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Get early morning access into the Vatican Museums to admire countless works, and beautiful courtyards! Together with a truly small group of only 6 participants max, or in your very own private group, you will be able to avoid the big crowds and quietly enjoy these wonderful masterpieces. The Vatican Museums is on everyone’s Rome itinerary so you can imagine it gets quite full, quite quickly. This tour guarantees the personalized and intimate feel that is only possible with our truly small group size, or in your very own private group. We believe that having an intimate experience makes ALL the difference! With your expert local guide, make your way through the vastness of the Museums, with the greatest highlights of the Papal art collection, the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Tapestries, the Pinecone Courtyard, and of course the exceptional Sistine Chapel. Finish with the incredible Saint Peter's Basilica.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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 comprehensive experience.
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.
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.
Vatican management maintains the right to delay the opening of the Sistine Chapel for religious reasons, in this case the guide will modify the itinerary and extend your visit of the museums to ensure you make the most of your time before access to the Sistine Chapel is permitted.
Photography is not allowed in the Sistine Chapel and all other artwork can only be photographed without flash.
Please be aware that the Sistine Chapel is a Holy Place and talking during while inside the chapel is strictly forbidden. Therefore, your guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the Sistine Chapel before entering and will be able to answer more questions once you have left the space.
St. Peter’s Basilica is an active church and can be closed unexpectedly for liturgical ceremonies. If closed, your guide will provide a revised itinerary including more of the Vatican Museums. No compensation is granted in these circumstances.
Backpacks are not permitted in the Museum.
Guests with wheelchair accessibility needs will find difficulty with this small group tour. To ensure a barrier-free tour with alternative routes, please book the private version of this tour.
Everyone in your group, regardless of age, needs a government issued ID to enter the Vatican Museums.
Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Skip the long ticket lines
Private Option of this tour is Available!
Tour in a Safe and Semi Private Group of 6 people
Learn from a Professional Local Expert Guide
Enjoy Early Morning Entrance to the Vatican Museums for a quieter experience
Food and drinks
Gratuities (optional)
Semi-Private Tour
End your exclusive VIP tour with a delightful breakfast in the Pinecone Courtyard.
Duration: 2 hours: Join the Vatican’s Key Master to unlock the empty galleries and the Sistine Chapel in total privacy. St. Peter's NOT included
Private Guide: Book this option for your own private group and enjoy a complete Vatican tour with a Private Guide for you only.
Operated by LivTours
3,185 reviews
Mike L,
Mar 12, 2025
Great tour by a great guide. Gabriella was fantastic and very well versed in the history of the the Sistine chapel, Basilica, the Vatican and Italy as a whole. Thank you Gabriella
George P,
Mar 10, 2025
LauraP is a wonderful guide!!! She made this experience at the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s a truly memorable one for our family. Her knowledge of art, architecture, history, and culture is very impressive. We would highly recommend this tour and we really enjoyed our time with LauraP! Thank you!
Richard K,
Mar 6, 2025
Fantastic. Great guide (Sara)— really an in depth view of the Vatican. Incredibly informative. Very much worth the investment
Donna C,
Mar 5, 2025
Very interesting. Small amount of walking. Small group of 6 worked perfectly so we could all hear him speaking. Early morning eliminates the crowds.
Dale M,
Mar 5, 2025
Francesca was an amazing guide and this tour is not to be missed. If possible it is worthwhile going first thing in the morning.
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