Any suggestions for making reservatins for the Vatican? I want to avoid the long lines. I will be in Rome on a Friday, Sat. and Sun. and I'm thinking that St. Peters is open the last Sun of the month (which is when I'll be there) but I wonder about the crowds.
I don't mind getting a guide but want one that is nt too pricey. Actually, I just did the Vatican tour last month but I'm returning to Rome with friends who need to see it. So I don't want to spend a great deal of time in the museum (really only need to see Sistine Chapel) but do want to see St. Peters.
Also need recommendations for dealing with the Coliseum lines. Same scenario - visited last month but now will be going with friends who want to see it but do not want a lengthy tour - just want to avoid the lines.
Thanks.

I also need suggestions on reservatons for Galleria del Academia. Again, I'm not iterested in a lengthy tour, just want to avoid the lines (my last trip to the museum the guide pointed out every square inch of the statue (so it seemed).
Any suggestions of where to stay in Florence?

Try http://tinyurl.com/kzoub for how to make reservations in Rome.

You're asking too many questions to get good answers in my opinion. Reading all of these machine gun fired questions makes me tired. Try asking in multiple threads or after your first few have been answered.

We just did Vatican Tours Inc. It was fine, but Bush was there that day, which totally ruined the day.

Book Rome Walks Ancient Rome tour. We had Olivia (who also works for Context Rome) we did several tours and this was by far the best tour and guide. We did not have to wait in line at the Coliseum. There was a special line for tours and it took no time to get in.

Also, we used Context Rome to make museum reservations. They charge a fee, but it helped us to avoid the lines.

We just returned from Italy yesterday and did the Vatican/St Peters and the Coliseum. For the Vatican we booked our tickets in advance through www.rome-museum.com. It's not a tour, just advance booking and you don't have to wait in line. They have entrance bookings for 8:30 or 9:30. There is still some waiting around, but nothing like the miles long line out in front. They charge an extra 10 Euro or so for the booking, but in my opinion it was worth it.

For the coliseum, purchase your tickets at the Palatine Hill, opposite the coliseum to the right sight of the Arch. The ticket provides entrance to Palatine Hill and the Coliseum, and you bypass the line. When we walked from there to the Coliseum, and walked past all the people in line, my 11 year old actually said he felt sorry for all those people in line. I'm surprised more people don't know about this.

Have a great trip.

We used this company to arrange for our tours and queue jumping while in Rome, http://tinyurl.com/24bhae.