Small Group Vatican Museums Tour & Sistine Chapel - Max 10 people

4.6
(839 reviews)
Rome, Italy

3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Get ready for an exclusive and unforgettable experience at the Vatican! Our direct-access tour allows you to beat the crowds and discover the wonders of the Holy See in peace. With both early morning and afternoon start times, you'll be sure to be able to squeeze in a visit tot he Vatican state!

With the help of our expert local guide and an extra small group of maximum 10 travellers, you’ll enjoy priority access to the Vatican Museums jumping right past the ticketing line.

This means you'll get an up-close and personal view of the stunning art and architecture of the Vatican Galleries, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica without having to push through the masses. Trust us, you won't regret starting your day off with this tranquil and awe-inspiring adventure!

What's Included

Access to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel
Semi-Private Small Group of Maximum 10 People!
Guided visit of St. Peter's Basilica
Skip the Line through the Scala Regia (Holy Staircase) to St. Peter's Basilica
A Professional, English-speaking Guide
Skip the Line Direct Access to the Vatican Museums, Pio-Clementino Museum, Gallery of the Candelabra
Hotel pick up / drop off
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Viale Vaticano, 100

Please arrive 10 minutes early. Your guide will meet you between Tmark Hotel Vaticano and Caffé Vaticano, at the top of the big staircase (Viale Vaticano, 100). A representative will be there holding a sign reading “The Tour Guy.” 

End point
Vatican Museums

Your guided tour concludes inside the Vatican Museums, where you can either continue exploring on your own or follow our guide to the exit.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Vatican City

    Meet your guide and semi private group of maximum 10 participants, at a selected location in Vatican City (see voucher) from where your tour will start.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Sphere within a Sphere

    Before entering the extensive halls of the Vatican Museums, join your guide on a walk through the stunning Pinecone Courtyard. Here you'll have a chance to marvel at Arnaldo Pomodoro's famous ''Sphere within a Sphere''

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Vatican Museums

    Highlights of the Vatican Museums Experience the best galleries at the Vatican with your expert guide, visiting the Candelabra, Tapestries, and Maps galleries. Admire ancient Roman and Greek statues, Flemish tapestries, and spectacular topographical maps commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII. Your guide will reveal the stories behind these treasures as Vatican secrets are unveiled to you. See Raphael's famous fresco, The School of Athens, and other masterpieces in multiple rooms inside the Vatican Museums. Raphael Rooms Experience the grandeur of the Renaissance with a visit to the Raphael Rooms inside the Vatican Museums. As one of the most iconic artists of the era, Raphael's frescoes are a must-see for any art enthusiast. Explore multiple rooms adorned with stunning artworks. And don't miss the chance to marvel at The School of Athens, one of Raphael's most renowned masterpieces that depicts some of history's greatest thinkers in a grand architectural setting.

    1 hour 40 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Sistine Chapel

    Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's Last Judgement Prepare to be wowed as you visit the Sistine Chapel - a top attraction in Vatican City. Arriving early gives you the chance to admire Michelangelo's incredible artwork without the crowds. As a sacred space, silence is required, but your guide will provide you with a guide and a pre-visit explanation of what you're about to see. Inside, you'll be mesmerized by the sheer number of figures painted by Michelangelo - over 600! This masterpiece is not only a testament to his talent but also serves as a gathering place for cardinals of the Catholic Church. Please note: The Sistine Chapel is a sacred place, so visitors are required to have their knees and shoulders covered when inside. Failure to do so will result in refused entry to a portion of the Vatican tour. During Rome’s hot summer months, consider bringing a shawl or sweater for covering yourself when necessary.

    15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5
    St. Peter's Basilica

    (excluding Wednesdays) Your tour concludes with privileged access to St. Peter’s Basilica—no need to wait in the long lines outside, thanks to a dedicated passage reserved for groups through the Scala Regia (Holy Staircase). Once inside, take your time exploring one of the most renowned churches on earth, traditionally believed to house the tomb of St. Peter himself. Marvel at Michelangelo’s moving La Pietà, stand beneath Bernini’s majestic Baldacchino, and soak in the serene atmosphere of this spiritual landmark. Please note: St. Peter’s Basilica is not accessible on Wednesdays due to the Papal Audience and may close unexpectedly on other days. In such cases, your guide will adapt the itinerary to ensure a full and enriching experience elsewhere within the Vatican.

    20 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • A specific dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
  • A fair amount of walking is involved, and there will be stairs between different levels. We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages.
  • Mandatory: Everyone is required to carry a copy of the identification page of their passports on all tours. A photo of the first page of your passport saved on your smartphone works as well.
Supplied by The Tour Guy

Tags

Half-day Tours
Architecture Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Religious Tours
Small Group
Viator Plus
Excellent Quality
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

4.6 Based on 839 839 reviews
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