Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour
See the wonders of the Vatican on a tailored private tour with expert guide and skip-the-line entry
Looking for a Vatican experience tailored just for you? On this private Vatican tour, join an engaging local guide for a journey through the Renaissance art, fascinating history, and grand architecture of the Vatican. Skip the line for more time exploring the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and more! Perfect for private groups, families, or if you'd like a more intimate Vatican tour that moves at your ideal pace and gives you more say in what you see.
- Thumbnail
- Vatican Museums
- Laocoön and His Sons
- Gallery of the Maps
- Gallery of Tapestries
- Gallery of the Candelabra
- Raphael Rooms
- Sistine Chapel
- St. Peter's Basilica
- La Pietà
You'll begin your private Vatican tour near to the Vatican Museums entrance, where you'll meet your friendly, knowledgeable local guide. There are multiple start times available throughout the day, so you can book a tour that fits with your other plans in Rome. With skip-the-line tickets, you'll head straight in to start exploring the highlights of the Vatican Museums which include the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, Gallery of the Maps, Raphael Rooms, and Borgia Apartments.
You'll also see the spectacular Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica on a private tour that moves at your pace, and your guide can even suggest lesser-known gems to see within the Vatican, depending on your interests.
Private Vatican Tour Description
Your 3-hour private tour includes:
Skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums
Available entry times in the morning and afternoon
Pio Clementino and the best of the Vatican's galleries
Raphael Rooms and Borgia Apartments
Silent tour of the Sistine Chapel
Entry to St. Peter's Basilica
A private, English-speaking guide with art history expertise
The Main Galleries of the Vatican Museums
After meeting your private guide, your Vatican Museums tour begins. With your skip-the-line access, you'll walk past the long line of tourists and enjoy faster entry through security, even if you've booked an afternoon tour. Follow your guide to the Bramante Courtyard to see the Pio-Clementino Museum, the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and our personal favorite, the Gallery of Maps.
Inside the Gallery of the Maps, the frescoes upon the walls provide valuable insight into how Renaissance Italians viewed their surroundings. Predating unified Italy by almost 300 years, the frescoes show the geography of the Italian peninsula circa 1580. Based on drawings by famous geographer Ignazio Danti, the maps were painted between 1580 and 1585. One of the most opulent and impressive corridors in the Vatican Museums, this collection extends for nearly 400 feet.
Depending on your interests and how quickly you want to explore, your guide will tailor the experience to make the most of your time in the Vatican Museums.
Raphael Rooms and The School of Athens
Raphael is the epitome of a Renaissance artist. In the period of European civilization immediately following the Middle Ages, a great period of revival in art, literature, and thought occurred. Raphael encompassed the ideals of a Renaissance man and frescoed multiple rooms inside of the Vatican Museums. Among other masterpieces, see one of Raphael’s most famous works of art, The School of Athens.
Borgia Apartments
Downstairs from the Raphael Rooms and once occupied by Borgia Pope Alexander VI, these private chambers were frescoed by early Renaissance artist Pinturicchio. As a co-pupil of Raphael’s under master Perugino, Pinturicchio had a penchant for embedding fake jewels and other three-dimensional objects like metal saddle studs in his frescoes. The Borgia Apartments also contain another hidden gem: the first European depiction of Native Americans.
Sistine Chapel
One of the top things to do in Vatican City is visiting the Sistine Chapel. Only when you are inside, is it clear why the Sistine Chapel is one of the most celebrated works of art in Western civilization. Michelangelo painted more than 600 figures in all, and the sheer magnitude of his endeavor is mind-blowing. Since the Sistine Chapel is a place of worship, speaking inside is not allowed. Your guide cannot explain the frescoes while you are inside, so they'll provide you with a map/handout for reference before you enter.
Please note that the Sistine Chapel is a sacred place, so both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders, otherwise, you may be refused entry to a portion of your Vatican tour. We understand the summers in Rome are hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/sweater to wrap around you when necessary.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica is a mammoth church filled with artwork from some of the most celebrated artists in history. Once you reach the outside of this incredible church, you'll listen to your guide share about the history and construction. As you explore the inside on your own, you'll admire masterpieces that include the Baldacchino, La Pieta, the statue of St. Peter and more. Even if you aren’t an art fanatic, just the size of the basilica will floor you.
Please note that St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays for the Papal Audience and can occasionally experience other unexpected closures. If this happens, your guide will make up the time at other areas within the Vatican.
