Welig, I had a 9:15 tour too. So I spent the time afterwards touring the basilica, climbing the dome, had lunch nearby, then walked to Castel Sant'Angelo and toured that, looked at Bernini's statues on the bridge and then crossed the bridge and walked about 15 min to Ara Pacis (altar of peace, absolutely beautiful). That took me until about 5 p.m. so I went back to the hotel, changed and got ready for dinner. It was a full day but it covered the things I wanted to see in that area in nice order and leisurely time.

Dear Amyb:
Sounds like a plan...
However, what do you think
about us joining a small
group tour to see the Vatican Museum...the tour would be around 1:00 PM...when supposedly, the
CROWDS are not too bad!??

Welig, you certainly could. I did the private tour of the VM, so I can't speak for crowds during the regular business day. You'd just have to pass some time between the Scavi tour and the start of your VM tour.

So, all of you early planners, what do you think the chances of someone getting relatively last minute tickets for 2 people are?

We are planning a last minute trip to Rome immediately after New Year's. Last night I sent out a ticket request. What do you think my chances are? I think the one thing I have in my favor is that we will be there for 10 days (I told them any of these days are fine with me) and thus have a wide range of dates where they could possibly slip 2 people in an available slot.

I went on December 1. I sent the request in late October and got a response within 24 hours. It is a great great tour. Really amazing.

I hope you get the tickets!!

I just requested tickets today for the begining of March.

One thing I haven't seen anywhere is the cost.

Can anyone tell me what the cost was for these?

Thanks!

Ten euro per person. You pay in advance by credit card.

I emailed about a reservation for June on Sunday and got a response TODAY!!! Will pay today and await confirmation. Now I can get my itinerary going.

I sent my request in November and heard back from then in December, 2 days ago I got my confirmation and receipt of payment, my tour is in September 08.

My husband and son are the ones doing the tour, can someone tell me where can I wait for them.

They will come out from the tour near Pope John Paul II's tomb. Pick somewhere in St. Peter's Square or inside the Basilica to meet.

I requested tickets on the 1/17 (Thursday) and received confirmation on 1/22 (Tuesday). I didn't get the exact day I requested (3/5), but close enough!

Also I have a friend who told me the coinceirge at her hotel secured them for her once they arrived in Rome. Knowing my friend it was a very nice hotel so ymmv.

ymmv?

YMMV = your mileage may vary
i.e. this may or may not work for you