You will often hear that planning your vacation in advance is the best way to enjoy your time away. This is something that is particularly true if you are enjoying a city break and destinations where there are so many activities to do. For example, one place that can be included in this list is Rome, Italy. This is one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe. People come from all over the world to see sights such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Sistine Chapel.

In particular, if you are heading to Rome, you will want to make time for the Vatican Museums. Located in Vatican City, here you can learn about Catholicism, as well as enjoy the biggest art collection in the world. Most tourists select a guided tour to see the Vatican Museums since there is so much to see and learn about.

You might be wondering whether you can book Vatican tour tickets in advance or if they are available on the day. Let’s take a look at what we know so that you can plan your next vacation to Rome.

Are Tour Tickets Available on the Day?

There are a number of reasons why you might think about getting tour tickets for the Vatican on the same day. Maybe you want the freedom to change your plans. Perhaps you are trying to save money right now. Either way, you need to know the position in advance so that you can make a decision and not miss out on this hotspot when you are in Rome.

Something you should know is that admission to the Vatican Museums should be made in advance. Namely, this has to be done online before you go. This is in order to secure your entry. This is simple to do online if you are just looking for general admission. The earlier you book, the better.

When it comes to Vatican tours with reputable companies, it is recommended that you book your visit in advance. It will not be possible just to show up and get a tour, as the groups are already arranged in advance. In particular, if you want to book skip-the-line tours in Vatican City, you have to ensure you do this early, as they are very popular. You do not want to miss out on the tour.

Are There Different Tour Tickets for the Vatican?

The answer to this question is yes. You will find that there are several different types of tickets to get into the Museums, and you should select one carefully. This makes sure that you are happy with your tour and that you have a good experience.

Early Access Tours

First, you have the early access tours. Just as the name suggests, this gives you early access to areas like the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican museums. When you get in before general admission, it means that you do not wait in line outside. In addition, there are going to be fewer people inside too. So, you do not have to worry about the crowds and not being able to see everything. You are going to be there early in the morning.

Skip the Line Tours

There are also tours that are called skip the line. Again, the name explains this one. When you have a ticket, you are going to skip the general admission line and get straight into the museums. This can be a relief when the line is a few hours long. You do not have to worry about waiting in the blazing sun and hot temperatures. You are going to beat the crowds outside.

Private Tours

You are going to find that some companies will offer you private tours. This is a tour that is going to have a small number of people in it, which is great for a family group or friends that want to explore the Vatican. You will be able to see the areas that interest you and have the opportunity to ask questions. Many people comment that they like how personal a tour can feel and that they have the opportunity to chat with the guide. Indeed, there is a lot to learn about in the Vatican. So, this makes sure you are able to engage with the guide on the tour.

What Other Factors Should You Consider for a Tour?

It is not just the type of tour you want to pay attention to. You also want to consider the details of that tour to make sure you are getting the experience you want. So, here are some other factors you want to consider.

The Group Size

One factor to consider is the size of the tour group. It can affect your experience if there are going to be too many people on the tour. For instance, you might miss artifacts or feel like you are far away from the tour guide. This can mean that you miss information or do not have the opportunity to ask questions.

The Duration

Something else to think about is the duration of the tour. You want to make sure that you stay interested in the tour and have fun. But, this is not going to happen if it drags on for a long time. Some tours are going to be longer and more in-depth than others. So, check this out before you buy tickets.

The Price

All Vatican tour tickets are going to be at different prices. Typically, the more perks you get with the ticket, the more expensive it is going to be. If you are on a budget with your vacation, this will be something you have to think about. For instance, tours that are private and get you in early, as well as have a small size, are going to be the most expensive. Ordinary tours during the day will be cheaper. You have to consider what your budget is and how you can get the most out of your time at the Vatican museums.