Vatican and Colosseum tours in Italy.
 

We are traveling to Rome in a couple weeks. What are the bet ways to see the Vatican and the Colosseum? We would like to avoid the long lines. How do you get reservations? Does entry include a guided tour? Does anyone have a tour or guide they recommend? We had a recommendation from a friend who had gone with a big group for a private guide, but she was going to charge 65 euros an hour for 4 hours at the Vatican and 4 hrs for Colisseum/forun/Palatine hill. Italia Rail has a "Show and Go" pass that lets you skip the line at the Vatican and get in the prepaid line at the Colosseum for $123 per person. Has anyone done that? Worthwhile? Any issues? Thanks in advance!

I'm sure you'll get suggestions for guides & tours but this is my own experience at the Vatican. I hadn't decided what exactly I wanted to do so walked over to St. Peter's Square. Very shortly after arriving, standing looking around, I was approached by a young American student-type with an offer to join a group. While I'd normally suspect such an approach, the cost was so reasonable I joined the group, the guide also American. The offer was to pay the entrance fee for the museum plus, if I recall correctly, €10 for her service. The guide bought the tickets, skipping the line, afterward serving more to direct us through the building, pointing out various rooms & features with basic information, then we could enter to see more closely areas that interested us. Then she brought us into the Sistine Chapel with directions to proceed through to St. Peter's Basilica on our own from there, entering from the side of the chapel, no line.

It was not a comprehensive tour, to be sure, but I certainly found it worth the little it cost, knowing I could return, considered it reconnaissance. I hadn't done any homework beforehand but having a guidebook would increase one's enjoyment if more than a perfunctory walk-through is what's wanted. In any case, I'd recommend showing up and taking one of these impromptu tours if only to get the lay of the land & a painless entrance into the museum plus the Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's which were my main interests.

>>> Italia Rail <<<

Italia Rail is a reseller. You can book directly with the Vatican and skip the line.

Prices and Tickets - Vatican Museums

I used Italy With Us for a Vatican tour about 3 years ago, and was very pleased with the experience. The guide was outstanding, and the price is quite reasonable.

We used Walks of Italy for a Vatican tour before opening hours, and it was excellent. No lines, no crowds, and 20 minutes alone, just our small group in the Sistine Chapel. Their Colosseum and Forum tour was very good too. Rome is amazing, have a great trip!

In my opinion, the best way to see the Vatican Museums is with an early entry, because at most times of the year, the crowds are unbearable. The best bargain for early entry is offered by the Vatican Museums. It includes skip-the-line early entry, a buffet breakfast, and an audio guide, so that you can go at your own pace.

Early entry to the Museums & Breakfast - Vatican Museums

(The exclusive guide is expensive, and is intended for groups, who can split the cost.)

There are other types of guided tours on their website, or you can just buy regular tickets, which allow you to skip the line, without early entry or any sort of guide. This is what I've always done, using a guide book to enlighten me. I myself only go there mid-week, in the off season, or on Friday evening in high season, as the mob scene totally ruins the experience for me.

Open tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel - Vatican Museums

The Colosseum/Roman Forum/Palatine Hill archaeological site offers many types of tour, as well as a simple skip-the-line entry. Click on "Buy now" (under "Choose your personal solution") to see all your options.

https://www.coopculture.it/en/colosseo-e-shop.cfm

Italy with US: looks like they are sold out already for our dates. Bummer!

We are using City Wonders for both our Vatican tour and Colosseum.

Has anyone done the Vatican just using the Rick Steves audiotours?