Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
covering every aspect of the tours we offer
Who are the tours designed for?
Software designers, attorneys, retirees, accountants, musicians.... In short: people. People who love great background stories and inside information that bring a place to life. If you like programs like Rick Steves, The History Channel or National Geographic you're going to love
our tours. Just like "The Da Vinci Code" they're packed with popes, emperors, art, politics, scandal, theology and trivia.
How many people will be with us on the group tour?
It simply doesn't matter. Got your attention? We don't only give tours, we take them too. We can assure you that what creates a memorable tour is the guide,
and little else. The ability to connect with people and create a radio show-like atmosphere is what sets us apart
from the rest of the crowd. Our favorite compliments are when people tell us that it "seemed more like a dinner party than a tour" or "the pace was perfect". Nobody wants to be on a "cattledrive".
All that being said -- groups are generally made up of 4-5 couples. We will provide at our cost Walkman-like headphones for the entire group so that we can speak in a conversational voice and be heard even in the noisest of the galleries (and with all that marble they are noisy!).
I would prefer I private tour. Is that possible?
Of course. Maybe you want to see parts of the collection that tourists don't usually see, or perhaps you want a shorter or longer tour.
Maybe you have trouble walking and want to customize your visit. Whatever the reason simply let us know what you want and we'll send you a price quote and full details right away.
How do I book / pay for a tour?
In order for us to guarantee your spot on the tour you will need to reserve in advance and pay a deposit. The deposit is equal to one-third the total cost of the tour. When we receive your request we will send you a link to our Paypal page. Simply click on the link and pay using your credit card or Paypal account.
The balance of the tour price, as well as for entry tickets (if necessary) will be collected by the guide doing the tour. Vatican tickets are € 13 adults and € 8 students under 26 with valid ID. Children under 7 enter free. Colosseum tickets are €11 for everyone over 5 yrs.
The balance of the tour price, as well as for entry tickets (if necessary) will be collected by the guide doing the tour. Vatican tickets are € 13 adults and € 8 students under 26 with valid ID. Children under 7 enter free. Colosseum tickets are €11 for everyone over 5 yrs.
What is your cancellation / refund policy?
You can cancel (by email) until 48 hrs. before the start of your tour. If you cancel a processing fee equal to 15% of the cost of the tour will be kept from your deposit. If you cancel under the 48 hr deadline you will forfeit the deposit, but it can be applied to any other of our tours in the following 30 days.
Who is Vatican Art Walks? Who are the guides?
Vatican Art Walks is a limited company registered in the United Kingdom and having its main office in Rome. Both of the principals give many of the tours (biographies here). Other tours are contracted with experienced local guides with degrees in art, history or archaeology (and they have years of experience in the trenches!).
I have difficulty walking; can I join the tour?
We certainly hope so. There are a number of galleries on the group tour that are inaccesible by wheelchair, so if you are able to do a
few stairs as the guide carries the wheelchair to the next gallery then you'll do fine.
This definitely wasn't designed as a "survival of the fittest" test. The walking is leisurely and there will be a couple
of spots to sit and enjoy the views as your guide tells you stories of what you're seeing.
I would like to see the Pope. How do I do that?
If you are in Rome on a Wednesday or Sunday it couldn't be easier. On Wednesdays the Pope holds a "general audience" in St. Peter's Square for pilgrims and tourists alike (except July and August, when the audience is held at Castel Gandalfo outside of Rome). You need tickets to attend the audience. They are free but must be requested and picked up in advance. See the Vatican's website for more details. On Sundays the Pope appears from the window of the Apostolic Palace, the building above the right-hand fountain at St Peter's Square, at 12noon.
Is there a dress code?
Sort of. It's not a fashion code (you can wear stripes and plaids together, for instance). They just want everybody
to be decently dressed. Translate that as covered. Long trousers for men and covered shoulders for
everyone (tip: ladies can keep a shawl or t-shirt in their bag and put it on when going into the Sistine Chapel and
St. Peter's Basilica)
What is the best way to get to Vatican City?
The best way? Have the Pope send his big white helicopter to pick you up! Barring that, you could take a taxi to the meeting point (Piazza Risorgimento). There is a Metro stop that will bring you
close (the "Ottaviano" stop of the Metro line A). Several buses also stop at Piazza Risorgimento. Click on the detailed map of the neighborhood for more specific information.