Private Vatican Museums Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica

4.7
(527 reviews)

3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

What better way to see the Vatican than with your own private guide? Do just that on this 3-hour walking tour, and explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica with customized commentary. From the splendor of Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgement” fresco to the intrigue of an architectural optical illusion in St Peter’s Square, this in-depth tour charts the stories behind the Vatican’s sacred sites. Even better, the tour provides access that allows you to skip all the entrance lines — even the priority ones.

What's Included

Reserved Skip-the-Line Access to the Vatican Museums
Carefully curated private tour just for your group
Reserved Access to the Sistine Chapel
English-speaking expert guide exclusively for your group
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Via Tunisi, 4

At the bottom of the steps across the street from the Entrance of the Vatican Museums. The steps are located right next to Caffè Vaticano on the corner of Viale Vaticano and Via Tunisi. The closest Metro stop is Line A (Ottaviano – Musei Vaticani).

End point
Sistine Chapel

The tour ends outside Sistine Chapel.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Vatican City

    Experience the UNESCO-listed Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel effortlessly with a private guided tour. Say goodbye to the hassle of long queues, giving yourself the gift of extra time to explore these incredible museums with an Expert Guide just to yourself. Enjoy a seamless and unforgettable journey through art and history!

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Vatican Museums

    Kick off your Vatican adventure by meeting your private guide, who'll whisk you past the lines with your skip-the-line ticket. Customize your experience by sharing specific interests or requests, whether it's delving into Vatican history or juicy, sometimes-scandalous anecdotes about its inhabitants. Embark on a personalized tour with your guide, exploring diverse galleries like Raphael’s Rooms, the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the charming Pinecone Courtyard. Dive into tales of Renaissance giants such as Raphael and Michelangelo, who crafted masterpieces for the popes, while also uncovering intriguing stories of artistic rivalries. Your journey through the Vatican promises an exclusive blend of history, art, and captivating narratives.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Sistine Chapel

    Finally, arrive at the renowned Sistine Chapel, celebrated for Michelangelo's iconic frescoes—The Last Judgment and The Creation of Adam—adorning its sacred ceiling. Inside, immerse yourself in the silent majesty of these masterpieces. While talking is prohibited, your guide will share insightful commentary just outside the chapel doors, ensuring you don't miss a moment of this awe-inspiring experience.

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4
    St. Peter's Basilica

    Through a dedicated access, step into the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica, an architectural marvel that stands as the epitome of spiritual and artistic excellence. Marvel at Michelangelo's iconic Pieta, gaze up at the breathtaking dome, and absorb the sacred atmosphere. The heart of Vatican City, this basilica offers a profound encounter with history, faith, and awe-inspiring beauty. Embark on a journey through the largest church in the world, where every detail tells a story of centuries past. St. Peter's Basilica invites you to witness the intersection of divine inspiration and human achievement, leaving an indelible mark on your soul. Your private guide will make sure you do not miss a detail.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5
    La Pieta

    Next, walk over to St Peter’s Basilica, the Italian Renaissance church that’s home to more artistic masterpieces, most famously Michelangelo’s La Pietà sculpture and Bernini’s bronze baldachin altar canopy.

    5 minutes Admission ticket included
  • St. Peter's Square (Pass by)

    As your tour ends in St Peter's Basilica, head to St. Peter's Square, an iconic masterpiece in Rome. It embraces visitors with its grandeur. Designed by Bernini, the vast elliptical space is encircled by a majestic colonnade, symbolizing the Church's embrace. The central obelisk and fountains add splendor, while the stunning façade of St. Peter's Basilica stands as a beacon of architectural brilliance, inviting pilgrims and tourists alike to marvel at the heart of Vatican City.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Visitors must pass through metal detectors at the security check point; expect to wait 20-30 minutes to clear security
  • Only small bags are allowed
  • Saint Peter’s Basilica is subject to last-minute closures for religious ceremonies. When this occurs, we're happy to offer customers an extended tour of the Vatican Museums. While we endeavour to tell tour groups ahead of time if there are any planned disruptions to the Basilica's opening hours, this is not always possible and in these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts.
Supplied by City Wonders Ltd

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Tags

Half-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Historical Tours
Art Tours
Walking Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Seasonal
Viator Plus
Excellent Quality
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

4.7 Based on 527 527 reviews
5 stars
448
4 stars
41
3 stars
9
2 stars
12
1 star
17
Likely to sell out
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