Private Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & Basilca Fast Access
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Avoid the queues with our private 3-hour Vatican tour, accompanied by a local guide. You will visit the Vatican Museums, and other noteworthy venues.
Hear the history, facts, and curiosities of the Sistine Chapel during your visit there. Your guide will tell you something of the history of these fascinating places as you meander through these wonderful buildings, drinking in the atmosphere.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
READ CAREFULLY: Because of the growing popularity of the current pope Francis and his intense activity in organising mass events in the Vatican some areas might get closed last minute without previous notice. This has already happened this year and can happen again during your Vatican tour: the Sistine chapel and/or the Basilica of Saint Peter might not be accessible. In case of such events our tour guide will provide you with a valuable alternative focusing the tour inside the Vatican museums.
Please note due to the Jubilee, the Basilica might not be accessible as part of the tour. Unfortunately, we know that very last minute.In any case, you can go there after the tour, queueing.
What To Expect
Vatican Museums
As this is a private tour group there is the opportunity to visit some of the smaller museum rooms not on the usual tourist trail. You can go at your own pace and take your time to enjoy the magnificent artwork. Tours begin at either 9.00 a.m. or 2 pm - you will meet your guide at the entrance to the Vatican museums and with skip-the-line entry go straight to the Belvedere Courtyard followed by the Pio-Clementino Museum to see the magnificent collection of ancient Roman and Greek Statues. The tour continues with visits to the Gallery of Tapestries and then on to the largest and most important display of Renaissance maps in the world housed in the Geographic Gallery. The largest canvas painting in the Vatican is housed in the Sobiesky Room; learn all about this from the guide as well as details of the beautiful frescoes that adorn the Immaculate Conception Rooms.
Stanze di Raffaello
In Raphael’s Rooms you will gain an insight into the artist’s greatest works, the Parnassus and the School of Athens that were painted for Pope Julius II.
Options
Private Tour
What‘s Included
Local guide
Private tour
Professional art historian guide
Guaranteed to skip the long lines
Local taxes
Gratuities
Hotel pick up and drop off
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
16 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour!
Liz S,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sara was amazing and full of knowledge! She also was patient with our kids -being jet lag and all! We really enjoyed our unbelievable experience. she was able to answer all of the questions we had!
Claudia the angel !
armond p,May 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I paid for a private 2 person tour because I wanted a more personal experience. Even though I was traveling alone. It was worth it for the ease of access and personal guide. Claudia was extremely knowledgeable and a gentile soul. She made the experience very memorable. Her passion for the church its history and example shine trough her. She was truly an angel sent from above when I needed it most. Humanity is not lost. There is hope! Grazie Mille Claudio. !!!!!!
Amazing experience ...
Neeru K,Apr 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience Very knowledgeable guide Easy going Good with kids Highly recommend Will def do it again
Best Private Tour experience
Cirs82,Nov 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour Thomas was the best tour guide and was so passionate about the Vatican. I would recommend a private tour like this to anyone thinking of going here
Best private Vatican tour!
Donna N,Sep 8, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was the perfect way for me and my friends to experience the Vatican for the first time. Our tour guide Maria was extremely knowledge and was able to answer all our questions. She also made sure that we didn’t miss any of the must-see sites on everyone’s list. We thoroughly enjoyed our morning tour with her!
Amazing and fantastic experience
L1392ZOlouiseo,Jul 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00OMG What can I say amazing, fantastic unbelievable, overwhelming but in a good way experience - totally recommend this visit if in Rome, very organised event - just two things book in advance and cover shoulders and knees a requitement when visiting the Sistine Chapel - fabulous - enjoyable trip. A must do can't recommend enough
The Best!
mary s,May 15, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Great communication prior to tour. Easy to locate our guide. Absolutely loved our guide Claudia! Wonderful insights on the art.
Our guide was...
Kimberley O,Feb 26, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was excellent!!! I would recommend this to anyone!! He was very knowledgeable about the Vatican as well as the artwork! Extremely personable and very informative. Some of our other friends did a different tour and was sorry that they didn't have our perfect experience.
Outstanding
Jason C,Jul 18, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00We went on several tours during our trip to Italy… easily one of our favorites. Outstanding your! Highly recommended!
Awesome Private Vatican and Sistine Chapel experience
sandralZ1092ST,Aug 21, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sabrina was a wonderful guide. She listened to what we wanted to experience and made it happen. Her wealth of knowledge, good English, and great personality made our tour unforgettable. She made sure we found our ride before leaving us and was so helpful with suggestions after the tour.
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Operated by Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tours