Carnival's "Vatican View" Private Tour

[idocdlw]

Has anyone taken this excursion?? If so, would love details. Is it worth the $500+ price tage??

[Nylsor]

I know nothing of Carnival's tour but the price sounds outrageous. The entrance fee to the Vatican Museums is 18 euros per person. We booked a 3.5 hour guided tour which included the Vatican Museums, the Sisitine Chapel, the Tombs of the Popes (including that of Pope John Paul II) and the Basilica where you will be able to see Michelangelo's Pieta - stunning. We booked our tour with Vatican Tours tours@vaticantoursinc.com and the guide was absolutely excellent. We paid 100 euros total for the two of us. You will meet the guide outside the entrance to the museums and avoid the enormous queue.

If you only want to visit the Basilica entry is free. You could get a taxi into Rome from the port area to St Peter's Square and do everything yourself. After the Vatican, cross the river and walk to the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. All quite near to each other and very walkable. Then get a taxi from one of the taxi stands back to the port. Taxis are inexpensive. Ask the price before entering the taxi. Rates are set officially by the City of Rome authorities. Always use official cabs ( they are white) which you can get at the taxi stands throughout the city. Allow enough time as traffic is very heavy in Rome. We were in Rome last week so the prices I have quoted are current.