Private Vatican Highlights Guided Tour with Sistine Chapel

Vatican City, IT
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (1046 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Sistine Chapel
  • inclusion
    Gallery of Maps
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    Greek Cross Room
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    Muses Room
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    Round Room
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    Octagonal Courtyard
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    Private, Local, Expert guide
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    Pinecone Courtyard
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    Gallery of Candelabra
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    Borgia Apartments
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    Gallery of Tapestries
  • inclusion
    Skip-the-line to the Vatican Museums
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    Saint Peter's Basilica*
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    Raphael Rooms*

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Food and drinks
  • exclusion
    Gratuities

Meeting Point

In front of Caffé Vaticano, on viale Vaticano 100, just across the street from the Museum entrance. Your guide will be holding a LivTours sign. Remember to bring your ID to access the Museums

Meeting point

Viale Vaticano, 100, 00192 Roma RM , Italy

End point

End Point

In front of Caffé Vaticano, on viale Vaticano 100, just across the street from the Museum entrance. Your guide will be holding a LivTours sign. Remember to bring your ID to access the Museums

Meeting point

Viale Vaticano, 100, 00192 Roma RM , Italy

End point

What to expect

1
Vatican Museums

With your private expert guide, discover some of the most famous paintings and sculptures from western civilization and listen to amusing anecdotes about the former popes and artists represented in the museums. With your very own private tour group, easily maneuver through the crowded museums at a comfortable pace. You can admire views of the terrace over the gardens, make your way through the Renaissance and Octagonal courtyards, and enjoy the impressive Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms. You'll also see impressive sculptures of important figures of Greek Mythology such as Aphrodite, among other Nymphs and Graces. You'll even see the the pope's toilet!

Duration 120 minutes
Admission Admission Included
2
Sistine Chapel

Next, learn of Michelangelo's masterpiece from your guide before you enter through a tiny door to admire the majestic Sistine Chapel. Take in its grandeur in contemplative silence.

Duration 15 minutes
Admission Admission Included
3
St. Peter's Basilica

The tour will end with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica where you will access the church directly through a VIP passage to skip the long line. Enjoy the awe-inspiring visit and be amazed at the size of the beautifully adorned Basilica. 

Duration 45 minutes
Admission Admission Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    *Access to the Raphael Rooms is contingent upon crowd conditions, timing constraints, and guard-regulated routes. Including them may not always be feasible. In these cases, your tour guide will exercise discretion to adjust the itinerary, ensuring a high-quality experience
  • Additional information
    *St. Peter’s Basilica is an active church and can be closed unexpectedly for liturgical ceremonies. If closed, the time inside the Vatican Museums will be extended. On Wednesday mornings the Holy Father is having his weekly audience in Saint Peter’s Square and due to security, Saint Peter’s Basilica is closed. If you book an early morning tour on a Wednesday, we can therefore not guarantee access to the Basilica.
  • Additional information
    Backpacks are not permitted in the Museum.
  • Additional information
    From January 12 through March 31, the Vatican Museums will be carrying out special conservation work on Michelangelo’s Last Judgment inside the Sistine Chapel. During this time, a scaffolding structure will cover the entire Last Judgment wall. The Sistine Chapel will remain open and fully accessible, but this specific artwork will not be visible during the restoration period. Thank you for your understanding as this masterpiece receives important care.
  • Additional information
    Important Notice Jubilee Year 2025: As part of the 2025 Jubilee celebrations, from December 24th, 2024 to January 6th, 2026, St. Peter’s Basilica may experience unexpected partial or complete closures. In the rare event that the Basilica cannot be visited, rest assured that your tour experience will remain exceptional. Your guide will seamlessly adapt the itinerary to include alternative highlights, ensuring the full duration and quality of your tour. Please note that, in accordance with our Terms & Conditions agreed upon at the time of booking, partial or full refunds cannot be issued due to Basilica closures.
  • Additional information
    IMPORTANT: Please advise our team if you believe that a disability qualifies you for complimentary access to the Vatican
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility issues
  • Additional information
    Offered in: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. Please specify under “Additional notes” if you wish to book the tour in a language other than English. Everyone in your group, regardless of age, needs a government issued ID to enter the Vatican Museums.
  • Additional information
    Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
  • Additional information
    Please be aware that the Sistine Chapel is a Holy Place and talking during your visit inside is strictly forbidden, therefore your guide will give you an explanation of the Sistine Chapel beforehand during your tour, in order to give you a comprehensive explanation before entering the chapel.
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    There is no photography allowed in some or all areas of this tour.
Provided by LivTours

What our experts say

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    Dress modestly for basilica entry.
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    Caffé Vaticano is great for coffee.
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    Check for last-minute basilica closures.
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    Consider visiting nearby Castel Sant'Angelo.
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    Take public transport to avoid traffic.

More About this Experience

Introduction:

Experience the wonders of the Vatican like never before with the Private Vatican Highlights Guided Tour with Sistine Chapel. This exclusive tour offers you the opportunity to explore the world-renowned Vatican Museums in the company of a knowledgeable local expert guide. Skip the long lines and dive into an immersive journey through the Vatican's most stunning highlights, uncovering centuries of art, history, and culture along the way.

What to expect?

Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring beauty of the Sistine Chapel, where you'll have the chance to admire Michelangelo's breathtaking masterpiece, the ceiling frescoes. As you stroll through the Gallery of Maps, marvel at the intricate details of ancient cartography. The Raphael Rooms will leave you in awe with their exquisite frescoes, showcasing the genius of this renowned Renaissance artist. Your exploration will also take you through a myriad of sculptures, courtyards, and hallways, each unveiling a new treasure waiting to be discovered.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for anyone with a passion for art, history, and culture. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to the Vatican, this experience is designed to cater to all levels of knowledge and interest. From art enthusiasts to history buffs, this tour will leave you with a deep appreciation for the rich heritage of the Vatican.

Why book this?

By booking the Private Vatican Highlights Guided Tour with Sistine Chapel, you guarantee yourself an unforgettable experience filled with exclusive access and expert guidance. Skip the long lines and make the most of your time exploring the Vatican Museums. Your knowledgeable local guide will provide in-depth insights, stories, and anecdotes, bringing the art and history to life before your eyes. Immerse yourself in the world of the Vatican, uncovering hidden gems and iconic masterpieces along the way.

Good to know:

During your tour, you'll enjoy skip-the-line access, saving you valuable time to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the Vatican. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, as there is a considerable amount of walking involved. Please note that gratuities, food, and drink are not included in the tour price. The tour ends in front of Caffè Vaticano, conveniently located just across the street from the Museum entrance.

Reviews:

Travelers who have embarked on the Private Vatican Highlights Guided Tour with Sistine Chapel have been left in awe of the experience. They praise the knowledgeable guides who made the art and history come alive, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Vatican's treasures. Visitors were thrilled to skip the long lines, allowing them to make the most of their time exploring the museums. Many reviewers highlight the Sistine Chapel as a true highlight, with its stunning frescoes leaving them speechless. Overall, the tour receives high praise for its organization, expert guides, and the opportunity to uncover the hidden wonders of the Vatican.

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