FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL INFORMATION:
How can I book a tour with you?
All our Vatican and Rome tours can be booked directly through our website, through email at info@sangiorgiotour.com or in person at our Rome offices.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept PayPal and all major debit and credit cards.
Once I’ve booked my tour will I need to pay any additional fees on the day?
No, everything is included in the original price.
Will I receive a confirmation?
Yes, if you book a tour online you will receive an automatic confirmation email. If you book at one of our offices, you will receive a print out. These will include all the relevant information regarding your tour.
Should I print my confirmation?
It is recommended to have a copy at hand (so you can find your meeting point easily or have our contact details, in case of an emergency,) but not mandatory.
Mobile vouchers will also be accepted.
How early should I arrive for my tour?
In order to assure the best service possible, we ask all our clients to arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour starts to check in with one of our office staff. Roman traffic can be unpredictable, so always remember to allow yourself enough time.
What should I do if I’m running late?
If you are lost, stuck in traffic, or have an emergency, please make sure to call us at the following number (+39) 3512143040
What happens if I miss my tour?
If you don’t show up for your tour or arrive late, you will forfeit the entire cost of your tour and no refund will be provided.
Do your tours avoid the lines?
Yes, all applicable tours include skip the line tickets. Entrance times are set, and tickets are ordered in advance to ensure the shortest wait possible.
Are your tours wheelchair friendly?
Unfortunately, our group tours are not suitable for people in wheelchairs or those with walking difficulties. This is due to the layout of the sites and restricted wheelchair accessibility. Therefore, at this time, we can only offer this service as a private option, with advanced notice.
Are strollers allowed on tours?
Strollers are fine on most of our tours, as long as you are able to fold them and carry them yourselves (which sometimes includes travelling up and down stairs). If in doubt, contact us at info@sangiorgiotour.com
Do you still run tours if it’s raining?
Yes, rain, shine or snow. If conditions are extremely bad, some sites may close temporarily, in which case we will try to contact you in advance. For this reason, it is important to make sure your contact details are correct when booking.
Should I tip my guide?
Tipping is entirely up to you. It’s not expected, but always appreciated.
VATICAN INFORMATION:
Is there a dress code?
Yes, all visitors are required to cover their shoulders and knees. The Vatican is a religious place and, as such, vests, low cut tops, miniskirts and offensive T-shirts are not allowed. Caps and hats can be worn throughout the museums but must be removed when entering the Sistine Chapel or St. Peter’s Basilica.
Are there any other restrictions?
Yes, large bags and backpacks aren’t allowed inside the Vatican either. So, if you are going to bring a bag make sure to bring a small one. Other prohibited items include – large umbrellas, tripods, selfie sticks, pocket knives and glass bottles. If you don’t plan in advance you will be required to check these items in the Vatican cloakroom upon entering. While there is no cost to use this facility, it is inconvenient as the exit is located at the opposite end of the entrance.
What are the rules on photography?
Photos and videos are permitted within the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, although flash photography and selfie sticks are prohibited. All forms of photography and video are strictly forbidden inside the Sistine Chapel, no exceptions.
Does the Vatican offer any discounts for students/kids or seniors?
The Vatican offers discounts for any students 25-year-old or younger. In order to qualify for this discount, you must be in possession of a valid student ID (please note: If your student card does not show your D.O.B then an additional ID will be required). The same discount applies for children between the ages or 6 – 17 but, once again, will require a valid ID with proof of age. Any child 5 or under is granted free entrance to the museums and therefore should not be added during the tour booking process. There are no concessions for seniors, and anyone over the age of 17 who is not a student is required to pay the adult rate.
Do I need to bring my passport?
No, although the Vatican is an independent country, they do not require passports for entry.
Do I need to bring my Student ID?
Yes, it is mandatory, as specified in the “discounts for students” section.
Will we have headsets?
Yes, the Vatican requires all groups with over 6 participants to use headsets. These are not pre-recordings but listening devices to amplify your guide’s natural speaking voice and avoid shouting inside the museums. As they are the property of the Vatican, we have no control over their quality; therefore, we ask you to please inform your guide ASAP if you experience any problems, so they can provide you with a replacement.
Does my ticket include quick access to St. Peters’ Basilica?
Yes, all of our Vatican Tours include entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica, with the exception of our Friday Night Vatican Group Tour. That said, please be aware that the Basilica is separate from the Vatican Museums and, as such, occasionally closes for religious events and state visits. While the former will normally be announced ahead of time, the latter are not (for security reasons). Therefore, we can’t be held responsible for such spontaneous closures, as they are completely out of our control. In such cases no refunds or discounts will be given, but your tour in the museums will be extended to make up for lost time.
What are the opening times for St. Peter’s Basilica?
The basilica is free to visit and open daily from 7am to 7pm during the summer months (from April – September) and 7am – 6pm during the winter (from October to March). Please remember opening hours will change on Wednesdays if there is a Papal Audience.
Does my ticket include entrance to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica?
No, tickets for the dome, or “cupola”, are separate and admission costs are €10 with elevator use or €8 without. Visiting hours for the dome are from 8am to 6pm during summer months and 9am to 5:15pm during the winter. Please remember, times will change on Wednesdays if there is a Papal Audience.
How can I see the Pope?
There are two ways to see the Pope, the Papal Audience and the Angelus. The Papal Audience takes place in St. Peter’s Square every Wednesday at 10am or 10:30am. This is a meet and greet, which tends to last between 30 minutes to 1 hour, and tickets are free. The Angelus takes place in St. Peter’s Square every Sunday at noon. This is a short address and blessing, which lasts about 15 minutes, and no tickets are issued. These both occur regularly throughout the year, whenever the Pope is in residence. For further information please visit: http://www.vatican.va/various/prefettura/index_en.html (this is a new link as the one you had before was actually for another tour company)
Can I explore the museums myself once my tour is over?
Yes, this is generally possible but will depend on what time your tour ends. That said, always remember to communicate this information with your guide in advance, before exiting the museums, so they can let you know what to do.
COLOSSEUM INFORMATION:
Do your tours actually go inside the Colosseum?
Yes, all our tours of Ancient Rome go inside the Colosseum.
Is there a dress code for the Colosseum?
No, there is no dress code for the Colosseum, but we do recommend comfortable attire.
Are there any restrictions?
Yes, the Colosseum has recently updated its rules and regulations and now only allows small bags and purses. As the Colosseum has no cloak room or bag storage facilities, those with large bags will not be permitted to enter with the rest of the group.
Do I need to bring my passport?
Yes. All clients will be asked to show a photo ID, you must bring a photo ID to be allowed into the monument.
It is mandatory to have a photo ID, you may be denied entry to the monument without one.
Does the Colosseum offer any discounts for students/kids or seniors?
Unfortunately, the Colosseum doesn’t offer discounts for students or pensioners, but there is a reduced fee for kids ages 6 – 17 with a valid ID, showing proof of age. Entrance for children 5 or younger is free and, therefore, should not be added during the tour booking process.
Will we be able to visit the Arena/Dungeons/Underground?
No, at present we do not offer access to these areas but will be offering that service very soon.
