Hello. I'm working on an itinerary for eight days in Rome and two days in Florence for late December/early January. I've been finding a lot of helpful information on this board by reading it often and doing searches. However, I haven't found any information on what it is like to visit the Vatican on a Monday. Is it very crowded? It will make my itinerary work well if we could visit Vatican City on Monday, but I don't want to do it if we will waste time in lines or not be able to enjoy everything as much due to crowds. I appreciate any comments. <BR> <BR>I've tried doing a search on this board to find this information, but I couldn't find anything. I would also welcome suggestions on searches from those who know of existing threads on this topic.

I don't know that you would see a big difference in the off season. In the summer, Saturdays and to some extent Mondays are more crowded than other days since the Vatican Museums are closed on most Sundays. <BR> <BR>The museums are closed on Dec 25 and 26 and Jan 1 and 6 by the way. <BR> <BR>

Valerie, thanks for your message. I'm just worried that since it is around New Year's, there will be lots of crowds. I'm planning on visiting the Vatican on January 7, so maybe most of the crowds will have dissipated by then. <BR> <BR>Are all museums going to be closed on January 6 (Epiphany)? I was thinking of visiting Pompeii on this day. Thanks!

There are not large numbers of sightseers about at the year-end holidays. <BR> <BR>I could only guess about museum holiday observances in Italy on Epiphany (Twelfth Night). It's a fairly important time. On the other hand most important spots are only closed a few days of the year, except for the Vatican Museums. I'm sure others will have the answer. <BR> <BR>You might want to browse this link and see if you can find the answer, or another useful link. It's pretty interesting site in any event. <BR> <BR>http://www.pompeiisites.org/database/pompei/pompei.nsf

Hi Lisa <BR>If you would like to join others spending the 3-day Christmas in Umbria let me know - Rome is lovely before and after Christmas but Christmas Day can be a bit lonely if you don't have friends or family to join. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>