Vatican

[dylan]

Hi we are sailing on golden princess may 6 2006 . has anyone been to the vatican. in touring the vatican is it less crowded morning or afternoon. Thankyou Carol & Vinny

[Carrin]

What day are you going to be in Port? St. Peters Basilica is closed on Wednesdays for the Papal Audience held every Wednesday morning.

 

Go in the morning and get your tickets for the Sistine Chapel. You'll want to spend time there. Lots to see. Absolutely magnificent.

[Mark_in_Colorado]

If you are arriving by train from Civitavecchia, you have the option of getting off the train at the first station in Rome, Stazione San Pietro. From there, it is a short 10-minute walk to St. Peter's Square.

[ezel]

Mark: we will be staying near Vatican prior to embarking on our cruise. Can we pick up the train to Civitavecchia at Stazione San Pietro instead of going to Central Station? Thanks.

[Mark_in_Colorado]

Mark: we will be staying near Vatican prior to embarking on our cruise. Can we pick up the train to Civitavecchia at Stazione San Pietro instead of going to Central Station? Thanks.

I have first-hand experience only for Civ. to Rome, but I certainly don't see why not. As it is a commuter train, you can buy your tickets at any time and they will be good for any train to Civ.; just be sure to validate them in the machines at the station before boarding.

[dylan]

Hi Would like to know if the train station is in walking distance from Civitavecchia pier. If not are the cabs waiting at the pier to take you and the cost. When taking the train into Rome how close are you to Vatican city and what would that stop be called. How long would it take on board the train. Thankyou Carol

[SueMo]

I would suggest getting to the Vatican at least 45 min before it opens. By then the line should only be one block long, but it won't take too long to gain entrance.

 

If you want to visit St. Peter's afterwards, I suggest that you exit the Vatican through the Sistine Chapel (far right corner) where it says "Tour Groups Exit". This will take you out right at St. Peter's, and you will miss the long line waiting to get in.

[itsanita]

Has anyone taken the "privite tour" that the tour guides (like limoinrome etc) offer to arrange? It is supposed to be someone knowledgeable about the history of art, they meet you at the Vatican museum, and then take you thru in about 2 hrs. There are 6 of us so the cost would be very reasonable.

[chasetf]

Has anyone taken the "privite tour" that the tour guides (like limoinrome etc) offer to arrange? It is supposed to be someone knowledgeable about the history of art, they meet you at the Vatican museum, and then take you thru in about 2 hrs. There are 6 of us so the cost would be very reasonable.

....a knowledgable tour guide for the Vatican....

 

We were fortunate when we were in Rome. First day we went to St Peter's and it was mobbed... went elsewhere. Second day was the Wed mentioned above... more mobbed. So the third (and last day) we said we are doing St Peter's if it takes all day.

 

We line up, it moved right along. After we got through security there was a fellow offering English tour for free. We waited the ten minutes for him to collect a group, got wired up (they use transmitters / ear phones inside). He gave us a great explaination of everything.

 

At the end of the St Peter's tour, he offered a Vatican museum tour after lunch that include the Sistine Chapel for a nominal price (around 20 euro each as I remember) that include entrance fees.

 

It takes at least three days to get a really good taste of Rome. I would recommend a pre or post cruise stay. I do not see how if can be reasonalbly done in a one day tour (other than driveby)

[CateW]

Has anyone taken the "privite tour" that the tour guides (like limoinrome etc) offer to arrange? It is supposed to be someone knowledgeable about the history of art, they meet you at the Vatican museum, and then take you thru in about 2 hrs. There are 6 of us so the cost would be very reasonable.

 

We booked a tour of the Vatican/Sistine Chapel through romewalks.com. Here's an overview:

 

This walk begins with the Vatican City Museums, the world’s vastest collection of Ancient Roman and Greek antiquities as well as the Popes’ former apartments. It was here that the greatest artists of Renaissance came to seek inspiration for their masterpieces!

 

Walk through the open-air Courtyard of the Pinecone, the sumptuous Hall of the Candelabra, the Hall of Maps and the ravishing Hall of Tapestries. See the Raphael Rooms, where the young artist worked on beautiful frescoes commissioned by Pope Julius II. Enter the Sistine Chapel and relive the genius of Michelangelo, who started the work on the vault as an “inexpert fresco painter” and completed it as one of the greatest artists of all times. Let our guide reveal to you the hidden tricks he pulled on the Popes, the provocations concealed in his paintings and all the veiled details you could never discover on your own.

 

After a short break, come to the largest Christian Church in the world. Entirely built in marble and solid gold, St Peter’s Basilica contains historical and artistic treasures beyond words. Our guides will tell you the stories which lie behind each magnificent sculpture and funerary monument, they will take you back to the origins of Christianity, to the time and spot where St Peter himself was crucified upside down.

 

The cost is $39 euro pp. and there is an additional charge ($12 euro) to get into the museums but you would pay for that anyway.

 

You can book this online - they are very responsive and I have read other good things rome walks on other threads. Have fun, whatever you decide.