Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour
Skip the Line to Enter the Vatican City with a Licensed Guide
This is the best Vatican tour for a couples, family groups, friends or solo travelers who want the luxury of having a professional Vatican guide all to themselves. Skip the Line tickets Included!
Tour Details
- Vatican Museums
- Laocoön and His Sons
- Gallery of the Maps
- Raphael Rooms
- Sistine Chapel
- St. Peter's Basilica
- La Pietà
- Gallery of Tapestries
- Gallery of the Candelabra
Our private Vatican tour lets you skip the lines and tour the best collections with your own personal guide. Experience the highlights of the Vatican Museums including the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, Gallery of the Maps, Raphael Rooms and Borgia Apartments. Visit Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and finish up with a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica. With multiple start times, choose between a private morning or afternoon Vatican tour. This 3-hour tour includes:
- - Skip the line Vatican tickets
- - A private English-speaking guide with expertise in art history
- - A guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
Important! If you wish to stay in the Vatican Museums toward the end of your tour, you must forgo the guided visit of St. Peter’s Basilica. Please note that if you choose to do this, you’ll lose the chance to use the special entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica from the Sistine Chapel and skip the lines with your guide. If you do leave the tour, remember to return your headset to the tour guide.
The Main Galleries of the Vatican Museums
After meeting your private guide, your Vatican Museums tour begins. As an accredited tour operator, we do not have to wait in the ticket line, but we still have to wait in a security line. Usually, this queue is short, but sometimes during high season, there may be delays. While you wait, your guide starts the Vatican tour with an explanation of some key facts about the museum’s treasures. Once inside, visit the Gallery of the Candelabra, Gallery of the Tapestries and our personal favorite, the Gallery of the 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 120 meters.
Raphael Rooms - The School of Athens
In constant competition with Michelangelo, Renaissance painter Raphael designed and frescoed multiple rooms connected to the Vatican Museums. On this private Vatican tour, Among other masterpieces, visit The School of Athens. The celebrated painting represents all the greatest mathematicians, philosophers and scientists gathered together and sharing ideas. In an early version of a selfie, Raphael included himself in the painting!
Borgia Apartments
The Borgia Apartments are comprised of a suite of rooms in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. They were created for personal use by Pope Alexander VI (Rodrígo de Borgia, 1492-1503) and frescoed by early Renaissance artist Bernardino di Betto, nicknamed “Pinturicchio".This apartment suite was closed off by Julius II, who refused to live in rooms once occupied by his despised predecessor. Until the room’s reopening at the end of the 19th century, the dynamic frescoes were covered in black crepe.
Witness the Sistine Chapel in Person
Since the chapel is inside the Vatican Museums, entrance is included in your Vatican tour. Now that Michelangelo’s masterpiece is restored, every detail and color in the treasured work of art is visible and splendid to behold. Since the Sistine Chapel is a place of worship, speaking inside is not allowed. Since our guide cannot explain the frescoes while you are inside, we provide you with a map/handout for reference before you enter.
Please Note: the Sistine Chapel is a sacred place, 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 - a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way, you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.
Private St. Peter’s Basilica Tour
St. Peter's Basilica is a massive church filled with artwork from some of the most celebrated artists in history. On this private Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica tour, skip the long lines snaking their way through St. Peter’s Square and enter through a special door by way of the Sistine Chapel into the most palatial church in the world. Once inside, 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.
Important: Remember, it isn’t possible to return to the Vatican Museums from St. Peter’s Basilica. If you want more time inside the museums, you will have to forgo the basilica. Also, if you’d like to stay in St. Peter's Basilica longer, don't leave with the guide to take photos in the piazza. Because the security line is long and re-entry on your own is not recommended, we suggest you stay inside St. Peter’s and explore on your own after the tour concludes.
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
27 total reviews
Leave a reviewAverage customer rating
5.00 / 5 based on 27 total reviews
Terry Dawson
Beautiful Tour!
