Vatican tours booked directly through the Vatican?
 

Hi - I was wondering if anyone has been on the tour that the Vatican conducts. I really would prefer to have some direction through the museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's, but just can't swing paying for some of the really nice, but pricier tours. The price point for the tour that the Vatican provides is much more in my range. Would love to hear from someone who might have any experience with this tour - is it good enough or a total waste? I'll be traveling on my own, if that makes any difference. Because of the limited time I'll be in Rome, it looks like I will probably be attempting this on a Saturday in the afternoon (I know - not the best scenario, but it's either that or Monday. I'm hoping that folks will back off of Saturday a bit in hopes that they can get in on the following day for free - last Sunday of the month. Maybe wishful thinking on my part).
Thanks!

We did their tour in July. Was a busy time at the Vatican. There were about 15 in the group and we all had audio guides. Our leader was good and very knowledgeable. She took us through the museums, into the Sistine Chapel and then into St Peters. It was very enjoyable and sufficiently detailed for us ( tourists more than art and cultural aficionados ). it was certainly enough for us and was very good value. The leader pointed out all points of interest and retained a good sense of humor in trying summer conditions.

It's also possible to just book an entry ticket and rent the audio guide. That would allow you more time in each place if you want, but it won't really be much cheaper. Entrance only tickets are 15€ + a 4€ booking fee. Audio guide for the museum is 7€. I don't see a price listed for the audio guide for St. Peter's.

http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/z-In...i_audio01.html

http://www.vatican.va/various/basili...uide.htm#thumb

You can also download for free Rick Steves' audio guides on ITunes.

The Vatican is one of the places where at least one guided tour is a MUST. I took a Vatican Guided Tour sponsored by the Vatican Museums and the guides are typically, extremely knowledgeable and know the place inside/out. They use this radio system that I love where she speaks into a mic and no matter how far back you are you listen via individual audiphones like she was standing next to you. This is CRITICAL in a place like the Vatican where there are 16 tours in 16 different languages going on all around you at any given time. What I like the MOST, however, was that you are allowed in The vatican Museum via a different door (to the left of the main entrance). I just showed my reservations for the Vatican Guided Tour and went right in. The line out the main entrance door was ridiculous. Once you are done with the tour, stay inside the Vatican Museums buildings and explore at leisure.

I believe the Vatican requires headphones for all tour operators to cut down on noise in the museums.

Thanks everyone... my tour is booked and I'm ready to go! (Well, at least for the Vatican anyways...) But the trip is slowly coming together. Can't wait!