lostgirl

Will I have enough time after that to see the Vatican Museum? This concerns me because of the shortened operating hours during winter.
Is there a shortcut after the Scavi Tour to get tickets or will I have to wait in the long long lines i keep hearing about?

Thanks!

LowCountryIslander

Hi Lostgirl...

I can't help with an answer to your question, but I also have the 9:15am Scavi tour on Friday, December 28th...by any chance is that the day you are booked for? If so, hope to see you there and get to meet a fellow fodorite!

lostgirl

I should've mentioned...this is for February 23, 2008.

Grinisa

You should be done with the Scavi tour by 10:45 at the latest. There is no shortcut from there to the Vatican Museums. You'll need to walk around the Vatican walls and that will take about 15 minutes or more depending on your pace. Luckily, February is one of the least crowded months in Rome and by 11, any line that formed in the morning should be gone or not very long. You could also make reservations for a tour starting at 11:30 and avoid any line.

vjpblovesitaly

I was there on Monday, December 1 for the 9:30 Scavi tour. I think it took about an hour, maybe a little more. Afterwards we went over to the Museums and walked right in with no line. We were kind of tired so didn't dwell on much in the museum.

The Scavi tour is great.

Zerlina

In 2008, the Vatican Museums will be open throughout the year until 6:00 p.m., with last admission at 4:00 p..m.

You will have *plenty* of time to see them after the Scavi tour.

welig12

I am confirmed for the 9:15 AM Scavi Tour on April 3rd..
at that time of year would you advise a small group tour..to possibly avoid some of the lines?

Since the Scavi Tour will be over at approximately 10:45 AM and the group tour we are thinking about joining begins at 1:00 PM..do you think we would have enough time to tour St. Peter's on our own?

My other thought is.. since we have that lag in between..should we just move on and possibly do the Vatican Museum another day?

bookchick

welig12, you will definitely have anple time to tour St. Peter's on your own. As a matter of fact, where the Scavi tour ends, you will be at the tombs of some of the more recently deceased Popes--John Paul II, Paul VI, etc. You can see this area, then head upstairs, for you will be directly below St. Peter's Basilica when you see these tombs. I would recommend St. Peter's, and perhaps nip out onto via delle Concilazione for a quick bite to eat, and then back to the Vatican for your tour. Very easily done, and then you won't be making 2 trips to Vatican City, but will be able to accomplish everything all in one day.

Buon Viaggio,
BC

welig12

Thanks, Bookchick.