Hello fodorites...my family and I will be going to Rome for five days over memorial day weekend. My husband and I have been to the Vatican before in off season and toured it on our own, but the group we are going with have not. Do you suggest that we book in advance and get a guided tour, given the time of year that we are going? I have seen posts about Viator and Scavi tours and am wondering if they are the same and if you have any suggestions on what times that would be best to go. My nephew, who is 22 years old, will be joining us and I am hoping that he won't be bored if the tour is 3 hours long. Also, how far in advance do you think we need to book for memorial day weekend? Any thoughts or suggestions are most welcome. Many thanks.

When is Memorial Day in Italy?

hi mikster,

actually the scavi [meaning excavations] tour is something different, as it takes you below the Basilica, through the tunnels to the area below the main altar where the bones of St. Peter [allegedly] are kept, and brings you up inside St. Peter's. all this takes about an hour, and is vey interesting, but has nothing to do with the Vatican museums.

we too did a "self-guided"tour of the vatican museums and teh sistine chapel, so I can't help you with that but there are plenty of threads on that topic if you search this forum.

You might want to check Context Tours. We were in a group of 6 and had a very informative experience.

http://www.contexttravel.com/blog/vatican-tour/

Thank you...and sorry...memorial day weekend is the last weekend in May.

I would second the suggestion about Context Tours. We did a private tour of the Vatican museums (well, part of them) and it was one of the highlights of our trip.

Mikster, years ago we took a tour with American Express whose office is in a building to the left as one descends the Spanish Steps. The guide was a charming, theatrical, Italian senior who was excellent. A former academic, I believe. He guided us slowly and thoughtfully through the wonders of St. Peter's and shepherded us through the lines leading into the Vatican Museums. I recall that the crowds that day were huge, even though it was a chilly Tuesday in February. We appreciated his services.

I didn't know Italy had Memorial Day at the same time as the USA

>>I didn't know Italy had Memorial Day at the same time as the USA<<<

They don't. Italy has Labour Day May 1 and Republic Day June 1. Perhaps All Saints Day on Nov. 1 could be considered somewhat like Memorial Day.

All great suggestions...again thank you.

scavi tour is fabulous and would highly recommend it. You can make reservations on line. we did it in Nov. jk