Exclusive Vatican: Sistine Last Judgment Restoration & St. Peters

Rome , Italy

Exclusive Vatican: Sistine Last Judgment Restoration & St. Peters

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About this experience

Explore the Vatican’s majesty on an exclusive private tour. With fast-track entry, you’ll bypass the crowds to experience the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica alongside your dedicated expert guide. Your journey begins in the Museums, where we navigate the Raphael Rooms and the Gallery of Maps.

Inside the Sistine Chapel, marvel at Michelangelo’s ceiling. Note: As of January 2026, the "Last Judgment" wall is undergoing essential conservation. Your guide will provide a unique "insider" look at this historic restoration process while ensuring you have unobstructed views of the iconic "Creation of Adam."

Your experience culminates with a fully guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica. Stand before the historic Holy Door; though now sealed following the 2025 Jubilee, your guide will reveal its 500-year-old secrets. Inside the Basilica, your expert will lead you to Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin, bringing the history of the world’s largest church to life.

Available options

Exclusive Vatican: Sistine Last Judgment Restoration & St. Peters

What's included

Access St. Peter's Basilica

Skip-the-line to the Vatican Museums

Expert Private Guide: Your own knowledgeable guide will lead you through Vatican City

Headsets to hear the guide better (from 6 & more participants)

Bypass the queues & maximize your time exploring with pre-reserved tickets

Detailed itinerary

Immerse yourself in a world of artistic and historical marvels within the Vatican Museums. Explore vast galleries brimming with sculptures, paintings, and artifacts, spanning from ancient civilizations to the Renaissance. Your expert guide will navigate you through iconic spaces like the Gallery of Maps, featuring intricate cartographical masterpieces, revealing the geographical understanding of the past.

Stop 2

Prepare to be awestruck by the Sistine Chapel, a pinnacle of Renaissance art. Gaze upwards at Michelangelo's breathtaking ceiling frescoes, depicting scenes from the Book of Genesis, and marvel at the powerful Last Judgement adorning the altar wall. Your knowledgeable guide will unveil the rich symbolism and stories hidden within these artistic wonders.

2026 Restoration Note: Please be aware that Michelangelo’s "Last Judgment" in the Sistine Chapel is currently undergoing essential maintenance and may be partially covered by scaffolding. Your guide will use this opportunity to provide a "behind-the-scenes" look at the restoration process while ensuring you have an unobstructed view of the famous ceiling frescoes, including the "Creation of Adam."

Stop 3

Your private experience concludes with a guided visit to St. Peter’s Basilica. As you transition from the Vatican Museums, your expert guide will lead you to the historic Holy Door. While this sacred portal is now sealed in bronze following the 2025 Jubilee, you will stop to discover its 500-year-old history and the unique traditions of the Papal Holy Year.

Once inside the Basilica, your guide will navigate the crowds to show you the church’s most iconic treasures. You will see Michelangelo’s Pietà and stand beneath the massive bronze Baldachin by Bernini. Because this is a private tour, your guide will tailor the commentary to your interests, ensuring you see the most important artistic and historical highlights of the world’s largest Basilica.

What's not included

Transfer services

Gratuities

Dome access is not included. Tickets (€10 per person) can be purchased inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

Available languages

Guide guide

DE RU EN IT FR RO ES

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Visitors with a certified disability of 74% or higher, along with one accompanying person, must notify the activity provider at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made

Guides are not permitted to speak inside the Sistine Chapel. An explanation will be provided before entry, and the guide will accompany the group silently inside

During peak periods, security checks and mandatory headset collection may cause longer wait times

Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the Sistine Chapel and Basilica. Entry may be denied for non-compliance

From January to March 2026, restoration work on Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment will take place

The Sistine Chapel will remain open, but scaffolding may partially or fully obstruct the altar wall. No refunds are issued due to restoration work, scaffolding, or unannounced closures by the Vatican

In the rare event of Basilica closure, the guide will offer an alternative Vatican itinerary

Meeting point

Meet Your Guide: Make your way to Via Vittor Pisani, 6/8. Look for our friendly Wanderwise staff holding a flag – they'll be ready to greet you and begin your Vatican adventure!

Important notes

Meet Your Guide: Make your way to Via Vittor Pisani, 6/8. Look for our friendly Wanderwise staff holding a flag – they'll be ready to greet you and begin your Vatican adventure! Please plan ahead. Be sure to attive at least 10 minutes before the tour's start time.

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