Rome , Italy

Private Tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

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About this experience

Enjoy a full immersion in the amazing masterpieces of the Vatican Museums with a private art historian. Skip the long ticket lines and have the benefit of a thorough guided tour and a worry-free experience.

Available options

Tour in Italian

Tour in Italian: This option is for a 2-hr private tour with an Italian guide.

Tour in French

Tour in French: This option is for a 2-hr private tour with a French guide.

Italian Tour with Dome Climb

Include Basilica & Dome Climb: This option is for a 4-hr private tour in Italian of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter Basilica, and Dome climb. Duration: 4 hours Accessibility: This option is not wheelchair accessible.

English Tour with Dome Climb

Include Basilica & Dome Climb: This option is for a 4-hr private tour in English of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter Basilica, and Dome climb. Duration: 4 hours Accessibility: This option is not wheelchair accessible.

Portuguese Tour & Dome Climb

Include Basilica & Dome Climb: This option is for a 4-hr private tour in Portuguese of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St.Peter Basilica, & Dome climb. Duration: 4 hours Accessibility: This option is not wheelchair accessible.

Spanish Tour with Dome Climb

Include Basilica & Dome Climb: This option is for a 4-hr private tour in Spanish of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter Basilica, and Dome climb. Duration: 4 hours Accessibility: This option is not wheelchair accessible.

Tour in German

Tour in German: This option is for a 2-hr private tour with a German guide.

Tour in Portuguese

Tour in Portuguese: This option is for a 2-hr private tour with a Portuguese guide.

French Tour with Dome Climb

Include Basilica & Dome Climb: This option is for a 4-hr private tour in French of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter Basilica, and Dome climb. Duration: 4 hours Accessibility: This option is not wheelchair accessible.

Tour in English

Tour in English : This option is for a 2-hr private tour with an English guide.

German Tour with Dome Climb

Include Basilica & Dome Climb: This option is for a 4-hr private tour in German of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter Basilica, and Dome climb. Duration: 4 hours Accessibility: This option is not wheelchair accessible.

Tour in Spanish

Tour in Spanish: This option is for a 2-hr private tour with a Spanish guide.

What's included

Thorough guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica

Entry fees to the top of the Dome

Sterilized headsets to hear your guide clearly

Entry fees to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Full on-site assistance

Guided tour of St. Peter Dome

Guided tour of the Vatican Museums with a professional art historian

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Visit one of the most important museums in the world with a professional guide and benefit from the skip-the-line entrance.

Explore the stunning masterpieces collected by the popes and learn about the great personalities and the stories behind them. Lose yourself in the Pinecone Courtyard, the Hall of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the Gallery of Candelabra and be impressed by the "Raffaello's Rooms".

Stop 2

End your tour in the incredible Sistine Chapel and marvel at the beauty of Michelangelo's frescoes: The Last Judgement and The Creation of Adam among others. From there you can access St. Peter's Basilica directly skipping the long security-check lines outside.

Stop 3

Choose to extend your experience with a 1-hr guided tour of Saint Peter's Basilica. Get guided through renowned works of Renaissance and Neoclassic art by Canova and Bernini among others. Be impressed by the harmonious 30-meters-high canopy and discover its connection with the Pantheon. Get emotional in front of the "Pietà" of Michelangelo and appreciate its expressive power and delicate beauty.

Stop 4

Or opt to climb your way up to the top of the dome of the Basilica. Enjoy a bird's-eye view over the basilica's floor and get the chance to take an exclusively close look at the mosaics of the dome. Go even higher to find yourself at the top balcony and be amazed by the spectacular panorama over Rome and beyond it.

Available languages

Guide guide

DE PT EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

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Tripadvisor 3.7

3 reviews

5★

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Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wheelchair accessible

Please be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour starts

An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the Vatican Museums: knees and shoulders should be covered

This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic-calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or a full refund

Meeting point

Meet your guide across the street from the Vatican Museums' entrance. Look for a yellow label with TOURIKS written on it. Please arrive 10 minutes before the starting time.

Important notes

- Please be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour starts
- An appropriate dress code is required in order to enter the Vatican Museums: knees and shoulders should be covered
- This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or a full refund
- For environmental reasons, it is preferable that you bring your own earphones and do not print your voucher. We will provide earphones in case you forget yours
- We suggest you bring your own refillable bottle as you can find drinkable water fountains everywhere in Rome

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