Vatican Museums & St Peter's Basilica Skip the line Private tour

Rome , Italy

Vatican Museums & St Peter's Basilica Skip the line Private tour

Active

(10 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Step into the heart of the Vatican & uncover its artistic & spiritual wonders on a private guided tour. From Michelangelo’s breathtaking masterpieces to the Vatican’s hidden gems, this is a journey you’ll never forget.
Vatican Museums: step in the Gallery of the Candelabra, Tapestries & Maps, each showcasing Renaissance artistry & historical significance.
Sistine Chapel: Michelangelo’s Genius Unveiled, stand in awe beneath Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes, including the iconic Creation of Adam, where the touch of God & man symbolizes divine inspiration.
Admire the Last Judgment on the altar wall, a dramatic depiction of salvation & damnation that took Michelangelo 4 years to complete. Your guide will reveal the secrets behind Michelangelo’s techniques, and the hidden messages in his work.
Enter St.Peter's Basilica & marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà, a marble sculpture carved at just 24. Gaze up at the magnificent dome, designed by Michelangelo and explore Bernini’s Baldachin .
Book Now!

Available options

English tour with Basilica

English tour without Basilica

English tour Without Basilica: English tour Without Basilica

Spanish Tour without basilica

spanish tour without Basilica

What's included

Private tour

Professional guide for 3 hours

Access to St. Peter's Basilica (only if option selected)

Guaranteed to skip the long lines

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

The Vatican City State, also known simply as the Vatican, became independent from Italy with the Lateran Treaty (1929), and it is a distinct territory under "full ownership, exclusive dominion, and sovereign authority and jurisdiction" of the Holy See, itself a sovereign entity of international law, which maintains the city state's temporal, diplomatic, and spiritual independence.With an area of 49 hectares and a population of about 825,it is the smallest state in the world by both area and population.

Stop 2

Vatican Museums and Upper Galleries, including the one of the Maps, Tapestries and Candelabra. The galleries are connecting the north section of the Vatican Palace with the Sistine Chapel. The rooms preserved many roman statues discovered during the excavations and many spectacular painted rooms.

Stop 3

Panoramic Terrace with a view of the Basilica, the Gardens and the Dome

Stop 4

Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel with the Frescoes painted in the 1500s for the Pope Julius II and Paul III; Michelangelo first painted the Ceiling where he represented the Creation of the World, from the Genesis book, and stories of Noah’s life. The Renaissance “Genius” when he was 61 years old he will come back to paint in five years only Last Judgement on the wall behind the altar.

What's not included

Gratuities

Food and drinks

Private transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A 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 moderate amount of walking is involved, not recommended for customers with limited mobility.

Personal photography is allowed during this tour, except in the Sistine Chapel.

Please be on time in order to enter the Vatican Museums at the time booked and avoid losing the tour.

Please note: in some areas of the Vatican the stroller must be carried by yourself in your arms, due to architectural restrictions.

Please note that, for disabled visitors with certified invalidity of more than 74%, the Vatican Museums offers free entry that is extended to a companion for visitors who are not self-sufficient. To benefit from this, make sure you mention it at the time of booking so that our staff may handle your request.

Please make sure you ask the guide any curiosities you may have during the tour, we want to ensure you have the very best experience!

Please bring comfortable shoes and a refillable water bottle.

No shorts above the knees, no sleeveless t-shirts are permitted, no big backpacks are allowed, no big umbrellas are permitted, no pointed objects are allowed.

Meeting point

Important notes

• A 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
St. Peter Basilica is included only if option selected
• Please be on time in order to enter the Vatican Museums at the time booked
This tour is not wheelchair accessible but may be adapted to an accessible itinerary if you contact us.

Please note that, for disabled visitors with certified invalidity of more than 74%, the Vatican Museums offers free entry that is extended to a companion for visitors who are not self-sufficient. To benefit from this, make sure you mention it at the time of booking so that our staff may handle your request.

About Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city of ancient ruins, artistic masterpieces, and vibrant culture. Known as the Eternal City, it is a living museum where every corner tells a story of its rich history spanning over 2,500 years.

Top Attractions

Colosseum

The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most famous ancient amphitheaters in the world. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)

Vatican City

Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.

Religious Half day €17 (Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel), Free (St. Peter's Basilica)

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and legal hub of the Roman Republic and Empire. It is a sprawling ruin of temples, basilicas, and arches.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Colosseum and Palatine Hill)

Pantheon

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, known for its large dome and oculus. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome. It is a popular spot for visitors to throw coins and make wishes.

Architecture 15-30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cacio e Pepe

A simple yet delicious pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

Pasta Vegetarian

Carbonara

A rich pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper.

Pasta Contains pork and eggs

Supplì

Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.

Snack Vegetarian (some variations may contain meat)

Carciofi alla Romana

Artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil.

Vegetable Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Appian Way Regional Park Biking along the Tiber River Rock climbing in the nearby mountains Picnicking in Villa Borghese Gardens Boating on Lake Albano Enjoying a spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting the Vatican Museums Attending an opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rome is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and scams can be a problem in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or bracelets

Getting there

By air

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport • 35 km from city center
Ciampino Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina

By bus

Tiburtina Bus Station, Roma Termini

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and covers major tourist areas. It operates from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Trastevere Monti Prancipio Testaccio

Day trips

Ostia Antica

30 km from Rome • Half day

An ancient Roman port city with well-preserved ruins, including a theater, baths, and mosaics. It offers a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome.

Tivoli

30 km from Rome • Full day

A picturesque town known for its stunning villas and gardens, including the famous Villa d'Este with its elaborate fountains and gardens.

Orvieto

120 km from Rome • Full day

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning cathedral, underground caves, and local wine. It offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.

Festivals

Natale di Roma • April 21 Festa de' Noantri • July Rome Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use public transport or walk instead of taking taxis to save money and experience the city like a local
Try local specialties and ask for recommendations from locals and restaurant staff
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs and traditions
Be aware of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots