We are going to Rome for six days arriving the Thursday AFTER the Holy Weekend and leaving the next Tuesday. We would like to visit the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel but dont really want to do the whole tour. What is the best way of doing this please. We had thought of going on a Monday

what do you mean by "the whole tour"?<BR>The Vatican is open to the public and you can go "in" and "out" and stay "in" as much time as you choose. Also, they have a minimum dress code to go in the Basilica. No shorts. Need to be covered. As for the Sistine Chapel which is behind the Basilica (separate entrance) and most of the time a farely long line, but worth the time, they usher you through it, it takes an estimated 2 hrs. altogether including the line wait.

the first time i went to the vatican (longer ago than i care to think about), i never got to see the sistine chapel because we ran out of time. so when i went again a few years ago, i went straight to the sistine chapel at opening time (followed the map). there were only about 10 people in there, so you could lie on your back on the floor & look up at the ceiling. definitely my most memorable art experience in life.

Monica, I was thinking of going straight to the Sistine Chapel also, but I have read that it is "one way" thru the museum, so are you able to back track?<BR>

It is my understanding,and it was this way when we went about 7 years ago, that you have to buy a ticket to the Vatican Museum. <BR><BR>After walking about 1/4 mile through an interesting museum,(and if the Catholic church was really interested in curing poverty they could sell some of this art and donate it to the hungry masses), you finally come to the entrance to the Sistine Chapel.<BR><BR>However you cannot take pictures in there as the Catholic Church has sold the photographic rights to the All Nippon Electric Company. No kidding, the plaque indicating such is there for all to see as you start down the stairs into the chapel.<BR><BR>Man those Catholic Church folks know how to make $$$$...but folks ridicule TV preachers. LOL here!