Private Tour
Private Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica Early Bird Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Are you planning your once in a life time Vatican experience? This is hands down the best Vatican Tour!
Our early bird tour options will allow you to enjoy the Vatican treasure before the crowd!
After hotel pickup, travel to the Vatican. Enjoy a fascinating tour and an interactive experience with a passionate tour guide who will animate the history of the magnificent artwork and cater to your personal interests.
During your visit, see one of the world’s finest collections of sculptures, carvings, frescoes, and paintings.
The main attractions included in the tour will be the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica ( not available on Wednesday morning due to the Papal Audience).
Don't waste your time, choose our Prime option and be among the first lucky ones to enter the Museums!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dress code: Modest attire required for places of worship and selected museums; no shorts or sleeveless tops allowed, cover knees and shoulders for both men and women to avoid entry refusal.
Timings and reservations subject to availability and administrative decisions; may undergo last-minute changes.
Please notify us of any mobility issues or disabilities.
Museums partially accessible for visitors using wheelchairs; St. Peter's Basilica will not be included.
Comfortable footwear recommended for moderate walking during the tour.
Possible last-minute closures of St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel for religious ceremonies; no refunds for unplanned disruptions.
Children under 18 require a valid passport or ID for age verification on the day of the tour.
Please review the confirmation message sent one day before the tour for final details.
Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration or closed due to extraordinary celebrations. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes
To ensure the safety and well-being of all our guests, every reservation that includes minors (under 18) must be accompanied by at least one adult. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept bookings made exclusively by unaccompanied minors.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
LUXURY OPTION - Private hotel pick-up and drop-off service (from/to centrally located locations)
LUXURY/COMFORT Options - Private hotel pick-up service (from centrally located locations)
LUXURY Option - Meet and greet with the guide at your accommodation (if centrally located)
Tickets to the Vatican Museums
Professional Licensed Blue Badge Tour Guide for A Private Walking Tour
Shortcut to St. Peter's Basilica
Visit to the Sistine Chapel
Food and drinks
Early Morning BASIC OPTION - Transfers not included
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Vatican Museums
With our Prime Tour, we get you inside the Museums at its first access. Watch the Vatican Museum Galleries slowly come to life.
Cortile della Pigna
The Courtyard of the “Pigna”, created from the 16th century area of the “Belvedere”
Options
Early Morning Basic Option
Transfers not included: Private Walking Tour with meet and greet on site
Early Morning Luxury Option
Transfers included: Private walking tour with private pick-up and drop-off service
Pickup included
Early Morning Comfort Option
Pickup Included
Pickup included
Reviews
975 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Renee travel agent
ava I,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was so impressive on her knowledge. Super respectful with everything. Rafaela was our guide. I would book her tour.
Great Vatican Tour
hassans153,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Silvia is super knowledgeable. She is friendly and she has a great sense of humour. She did her best to make our experience enjoyable.
Early Bird Vatican Tour
MarjorieManess B,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was informative, easy pick up and would highly recommend. The guide, Francesca was very knowledgeable and conducted the tour easily.
Amazing Experience!
Paradise56336703200,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience with our tour guide Mikala. She was so knowledgeable and brought the history and art of the Vatican to life for us.
Amazing tour of the Vatican
sarahgluck21,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour with Alessia was fantastic. She was very informative, navigated the massive crowds extremely well, and ensured we had a plan to get home at the end of our tour. I would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone looking to go to the Vatican (especially during Jubilee) as there is a lot going on and it can be very overwhelming. Alessia was very friendly, helped us take pictures, and had resources on hand to help with the tour (pictures, magazines, etc.). Money well spent.
Exceptional
Ashley B,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Mirta was outstanding. We booked the private early bird tour. I don’t think she stopped talking the entire time we were with her. She was full of detailed information it was amazing! Would recommend 100%
Incredible Early Morning Vatican Tour
622agan,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our early morning tour of the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica with Gianluca was outstanding! Starting before the crowds made all the difference — we explored the Vatican Museums in peace and could truly appreciate the art. Gianluca was knowledgeable, funny, and perfectly attuned to our pace and interests, highlighting pieces we loved and sharing great stories along the way. The Sistine Chapel was unforgettable, and walking through the special passage into St. Peter’s Basilica was perfect. Thoughtful breaks, fascinating insights, and a relaxed pace — everything about this tour was spot-on. Highly recommend Gianluca for an exceptional Vatican experience!
Very quick response to...
dawn k,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very quick response to questions and everyone I dealt with was very nice. Our tour guide Luigi was well versed in the history of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. He was so nice and a pleasure to have as our guide.
Recommended experience
Armando A,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent!!!!! Our guide Vanessa was very informative and helpful!!! Being able to see the museums without crowds is a must
Excellent tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica
Stephanie M,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience and very educational! Our guide was very knowledgeable and was an excellent tour host!
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