This tour was amazing. I was in Italy for over 2 weeks and this was by far my favorite things. It is amazing seeing how the mosaics are repaired and created. Better than anything else I did. 5 stars is not enough. This is a MUST do tour. I am so happy I found it.

The tour of the Basilica was excellently conducted by our guide and we were split into small groups with a guide for each group, and I think the guide catered to our interest to an extent. There was much reference to Popes etc, BUT very acceptable in the context of the art as the main focus, which was our interest, and within the devout personality of the woman guide we had. Walking to the mosaic studio was interesting in itself as the area we walked through was deserted apart from security guards. The Director of the studio gave us an interesting talk and display of what the mosaic studio does and how it does it. He also let us know they also took private commissions. Good value for the money, and we skipped the line to the Basilica. A bit spooky being left to walk out through security and the deserted area by ourselves when the tour finished...

Sadly, our plane was four hours late leaving the US, so I missed the tour. There was only one in our group who got there in time and he said it was a great tour.

This tour was amazing!

This was an absolutely incredible tour. The first hour was a general tour in the basilica, then we were handed off to the special Vatican guide who took us back to the Mosaic Studio where we learned the techniques used for restoring the mosaic works, met and watched several of the artists at work, and the archives where all the colored mosaic pieces are kept. We went back to the basilica several days later on our own to re-look at what we had first thought were huge paintings to look more closely at the intricate mosaic work of their construction. Absolutely the best tour ever for someone who loves art and architecture.

This might be the best tour I have ever taken, and I have taken quite a few. I didn't realize that the Basilica tour was befor the Mosaic Studio tour. Frankly, I think the order should be reversed. My legs were tired from the first half of our day (our tour was at 2:30) and walking around the Basilica for an hour wasn't pleasant for me, but I am over 60. I learned on the tour that all the "paintings" in the Basilica were in fact mosaics. I didn't know that, nor did my sister-in-law. We had both been to the Basilica numerous times before and it was never mentioned on any tour I had been on. Watching the artists work on the mosaics, seeing how they restored the ancient mosaics and the newer ones was fascinating. Our guide was wonderful, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, his name was Valery. I would take this tour again in a heartbeat, but would like to skip the Basilica tour. I would pay the same price for the mosaic tour alone. We returned to the Basilica another day to view the mosaics in a completely different light and with a much greater appreciation. Really, this was a great tour.

This was an excellent tour. The meeting place was a bit confusing but everyone was very helpful. The tour of Saint Peter's Basilica was the best one so far! We really enjoyed the intimacy of the Mosaic Studio. I thought it was amazing. The art of the work was incredible. The opportunity to see the work in action was great.

ST PETERS BASILICA FAR TOO CROWDED TO SEE MUCH

It was great

This tour was very private and had exclusive entry into the Vatican Mosaic studio. Most of all, now having visited the mosaic lab, one can appreciate more of its art work.