Private Vatican Highlights Guided Tour with Sistine Chapel
717 Reviews
4.99 out of 5 stars Based on 717 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor
|
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
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Rome, Italy
3 hours 15 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
Explore the Vatican Museums with a private guide, skipping long lines for an in-depth, engaging experience.
Discover Greek and Roman statues, including Laocoon and Apollo Belvedere, while learning their fascinating histories.
Wander through the lavish halls, uncovering stories of the Popes and artists. Marvel at the Sistine Chapel’s breathtaking frescoes, a masterpiece of Michelangelo’s genius.
Your journey continues to St. Peter’s Basilica*, where you’ll admire its grandeur, including Michelangelo’s Pietà. With exclusive access and expert storytelling, this tour offers an unforgettable Vatican experience.
What's Included
- Octagonal Courtyard
- Raphael Rooms*
- Sistine Chapel
- Greek Cross Room
- Saint Peter's Basilica*
- Gallery of Candelabra
- Gallery of Tapestries
- Muses Room
- Skip-the-line to the Vatican Museums
- Gallery of Maps
- Pinecone Courtyard
- Borgia Apartments
- Round Room
- Private, Local, Expert guide
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
Meeting Location
Meeting point
Viale Vaticano
00192 Roma RM, Italy
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Vatican Museums
With your private expert guide, 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 your very own private tour group, easily maneuver through the crowded museums at a comfortable pace. You can admire views of the terrace over the gardens, make your way through the Renaissance and Octagonal courtyards, and enjoy the impressive Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms. You'll also see impressive sculptures of important figures of Greek Mythology such as Aphrodite, among other Nymphs and Graces. You'll even see the the pope's toilet!
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
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.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
St. Peter's Basilica
The tour will end with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica where you will access the church directly through a VIP passage to skip the long line. Enjoy the awe-inspiring visit and be amazed at the size of the beautifully adorned Basilica.
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility issues
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- *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.
- *St. Peter’s Basilica is an active church and can be closed unexpectedly for liturgical ceremonies. If closed, the time inside the Vatican Museums will be extended. On Wednesday mornings the Holy Father is having his weekly audience in Saint Peter’s Square and due to security, Saint Peter’s Basilica is closed. If you book an early morning tour on a Wednesday, we can therefore not guarantee access to the Basilica.
- 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 in some or all areas of this tour.
- 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.
- Offered in: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. Please specify under “Additional notes” if you wish to book the tour in a language other than English. 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
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Vatican Highlights Guided Tour with Sistine Chapel?
Cancellation Policy
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-6718P168
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.99
717 reviews
Average 4.99 out of 5 stars based on 717 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
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Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Private Vatican Highlights Guided Tour with Sistine Chapel?
A:Apr 2025
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Octagonal Courtyard.
- Raphael Rooms*.
- Sistine Chapel.
- Greek Cross Room.
- Saint Peter's Basilica*.
- Gallery of Candelabra.
- Gallery of Tapestries.
- Muses Room.
- Skip-the-line to the Vatican Museums.
- Gallery of Maps.
- Pinecone Courtyard.
- Borgia Apartments.
- Round Room.
- Private, Local, Expert guide.
The following is NOT included:
- Gratuities.
- Food and drinks.
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Private Vatican Highlights Guided Tour with Sistine Chapel is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility issues
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Private Vatican Highlights Guided Tour with Sistine Chapel will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Octagonal Courtyard
- Raphael Rooms*
- Sistine Chapel
- Greek Cross Room
- Saint Peter's Basilica*
- Gallery of Candelabra
- Gallery of Tapestries
- Muses Room
- Skip-the-line to the Vatican Museums
- Gallery of Maps
- Pinecone Courtyard
- Borgia Apartments
- Round Room
- Private, Local, Expert guide
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with severe mobility issues
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- *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.
- *St. Peter’s Basilica is an active church and can be closed unexpectedly for liturgical ceremonies. If closed, the time inside the Vatican Museums will be extended. On Wednesday mornings the Holy Father is having his weekly audience in Saint Peter’s Square and due to security, Saint Peter’s Basilica is closed. If you book an early morning tour on a Wednesday, we can therefore not guarantee access to the Basilica.
- 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 in some or all areas of this tour.
- 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.
- Offered in: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. Please specify under “Additional notes” if you wish to book the tour in a language other than English. 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
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