Rome Vatican Tour

Old Feb 7th, 2011, 11:12 AM
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Rome Vatican Tour

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.
mikster is offline  
Old Feb 7th, 2011, 11:34 AM
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When is Memorial Day in Italy?
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Old Feb 7th, 2011, 11:38 AM
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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.
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Old Feb 7th, 2011, 12:36 PM
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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/
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Old Feb 7th, 2011, 12:36 PM
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Thank you...and sorry...memorial day weekend is the last weekend in May.
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Old Feb 7th, 2011, 04:42 PM
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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.
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Old Feb 7th, 2011, 05:25 PM
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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.
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Old Feb 8th, 2011, 04:44 AM
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I didn't know Italy had Memorial Day at the same time as the USA
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Old Feb 8th, 2011, 06:39 AM
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>>I didn't know Italy had Memorial Day at the same time as the USA
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Old Feb 8th, 2011, 09:51 AM
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All great suggestions...again thank you.
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Old Feb 8th, 2011, 11:01 AM
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scavi tour is fabulous and would highly recommend it. You can make reservations on line. we did it in Nov. jk
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