toncasmo

first time cruise to europe so want to see the max. going to do the ship's excursions as it's seems simpler this first time. here's my dilemma that i can't get an answer on: the first excursion seems to concentrate on the religious places but doesn't mention trevi fountain. the second one called "imperial rome" starts at trevi fountain and goes to vatican but doesn't mention sistine chapel. could this be right? would they go to vatican and not chapel? is it a time contraint?
thank you

vjpblovesitaly

Does it say Vatican Museums? You have to go through the Vatican Museums to get to the Sistine Chapel.

ellenem

It's difficult to tell from your description. Can you direct us to a website that lists the details of the particular excursions you're wondering about?

VJP is correct. The sistine Chapel is visited only by visiting the Vatican Museums, so if it doesn't particularly mention the museums, I suspect it's a visit to St Peter's, which is part of the Vatican but has no access to the museums.

ellenem

I found your Imperial Rome excursion at their website. From my reading, this does not include the Sistine Chapel, only St Peter's. Which excursion (by name) is the other one about which you were wondering?

toncasmo

the other one is "rome, the eternal city." the other tour does just say you'll fist st peters not anythign about museum so probably doesn't include it

thank you so much for all your help- it's just so overwhelming of all there is to see! we're going with another couple who want excursions that don't go to any touristy things and are alot of hiking so they're no help!!

ellenem

"excursions that don't go to any touristy things"--very tricky for you to balance your interests with theirs. I suggest you agree to separate from one another for shore excursions on some days. It would be a shame for you to miss the Sistine Chapel if you really want to see it--bad feelings could develop between you and your friends over such lost opportunities. Good luck.

toncasmo

thanks- i think we already kind of decided that we'll only see each other at dinner. thank god they aren't those types of freinds that think you have to do everything together- i hate traveling with them!!

chevre

I certainly understand a first timer wanting to take a tour. Do you only have one day in Rome? If so I would select a tour that either 1) gives a good overview of sights (to see next time) or 2) concentrates on one specific area such as the historical center, the Vatican or the Ancient center. Each area is worth a day or at the most two areas one in the morning, the other in the afternoon. Even with a basic tour, the Vatican museums (assuming you get to skip the lines), will take a minimum of 2 -3 hours which would include the Sistine Chapel. St. Peters will take at least an hour and that's if you sweep quickly through it and don't have to wait a long time in the security lines. The 2 big ancient sites (Forum and Colosseum will take at least 3 hours.) It is a beautiful city, plan to go back instead of trying to get everywhere in one day. Being with a tour will should help with time management.