You control your Vatican experience on this private tour. With only your small group, a dedicated guide, and
skip-the-ticket-line access through a Partner Entrance, there’s plenty of time to uncover the stories behind the Vatican’s hidden treasures.
Rome: Private Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour
Summary Description
Highlights
- Intimate tour with only your small group and a licensed expert guide
- Spend less time waiting with skip-the-ticket-line access to the Vatican Museums
- Hear the unexpected stories behind Michelangelo’s legendary Sistine Chapel frescoes
- Ask your guide about whatever catches your eye and explore freely
Description
With your licensed local guide leading the way, you’ll breeze past the notoriously long lines and through an exclusive Vatican Partner Entrance into the Vatican Museums – giving you more time to experience the artistic treasures of this unmatched collection. Seek out the sights you really want to see, dwell a little longer in areas with lots to take in, and ask questions to your heart’s content – making the most of your guide’s considerable Vatican expertise.
The tour takes in the Gallery of Maps, with its delicately gilded ceiling, the world-famous Raphael Rooms, and much more. You’ll see famous works alongside forgotten relics, medieval maps, and ancient sculptures, each with its own story, before heading to the jewel in the Vatican’s crown: the Sistine Chapel.
Here, your guide will provide a richer perspective on Michelangelo’s legendary frescos, pointing out easily missed details like the painful punishments the artist painted for his enemies, and the personal message he left for the Pope.
Included / Excluded
- • Skip-the-ticket-line reserved entry to the Vatican Museums
- • Access to the Sistine Chapel
- • Guide
- • Hotel pickup and drop-off
- • Access to St. Peter’s Basilica
- Tips
Start / End Locations
Start Location: 4 Via Tunisi, Via Tunisi, Roma, IT
Start Location Notes: Meeting Point: At the bottom of the steps across the street from the Entrance of the Vatican Museums. The steps are located right next to Caffè Vaticano on the corner of Viale Vaticano and Via Tunisi. The closest Metro stop is Line A (Ottaviano – Musei Vaticani).
Start Location Directions: Arriving from Ottaviano - Musei Vaticani Metro A Station: Exit the turnstiles – walk straight to the back end of the station and go to the left side exit. Once you’ve reached the left side exit – exit at V.le Giulio Cesare (to your right). Exit Station and walk down V.le G. Cesare to street light, cross the street and take left on Via Leone IV. Take right on Via Sebastiano Veniero and go 1 ½ blocks. The meeting point is situated at the BOTTOM of the wide staircase. Arriving from St. Peter's Square: As you face St. Peter's Basilica turn right, exit the piazza and follow the Vatican walls around toward the entrance to the Vatican Museums. The walls should be on your left side. Follow the walls up Viale Vaticano until you reach the entrance of the Vatican Museums. Across the street you will see Via Tunisi and Cafe' Vaticano. The groups meet at the BOTTOM of this staircase.
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended
- All visitors must pass through airport-style security. During high season the wait at security may be up to 30 minutes.
- The Vatican Museums require a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both everyone. The supplier cannot be held responsible for refused entry due to improper dress.
- The Vatican only permits very small bags. Large bags, tripods, umbrellas, and backpacks must be checked into the free luggage storage area. Please do not bring these items.
- On Wednesdays, due to the Papal Audiences, access to St Peter's Basilica is not possible until 1pm
- • Guests must be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure as missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded.
- • All visitors must pass through airport-style security. During high season the wait at security may be up to 30 minutes.
- Toll-free phone number USA/CAN: (+1) 800 358 1942
- • On Wednesdays, due to the Papal Audiences, access to St Peter's Basilica is not possible until 1pm
- • Gratuities for your guide that provided excellent service are appreciated!
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: This tour is subject to a 24-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you can do so without charge by contacting us up to 24 hours in advance of your expected departure time.
Options and Pricing
| Private Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Tour - ENGLISH | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (19 - 99 years) | $299.00 |
Points of interest
Additional Information
Not wheelchair accessible
On Wednesdays, due to the Papal Audiences, access to St Peter's Basilica is not possible until 1pm
Please note that in case of unexpected closures of some of the areas inside the Museums, the guide may have to modify the itinerary slightly.
Only small bags are allowed
About operator:
Created for travel enthusiasts with inquisitive minds, City Wonders is a global tour operator specializing in exclusive and expert tours throughout Italy, France, Spain and the UK. Its intimate tours and day trips invite travelers to go beyond sightseeing, bringing the wonders of each destination to life through behind-the-scene experiences. All City Wonders tours are guided by local experts that know the ins and outs of their city.
Basic Information
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Trip difficulty: Easy
- Max Group Size: 10
- Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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