Available languages
3 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a semi-private Vatican tour with a maximum of six guests. With your expert guide and skip-the-line tickets, explore the Vatican Museums, experience the wonders of the Pinecone and Octagonal Courtyard and the Belvedere Torso.
Admire Constantine’s coffins and unique sculptures while learning about Church history, the Popes, and the artworks.
After this, it’s time to head over to see one of the stars of the tour – Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Admire the 8,000 square feet of this masterpiece standing in its center surrounded by paintings. After the Chapel and all its glory, your tour guide will take you towards your final stop, St. Peter’s Basilica* where you will enjoy exclusive access to the most immense and ornate Catholic church in the world. Visit one of the most stunning pieces of art in the basilica, Michelangelo’s statue of the Pietà, depicting the Virgin Mary holding her dying child in her arms.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
*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.
*Saint Peter’s Basilica is closed on most Wednesdays mornings due to the weekly Papal Audience. If you book this tour for a Wednesday the time inside the Vatican Museums will be extended.
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.
There is no photography allowed inside the Sistine Chapel.
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.
Backpacks are not permitted in the Museum.
Guests with wheelchair accessibility needs will find difficulty with this small group tour. In order 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.
IMPORTANT: Please advise our team if you believe that a disability qualifies you for complimentary access to the Vatican
*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
Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Private Option available!
Private Family Experience | Vatican Tour for Kids OPTION
Gallery of Tapestries
Sistine Chapel
Raphael Rooms*
Tour in a Safe and Semi Private group of 6 people
Berninis bronze alter canopy
Pinecone and Octagonal Courtyard
Michelangelos ceiling & Last Judgement
The School of Athens painting
St Peters Basilica*
Gallery of Maps
Professional, Local, Expert Guide
Belvedere Torso
St Peters square
The round room
Constantine coffins
Reserved Vatican entrance tickets
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Vatican Museums
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 a small-group tour of maximum of 6 people, or in your very own private tour, easily manoeuvre through the crowded museums at a comfortable pace. After a view of the terrace over the Vatican gardens, make your way across the beautiful early Renaissance courtyard to admire Hadrian's Pinecone, and then to the modern art piece of Arnaldo Pomodoro. You will then head to the magnificent Octagonal Courtyard which is one of the most remarkable collections of Roman and Greek artefacts. Admire the famous Belvedere Torso, learn about the mystery of the Laocoön Priest of Troy, and visit the Muses Room. Walk through the beautiful galleries to admire an abundance of candelabra, tapestries, and maps. Then head to the Julius II apartments and see the grandeur and the magnificent details of the Raphael Rooms.
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 as you admire this 8,000 square foot wonder.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: With Family Experience, you can rest assured that even the youngest ones will be engaged, have fun, and learn a whole lot!
Private tour with a dedicated guide for your group only.
Small Group Tour in English: Guided tour in a group with maximum 6 people
3,495 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
todd S,
Sep 8, 2025
- Viator
Punctuality, knowledgeable, English well spoken, enjoyable tour guide. Paola was great. It was extremely busy and she navigated the museums like a pro. She took time to take photos of the people in our group and make the experience a personal one. Her knowledge of the Vatican was impressive.
Marilyn I,
Sep 8, 2025
- Viator
The tour of the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s was great! The guide was very knowledgeable and answered all of questions.
Randy R,
Sep 8, 2025
- Viator
Max was an excellent well informed guide that entertained as well as enlightened. He knew all the in and outs to make the tour more enjoyable
Vikki F,
Sep 7, 2025
- Viator
Alessandra is very knowledgeable. We were able to experience everything we had wanted. Even tho it was hot and crowded, we thoroughly enjoyed the tour. We would have never been able to see all on our own. We were a small group of 4, so we were able to maneuver around the halls and lines very quickly. Alessandra took time to explain everything we were seeing. Definitely recommend!
Roy S,
Sep 7, 2025
- Viator
Absolutely marvelous!!!! We had a most wonderful and insightful private tour of the Vatican. Our guide gave us a detailed review of its history, culture and its architectural significance. Truly a city frozen and perfectly preserved by history, yet it continues to change. The tour was both informative, and at times an emotional experience when seeing it in all its grandeur. We will never forget our experience in the Vatican city walls. P.s., as a born-again Christian. This was truly the highlight of my trip to Rome. So, whether your Catholic, or not. This tour is a pilgrimage well worth the taking. May God be forever glorified in it.
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