Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour
Private Skip the Line Vatican Tour
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
23 total reviews
Leave a reviewAverage customer rating
5.00 / 5 based on 23 total reviews
Razza was knowledgeable and fun. This was worth it !!
Stephanie Wallace
One of the best tours ever.
Alessandri was one of the best tour guides we have ever had. Her ability to convey her knowledge and passion for the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica was magical. We highly recommend the Roman Guy for any tour (we had done the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum the previous day). Thank you.
Raf was awesome
Jennifer Williams
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
Skip the Line
Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
Be one of the first to enter the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Skip the Line
Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums
See all the main sites in one day!
Skip the Line
Detailed Itinerary Vatican in a Day Tour with Sistine Chapel
Enjoy the fine art and deep religious history
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
Skip the Line
Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Skip the Line with your Expert Tour Guide
Skip the Line
Vatican Highlights Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Skip the Line and be one of the first to enter the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Skip the Line
Complete Vatican Combo Tour with Sistine Chapel & Dome Climb
See St. Peter's Dome, the Vatican Museums and the Papal Crypts
Be the first inside
First Entry Vatican Gold Tour with Sistine Chapel
See the Sistine Chapel Before Anyone Else
Skip the Line
Privileged Entrance Arena Floor Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum
From the Gate of Death to the Arena Floor
Local Rome Food Tour in Trastevere Neighborhood
Eat like Romans, including pizza and gelato
Skip the Line
Private Detailed Itinerary Vatican in a Day Tour with Sistine Chapel
A Private Vatican Tour for Art History Nerds
SKIP THE LINE
Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Our Bestselling Colosseum Underground Tour
SKIP THE LINE
VIP Colosseum at Night Tour with Underground and Arena Floor
See Ancient Rome and the Colosseum at Night
Rome Walking Tour with Pasta Making Class and Lunch
See the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona & more
Transportation included
Rome to Pompeii Day Trip with Stunning Sorrento
Explore Pompeii's ruins with an archaeologist
Skip the Line
Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens & Pope's Summer Home Day Trip
Vatican to Castel Gandolfo for scenic views
Skip the Line
Super Early Private Vatican Platinum Tour with Sistine Chapel
The First Early Access Private Vatican Tour!
Private Tour: Your own pace
Private Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour with Restricted Access
Skip the Line Colosseum Tickets
Skip the Line
Pre-Opening Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica Pr ...
Skip the Line on this Private Vatican Tour
Private Tour: Your Own Pace
Private Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Vatican Museums
The Best of Rome with a Private Guide
Cocktail bars in Rome: Evening Walking Tour
A Cocktail Tour of Rome
Skip the Line
Vatican Under the Stars Private Evening Tour with Sistine Chapel
An Evening Tour of the Vatican Museums
Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto Private Rome Tour
Rome’s Two Best Neighborhoods
Skip the Line
VIP Vatican Museums After-Hours Private Tour with Sistine Chapel
Exclusive After-Hours Vatican Tour
Skip the Line
Private Family-Friendly Rome Colosseum & Roman Forum Tour
Take an Ancient Roman Treasure Hunt
Skip the Line
Private Vatican Highlights Tour with Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Bas ...
A Private Guided Vatican Highlights Tour
Transportation Included
Visit Umbria: Orvieto, Civita di Bagnoregio and Wine Tasting Day Trip f ...
A Wine Tasting Tour in Umbria
Transportation included
Full Day Private Boat tour to Capri from Amalfi
Sail in Luxury to Capri from Amalfi
Transportation Included
Rome to Amalfi Coast: Private Transfer with Pompeii Stop
Travel in Luxury to the Amalfi Coast
PRIVATE HELICOPTER DAY TRIP
Luxury Helicopter Tuscan Wine Day from Rome
SUPER VIP | PRIVATE HELICOPTER | DAY TRIP
Skip the Line
Privileged Entrance Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Skip the line and tour the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Dome Climb
Ultimate St. Peter's Basilica Dome Climb and Tour with Papal Crypts
See Rome atop the Dome and tour St. Peter's Basilica including the tombs
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets
Great way to skip the lines
Skip the Line
VIP Rome Catacombs Night Tour with Capuchin Crypts
Explore ancient tombs closed to the public
Skip the Line
Privileged Entrance Colosseum with Rome Walking Tour
Tour Rome with VIP Colosseum Entry
Skip the Line
History of Christianity Tour with Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Rome ...
Skip lines at Vatican Museums and Catacombs
Skip the Line
Ancient Rome in a Day: Arena Floor Colosseum Tour with Rome Catacombs a ...
Skip lines at three Ancient Roman attractions
Skip the Line
Colosseum Arena Floor with Local Trastevere Food Tour Combo
Skip the line to access the Colosseum Arena Floor and enjoy delicious local Roman cuisine
Skip the Line
Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Local Trastevere Food Tour Combo
The Vatican, Sistine Chapel, then eat food!
