transportaion from civi to vatican during strike?

[champmason]

The day we disembark (Nov 16) a local transportation strike is scheduled. It appears that the train to Rome will be running but not the metro or buses. How feasible (for young active seniors!!) is it to take the train to San pietro station and then walk with 1 piece of rolling luggage and a backpack each to the Vatican Musuems? How long will it take? We have reservations for noon at the museum and will be storing our luggage there or should we drop off our luggage at the Basilica first? We were planning on visiting the Basilica last. Also, we will be booking a private driver to pick us up and take us to our airport hotel later in the day. Where would the best place be to request a pick up? How much time would you allow from arrival time to pick up time including the time to get baggage? Thanks for any suggestions.

[cruisemom42]

I believe that strike has been called off:

 

http://www.slowtrav.com/blog/italy_transport_strikes/

 

Nevertheless, there is no convenient metro service for your path. Unfortunately I'm not as familiar with the buses. Walking it would probably be fine if you're in good shape and not in a hurry -- which it doesn't sound like you will be, given your timing.

 

All things being equal, I'd stop and stow the luggage at the bag check at St. Peter's, because a) it's on your way anyway and b) it'll be a lot more convenient to pick it up there on your way out, rather than backtracking all the way to the museum. The museum entrance is not close to St. Peter's entrance at all -- it's a walk of at least 15 minutes even without luggage.

 

If your tickets are for noon, I certainly wouldn't plan a pickup before around 3:30 pm. Only you can know for sure how long you want to spend in the museum and the basilica, but most tours of both last about 3 hours.

[phantomjww]

Definately drop your luggage at St. Peters. Then you have to walk around the wall to the entrance of the museum. That will take 15 to 30 minutes depending on your speed. You can see a google map of Vatican and see the locations. When you go all the way through the museum, if you don't have and audio tour device, you can exit or ask to exit out the right side door of the Sistine Chapel. This door is a shortcut directly into St. Peters. You will avoid security and all the lines. Sometimes there is security there and sometimes not. If there is, just ask and show them your ticket for the luggage check.