Raffa was our tour guide and she was fabulous, patient, informative, friendly, and very knowledgeable. She took her time when we would be taking pictures and just taking in all the beauty the Vatican has to offer. I was in awe of the artwork and detail throughout. This was my best experience with a tour. It is a definite must see while in Rome and Roman guy tour doesn’t disappoint. Thank you!
Carla Iommetti
Cristiana is amazing!
My husband and I went on four different private tours during our trip to Italy, and Cristiana was the most outstanding guide we had. She was so knowledgeable about every part of the museum and somehow able to answer even our most obscure questions about Roman history or art techniques. She's so much fun and we both enjoyed getting to know her. We can't wait to do another tour with Cristiana when we come back to Italy!
Torie De Jong
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to meet?
Between Hotel Alimandi and Caffé Vaticano, at the top of the big staircase (Viale Vaticano, 100). A representative will be there holding a sign with our company name on it.
What to bring?
Cover your knees and shoulders, there's no need to dress like the people who live in Vatican City, just avoid short pants, dresses and tank tops. If you're a woman and you are wearing something that bares your shoulders, bring a long a shall or sweater. Comfortable shoes are always recommended for walking tours.
What is the dress code at the Vatican?
Cover your knees and shoulders, there's no need to dress like the people who live in Vatican City, just avoid short pants, dresses and tank tops. If you're a woman and you are wearing something that bares your shoulders, bring along a shall or sweater.
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.
We run the tour rain or shine all year round. Although it is rare, sometimes part of the Vatican City closes for special religious events. If an area normally covered on a tour is closed, our guide will still provide explanations of the closed areas from outside. Plus, we will show you an extra site or gallery to compensate.
Does the tour go directly inside without waiting in any line?
As an accredited tour operator we do not have to wait in the 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.
What to bring?
Cover your knees and shoulders, there's no need to dress like the people who live in Vatican City, just avoid short pants, dresses and tank tops. If you're a woman and you are wearing something that bares your shoulders, bring a long a shall or sweater. Comfortable shoes are always recommended for walking tours.
Where to meet?
Between Hotel Alimandi and Caffé Vaticano, at the top of the big staircase (Viale Vaticano, 100). A representative will be there holding a sign with our company name on it.
You may also like
Guided Tour
Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Explore the Exclusive Newly Opened Underground Tunnels for the First Time Ever!
Guided Tour
Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Small Group Vatican Museums Tour with a Fun & Knowledgeable Guide
Guided Tour
Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums
Visit all the Main Highlights of Rome and the Vatican in One Day
Guided Tour
Trastevere "Locals" Food Tour in Rome
Join a Local Culinary Guide and Try Cheese, Pasta, Gelato, Wine, & More
Guided Tour
Colosseum Underground plus Belvedere Top Level Tour
Includes Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, and Newly Opened Tunnels
Guided Tour
Privileged Entrance Arena Floor Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum
Gain Exclusive Access to the Arena Floor where Gladiators Fought
Guided Tour
Privileged Entrance Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Skip the line and tour the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Guided Tour
Complete Vatican Combo Tour with Sistine Chapel & Dome Climb
See St. Peter's Dome, the Vatican Museums and the Papal Crypts
Guided Tour
Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
Pre-Opening Tour of the Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica
Guided Tour
Detailed Itinerary Vatican in a Day Tour with Sistine Chapel
Skip the Line and Gain a More Intimate and Deeper Experience of the Museums
Guided Tour
Rome Catacombs Tour With Capuchin Crypts
Visit Ancient Roman Tombs in Comfort with Climate Controlled Vehicle
Private Tour
Private Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour with Restricted Access
Exclusive Access to the Arena Floor where Gladiators Fought with Private Guide
Private Tour
Private Full Day Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
An Immersive and In-Depth Vatican Experience with a Licensed Guide
Private Tour
Private Family-Friendly Rome Colosseum & Roman Forum Tour
Take an Ancient Roman Treasure Hunt
Guided Tour
Half Day Electric Bike Tour of Rome
See Most of Rome Effortlessly on your Electrical Bike in a Small Group
Guided Tour
Ultimate St. Peter's Basilica Dome Climb and Tour with Papal Crypts
Enjoy a Full Basilica Tour with a Licensed Guide and Take the Elevator Most of the Way Up!
