Rome: Semi-Private Vatican Museums Tour with Sistine Chapel

based on 787 reviews

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

From $94.95

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Get ready for an exclusive and unforgettable experience at the Vatican! Our direct-access tour allows you to beat the crowds and discover the wonders of the Holy See in peace.

With the help of our expert local guide and an extra small group of maximum 10 travellers, you’ll enjoy priority access to the Vatican Museums jumping right past the ticketing line.

This means you'll get an up-close and personal view of the stunning art and architecture of the Vatican Galleries, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica without having to push through the masses. Trust us, you won't regret starting your day off with this tranquil and awe-inspiring adventure!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Vatican City
Meet your guide at a selected location in Vatican City (see voucher) from where your tour will start.
2. Vatican Museums
Highlights of the Vatican Museums Experience the best galleries at the Vatican with your expert guide, visiting the Candelabra, Tapestries, and Maps galleries. Admire ancient Roman and Greek statues, Flemish tapestries, and spectacular topographical maps commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII. Your guide will reveal the stories behind these treasures as Vatican secrets are unveiled to you. See Raphael's famous fresco, The School of Athens, and other masterpieces in multiple rooms inside the Vatican Museums. Raphael Rooms Experience the grandeur of the Renaissance with a visit to the Raphael Rooms inside the Vatican Museums. As one of the most iconic artists of the era, Raphael's frescoes are a must-see for any art enthusiast. Explore multiple rooms adorned with stunning artworks. And don't miss the chance to marvel at The School of Athens, one of Raphael's most renowned masterpieces that depicts some of history's greatest thinkers in a grand architectural setting.
3. Sphere within a Sphere
Before entering the extensive halls of the Vatican Museums, join your guide on a walk through the stunning Pinecone Courtyard. Here you'll have a chance to marvel at Arnaldo Pomodoro's famous ''Sphere within a Sphere''
4. Sistine Chapel
Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's Last Judgement Prepare to be wowed as you visit the Sistine Chapel - a top attraction in Vatican City. Arriving early gives you the chance to admire Michelangelo's incredible artwork without the crowds. As a sacred space, silence is required, but your guide will provide you with a guide and a pre-visit explanation of what you're about to see. Inside, you'll be mesmerized by the sheer number of figures painted by Michelangelo - over 600! This masterpiece is not only a testament to his talent but also serves as a gathering place for cardinals of the Catholic Church. Please note: The Sistine Chapel is a sacred place, so visitors are required to have their knees and shoulders covered when inside. Failure to do so will result in refused entry to a portion of the Vatican tour. During Rome’s hot summer months, consider bringing a shawl or sweater for covering yourself when necessary.
5. St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica - (Except on Wednesdays!) The last stop of your tour brings you to St. Peter's Basilica. Accompanied by your guide, you'll enter through a dedicated corridor for groups, granting swift access to the basilica skipping the long queues that often appear on the square. Inside, you'll have the opportunity to witness the Vatican's most esteemed church, believed to house the remains of St. Peter himself. Your guide will introduce you to the cathedral before you enter to explore on your own, allowing you all the time you need to take in the beauty of this religious site. Admire the architecture and art, including Michelangelo's La Pietà and Bernini's Baldacchino, and bask in the peaceful atmosphere of this spiritual sanctuary. Please note that St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays for the Papal Audience and can occasionally experience other unexpected closures. If this happens, your guide will make up the time at other areas within the Vatican.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : jennifer_b
Skip the line is worth every single dime. The line to get into the Vatican Museum was down the road and around the corner, we walked right in with our tour guide. The line to get into St. Peter’s Basilica was another two hour long line, we walked right in with our tour guide. That alone is worth the price. Our tour guide was great, friendly, but sometimes hard to understand. I do not remember his name or if he ever even told us but would most definitely book the tour again if we return.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-12-27 14:06:51

Posted By : Leva_M
In addition to having great knowledge, our guide showed us such courtesy. He went far beyond our expectations.
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Posted On : 2023-12-23 07:29:08

Posted By : Rozalyn_T
The morning light made for an incredible viewing of the beautiful art and sculptures. Our guide was excellent!!! She was patient, very knowledgeable and kind. Highly reccomend!
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Posted On : 2023-12-19 07:13:43

Posted By : Douglas_L
The Vatican and St Peter's basilica are truly something to see. That said, it can be very overwhelming, so getting in early - before the HUGE crowds - and having someone to guide you and focus your attention is definitely the way to go. This was a highlight during our Roman holiday...Highly recommend !
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Posted On : 2023-12-01 15:47:16

Posted By : ttrranch
We had the best experience. Kate made the tour so exciting and fun and educational.
. I would recommend this tour to anybody.
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Posted On : 2023-11-17 03:38:57

Posted By : Gallivantress

We had been to the Vatican before, but always on our own. This time, we signed up for a private tour from The Tour Guy, and are very glad that we did. In our morning with our guide, Marina, we learned a lot not only about the Sistine Chapel and the Basilica of St. Peter, but about other things to see in Rome .She is an excellent guide with a thorough knowledge of art and the Vatican

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Posted On : 2023-11-17 03:01:24

Posted By : Nehali_S
From the art to the architecture, this is the highlight of my trip to Rome. My brain doesn’t fully comprehend just how marvelous and stunning everything is. On top of that, my tour experience was incredible. I was lucky enough to get Igor as my tour guide and he did not disappoint. His level of knowledge about the history, spirituality, and technical skill behind each piece of art and the architecture, paired with his humor, made him the perfect guide. We were about 17 people on the tour, but he made me person feel as if they were on a private tour with the way he presented the information and engaged with the group. 11 out of 10 recommend!
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Posted On : 2023-11-11 03:18:28

Posted By : Linda_B
Our tour guide was great! Very knowledgeable and informative! Worth every bit of the investment! Recommend going as early in the day as you can.
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Posted On : 2023-10-29 14:22:35

Posted By : Discover679549
Definitely recommend going early. Our guide was very informative and guided us well through the crowd. Thoroughly enjoyed this tour.
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Posted On : 2023-10-28 19:20:07

Posted By : Traveler49005066914
Great tour, very informative Roberta knows her history. Would highly recommend. Started early lots of walking
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Posted On : 2023-10-28 09:47:02