Vatican Gardens

[24butterfly]

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For those who have seen the Vatican Gardens, was it worth it? From the descriptions it doesn't sound like something I'd like to do, but if anyone has gone-----post your impressions! thanks!

[CruiserBruce]

Did youn read just down the board to this thread? Ignore the title.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1550562

[24butterfly]

Did youn read just down the board to this thread? Ignore the title.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1550562

 

Yes, I did. But frankly, I'd like a bit more of peoples opinions than what was posted. We're going in July, and you just don't hear much about the Vatican Gardens. Ok with you?

[barbels]

We did the tour in 2006. It was absolutely wonderful and we're not Catholic. The beauty of the gardens and the views of the dome of St peters were spectacular. The peace and quiet was a wonderful contrast to the crowds and noise of the rest of the Vatican.

[24butterfly]

We did the tour in 2006. It was absolutely wonderful and we're not Catholic. The beauty of the gardens and the views of the dome of St peters were spectacular. The peace and quiet was a wonderful contrast to the crowds and noise of the rest of the Vatican.

 

Thank you--sounds like a plan to me!

[Chemistry Teach]

I too would echo barbels remarks about the gardens. We were there in November and did the tour on a Saturday. It was very peaceful and we were able to see things that one would not usually see. My husband enjoyed it and he was even in a heavy "walking boot" and felt that the tour was worth it.

 

Barb

[dln929]

If you visit the peaceful and serene gardens AFTER a Vatican visit, you will be really glad. The Vatican museums are a madhouse! The gardens are a lovely respite.

[kuldalai]

Certainly NOT to be missed the Vatican Gardens. Can only be accessed by a pre-booked escorted tour . Two departures each day at 0930 and 1000 .

Numbers are limited to around 80 per day .

 

You must pre-book either via Vatican Museums website or Tikitaly website.

 

The tour lasts around two hours at the conclusion you will be released back into the Vatican Museums (Including Capella Sistina) at no extra charge.

 

You pre-book and print out your vouchers on line at home . On the day walk past the queue that snakes over the horizon show the Security people at the entry door to the Vatican Museums Ticket Area your voucher. You will be directed to a separate Cashier and issued with your Tour Tickets in exchange for your Vouchers . You then line up at an advised time and will be issued with audio devices by your tour guide .

 

Not to be missed an absolute highlight of our recent visit to Rome .

[24butterfly]

Thank you everyone. When it comes close to when we go, I'll book... Now for one other question: We will be there the last weekend in the mionth (July). Should we do this on a Friday or a Saturday? Definitely NOT Sunday, as I hear the museums are free and it's REALLY a madhouse!

[stingraynz]

Yes, I too liked the gardens. For many visits to the Vatican Museum I looked out those big windows in the galleries leading to the Sistine Chapel and 'longed' to go out in those beautiful peaceful gardens. I would suggest the tour like OPs did and then do the museum. However, for those who want to get a feel for the gardens but not devote the time to the tour, you can get out to the courtyard that overlooks the side of St peters from the cafe located down the escalators once you are in the museum but have not started into the rooms or out to the inner 'Pinecone' courtyard. Just look for the signs for the cafe and restrooms, there are doors to go out and enjoy your caffe. It is such a civilized why to see a little of the gardens and a different view of St Peters before heading in to explore the treasures of the museum.

[24butterfly]

Thank you everyone. When it comes close to when we go, I'll book... Now for one other question: We will be there the last weekend in the mionth (July). Should we do this on a Friday or a Saturday? Definitely NOT Sunday, as I hear the museums are free and it's REALLY a madhouse!

 

Comments? THanks again, all!

[stingraynz]

Hi

 

I hadn't answered as I wanted to see what OPs were saying because I have never been to Italy in JULY.

 

I have been to the Vatican Museum 4 times and the last few times we have gone on a Friday and that is the day of the week we now prefer. I just wished someone who has been in the summer could also direct you. Also, on the Rick Steves website you can download some podcasts for things like the Sistine Chapel and other museums we use them all the time.

 

It will be busy but while you are shuffling down the line to see the Sistine Chapel just zen past the crowds an ponder and enjoy those galleries of tapestries and maps as well as the details of the ceilings etc. Also, if you want to buy any books about the vatican don't bother getting them at the beginning of your visit because they sell tons of them as you get closer and closer to the Sistine Chapel, you will get plenty of options to buy these souvenirs and you won't have to carry them as far. However, if you see a necklace or something small or unique then buy that when you see it but the books are all the way along.

[24butterfly]

Thanks everyone!