Early Bird Private Vatican Tour

Leave your Rome hotel and travel into Vatican City. Meet your guide outside the Vatican Museums, and start with a quick intro to its key sights and history.

Enter the museum complex an hour before the doors open to the general public. Without the crowds that appear later in the day, the halls of the museum are quieter, meaning you’ll catch all the commentary and clearly see the sights.

Learn about the popes who amassed the incredible collection of artwork and antiquities, then step inside the Sistine Chapel. A sacred place of worship, the Sistine Chapel is best known for its Renaissance frescoes that adorn the ceiling and back wall. Gaze in awe at the work of Michelangelo that frames the room, then head into St. Peter’s Basilica via a reserved, skip-the-line passage.

Stroll around the iconic Catholic church, admiring its art and architecture as you go. You’ll then bid your guide goodbye to finish your tour in the heart of the Vatican.

Please note: If you have children in your group, let the local operator know before you travel. A child-friendly guide can be arranged, along with special commentary to keep everyone entertained.

• Leave your Rome hotel and travel into Vatican City. Meet your guide outside the Vatican Museums, and start with a quick intro to its key sights and history. Enter the museum complex an hour before the doors open to the general public. Without the crowds that appear later in the day, the halls of the museum are quieter, meaning you’ll catch all the commentary and clearly see the sights. Learn about the popes who amassed the incredible collection of artwork and antiquities, then step inside the Sistine Chapel. A sacred place of worship, the Sistine Chapel is best known for its Renaissance frescoes that adorn the ceiling and back wall. Gaze in awe at the work of Michelangelo that frames the room, then head into St. Peter’s Basilica via a reserved, skip-the-line passage. Stroll around the iconic Catholic church, admiring its art and architecture as you go. You’ll then bid your guide goodbye to finish your tour in the heart of the Vatican. Please note: If you have children in your group, let the local operator know before you travel. A child-friendly guide can be arranged, along with special commentary to keep everyone entertained.

A once-in-a-lifetime experience to enter the Vatican Museums ahead of the opening to the general public with this 3-hour private tour!

Allow yourself to be immersed in the beauty of the Vatican Collection in a more intimate, privileged setting! Explore the Galleries as well as the breathtaking Raphael Rooms, step into the Borgia Apartments to discover the Vatican's scandalous Borgia Pope. Admire the magnificence of the Sistine Chapel frescoes, renowned worldwide for Michelangelo's ceiling and altar masterpieces!

Choose the itinerary with Museums and Sistine Chapel only to spend more time in the Vatican Museums and see plenty of its highlights.

If you choose the option with Basilica you will enjoy a tour of 3.5 hours and visit the impressive St. Peter's Basilica. Stand in awe inside the St.Peter's Basilica home of the Bernini Baldacchino and Michelangelo's Pietà.

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
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
St. Peter's Basilica is a church and, as such, the Vatican can decide to close it for religious functions without any notice. We are not responsible for unexpected closure of the basilica. When the Basilica of St. Peter is closed for religious functions, you will spend a longer time in the Vatican galleries with your guide.
A moderate amount of walking is involved, not recommended for customers with limited mobility.
Personal photography is allowed during this tour, except in the Sistine Chapel.
Please be on time in order to enter the Vatican Museums at the time booked and avoid losing the tour.
Your private driver will pick you and drop you off up at your centrally located hotel so please ensure you provide us with all the required information at the time of booking.
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Infant seats available
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Please note: a limited number of infant seats available, please inform us how many you need.
Please note: in some areas of the Vatican the stroller must be carried by yourself in your arms, due to architectural restrictions.
Please note that, for disabled visitors with certified invalidity of more than 74%, the Vatican Museums offers free entry that is extended to a companion for visitors who are not self-sufficient. To benefit from this, make sure you mention it at the time of booking so that our staff may handle your request.
Please make sure you ask the guide any curiosities you may have during the tour, we want to ensure you have the very best experience!
Please bring comfortable shoes and a refillable water bottle.
No shorts above the knees, no sleeveless t-shirts are permitted, no big backpacks are allowed, no big umbrellas are permitted, no pointed objects are allowed.
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate