Private Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica Early Bird Tour

4.9
(969 reviews)

3 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: German and 4 more

Are you planning your once in a life time Vatican experience? This is hands down the best Vatican Tour!
Our early bird tour options will allow you to enjoy the Vatican treasure before the crowd!
After hotel pickup, travel to the Vatican. Enjoy a fascinating tour and an interactive experience with a passionate tour guide who will animate the history of the magnificent artwork and cater to your personal interests.
During your visit, see one of the world’s finest collections of sculptures, carvings, frescoes, and paintings.
The main attractions included in the tour will be the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica ( not available on Wednesday morning due to the Papal Audience).
Don't waste your time, choose our Prime option and be among the first lucky ones to enter the Museums!

What's Included

LUXURY OPTION - Private hotel pick-up and drop-off service (from/to centrally located locations)
LUXURY/COMFORT Options - Private hotel pick-up service (from centrally located locations)
LUXURY Option - Meet and greet with the guide at your accommodation (if centrally located)
Tickets to the Vatican Museums
Professional Licensed Blue Badge Tour Guide for A Private Walking Tour
Shortcut to St. Peter's Basilica
Visit to the Sistine Chapel
Food and drinks
Early Morning BASIC OPTION - Transfers not included

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

For the EARLY BIRD LUXURY OPTION pick-up, drop-off, and meet and greet with the guide at the accommodation are included in the tour cost. Guests should be at 7:45 AM down the lobby ready for the transfer. For the EARLY BIRD COMFORT OPTION pick-up and meet and greet with the guide at the accommodation are included in the tour cost. Guests should be at 7:45 AM down the lobby ready for the transfer. For the EARLY MORNING BASIC OPTION transfers are NOT INCLUDED. Guests will meet their guide at 8:00 AM directly on-site, at the designated meeting point. YOU WILL BE CONTACTED BY THE AGENCY FOR ANY CHANGE.

OR
Meeting point

For the EARLY MORNING BASIC OPTION, transfers are NOT INCLUDED. Guests will meet their guide at 7:30 AM directly on-site, at Caffè Vaticano, Viale Vaticano 100 - located on the opposite side of the Museums' entrance. Your guide will be holding a sign with your last name on it.

End point

For guests who booked the LUXURY OPTION the drop-off service is included.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Vatican Museums

    With our Prime Tour, we get you inside the Museums at its first access. Watch the Vatican Museum Galleries slowly come to life.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • Cortile della Pigna (Pass by)

    The Courtyard of the “Pigna”, created from the 16th century area of the “Belvedere”

    Admission ticket free
  • Sphere within a Sphere (Pass by)

    The Sphere within a Sphere" by Arnaldo Pomodoro at the Vatican Museums is a striking sculptural masterpiece that graces the Cortile della Pigna. This captivating artwork features a large bronze sphere with a textured, fractured surface, revealing a smaller sphere within. The interplay of light and shadow on the intricate patterns adds to its mesmerizing allure. Symbolizing themes of complexity and inner depth, Pomodoro's sculpture at the Vatican Museums stands as a testament to the convergence of art, spirituality, and profound meaning in the heart of one of the world's most renowned cultural institutions.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Sistine Chapel

    The Sistine Chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere (pontiff from 1471 to 1484) who had the old Cappella Magna restored between 1477 and 1480. It is known throughout the world both for being the place where the conclave and other official ceremonies of the Pope are held (in the past also some papal coronations), and for being decorated with one of the most famous and celebrated works of art of artistic civilization the frescoes by Michelangelo.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3
    St. Peter's Basilica

    The largest Basilica in the world is also home to worldwide masterpieces like the famous Pietà by Michelangelo! it even houses an underground crypt for Popes, of which can be visited ( not available on Wednesday morning due to the Papal Audience) The Basilica has a big influence from Michelangelo and you can see his art work throughout. The Basilica was originally built above the tomb of the Prince of the Apostles, where the Pope visits every Christmas or Easter Time.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Dress code: Modest attire required for places of worship and selected museums; no shorts or sleeveless tops allowed, cover knees and shoulders for both men and women to avoid entry refusal.
  • Timings and reservations subject to availability and administrative decisions; may undergo last-minute changes.
Supplied by Eyes of Rome

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Tags

Half-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Viator Plus
Excellent Quality
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Curated Catalog

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.9 Based on 969 969 reviews
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