Guided Tour
Vatican Night Tour with Sistine Chapel
Enjoy a Unique Experience of Entering the Vatican Museums After Hours
Guided Tour
First Entry Vatican Gold Tour with Sistine Chapel
See the Sistine Chapel a Full 90 Minutes Before Anyone Else!
Guided Tour
Vatican Highlights Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Skip the Line and Enter Early with Your Licensed Guide on this Abbreviated Vatican Tour
Guided Tour
VIP Colosseum at Night Tour with Underground and Arena Floor
See the Colosseum at Night with No Crowds at All
Private Tour
Private Half Day E-Bike Tour of Rome
Visit the Main Sites Including the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Colosseum, and More!
Guided Tour
Rome Walking Tour with Pasta Making Class and Lunch
See the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and Make Pasta Hands On with an Italian Expert Chef!
Day Trip
Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens & Pope's Summer Home Day Trip
Travel from the Pope's Train Station to Castel Gandolfo After Visiting the Vatican Museum
Private Tour
7:30am Entrance Platinum Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
Red Carpet Access to the Vatican Museums Licensed Guide with St. Peter's Basilica Drop Off
Private Tour
8:00am Vatican, Sistine Chapel, & St. Peter's Basilica Tour
A Bespoke Vatican Experience for Those Who Can Appreciate a Private Guide and Less Crowds
Private Tour
Private Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Vatican Museums
The Best of Rome with a Private Guide
Private Tour
Rome Evening Cocktail Tour with Local Guide
Visit 3 Trendy Cocktail Bars as you walk by the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trastevere!
Private Tour
Vatican Under the Stars Private Evening Tour with Sistine Chapel
An Evening Tour of the Vatican Museums
Private Tour
VIP Vatican Museums After-Hours Private Tour with Sistine Chapel
Exclusive After-Hours Vatican Tour
Private Tour
Private Vatican Highlights Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Create a More Memorable Experience with a Knowledgeable Guide
Private Tour
Visit Umbria: Orvieto, Civita di Bagnoregio and Wine Tasting Day Trip f ...
A Wine Tasting Tour in Umbria
Private Tour
Rome to Amalfi Coast: Private Transfer with Pompeii Stop
Travel in Luxury to the Amalfi Coast
Private Tour
Pompeii & Sorrento: Day Trip from Rome
Private Luxury Transportation and Guide of Pompeii
Private Tour
Tivoli Fountains & Hadrian's Villa: Private Day Trip from Rome
Hadrian's Villa Tour from Rome with a Private Guide and Transport Included
Guided Tour
VIP Rome Catacombs Night Tour with Capuchin Crypts
Explore ancient tombs closed to the public
Guided Tour
History of Christianity Tour with Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Rome ...
Skip lines at Vatican Museums and Catacombs
Guided Tour
Ancient Rome in a Day: Arena Floor Colosseum Tour with Rome Catacombs a ...
Privileged Entrance and Skip line Access at three Ancient Roman attractions in a Small Group
Guided Tour
Colosseum Arena Floor with Trastevere "Locals" Food Tour Combo
Skip the line with Privileged Access, then eat your way through Rome in a Small Group
Guided Tour
Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Local Trastevere Food Tour Combo
The Vatican, Sistine Chapel, then eat food!
Valid for 5 Years!
The Tour Guy Gift Card
Give the gift of Tours in Italy, France, Spain, the UK and US or Virtual Experiences such as Live Cooking Classes
