Exclusive Private Tour: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Basilica

Rome , Italy

Exclusive Private Tour: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Basilica

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About this experience

Embark on an unforgettable 3-hour private Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s, discover Highlights & treasures with a private licensed guide. Skip the lines with priority entry to the Vatican Museums and enjoy a personalized experience tailored to your interests.
Why book this tour?
Your expert guide will lead you through the museum's most awe-inspiring galleries, sharing fascinating stories, symbolism & hidden anecdotes behind the art. Whether you're captivated by ancient sculptures, Renaissance art or rich history, this tour offers you an immersive experience in one of the greatest museums in the world.
Get access to the Sistine Chapel & marvel at Michelangelo's iconic frescoes: hear the untold stories behind these masterpieces.
Discover the Creation of Adam & the Last Judgement.
Enhance your experience: choosing the option with St. Peter’s Basilica where the Pieta is housed.
Delve deep into the art & make your Vatican visit unforgettable!
Book today your Prívate tour!

Available options

English

Spanish

Tour with Basilica

What's included

Private tour

Skip-the-line tickets

Entry/Admission - Sistine Chapel

Professional guide for 3 hours

Entry/Admission - Vatican Museums

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

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your tour will start after having met your guide who will escort you for all the 3 hours of your private tour.

You will first enter the Vatican Museums and Upper Galleries, including the Maps, Tapestries, and Candelabra ones.

The galleries connect the north section of the Vatican Palace with the Sistine Chapel. Many Roman statues discovered during the excavations and many spectacular painted rooms are conserved in the rooms.

Stop 2

While Raphael was painting the Room of the Signatura, Michelangelo was working on the Sistine Chapel Ceiling. The two artists were rivals but Raphael recognized Michelangelo’s talent in his “School of Athens”. Here you will admire the Parnassus and the Dispute over the Sacrament.

Stop 3

After having visited the beautiful Raphael Rooms, you will approach the Borgia apartment, which was painted by Pinturicchio and commissioned by the Spanish Pope Alexander VI Borgia. These rooms are inside the oldest section of the Apostolic Palace. You will visit its main rooms, which preserve also part of the artworks from modern and contemporary art.

Stop 4

Then, you will arrive in the Modern and Contemporary Art Galleries, which had been created thanks to the several donations in honor of Pope Paul VI: during a special Speech inside the Sistine Chapel he called back to the Church modern and contemporary artists in order to recreate a link between art and church. Many donations arrived from the United States and other countries. Among the many masterpieces, you will admire Matisse’s, Chagall’s, Dalì’s, and Bacon’s works.

Stop 5

After having visited the Vatican Museums, you will enter the Sistine Chapel, where you will admire 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 and stories of Noah’s life. When he was 61 years old Michelangelo painted The Last Judgement on the wall behind the altar.

Stop 6

The access to the Basilica is included only if option selected

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Please be on time to avoid losing entry and thus missing the tour.

Please note: the Vatican tour on wheelchair will take more time than the usual, so please contact us in order to create a customized itinerary for you

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

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.

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!

The access to St. Peter's Basilica is included only if option selected

Meeting point

Meeting point in front of the Vatican Museums entrance, near the marble door. Your will hold a sign with your name on it. Address: Opposite to Viale Vaticano 100

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
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Please be on time to avoid losing entry and thus missing the tour.
Please note: the Vatican tour on wheelchair will take more time than the usual, so please contact us in order to create a customized itinerary for you
Please note: in some areas of the Vatican the stroller must be carried by yourself in your arms, due to architectural restrictions
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.
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!

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