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
151 total reviews
Leave a reviewTerrance Lee Ellis
Amazing
Cindy clonan
Our guide was fantastic. She made our moving thru the museums seamless. She was extremely informative and answered all of our questions. I highly recommend.
Enza Broccoli was the best!
Gena Boschin
What a memorable experience that Enza provided for my family and I! Speaking in both Italian and English; she was very knowledgeable and patient with us as went through the tour and answered all our questions and curiosities. An immense feeling of amazement walking though such history. She was very accommodating in showing and explaining to us what we wished to see and learn; an unforgettable experience! Grazie Enza:) dai Boschini e Liburdis:)
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
In addition to wearing or bringing clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes. You're also welcome to bring a water bottle as it can get hot inside the Vatican during the summer months.
What is the dress code at the Vatican?
Inside the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, you'll need to cover your knees and shoulders. Please bring a shawl or sweater with you if you're dressed for those hot Rome summers.
I have some doubts about my mobility. Is this tour right for me?
If you have any doubts about your mobility, this is your best bet for a Vatican tour. Private Vatican tours are more easily customized to the needs of people with reduced mobility.
What are the chances my tour will be canceled or the Vatican will close something.
Although it is rare, sometimes part of the Vatican closes with little notice. If an area normally covered on a tour is closed, your guide will be sure to make up the time in other areas.
Does the tour go directly inside without waiting in any line?
As an accredited tour operator we do not have to wait in the general ticket line, but we still have to wait in a security line. For this reason, we leave the meeting point as early as possible and get in the security line reserved for tour operators.
Does this tour always include St. Peter's Basilica?
Yes, St. Peter's is always included on this private Vatican Museums tour, except on Wednesdays when it is closed in the morning for the papal audience.
What to bring?
In addition to wearing or bringing clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes. You're also welcome to bring a water bottle as it can get hot inside the Vatican during the summer months.
Can I take photos inside the Sistine Chapel?
No, photography is not allowed in the Sistine Chapel.
You may also like
Skip the Line
Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums
Explore the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!
Skip the Line
Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
Skip the line and gain direct access to the Raphael Rooms, Creation of Man, and St. Peter's Basilica
Exclusive Access
Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiator's Gate
Walk in the footsteps of gladiators on the Colosseum floor and see the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Skip the Line
Semi-Private Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
Enjoy a premium and exclusive tour of the Raphael Rooms, St.Peter's Basilica, and more!
Skip the Line
St. Peter's Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour
Begin your day early and see Rome from above, the Papal Crypts below, and the Vatican museums nearby
Entry Ticket
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets
Skip the line and gain quicker access to the Vatican so you can explore at your leisure
Skip the Line
Semi-Private Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor
Stand where gladiators fought on the Colosseum floor, then tour the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Skip the Line
Privileged Entrance Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Skip the line at the Colosseum, plus Arch of Titus, Temple of Julius Caesar, and more!
Skip the Line
Vatican at Closing Time with Sistine Chapel
Book a unique experience that visits the Vatican in the early evening with fewer crowds
Guided Tour
Trastevere Local Food Tour in Rome
Join a culinary guide to savor authentic Roman food, such as tasty cheese, pasta, gelato, and wine
Skip the Line
Rome Catacombs Tour and Capuchin Crypts with Transportation
Skip the line and explore a creepy underground world of Roman tombs and crypts with an expert guide
Skip the Line
After Hours Rome Catacombs Tour with Capuchin Crypts
Experience Rome’s underground tombs and religious bone displays on this exclusive night tour
New tour
3-Hour Scenic Golf Cart Tour of Rome in a Small Group
Experience the Eternal City in complete comfort with stops at 8 iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites
Day Trip
Unforgettable Rome Day Trip to Pompeii and Sorrento
The easiest way to dive deep into the famous ancient ruins and soak up the sunny coast of Sorrento
Skip the Line
Private Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
See the Colosseum and ancient Rome like a VIP, the Temple of Caesar, and more!
Semi-Private Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Immerse in Roman history as you visit Arch of Titus, Temple of Caesar and more with an expert guide
Skip the Line
Private Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's Basilica Tour
Enjoy a tailored VIP Vatican experience with a dedicated private guide
Private Tour
Private Pompeii & Mt. Vesuvius Day Trip from Rome
An unforgettable visit to ancient ruins with all the details and transportation taken care of
New Tour
Rome Golf Cart Food Tour: Explore the City's Iconic Sites and Cuisine
Journey Through Time and Taste on a Small-Group Adventure
Private Tour
Private Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Dome Climb Complete Tour
Climb St. Peter's Dome then tour the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Skip the Line
Vatican Uncovered: A Private, Detailed Tour
Get an in-depth experience tailored to your interests of art, sculptures, and the Sistine Chapel
Skip the Line
Private Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Vatican Museums
See the best of Rome your way with a private guide at the Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, and more!
