone every last Sunday of the month, where youll be able to access the usually paid attractions free of charge from 9am until 2pm. The Vatican Museums open at 9 AM Monday - Saturday. The company that they use for your specific tour is the one you would really want to compare to the Vatican tours, that may be hard to find out. You'll love your chance to see these amazing apartments. Yes, as long as you have the right guide and either a small or private group. Viator Tours vs. Vatican Tour? - Rick Steves Travel Forum There are many options even for taking a group tour. Hiring a Tour Guide: Is it Worth it? - Europe Up Close per adult (price varies by group size) Skip-the-line Tour of the Vatican & Sistine Chapel with Local Guide. After all, tours include unlimited front-of-line access to all rides, shows, and attractions, along with valet parking and all-you-care-to-enjoy meals. Experience the Vatican's treasure trove of artistic masterpieces and sacred relics on a private 3-hour tour. View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide, Price: Adults from $184; kids from $154Duration: 3.5 hours. There are a few types of VIP tours and price varies based on date and demand. The only caveat is that the whole museum is not accessible, specifically the Pinacoteca, but I was fine with the wealth of what was. Alternatively, you might want to consider booking a tour of the Vatican Museums on a Friday or Saturday night. While babies and toddlers up to age 2 are permitted free of charge, this tour is not recommended for children. With so much to see, the Vatican can be overwhelming, but your private guide will whisk you to the front of the long lines and directly to the most important and awe-inspiring pieces in the immense collection. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. I want to say "Keep moving! In a simple answer, YES! Journey Through Time and Taste on a Small-Group Adventure, Enjoy a boredom-free Vatican private tour that's perfect for kids, with treasure hunt and fun guide, Appreciate the Vatican masterpieces without the crowds on an after-hours tour with a private guide, Explore the Vatican before the crowds on a shorter, tailored tour that includes the Sistine Chapel. Is a Vatican Museums guided tour worth it? However, after-hours access often needs to be arranged months in advance. Seeing the Sistine Chapel without noisy crowds and yelling guards was the best part--or maybe it was the Pinecone courtyard cafe and the classical music quartet playing. Vatican tour - Private half-day tour - Guidaly - Private tours of Italy Visiting the Vatican with kids in 2023: practical, sanity-saving tips If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-82692047', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Sistine Chapel. One of the guards told me it was the very best way to see the museum--cooler and uncrowded. How long is a Vatican tour? | What a Life Tours Kathryn is right about the Sistine Chapel tour - due to the number of people,keeping groups together is difficult and many guides give a lecture before entering the Chapel and then will answer questions inside - if you can find them. Copyright 2009-2023 by Elyssa Bernard, Romewise.com | All Rights Reserved. This midsize central Texas town has a surprising slew of one-of-a-kind activities, from shopping and museums to outdoor pursuits and sporting events. After the tour, when youre finished marveling at the priceless artwork inside the Vatican, your private driver will drop you off at your hotel or at a nice restaurant. Instead of early entry, this unique tour offers after-hours access to the Eternal City. These tours typically last between 2-3 hours and provide an overview of the major sites within the Vatican walls. Final entry to the museum is approximately two hours before closing. Vatican City Tours: Why Choose Walks Inside Rome? My husband and I visited the Vatican on our last full day in Rome several years ago. See the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica and more on an organized Vatican tour. There are also a few options for pre-booking special tickets, without a tour. Please reach out to our Travel Experts to confirm your pick-up details so we can be sure travel arrangements are ready. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-82692456', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Experienced no lines getting in, getting tickets, etc, but insideyikes! Our entire group felt like VIPs and loved the personalized attention we received. Thank you for supporting my site! Alternatively, you might want to consider booking a tour of the. We will be travelling to Italy for a month in July 2007. If you want, you can book this through an outside agency so you get a more complete tour experience. Your tour guide will take you to through the famous galleries, the Julius II apartments, the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel. This was hosted in another swanky VIP lounge that offered sweeping views of Los Angeles and even some mingling with characters, like Dracula. If you're feeling intimidated by the experience, consider one of the following small-group Vatican tours, guided by local experts who can both explain the history of the Eternal City and help you navigate the crowds. We got to Peter's Basilica about 9.00am and the queue was fairly small and we waited for about 20 minutes maximum to enter. Learn more Rome Tours However, you wont get the most intimate experience with a group tour; Q&As might be limited, and you most likely wont get to skip the long waiting lines. Groups are limited to 12, we were guided by one of the Vatican's historians. In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Castel Sant'Angelo, and much more.