FAQ's

Do we have to book in advance for a group tour?
Yes, you must inform us that you are joining one of our tours. We ensure that our group tours have a maximum of 15 people, but to enforce this maximum group number we must know exactly who is arriving beforehand.

Do you offer tours of any other sites or cities?
Yes, if you are interested in visiting something or somewhere that we have not mentioned on our website, let us know and we’ll be happy to try and arrange something for you. Our knowledge in the field is pretty extensive so it’s unlikely you’ll ask for something we don’t know about! We work with guides that are capable of touring almost everything in Italy.

If we join your tour, must we stand in line to get into the Vatican Museums?
From the 2nd of January 2008 the Vatican Museums have extended their opening hours trying to eliminate the large lines entering the museums. If there is a line entering the Vatican Museums Yes we must wait in line. The Vatican Museums have an average of 13,000 people entering every day. The museums have one main entrance with one security checkpoint and just like everyone else, Roman Candle Guides wait in this line. However, we do schedule our tours at the best possible times when the line (if any) is at its shortest. If there is a line the wait is NOT included in the time of the 3 hour tour. Our Guides wait in line with you so if you’re not sneaking out of line to grab an ice cream or sandwich you’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions before the tour starts.

How long is the line to get into the Vatican Museums?
It is difficult to say how long the line may be; during low season (October – March) the average wait to enter the museum is around 15 minutes. During high season (April – September) the wait is about 40 minutes. Around public holidays such as Easter or Christmas the wait can be up to 3 hours. If the museum has been closed for a day or two then there will be crowds of a day or two waiting to enter the first open day. For the most part, Mondays and Saturdays have the longest waits.

If we have to wait in line is the tour time included in that?
No the 3 hours of touring will start once the tickets have been purchased and you are inside the Museum. No matter how long the wait to enter the Museum, that time is not included in the tour time.

Do we enter the Colosseum?
Yes, the inside of the Colosseum is something that should not be missed. If you book the Ancient City Tour you will enter the Colosseum.

Do I have to wait in line at the Colosseum?
On the day of the guided tour our Roman Candle Guides will bring you to the Palatine Hill to purchase tickets, where there is normally no line at all. These tickets are also valid for the Colosseum.

Where do we meet for our tour?
Once you have booked your tour, you will receive an email including meeting point details, with precise directions, map, and photos.

Can I choose what time to have a private tour?
Yes, you can arrange a private tour whenever you please, granted the site is open. The times which are suggested are times that we think are the best.

Are the times offered the only times that are available?
Group tours are only available at the times specified, if you are interested in private tours the choice is yours.

When do we purchase tickets?
All of the tickets are purchased on the day of the guided tour and the guide will lead everyone in the group to ticket booth.

Are the tours offered ‘wheelchair friendly’?
The Vatican City Tour is very accommodating to wheelchair users, although at times you will have to separate from the group in order to use the elevator. The Ancient City Tour and the Roman Candle Night Tour are both reasonably wheelchair friendly, but it may be a very bumpy ride over the cobble-stone streets!

Do you offer transportation?
Yes. We offer transportation to and from both Airports, Civitavecchia, Rome, Tour Meeting Points, Hotels or other places.

Are the tours all and only in English?
All group tours are all conducted in English, however, if you have a request for a private tour in another language we will do our best to accommodate you.