Climb the Dome
Ultimate St. Peter's Basilica Dome Climb and Tour with Papal Crypts
See Michelangelo's La Pietà up close and climb the dome for stunning views of Rome and the Vatican
Skip the Line
Private Borghese Gallery Tour
Admire stunning Baroque art most miss like Bernini's Rape of Proserpina & Apollo and Daphne
New Tour
Skip-the-Line Pantheon Express Guided Tour in Rome
In one hour, discover the storied dome, Oculus, and tombs of Rome’s ancient temple with your guide!
Golf Cart Appian Way Tour
Rome’s Catacombs and Appian Way Golf Cart Small Group Tour
Escape the crowds and journey through ancient roads and underground tombs alongside an expert guide
New Tour
Full Day Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius Tour from Rome
Skip-the-line at Pompeii, savor a three-course meal, and walk amid Mt. Vesuvius’ volcanic formations
Private Tour
Rome Evening Cocktail Tour with Local Guide
Experience Rome’s cocktail culture as you stroll by the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trastevere!
Amalfi Coast from Rome
Positano and Amalfi Day Trip from Rome with Boat Cruise
Navigate along the Coast, explore the picturesque town of Positano, and enjoy a classic limoncello
Skip the Line
Private Rome City Driving Tour
See the best of Rome with the comfort of your own private vehicle and a dedicated local tour guide
New Tour
Authentic Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class in Rome
Embark on an Italian culinary adventure in a 17th-century palace near Piazza Navona!
Cooking Class
Dough to Dessert: 3-in-1 Cooking Class near Piazza Navona
Master the art of making fettuccine, ravioli, and mouthwatering tiramisu in a single day!
Private Tour
Vatican at Closing Time Private Evening Tour with Sistine Chapel
Appreciate the Vatican masterpieces without less crowds on our tour with a private guide
Castel Sant'Angelo Guided Tour
Castel Sant’ Angelo Skip the Line Small Group Tour in Rome
Visit Hadrian’s Tomb, learn about the legend of Archangel Michael, and view stunning frescoes!
Meet your guide at Piazza Barberini
Golf Cart Tour of Rome with Pizza and Gelato Dinner
Indulge in authentic Italian pizza, savor gelato, and whizz between Pantheon, Trastevere and more
New Tour
Rome Sightseeing Tour by Golf Cart
Whiz through Rome to see the Colosseum, Vatican, Roman Forum, Oppian Hill, Tiber Island, and more!
New Tour
Rome Evening Tour by Tuk Tuk
Journey from the Colosseum to the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain with a private driver-guide
New Tour
Private Tour of Rome’s Seven Hills by Tuk Tuk
Cruise to the Orange Gardens, and admire the view from Circus Maximum from a real tuk tuk.
Guided Tour
Half Day Electric Bike Tour of Rome
Pedal past the Colosseum, Piazza Navona, and up Capitoline Hill in the peaceful morning
New Tour
Rome Vintage Fiat 500 Sightseeing Tour
Cruise around in style as you explore the Eternal City’s top landmarks, sights, and attractions!
Private Tour
Piazza Navona Underground Ruins Tour with Palazzo Altemps
Admire the stunning Suicidal Gaul, Athlete at Rest, and more then see the ruins of Domitian' Stadium
Private Tour
Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto Private Rome Tour
With a private guide, unearth the trendiest Rome districts from Santa Maria Basilica to Tiber Island
New Tour
Rome’s Appian Way Tour by E-Bike
Pedal through Parco dell’Appia Antica alongside an expert guide and admire ancient Roman marvels
New Tour
Tuscany Day Trip from Rome with Vineyard Lunch and Wine Tasting
Wander through the medieval towns of Montepulciano and Pienza and enjoy a 3-course meal!
Borghese Gallery Skip the Line
Skip-the-Line Borghese Gallery Small Group Tour in Rome
Embark on a small group guided experience , and discover works by Bernini, Caravaggio and Canova
New Tour
Prati Eats: A Delicious Walking Tour
Indulge in Rome's famous pizza, pasta, and wine alongside a knowledgeable foodie guide
New Tour
Ultimate Pizza & Tiramisu Making Class Near Piazza Navona
Learn the secrets of making authentic tiramisu and pizza from a pizzaiolo chef before devouring them
New Tour
Tasty Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class Near Piazza Navona
Cook like a pro with a local chef as you master two Italian dishes then savor your own creations
New Tour
Trastevere Pasta Making Class: Fettuccine and Maltagliati
Head to Rome’s trendiest food district to try your hand at authentic pasta making (and eating!)
