Private Vatican Highlights Guided Tour with Sistine Chapel

5.0
(873 reviews)

3 hours 15 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Explore the Vatican Museums with a private guide, skipping long lines for an in-depth, engaging experience.

Discover Greek and Roman statues, including Laocoon and Apollo Belvedere, while learning their fascinating histories.

Wander through the lavish halls, uncovering stories of the Popes and artists. Marvel at the Sistine Chapel’s breathtaking frescoes, a masterpiece of Michelangelo’s genius.

Your journey continues to St. Peter’s Basilica*, where you’ll admire its grandeur, including Michelangelo’s Pietà. With exclusive access and expert storytelling, this tour offers an unforgettable Vatican experience.

What's Included

Octagonal Courtyard
Raphael Rooms*
Sistine Chapel
Greek Cross Room
Saint Peter's Basilica*
Gallery of Candelabra
Gallery of Tapestries
Muses Room
Skip-the-line to the Vatican Museums
Gallery of Maps
Pinecone Courtyard
Borgia Apartments
Round Room
Private, Local, Expert guide
Gratuities
Food and drinks

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Viale Vaticano, 100

In front of Caffé Vaticano, on viale Vaticano 100, just across the street from the Museum entrance. Your guide will be holding a LivTours sign. Remember to bring your ID to access the Museums

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Vatican Museums

    With your private expert guide, discover some of the most famous paintings and sculptures from western civilization and listen to amusing anecdotes about the former popes and artists represented in the museums. With your very own private tour group, easily maneuver through the crowded museums at a comfortable pace. You can admire views of the terrace over the gardens, make your way through the Renaissance and Octagonal courtyards, and enjoy the impressive Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms. You'll also see impressive sculptures of important figures of Greek Mythology such as Aphrodite, among other Nymphs and Graces. You'll even see the the pope's toilet!

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Sistine Chapel

    Next, learn of Michelangelo's masterpiece from your guide before you enter through a tiny door to admire the majestic Sistine Chapel. Take in its grandeur in contemplative silence.

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

    The tour will end with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica where you will access the church directly through a VIP passage to skip the long line. Enjoy the awe-inspiring visit and be amazed at the size of the beautifully adorned Basilica. 

    45 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • *St. Peter’s Basilica is an active church and can be closed unexpectedly for liturgical ceremonies. If closed, your guide will provide a revised itinerary including more of the Vatican Museums. No compensation is granted in these circumstances.
  • *St. Peter’s Basilica is an active church and can be closed unexpectedly for liturgical ceremonies. If closed, the time inside the Vatican Museums will be extended. On Wednesday mornings the Holy Father is having his weekly audience in Saint Peter’s Square and due to security, Saint Peter’s Basilica is closed. If you book an early morning tour on a Wednesday, we can therefore not guarantee access to the Basilica.
  • Important Notice Jubilee Year 2025: As part of the 2025 Jubilee celebrations, from December 24th, 2024 to January 6th, 2026, St. Peter’s Basilica may experience unexpected partial or complete closures. In the rare event that the Basilica cannot be visited, rest assured that your tour experience will remain exceptional. Your guide will seamlessly adapt the itinerary to include alternative highlights, ensuring the full duration and quality of your tour. Please note that, in accordance with our Terms & Conditions agreed upon at the time of booking, partial or full refunds cannot be issued due to Basilica closures.
Supplied by LivTours

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Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
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Walking Tours
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Religious Tours
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Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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