Are you trying to select a tour for Vatican City? You will soon discover that there are not just plenty of tour companies. There are also different styles of tours. They are all focused on different elements of the Vatican, and you must select one carefully to get the desired experience.
For example, one that you are bound to come across is a Vatican skip-the-line tour. What does this involve, and is it worth the money? For many tourists, the answer is yes; it is worth the money. Let’s take a closer look at why you will love this type of tour when you are in Vatican City.
You Skip the General Admission Line
Let’s highlight the obvious and state where this tour gets its name. With this type of tour, you are able to skip past the general admission line. During the tourist seasons in Europe, you can expect the line to get into the Vatican to be several hours long. This can be uncomfortable when you are waiting in hot temperatures. Moreover, it can be boring and feel like you are wasting your time on vacation.
Therefore, this is the main attraction of the skip-the-line tour. You bypass the general admission line, getting right inside. Not only will you have a better experience at the entrance, but you will also get more time inside the Vatican. Indeed, you get to explore the Sistine Chapel plus areas like the Gallery of Maps and Michelangelo’s Pietà. This can be before the crowds that are waiting at the door.
If you want to avoid the crowds at the Vatican, you should definitely consider this type of tour. It can make sure you have a better experience when you are on vacation. What’s more, a tour guide will help you learn more about what you are viewing inside. After all, there is so much art and history to discover. They can help you learn the best stories and information you can remember when you leave.
How to Spot a Good Vatican Skip-The-Line Tour
You might find that several tour companies offer a skip-the-line tour. At face value, they might seem the same. But, they will be slightly different, and you want to examine the differences so you get the best deal. So, here is how to spot a good tour option for your vacation.
Positive Reviews
First of all, you need to pay attention to the tour company. You want to ensure that tourists have had positive experiences with them in the past. This can give you reassurance when you are booking one of their skip-the-line tours. Therefore, ensure that you check out what customers have to say. Read their reviews and examine what they are saying about the company. Positive reviews are a good sign but always read the negative ones too, for the whole picture.
Small Group Size
The idea of skipping the line is to avoid the busy crowds at the Vatican. But, the purpose of this is going to be defeated if you are going on a tour with a big group. It can make the place feel crowded and is not a pleasant experience when you are walking around with a number of people. So, a detail you want to look for is the group size. Make sure that it is small and under 15 people. This way, your experience can be pleasant and will not feel too busy once inside.
Trained Tour Guides
Of course, you will have a tour guide with you for the duration of the visit. You want to ensure they are trained and know what they discuss in the Vatican. Thus, look at the website and ensure that all tour guides are trained and experienced. This is going to ensure that your experience is a positive one. They can teach you fascinating facts and tell you stories about the Vatican, which allows you to leave there full of knowledge. What’s more, it makes the tour more interesting too.
Good Refund Policies
While you will be excited about your trip to the Vatican, you never know what can happen. You might want to rearrange your tour or you have to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. Thus, you want to ensure that you book a tour that has a good refund policy. This is going to allow you to make these changes if you have to. There are some tour companies that are very understanding with their refund policy. For example, they allow you a full refund up to 24 hours before you go.
