When I was travelling to Italy I knew I wanted to fit in a trip to the Vatican and I figured a tour would be the easiest way. If you're interested in some knowledge and history -- take a tour !!! Because there are little to NO SIGNS in the museums or the grounds really. So even knowing which direction to walk for your visit is unclear at times. Next, there's a LOT of people ... now I say this just to be honest, tickets sales are not up to the tour company of course but I say this just to prepare you. You need to stick with your guide and listen and pay attention because there's a lot of people, everyone wants their photo and their own experience and some parts are more narrow so be prepared.
I enjoyed the history. Our tour guide, Donatella, was very knowledgeable. She answered questions, she offered interesting tidbits. Other reviews about her was that she was too talkative- I thought she talked the right amount, but everyone will have their own preference. One lady in our group had broken her foot and was walking with a boot so the guide was attentive and checked on her often to make sure she was comfortable.
I was very satisfied with the tour- I figure, you go all the way there, you want to see it well and this tour is a good way to do that 😀