Private Guided Tour at Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel

3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Experience the Vatican like never before with a skip-the-line private tour, led by an expert local guide dedicated to answering your questions and bringing history to life. Explore one of the world’s most significant religious and artistic sites with exclusive insights and fascinating stories.

Marvel at the iconic Belvedere Courtyard, wander through the antique galleries, and admire the breathtaking frescoes of Raphael’s Rooms. Stand in awe before Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, one of the Vatican’s most sacred spaces, where popes are elected and history is made.

Capture the perfect shot at the Pinecone Courtyard, uncover the Vatican’s hidden legends, and learn secrets only a local guide would know. Ever wondered where the famous chimney for the black and white smoke is placed? Or whether Raphael and Michelangelo were rivals or friends? Let’s uncover these stories together on this unforgettable journey!

What's Included

Licensed local tour guide
Headset cost (if needed)
Skip the line tickets to the Vatican Museums
Vatican Museums, Raphael Rooms, Sistine Chapel
Small Grouop (max 15 people group to ensure priority access)
St. Peter’s Basilica access is included but not part of the guided tour due to entry restrictions.
Private transportation
Gratuities: Optional and at your discretion
Personal Expenses: Souvenirs or additional purchases not covered
Food & Drinks: Meals and beverages not included

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Right at the corner between the Caffe Vatican and the top of the stairs, there will be one of us waiting for you!

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Vatican Museums

    Vatican Museums: walk on one of the old private pope courtyards, the pinecone courtyard with a pinetree from the II aD. Have a look to the optagonal courtyard and admire the iconic Laocoon. Explore the Museo Pio Clementino and discover its roman and greek sculpture collection, walk on the amazing galleries such as the Gallery of the Maps, Gallery of the Tapestries, and Gallery of the Candelabra. Be surprised by the wonderful frescos made by Raphael for Julius II della Rovere at the beginning of the XVI century and get in to the mysterious life of the famous Pope Borgia.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Cortile della Pigna

    The Fontana della Pigna or simply Pigna is a former Roman fountain which now decorates a vast niche in the wall of the Vatican facing the Cortile della Pigna, located in Vatican City, in Rome, Italy.

    5 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Galleria Delle Carte Geografiche

    The Gallery of Maps[1] (Italian: Galleria delle carte geografiche) is a gallery located on the west side of the Belvedere Courtyard in the Vatican containing a series of painted topographical maps of Italy based on drawings by friar and geographer Ignazio Danti

    5 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4

    The four Raphael Rooms form a suite of reception rooms in the Apostolic Palace, now part of the Vatican Museums, in Vatican City. They are famous for their frescoes, painted by Raphael and his workshop. Together with Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes, they are the grand fresco sequences that mark the High Renaissance in Rome.

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5
    Sistine Chapel

    Sistine Chapel: We will go and see the famous works of Michelangelo, where he spent years to create this treasured master piece while standing upright on wooden scaffolds.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 6
    St. Peter's Basilica

    St. Peters Basilica is included in the ticket but not in the experience as the access from the Vatican Museums has been closed due to Covid. The guide will explain you how to admire the masterpieces of La Pieta, the statue of St. Peter, the Baldacchino, the famous Pope’s tombs such as John Paul II and John XXIII so in case you woul'd like to go by your own.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please note that certain areas of the monument/attraction may be closed on your visit due to religious events or national holidays.
  • Only small bags are allowed
  • Only your group will participate
Supplied by Tours and the City

Tags

Half-day Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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