Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and S. Peter's - Private Tour

Rome , Italy

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and S. Peter's - Private Tour

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(70 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy the Vatican Museums with this entertaining 3-hour and half tour with your family or your friends. Make your way through the enormous museum complex at an easy pace and always maintaining full interaction with your experienced tour guide. With no-line quick access, you'll get into the Vatican Museums through our preferred entrance. You will visit the highlights, from the famous Laocoon and the Apollo Belvedere to the Gallery of Tapestries and Maps, all the way to the Sistine Chapel - where you will finally admire Michelangelo’s amazing frescoes. Passing From the Sistine Chapel directly into the St. Peter’s Basilica where you will be amazed by Michelangelo’s famous Pieta and you will stay in awe under the massive dome and you will gazi upon Bernini’s celebrated canopy.

Available options

Pick up and Drop Off

Duration: 4 hours<br/>Pickup included

Meeting On Site

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

Pick Up Included

Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes<br/>Pickup included

Vatican and Sistine's Chapel

Duration: 3 hours<br/>Whitout St. Peter's Basilica: Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, without St. Peter's Basilica

What's included

Private tour

Professional blue badge guide

Vatican entrance ticket

Saint Peter's Basilica fast entrance

3,5 hours guided tour

Visit all of the most important sites of the Vatican

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Vatican Museums are the public art and sculpture museums in the Vatican City. They display works from the immense collection amassed by popes throughout the centuries including several of the most renowned Roman sculptures and most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world.

Stop 2

The Sistine Chapel is a chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the pope, in Vatican City. Originally known as the Cappella Magna, the chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV, who restored it between 1477 and 1480.

Stop 3

From the Sistine Chapel we will go directly into the St. Peter’s Basilica by using a special access and therefore skipping once again the long lines. Our guided tour continues inside the world’s most amazing and decorated church, where you will be amazed by Michelangelo’s famous Pieta. Then, standing in awe under the massive dome and gazing upon Bernini’s celebrated canopy, you will learn about the Basilica’s many secrets and stories.

What's not included

Food And Drinks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

67 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

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

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

It is recommended you wear comfortable walking shoes and if rain is forecast, bring a small umbrella as well. Large umbrellas, large bags, and selfie sticks will not be allowed into the museums.

The wheelchair itinerary is different from the regular itinerary. We will visit some special rooms and of course the Sistine Chapel. In the wheelchair itinerary, Saint Peter’s Basilica is not accessible. The tour will be extended in the Vatican Museums

N.B. DUE TO THE HOLY JUBILEE YEAR IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO GUARANTEE ACCESS TO ST. PETER'S. IN THESE CASES THE TOUR WILL EXTEND INTO THE MUSEUMS

N.B. Power banks are NOT permitted to enter the Vatican Museums, so we ask you not to bring them with you during your visit.

Meeting point

Your guide will wait you in front of "Caffè Vaticano", Viale Vaticano, 100, holding a board with your name on it.

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
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

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