Exclusive Access
Semi-Private Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Get special access to the Underground dungeons and Arena Floor on this guided semi-private tour
Private Tour
Private Half Day E-Bike Tour of Rome
Cycle through the Roman streets with ease to see the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!
Skip the Line
Private Family-Friendly Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour
Enjoy a boredom-free Vatican private tour that's perfect for kids, with treasure hunt and fun guide
Skip the Line
Catacombs Private Tour in Rome
Discover the mysterious Roman Catacombs, Capuchin Crypts, and Appian Way on an intimate private tour
Skip the Line
Alone at the Vatican: Private After Hours Tour
Experience the quiet of the Sistine Chapel without the crowds after your tailored tour
Skip the Line
Basilicas of Rome Private Driving Tour
Uncover relics of Catholic history and three of Rome’s major churches with an expert local guide
Skip the Line
Private Family-Friendly Rome Colosseum & Roman Forum Tour
Bring the Colosseum to life on this interactive kids tour with a treasure hunt and fun local guide
Skip the Line
The Quickest Direct Access Private Vatican Tour
Explore the Vatican on a shorter, tailored tour that includes the Sistine Chapel
Private Tour
Orvieto, Civita di Bagnoregio & Winery Private Day Trip from Rome
Escape the city on a memorable journey through Umbria’s historic towns to taste fine local wines
Transportation Included
Rome Shore Excursion from Civitavecchia
Book a private Rome tour and see the Colosseum, Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and more in just one day!
Private Tour
Private Transfer from Rome to Amalfi Coast with Tour of Pompeii
Travel south in style with door-to-door service, and explore Italy’s lost city with a private guide
Private Tour
Private Pompeii & Sorrento Day Trip from Rome
Step back in time with a private guided tour of Pompeii then enjoy a lazy afternoon in Sorrento
Private Tour
Tivoli Fountains & Hadrian's Villa Private Tour from Rome
Escape the city on a VIP private day trip to Tivoli, with Villa d’Este, Hadrian’s Estate, and more!
Brunello di Montalcino Helicopter Tour from Rome or Florence
Take to the skies on the ultimate VIP Tuscany tour that includes wine tasting and a gourmet lunch
Caravaggio's Masterpieces
Private Palazzo Barberini Museum Tour with Art Historian Guide
See Judith Beheading Holofrenes, La Fornarina, and more inside this opulent 17th-century palace
Testaccio Food Crawl
Testaccio Small Group Food Tour
Sip an espresso, indulge in authentic Italian pasta and wine, and explore a local Roman Market
New Tour
Trastevere Food Tour and Pasta Making Class
Sample classic Roman delicacies and learn how to make fettuccine from scratch!
New Tour
Traditional Roman Cooking Class in Jewish Ghetto
Learn how to make pasta, seasonal vegetables, and a traditional dessert in a charming neighborhood
New Tour
Four-Course Roman Dinner with Wine Pairing Near the Pantheon
Taste exquisite Italian food with sommelier-style pairings in a stunning 15th-century building
2-Hour Tour by Segway
Segway Tour of Imperial Rome
Admire the Colosseum, Circus Maximus and more, during a guided 2-hour journey in a Small Group
Best Squares of Rome by Segway
Segway Tour of Baroque Rome in a Small Group
Zip to the Pantheon, Piazza Venezia, theTrevi Fountain, and more of ancient Rome’s treasures!
New Tour
Rome by Vespa Small Group Driving Tour
Join an intimate Vespa convoy and scoot past the Pantheon, Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona
New Tour
Guided Buggy Self-Drive Tour of Rome
Cruise to the Eternal City’s most iconic landmarks, historic monuments, and breathtaking viewpoints!
Rome's Appian Way, Aqueduct Park, and Catacombs by E-Bike
Cruise through the historic Appia Antica, visit Catacombs of St. Callixtus and enjoy a light lunch!
Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Full Day Tour from Rome
Sip Limoncello in the Italy’s crown jewel and enjoy visiting an ancient town frozen in time
Self-Drive Rome Sightseeing Tour by Electric Car
Take the wheel of a Fiat Topolino for an eco-friendly convoy around the Eternal City’s iconic sights
Full Day Tour from Rome to Ponza Island with Boat Tour and Lunch
Indulge in an ultimate day of comfort and adventure featuring a 5-hour cruise with food
