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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
Occasionally the Basilica may be closed due to last minute private events outside of the tour operators control and often without notice. In these uncommon circumstances the tour will operate as usual and the time spent inside the basilica will be made up elsewhere on the tour. No refunds will be granted in the event the Basilica is closed
Starting in 2024, the Vatican Museums will discontinue early access for ALL tour providers, instead opening to the public at 8AM. This tour will then be offered as a first entrance experience, which we recommend for a less crowded, more personalized, and fully guided experience.
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.
Please note St Peter's Basilica is closed on most Wednesday's. If you book during a day in which the Basilica is closed, your tour of the Vatican Museums will be extended to compensate the closure
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.
As part of the 2025 Jubilee celebrations, 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.
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
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
3,109 reviews
Karen C,
Dec 26, 2024
Early morning Vatican, Sistine chapel and saint Peter's Basilica was super delightful with the fantastic Carlotta, one of our families most favorite tours ever
Jeanie C,
Dec 26, 2024
Our VIP Tour Guide Tatyana was the best-5 Star ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Very informative, compassionate and professional. Tatyana’s knowledge was very valuable in explaining our journey through the museum and Basilica. The price of this tour is well worth the price.
Steven H,
Dec 25, 2024
When would you ever have the opportunity to be guided through thousands of years of history by an archaeologist? Apparently the answer is when Leonardo is your guide for a small group tour. Originally we chose the small group tour so my parents (late 70’s) would be able to hear but the benefits were so much more. He guided us not only through the history and the museums but also to the best places for photos. We were even able to get to some areas before they were crowded and take pictures; for a few moments, it felt like we almost the only people there. Leonardo was fun, engaging and so knowledgeable with answers to any questions we had, providing detail and color about so many things we would have easily overlooked. A fantastic day and highly recommended.
Raymond T,
Dec 24, 2024
My guide Staphano was very knowledgeable and gave a wonderful tour of the Vatican Museum. His grasp of history was amazing. He also gave a diagram of Sistine Chapel which was very helpful. I enjoyed completely.
Matthew L,
Dec 23, 2024
Took a private tour w Massimo. This guy was amazing! Highly recommend. He was full of knowledge and funny to boot. We feel Like we were blessed to have him alone as our guide. Lots of history to cover and he did it extremely well.