Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.comAudience with Pope Benedict XVI at Vatican City
based on 128 reviews
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Location: Rome, Italy
Product code: 2390GRET5
128 reviews of Audience with Pope Benedict XVI at Vatican City
Read what other Viator.com travelers think about the Audience with Pope Benedict XVI at Vatican City. What they loved, what they liked and what they think could be improved, it's all here to help you make the most of your next trip.
This was a great experience. Things to keep in mind: The tour guide gives you the ticket and then you are on your own for seating. We were lucky we sat in a section where we were able to see the Pope very well especially when he first made his entrance into the square. Make sure to bring umbrellas, water and sunblock. There is no shade and you will be sitting for a few hours before the mass. Make sure if you want any items blessed by the Pope you bring them to this mass. It is definitely a moving experience.
Reviewed by: Anonymous, United States of America, May 2009
I enjoyed the tour very much. One improvement would be to give better directions where to meet for people not at a hotel pickup point. My friend and I wandered around for 30 minutes since the tour office was not open yet. We then got on the incorrect bus and did not realize it until conversing with other passengers.
Reviewed by: Nancie T, United States of America, May 2009
The guide told us to seat in the wrong place. The Pope didn't pass by the seat we chose which our guide recommended. Got disappointed so we didn't return to the tour bus and just got our own cab to go back to our hotel.
Reviewed by: Ricardo M, United States of America, April 2009
The audience started at 10.30 a.m. and I was picked up from my hotel at 7.30 a.m., so there was a lot of waiting around. I can see why with the size of the crowd and security, but it was a very cold February day.
Reviewed by: Andrew J, United Kingdom, February 2009
A bit too long. Good seats.
Reviewed by: Anonymous, United States of America, December 2008
My only complaint on this tour was the gift shop "Universal Rome" was quite expensive and when we bought postcard stamps, the woman gave us used stamps that were still in lire. So we were charged 8 Euro for stamps we could not use. We did not notice the stamps until a day after we had purchased them. Some of the employees in the shop were quite rude as well.
Reviewed by: Mari Lynne L, United States of America, October 2008
The information supplied was sufficient, and the pickup was on time, efficient and comfortable. The group leader was friendly. In short, all parts of the arrangements were excellent.
Reviewed by: Roland L, Netherlands, October 2008
More interesting to my wife, who is Catholic. Incorporated visit through St. Peter's and the Sistine Chapel following audience with the pope.
Reviewed by: Lendon T, United States of America, October 2008
Very good to be in the presence of the pope. We were quite a distance from the stage but it was still very spiritual to be in there.
Reviewed by: Bernard W, Canada, October 2008
A once in a lifetime experience.
Reviewed by: Anonymous, Ireland, September 2008
It was a wonderful experience. People playing music, chanting, singing. Then the Holy Father appeared and blessed the congregation. It was like a fountain of love and blessings! Very peaceful, joyous, happy and harmonious. Thank you Viator.
Reviewed by: Sohan K, United Kingdom, August 2008
Well organized, and efficient! Only complaint was the gift shop with only expensive medals, etc. Also false information given about mailing postcards, has been 2.5 weeks, and still the cards haven't been received in the US!
Reviewed by: Sharon M, United States of America, July 2008
It was a little difficult finding the pick-up location. Since we had changed hotels and had not been able to communicate with the tour company, we opted to meet the tour at the Centernal Termini pick up. The tour was good, we had seats on the fourth row and near the aisle. We also got a good movie of the Pope in his Popemobile.
Reviewed by: Iris R, United States of America, July 2008
The tour coordinator was fantastic and informative and ensured we got good seating locations, and also provided commentary on the way to the Vatican on some of the areas.
Reviewed by: Diane G, Canada, June 2008
The tour was well organized. The tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable. With the tickets there was access to general seating in St. Peter's Square. It was such a terrific and memorable experience! Well worth the money for the convenience.
Reviewed by: Rose F, United States of America, May 2008
