Private Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel – Exclusive 3-Hour Tour

Rome , Italy

Private Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel – Exclusive 3-Hour Tour

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(8 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

Are you Visiting the Museums with Kids? Just relax and enjoy! Special rates up to 17 and Children-Friendly Guides are what you need!

Save time and get the most out of your visit to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica by going on a private tour. These are some of the most popular sights in Rome, so skip the lines and you have more time to admire the art and architecture. Your private guide will tell you all about the history and culture of the sites, and cater the tour to suit your needs.
• Get priority access to two busy attractions
• Ideal for travelers with kids, as guides can adjust the tour to their needs
• First-time visitors to Rome will enjoy this comprehensive tour of the
• Vatican See centuries of cultural riches in an easy three-hour tour

Available options

Daytime tour

Daytime Tour: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica

Evening Tour

Evening Tour: Avoid The Crowd: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, Please note, Basilica is not included in the Evening tour.

What's included

Tickets to Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel

Certified multilingual guides. Kindly ask for languages that are not listed.

All Fees and Taxes

Daytime Tour: Tickets to teh Basilica

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

You will meet your guide, holding a sign with your name, in front of the Vatican Museums. You will enter the Vatican Museums overflowing with masterpieces by many of Italy’s most important Italian artists, sitting alongside important works from Ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt. You will walk through famous galleries such as the tapestries and maps ones and elegant and precious courtyards with sculptures of pricless value.

Stop 2

You will learn the secrets of The Sistine Chapel, with its enormous Michelangelo’s frescoes. Here you will have time to observe the details of his sublime “Last Judgment”that your guides explained before entering. Inside the Chapel only contemplation is allowed, not talking

Stop 3

NOT INCLUDED IN THE EVENING TOUR!
In the 16th century, the original church, constructed by Emperor Constantine on the burial site of Saint Peter, was replaced by the current St. Peter's Basilica. Your guide will bring you directly from the Sistine Chapel into St. Peter's Basilica's courtyard. Your guide will optimize your time by explaining all the features outside. You can take pictures (without a flash) in a peaceful atmosphere while the guide waits outside for you. It is the world's largest Church to admire Michelangelo's "Pietà" and other highlights. St. Peter's Square envelops visitors with the grand colonnades designed by Bernini and offers a stunning view of the Pope's Balcony.
Remember to cover your knees and shoulders before entering the Sistine Chapel and the Basilica of St. Peter.

What's not included

Hotel pick up

Basilica visit on the evening tour

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

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

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

The Vatican Museums' visits involve significant walking. Please provide any mobility and wheelchair access requirements. The wheelchair path does not cover all the Museums' rooms. Also, note that visitors with limited mobility can contact us for special needs, such as wheelchairs or walkers. Wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed in thThe tour can continue to the Basilica only if all members of your private group can walk down the stairs. Nevertheless you will see St. Peter's Square and the guide will explain the Basilica from the ourside. Also, note that other participants in your group will have to take charge of pushing the wheelchair.

Strollers: We suggest avoiding strollers and using a baby sling instead. Like wheelchairs and walkers, strollers are not allowed in the passage from the Sistine Chapel directly to the Basilica

Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers' full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the Vatican.

ST. PETER'S BASILICA TICKETS: Please note that the Basilica stops selling skip-the-line tickets 3 days before the date. Therefore, you will not be able to skip the line directly from the Sistine Chapel to the Basilica. Nevertheless, if the lines are reasonable, the guide will be happy to get you in. We are very sorry for the inconvenience, which goes beyond our control.

Meeting point

Meet your guide 15 minutes before the tour starts at Viale Vaticano 100, in front of Caffé Vaticano, opposite the Vatican Museums. The guide will hold a sign with your name.

Please note that we might propose a slightly different starting time, depending on the availability of entrance tickets.

Important notes

Dear Customer, thank you for choosing this private tour!

The guide will take care of all admission formalities.

There might be other information we need to communicate, such as slight variations in meeting time. Therefore, we ask you to check your e-mails and, if possible, share with us a mobile phone number, preferably with the WhatsApp system.
We aim to help you plan your day in the best way, optimizing your precious time!

If you do not receive further messages default meeting time and place is confirmed, as follows:
- 8:15 am tour: meeting point under the obelisk of St. Peter's Square
- 3:45 pm tour: meeting point at Viale Vaticano 100 just opposite the monumental entrance of the Vatican Museums

A quick reminder for your tour:

-Your guide will explain all the features outside. You can take pictures (no flash) in a peaceful atmosphere while the guide waits outside for you
- Big bags or backpacks and big umbrellas are not allowed; regular ones are allowed.
- Cover shoulders (a scarf is OK) and knees inside the Sistine and the Basilica.
- Guides cannot skip metal detectors checks

The Sistine Chapel might close without previous notice. Last-minute, we are unable to organize the tour differently.

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