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Semi-Private Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour
About This Tour
Get ready for an exclusive and unforgettable experience at the Vatican! Our direct-access tour allows you to beat the crowds and discover the wonders of the Holy See in peace. With both early morning and afternoon start times, you'll be sure to be able to squeeze in a visit tot he Vatican state!
With the help of our expert local guide and an extra small group of maximum 12 travellers, you’ll enjoy priority access to the Vatican Museums jumping right past the ticketing line.
This means you'll get an up-close and personal view of the stunning art and architecture of the Vatican Galleries, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica without having to push through the masses. Trust us, you won't regret starting your day off with this tranquil and awe-inspiring adventure!
With the help of our expert local guide and an extra small group of maximum 12 travellers, you’ll enjoy priority access to the Vatican Museums jumping right past the ticketing line.
This means you'll get an up-close and personal view of the stunning art and architecture of the Vatican Galleries, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica without having to push through the masses. Trust us, you won't regret starting your day off with this tranquil and awe-inspiring adventure!
What's Included
✓ Included
- Access to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel
- Guided visit of St. Peter's Basilica
- Skip the Line through the Scala Regia (Holy Staircase) to St. Peter's Basilica
- A Professional, English-speaking Guide
- Skip the Line Direct Access to the Vatican Museums, Pio-Clementino Museum, Gallery of the Candelabra
- Semi-Private Small Group of Maximum 12 People!
✗ Not Included
- Hotel pick up / drop off
- Gratuities
Itinerary
1
Meet your guide near the entrance to the Vatican Museums. Look for the exact location on your booking voucher, then get ready to enter security with your group and begin exploring the vast museum complex.
2
Before entering the extensive halls of the Vatican Museums, join your guide on a walk through the stunning Pinecone Courtyard. Here you'll have a chance to marvel at Arnaldo Pomodoro's famous ''Sphere within a Sphere''
3
With a semi private group, use timed entry tickets and delve into the treasures of the Vatican Museums. Enjoy a guided tour by an expert who will reveal the secrets behind the stunning artworks and artifacts.
Follow your guide through the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps, marveling at the ancient Greek and Roman statues, Flemish tapestries, and detailed maps of Italy.
In the Pio-Clementino Museum, home to some of the world's most famous sculptures, you'll see Laocoön and His Sons, the Belvedere Torso, and the magnificent sarcophagus of St. Helen, mother of Constantine.
Next, enter the Raphael Rooms and immerse yourself in the Renaissance era of amazing art and literature. See the rooms frescoed by Raphael and admire his most famous work, The School of Athens, as your guide shares insights into the artist's life and influences.
Follow your guide through the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps, marveling at the ancient Greek and Roman statues, Flemish tapestries, and detailed maps of Italy.
In the Pio-Clementino Museum, home to some of the world's most famous sculptures, you'll see Laocoön and His Sons, the Belvedere Torso, and the magnificent sarcophagus of St. Helen, mother of Constantine.
Next, enter the Raphael Rooms and immerse yourself in the Renaissance era of amazing art and literature. See the rooms frescoed by Raphael and admire his most famous work, The School of Athens, as your guide shares insights into the artist's life and influences.
4
Enter the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s ceiling and Last Judgment. Since speaking is not allowed inside this sacred space, your guide explains the major details to your semi private group before you enter.
5
(excluding Wednesdays)When available, continue through the privileged Scala Regia passageway into St. Peter’s Basilica. This exclusive route connects the Vatican Museums directly to the basilica and makes the transition smoother.
End your tour inside St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most significant churches in Christianity. After the guided portion, you’re free to admire the chapels, sculptures, vast nave, and sacred atmosphere at your own pace.
Please note: St. Peter’s Basilica is not accessible on Wednesdays due to the Papal Audience and may close unexpectedly on other days. In such cases, your guide will adapt the itinerary to ensure a full and enriching experience elsewhere within the Vatican.
End your tour inside St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most significant churches in Christianity. After the guided portion, you’re free to admire the chapels, sculptures, vast nave, and sacred atmosphere at your own pace.
Please note: St. Peter’s Basilica is not accessible on Wednesdays due to the Papal Audience and may close unexpectedly on other days. In such cases, your guide will adapt the itinerary to ensure a full and enriching experience elsewhere within the Vatican.
Good to Know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A specific 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.
- A fair amount of walking is involved, and there will be stairs between different levels. We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages.
- Mandatory: Everyone is required to carry a copy of the identification page of their passports on all tours. A photo of the first page of your passport saved on your smartphone works as well.