Rome: Semi-Private Vatican Museums Tour with Sistine Chapel

based on 816 reviews

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

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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.
Meet your guide at a selected location in Vatican City (see voucher) from where your tour will start.
2.
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.
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 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 - (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 : AllergicFoodie
Manuela Sparvieri is the best guide ever!!! She tailored our private tour to show us the things we really wanted to see and love. She also explained so many interesting things as she wove us thru the mass of people. I can't imagine having done this tour without her, she was beyond amazing, and the best part of our visit to Rome. She is a true Roman so that explains it, her love and passion for the city and the Vatican just shine thru.

We did have a small issue with one of our tickets at the beginning of the tour, but the whole "The Roman Guy" team jumped in and saved the day.

We do a lot of tours (in the hundreds now) and this is differently in the top five that we have done.

Thank you Manuela and The Roman Guy Team for helping check off a bucket list item for my best friend.

With the warmest of regards,
Amy, Dani and Debi
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-07-01 16:46:04

Posted By : Kim_L
Had a wonderful time, out guide was top notch. She explained about the various areas of the Vatican and pointed out many highlights. Would definitely recommend this for those who wish to truly experience the Vatican the right way and not just run through. Appreciated the no waiting as lines were extremely long, leaving others to wait for hours.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-29 17:18:28

Posted By : Hanna_H
Very thoughtful well organized knowledgeable went out of his way to make the tour enjoyable
It is worth it
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-28 15:50:45

Posted By : Selvin_G
Pros:
Easy to find the start, pleasant guide, small group
Cons:
Difficult to follow thought the earpiece, little opportunity for q&a.
I would have rather opted for a private tour
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-28 12:48:15

Posted By : Linda_P
I highly recommend this tour especially with Eleonora. She is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about all things vatican! We would have never leaned a quarter of what Eleonora taught us on our own. The vatican is huge, there is so much to see and do. It's difficult to know where to spend time and when to move on. Eleonora did a great job explaining as we moved through, spending time at the main points of interest but also pointing out and discussing the other areas and art as well. Thanks again!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-24 05:19:44

Posted By : F6648NOantoniop
Used this company - Eleonora was our tour guide. She was wonderful and very informative. Highly recommend this company and Eleonora.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-24 05:09:17

Posted By : Julie_L
The museum is huge, so it was very helpful to go through with a guide. We also appreciated that it included the Sistine chapel and St. Peter basilica and we were able to avoid lines.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-21 16:53:21

Posted By : Kevin_V
Amazing tour! So much to see. You could spend a week and not see half of it. A must do when in Rome.
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Posted On : 2024-06-21 06:36:26

Posted By : Kristina_S
Our tour guide was Sarah who was very knowledgeable and kind. We easily found the merino point and the tour was on time. We had 15 minutes in the Sistine Chapel and the tour was a small group of 10. We were able to visit the Vatican Museum and St Peters Basilica without any waiting.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-17 07:21:57

Posted By : Jules_J
Serena was an incredible guide through the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica! We could not have been happier with another guide sharing the intimate history, culture, and importance of one of the most hallowed places on earth. The tour was helpful, informative, and a true gem on our trip to Rome.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-14 05:47:51