Private Early Bird Vatican Museums Tour

based on 703 reviews

Duration:3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Location: Rome, Italy

From $372.43

Book in 2 easy steps:

1. Select A Date

2. Enter Total No Of Travellers

Infant (Age : 0 to 5)

CHILD (Age : 6 to 17)

ADULT (Age : 18 to 99)

Free Cancellation

Upto 24 hours in Advance.

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Top Selling Tours & Activities

Private Sightseeing Tours

Excellent Quality

Viator Plus

Half-day Tours

Private and Luxury

Walking Tours

Cultural Tours

Historical Tours

PRODUCT DETAILS
TRAVELER REVIEWS
TRAVELER PHOTOS

Are you planning your once in a life time Vatican experience? This is hands down the best Vatican Tour!
Our early bird tour options will allow you to enjoy the Vatican treasure before the crowd!
After hotel pickup, travel to the Vatican. Enjoy a fascinating tour and an interactive experience with a passionate tour guide who will animate the history of the magnificent artwork and cater to your personal interests.
During your visit, see one of the world’s finest collections of sculptures, carvings, frescoes, and paintings.
The main attractions included in the tour will be the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica ( not available on Wednesday morning due to the Papal Audience).
Don't waste your time, choose our Prime option and be among the first lucky ones to enter the Museums!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Vatican Museums
With our Prime Tour, we get you inside the Museums at its first access. Watch the Vatican Museum Galleries slowly come to life.
2. Cortile della Pigna
The Courtyard of the “Pigna”, created from the 16th century area of the “Belvedere”
3. Sphere within a Sphere
The Sphere within a Sphere" by Arnaldo Pomodoro at the Vatican Museums is a striking sculptural masterpiece that graces the Cortile della Pigna. This captivating artwork features a large bronze sphere with a textured, fractured surface, revealing a smaller sphere within. The interplay of light and shadow on the intricate patterns adds to its mesmerizing allure. Symbolizing themes of complexity and inner depth, Pomodoro's sculpture at the Vatican Museums stands as a testament to the convergence of art, spirituality, and profound meaning in the heart of one of the world's most renowned cultural institutions.
4. Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere (pontiff from 1471 to 1484) who had the old Cappella Magna restored between 1477 and 1480. It is known throughout the world both for being the place where the conclave and other official ceremonies of the Pope are held (in the past also some papal coronations), and for being decorated with one of the most famous and celebrated works of art of artistic civilization the frescoes by Michelangelo.
5. St. Peter's Basilica
The largest Basilica in the world is also home to worldwide masterpieces like the famous Pietà by Michelangelo! it even houses an underground crypt for Popes, of which can be visited ( not available on Wednesday morning due to the Papal Audience) The Basilica has a big influence from Michelangelo and you can see his art work throughout. The Basilica was originally built above the tomb of the Prince of the Apostles, where the Pope visits every Christmas or Easter Time.

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Dress code: Modest attire required for places of worship and selected museums; no shorts or sleeveless tops allowed, cover knees and shoulders for both men and women to avoid entry refusal.
• Comfortable footwear recommended for moderate walking during the tour.
• Allow at least 20 minutes for security checks at monuments/attractions.
• Timings and reservations subject to availability and administrative decisions; may undergo last-minute changes.
• Notify us of any mobility issues or disabilities.
• Museums partially accessible for visitors using wheelchairs; Basilica not included.
• St. Peter's Basilica excluded on Wednesdays due to the Papal Audience.
• Possible last-minute closures of St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel for religious ceremonies; no refunds for unplanned disruptions.
• Children under 18 require a valid passport or ID for age verification on the day of the tour.
• Review the confirmation message sent one day before the tour for final details.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : mblbmd
In 2022 we toured the Vatican with a tour company that was terrible. We were hesitant to revisit, but booked a trip with friends who had never been so we had no choice. Our last tour of 2022 was a walking tour of Rome through Eyes of Rome with Azurra which was by far the BEST tour of our trip. We booked this tour with Azurra as our guide and she was exceptional again! Her knowledge is second to none. Her personality is wonderful. Her recommendations for dining were spot on terrific. We are so glad we revisited the Vatican because having Azurra as our guide has made all the difference. I would give 10 stars out of 5 if I could!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-19 03:52:29

Posted By : Shawn_H
The entire tour was the best, the guide was better than could have ever expected! Wish that she was able to do all of are tours, a big thank you
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-18 12:46:03

Posted By : Katryn_F
This was completely worth it. We had a little group of 3 and Rachel was AMAZING! Very knowledgeable and explained all the incredible history of the Vatican.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-18 02:12:04

Posted By : Jerry W
She was knowledgeable on all topics, friendly, professional, on time. All the things you are looking for were true with my experience.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-16 10:12:52

Posted By : rodallen42
Our tour guide Maria was outstanding. She was very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. She knew a lot of entertaining and interesting facts about the art works and artists. She was very helpful at helping my wife (in a wheelchair) get around. She knew where to go first in order to avoid crowds, and she and gave us directions for how to continue on our own after the tour was over. Thank you Maria!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-15 16:14:36

Posted By : Peter_D
Great early tour of Vatican. Very experienced guide who was very knowledgeable about the Vatican. Saw Sistine chapel and St Peters. Highly recommend!.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-12 08:42:38

Posted By : Phil_B
Racquel was an amazing guide and super knowledgeable and fun. I've done 4 tours in the Vatican and her personal attention and level of knowledge was 1st place in my tours. We were able to see the most amazing things and virtually no wait at all at the busiest times. It's worth the extra money for private tours imo, and I would not hesitate to do it again!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-11 15:34:08

Posted By : Arlene_S
Everything about this tour was memorable. Highly recommend our guide Francesca Calvani ! She was a wealth of knowledge, passionate about what she does and extremely knowledgeable! I would’ve loved to tour other museums with her.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-09 16:26:49

Posted By : L4469TQheidim
Our early morning tour of The Vatican museums, The Sistine Chapel and St Peters Basilica was amazing. Azzurra was an incredible tour guide - extremely knowledgeable , friendly , funny and engaging. My husband and I loved it !
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-09 08:02:27

Posted By : jennybellanca
Tour guide was amazing. So incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. Navigated us through beautifully allowing us time to whenever we wanted to stay at a specific spot. Highly recommend

Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-08 11:45:23