We will be in Rome in October and plan on visiting Vatican City (St. Peter's, Sistine, Vatican Museum), but were wondering if the Gardens were worth touring if our time is limited. Thanks.

Dear Paula,<BR><BR>We will also travel to Rome in September. We have 5 days and still haven't decided whether to visit the Vatican Gardens. My husband is a huge garden fan. You must reserve for the tour, so we have decided to wait and see and take our chances on availability after we had a few days in Rome.<BR><BR>Ed and Julie's web site (www.twenj.net) describes the garden tour. He highly recommended the experience and gives some details that may help you decide.<BR><BR>Have a wonderful trip.<BR><BR>Susan

If you have limited time I would skip the gardens. Our tour took 2 hours; it was nice enough but there just didn't seem to be enough variety to justify the time in my view. Take the Scavi tour instead! That one gave me chills,and really enhanced the visit to St Peter's. (It also lasted less than an hour.)

I have heard the scavi tour is great as well. I think we may lean toward that one.

Does anyone know if they have restarted the bus service from St. Peter's Square to the Vatical Museum?<BR>The bus used to run through the Gardens to the entrance of the museo - more than enough glimpse of the "inside" of vatican city real estate (the gardens are nice but not spectacular).<BR>

Our family will be in Rome mid-September-what is the scavi tour???? many thanks

What does it cost to take the Scavi tour? I had read $50 per person, which seems like a lot if it is an hour tour.

Personally, I would skip the Vatican Gardens, especially if your time is limited. You could go up the cuppola at St. Peter's and get an awesome view of the whole city, including a view of the Vatican Gardens.