Published on Oct, 2023
This was a trip highlight. Our tour guide, Thomas, was exceptional. There were hoards of people outside the Vatican, but Thomas held up a sign with our name on it and we found him easily. This was a private tour with the 3 of us. Thomas was able to weave us in and out of the crowds and give us an enormous amount of information. His English was excellent. One of our companions wears hearing aids. She had no trouble hearing Thomas throughout the tour.
Thomas showed us a book with pictures from the Sistine so when we got inside we'd know what to look for. After visiting the Sistine, we walked through the long porticos where Thomas explained the popes collected many Roman statues. We also saw the rooms of animals, muses and maps. There was so very much to see, but Thomas took us through it in an unhurried way.
Later, we saw two of the Raphael Rooms. And the Borge Room below. Then, we went inside St. Peter's where Thomas helped us see the amazing Bernini alters and Michelangelo's Pieta.
We cannot recommend this tour high enough. I chose it because of the raving reviews on Trip Advisor and I am glad I did.