VIP Private Tour: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Visiting the Vatican Museums extraordinary collections with a private tour is the best way to enjoy the best of Italian Art! Together with the Sistine Chapel, they are among the most-visited tourist attractions worldwide. Our Private Guides will provide you with a Uniquely Enjoyable Experience. Admire the prodigious ceiling of the Sistine Chapel!
Available options
VIP Private Tour: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel
What's included
This tour is private, not public. So it is arranged just for you and yours
Kids-friendly guides
Skip the Line Entrance Ticket
Professional Certified Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
You will meet your guide in front of the Vatican Museums. You will enter the Vatican that, despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, houses a complex of museums, whose value is hard to quantify. First of all, you will admire the Belvedere and the Pigna (pinecone) Courtyard, then you will appreciate the Picture Gallery. It houses an amazing collection that includes Giotto, Perugino, Leonardo, Caravaggio, Dali… impossible to describe in a few lines! Follow your guide to the main exhibitions. The guide will focus on Greek and Roman originals, various Pope’s apartments painted by Masters like Raphael. Equally important are the famous galleries of Tapestries, Candelabra and Maps.
2
Stop 2
The second part of the tour is the not-to-be-missed attraction, the Sistine Chapel, with its incredible ceiling by Michelangelo and his supreme masterpiece, the Last Judgment. Many other scenes are painted by the best Italian artists, such as Perugino, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio and other masters. It will be surprisingly exciting standing in the centre of such beauty.
What's not included
pickup and drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
IT
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.5
10 reviews
5★
8
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please indicate the names of all tour participants when booking.
Please bring your identity document
If children are present, please also indicate their age
Please, communicate if there are disabled people partecipating the tour .
Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.
Meeting point
Meeting with our guide in front of Caffè Vaticano in Viale del Vaticano 100, at the agreed time, to take part in this unmissable tour, which includes skip-the-line tickets.
Important notes
Our guides will be in possession of the tickets for the site to visit.
The client has to kindly communicate the language of the tour.
Meeting point with our guide in front of "Caffè Vaticano" in Viale del Vaticano 100, at the agreed time.
About Vatican City
Vatican City, the world's smallest independent state, is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Nestled within Rome, Italy, it's home to iconic landmarks like St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house some of the world's most renowned art collections, including the Sistine Chapel.
Top Attractions
St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most renowned churches in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. It is a significant pilgrimage site and a must-visit for its stunning interior, including Michelangelo's Pietà and the dome offering panoramic views of Rome.
Religious/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free entry (€8 for dome climb)
Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of art and artifacts amassed by the Catholic Church over the centuries. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and the Gallery of Maps. It's a treasure trove for art lovers and history enthusiasts.
Museum/Art
3-4 hours
€17 (includes entry to St. Peter's Basilica)
Castel Sant'Angelo
Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant'Angelo is now a museum and fortress. It offers fascinating exhibits and panoramic views of Rome from its terrace. The passage leading to the Vatican, known as the Passetto di Borgo, is a historical highlight.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
€15
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cacio e Pepe
A classic Roman dish made with pecorino cheese and black pepper, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.
Pasta
Vegetarian
Supplì
Fried rice balls filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella, similar to Sicilian arancini.
Appetizer
Vegetarian (some versions contain meat)
Tiramisu
A popular Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in nearby parks
Biking tours
Strolling through historic neighborhoods
Visiting parks and gardens
Museum visits
Art tours
Historical site exploration
Boat tours on the Tiber River
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are manageable. These months offer the best conditions for sightseeing and exploring the city's outdoor attractions.
15-30°C
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian, Latin
- Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Vatican City is generally safe, with a strong police presence and low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas, so it's important to stay vigilant.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.
Getting there
By air
- Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport • 30 km from Vatican City
By train
Roma San Pietro Station
By bus
Roma Termini Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The metro system in Rome is efficient and connects to Vatican City via the Ottaviano Station, which is a short walk from St. Peter's Basilica.
Taxis
Available • Apps: FreeNow, MyTaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Borgo
Prati
Day trips
Rome
0 km (Vatican City is an enclave within Rome) • Full day or more
Rome, the capital of Italy, is a treasure trove of ancient history, art, and culture. It offers iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain, as well as world-class museums and vibrant neighborhoods.
Ostia Antica
30 km from Vatican City • Half day
Ostia Antica is an ancient Roman port city that offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman life. The well-preserved ruins include homes, shops, and public buildings, providing a unique historical experience.
Festivals
Easter Celebrations • March or April (dates vary)
Christmas Celebrations • December 24-25
Pro tips
- Book tickets for major attractions like the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica in advance to skip the lines.
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites to show respect and avoid being turned away.
- Use public transportation or walk to get around Vatican City and Rome, as driving can be challenging and parking is limited.
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
