When in Rome...

The right guide is crucial! Whatever you do, DON’T do a group tour of anything….always use a private guide. It is absolutely worth it, and the cost is usually not much more...if at all.

Who has seen the Sistine Chapel? How many people were in there with you? Could you really see it? Could you hear your guide? Were you squished in like sardines? Did you get to go into the’ cry room’? All reasons to have a private guide.

We met our guide at the gate of the Vatican Museum at 7:45 AM – it was our first day in Rome, so we were up early anyway as our internal clocks had not reset. Because we had a reservation and we were there early, we were the first in the doors. Our guide whisked us quickly to the Sistine Chapel. Jaw dropping. The lights were still on in the chapel for cleaning, so we got to see it all lit up. We were the ONLY people in there. The guards let us take pictures. WE were able to sit and soak in the splendor of this masterpiece without people pushing in on us or the ruckus of a thousand voices.

Our guide was also able to take us into the ‘Crying Room’ or ‘The Room of Tears’. It is not open to the public, but a well connected guide means super special access for you!

Besides starting the day off perfectly with this Sistine experience, our guide was able to whisk us down back hallways etc to avoid ANY lines or waiting as we took in The Vatican. Some people waited for upwards of 2 hours to get into St. Peter’s – we walked right in. ETC.

The right guide too is suited to your personality and pace and can read you well to know how to adjust.

So, when in Rome…make sure you have the right guide!