Hello all. I will be spending a couple of weeks in France and Italy in the middle of May 2000. I plan to end the trip in Rome. My question concerns the Vatican, specifically the Museums, St. Peters, Sistine Chapel, and Tomb of St. Peter. I realize 2000 is going to be a HUGE year for Rome, and I expect the crowds, but is there anything I can do beforehand to assure that I get to experience these sights (ie, reservations, etc.)? I can't imagine leaving Rome having missed Vatican City. <BR> <BR>Thanks!!

Hi Scott. Just got back from Rome a week or so ago. There's nothing you can do as far as a reservation or anything like that goes, with regard to Vatican City. There is a group of American graduate students that give tours of some of the better known sites. It's called 'Roman Adventures' and for about $25, they'll get you into the Vatican without any trouble. I took one of their tours to the Catacombs and found it much more interesting than I thought I would, because the guides are so knowledgeable. The Vatican Tour will take the whole day (whether you're with a tour or not), but I would say that this gives you the best chance to get in, rather than trying to do it on your own. If you want, I can dig out the brochure I saved and get you their e-mail and/or phone number. <BR> <BR>Also, if you are leaving from Rome airport, I would suggest that you confirm your seat assignment on the out-bound plane thirty days in advance, especially if you are flying Alitalia or Delta. I had the disagreeable experience of being bumped from my flight (Delta overbooked by about 50 people). The Rome airport is rather disorganized...you can take a train from the Termini station, but I can elaborate more on that later. Let me know if you want the tour info. <BR> <BR>Vicki

Scott, <BR> <BR>You can (and must) reserve in advance to tour the Tome of St. Peter (underneath the floor of the Vatican. Send an e-mail to the "Soperintendenza degli Scavi" at the Vatican ([email protected]), and supply a few dates. Also, specify which language you want the tour in. They will send you back an appointment date/time, and will request that you send them a personal check (!) to cover the cost of the tour (ITL 15,000/person last month). <BR> <BR>To get there, go to where the Vatical Post Office is located (ground level, to the left of the main stairway as you face the front of St. Peter's), and walk straight ahead to the Swiss Guards. Show them your e-mail from the Uffici Scavi, with the appointment date/time, and they'll let you by. Walk down to the door on the right marked "Uffici Scavi", and go in. <BR> <BR>BTW - this is the BEST tour in Rome! Our guide spoke great English, and was an art historian. She was extremely knowledgeable and really made the tour.

Scott, <BR> <BR>You can (and must) reserve in advance to tour the Tome of St. Peter (underneath the floor of the Vatican. Send an e-mail to the "Soperintendenza degli Scavi" at the Vatican ([email protected]), and supply a few dates. Also, specify which language you want the tour in. They will send you back an appointment date/time, and will request that you send them a personal check (!) to cover the cost of the tour (ITL 15,000/person last month). <BR> <BR>To get there, go to where the Vatical Post Office is located (ground level, to the left of the main stairway as you face the front of St. Peter's), and walk straight ahead to the Swiss Guards. Show them your e-mail from the Uffici Scavi, with the appointment date/time, and they'll let you by. Walk down to the door on the right marked "Uffici Scavi", and go in. <BR> <BR>BTW - this is the BEST tour in Rome! Our guide spoke great English, and was an art historian. She was extremely knowledgeable and really made the tour.

Don't go unless you have reservations for everything. Wait if you can. Italy will collapse in Spring 2000

Scott, <BR> <BR>A few weeks ago I posted a message ROME AUGUST 2000. It contains some inportant jubliee dates ( other than August) and <BR> <BR>includes a website for detailed Jubilee information. You might want to find it. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

I'm jealous! We just returned from a wonderful experience in Italy including Rome, but while I was there, I couldn't help regretting that we didn't wait until 2,000. <BR>If you happen to be Catholic, you'll be especially glad you're going to Rome during the Jubilee. Check out the Vatican website - lots of info. <BR>There are four world churches in Rome, a must see. St John Lateran, Santa Maria Maggiore, St Paul outside the walls, and St Peter's. A special door in each church is opened only during Jubilee years so you'll be able to enter through these portals during your stay. A very big deal for Catholics, and I would suppose interesting for all others. Have a great time! Post when you return. <BR>Be sure to ask your hotel staff about tours and special deals. We found this help invaluable, and all Italians generous, warm, and very eager to help. It's a great country.