I read somewhere on this wonderful forum that it is possible to pre-book tours for the Vatican and other sites in Rome. I would appreicate any suggestions (including web sites) on how to go about doing this. Also, would love thoughts on viability versus "just wandering" key areas. Thanks in advance.

We took a Vatican tour with Scale Reale (which I believe is now called Context Rome) and enjoyed every minute of it. Here are a few Web sites which you might want to look at and then search the forum for comments:

Enjoy Rome, and Context Rome (Scale Reale)

www.througheternity.co
www.scalareale.org
www.enjoyrome.com
www.threemillennia.com

As far as "just wandering," we always wander and find that those are some of our favorite days because they are not planned and you have more of a tendancy to relax and really savor Italy.

However, we have found that when we visit historic sites, we always enjoy a tour guide who can really explain the art, architecture and history. The wealth of information offered by our guide on the Vatican tour was truly amazing and really brought everything to life for us.

If you're talking about the Vatican tours that are "behind the scenes" - the gardens or archeological sites or whatever - these are actually run by the Vatican - and are usually sold out in advance. You need to contact the Ufficio Scavi (don;t have the email - try vatican web site) - to get reservations - since # of people is definitely limited. Also, when we were there you had to bring your passport to get the tickets.

Context Rome (merged with Scale Reale) contextrome.com is fabulous. Their tour is led by an art historian or theologian. The tour includes the Sistine Chapel and the Basilica. First rate tour.

If you want to visit the excavations under St. Peter's Basilica (Scavi Tour) you must contact the Vatican by sending an email requesting a tour to Ufficio Scavi at [email protected]. They should get back to you within a couple of days.

Only a limited number of visits can take place due to the particular location of the area near the tomb of St. Peter and the reduced space in the excavations. The group are small, and people must be at least 15 years old (at least when I went). Absolutely Amazing.

Would love to hear confirmation if where on the right track or not-

1)Where planning to do only the two hour tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. When making the reservations 30 days in advance of our desired date do we also include a time were interested in or is one assigned for us?

2) How long does it take for the Vatican to reply with a confirmation of the tour and time? Can pictures be taking in both museum and chapel?

3) I'm sure it's a matter of opinion and interest, but would we be missing a great deal if we just did the two hour tour?

4) Can reservations be made in advance for St. Peter's Basiclica (know that it's free, but a fee for the treasury and dome) or should we walk up after our tour is over?