Official vatican tour - is it good?

[johndekay]

hey guys!

I received a reply from the vatican (yay!) for booking on their official tour. Has anyone actually been on it? Is it comprehensive enough? It says its only sistine chapel and vatican museum.... so does it miss raphael's rooms and peter's square, etc etc?

I was going to book myself onto another tour which charged double the amount, but did goto raphaels rooms.... hmmm im puzzled... can anyone recommend good any good tours?

thanks.

[WillTravel]

Raphael's rooms are in the Vatican Museum.

Here is what I would suggest - go on the official Vatican tour. Its strongest point is that you avoid the massive lines with it. When you are about to get to the Sistine Chapel, listen to the guide's commentary just outside it (the guide is not allowed to talk while in the chapel).

If there are other areas of the Vatican Museum that you want to see at this point, cut away from the tour and head to them on your own. If you go into the Sistine Chapel, you won't be able to return to the rest of the Vatican Museum. Make sure you have a good guidebook along.

However, I'm fairly sure you will see the Raphael rooms on your way to the Sistine Chapel with the official Vatican guide.

The part I don't remember about is how you get from the Vatican Museum to St. Peter's without going through security. I know it is possible - I think it happens after you get out of the Sistine Chapel. Maybe post on Fodors - someone there will know.

The thing about the other tour you are considering - does it include skipping the line? I think only the official tour allows that.

Just remember - you are allowed to cut away from the official tour and take your own path through the Vatican Museum if you want to do so. But the great thing is skipping the lines.

(When I went, it was in December 2005, and lines are not so bad as they are now. I used an Enjoy Rome tour.)

[madamtrashheap]

Just a point to add to WT's info: to get from the Vatican Museums to St Peter's after the (official) tour, there is a door to the left of the exit of the Sistine Chapel that affords entry around to St Peter's. There used to be a little sign with "per Basilica" or "per San Pietro" on it (can't recall exact wording) that was a well kept secret with no guard on it, but last time I was there (2005, December also - didn't cross paths with you WT! ;D) there was a security guard on it asking which group you were with before you could go through. Try to find this pathway as going back to the Vatican Museum entrance then around to St Peter's square, whilst OK, will waste time...and you'll spend a lot wandering the 8kms of corridors in the museums!

[dogpoundmike]

I am having a hard time finding the web site for the Official Tour. We would like to book before we go. I recall having to fax them. Can someone help me out.
Thanks, Mike

[dogpoundmike]

Found it!

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