from
$530
Private Family-Friendly Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour
Let your kids lead the way on a boredom-free experience with a treasure hunt, prizes & a fun guide
What's included
Fuel their imagination with VIP "Little Explorer" status
Expert English-speaking guide
Timed entry Vatican tickets
Guided tour of the Vatican Museums
Sistine Chapel admission
Guided St. Peter's Basilica tour
Interactive treasure hunt games
Special prizes for kids
Private tour experience
Guide tips
St. Peter's Dome tickets
St. Peter's Basilica (Wednesdays)
Itinerary
Meet your guide near Caffé Vaticano
Your tour begins at the top of the wide staircase between TMark Hotel Vaticano and Caffé Vaticano. Your private guide puts your children in charge by handing them a custom treasure hunt map and a list of items to discover. Prepare for a quest where ancient paintings and tapestries spring to life.
Hunt for mummies in the Egyptian Collection
Follow your guide into the Egyptian Collection to find the first clues on your path. The kids will hunt for stone lions and real mummies among the prized sarcophagi while parents admire the artifacts from the third century B.C. Listen carefully to the guide's stories to uncover the secrets of these animal-headed statues.
Battle marble monsters and heroes in the Octagonal Courtyard
Next, you will follow the map into the Octagonal Courtyard, home to the legendary Laocoön and His Sons. Your children will listen to the slithering tale of Medusa while searching for hidden symbols on the massive statues. You will even see a giant marble bathtub that once belonged to the Emperor Nero.
Explore the Stone Zoo
Then, step into the Hall of the Animals, a gallery established by Pope Pius VI that features hundreds of sculptures. This “stone zoo” shows animals in amusing interactions, from prowling predators to peaceful companions. Your kids will search the room to spot their favorite creatures hiding among the gods and heroes.
Find sea monsters in the Gallery of the Maps
Afterward, walk through the golden Gallery of the Maps, looking for optical illusions hidden in the artwork. Your family will hunt for sea monsters and ancient ships painted on the largest topographical maps ever created.
Your tour ends with a prize at the Basilica
Your tour finishes at St. Peter's Basilica, a massive church where you will see the towering Baldacchino altar and Michelangelo’s Pieta. After completing the final task on the treasure hunt, your children will receive their hard-earned prize. If you want a sky-high view, ask your guide about the optional Dome climb before you exit.
For Reference Only. Itineraries are subject to change
Select participants and date
Start times are in the product’s local time
Free cancellation up to 60 days in advance!
Sat, 05 Sep 2026
Meeting and drop-off point
Important Details
Discover what to expect, what’s included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
Dress Code: As the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel are deeply religious sites, everyone must cover their knees and shoulders. Guests who do not meet the dress code may be refused entry by security officials. No hats or flip flops please.
Accessibility: As this is a private tour, the itinerary can be accommodated to be wheelchair or mobility accessible. Please reach out to us, after making the booking, to make the proper arrangements.
Age Policy: Children under three are free of charge, but if you'd like them to receive the gift at the end of the tour, please pay for a "five and under" ticket.
Government-issued ID: Please bring a valid government-issued ID for every member of your party, including the children, as it may be requested during your entry to the museum.
Closures: St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesday mornings until 1:30pm, due to the Papal Audience. Tours during this time will not include basilica entry. Additionally, tours starting after 3:30pm (any day of the week) are not guaranteed entry into St. Peter’s Basilica. During state visits or special religious events, parts of the Vatican or St. Peter's Basilica may be closed unexpectedly and without much notice.
Time Adjustments: The itinerary of a private tour can be adjusted to your needs. Please reach out if you do not see a start time that fits for your party. We would be happy to check with our ticketing team to see if we can accommodate you.
Bag Policy: Camera tripods and large backpacks are not allowed in the museums, so please leave them at your hotel.
Please Note: The Sistine Chapel is a place of worship, so visitors are not allowed to speak inside the chapel. Your guide will explain what you'll see in advance.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Timed entry tickets to Vatican Museums
Guided tour of the Vatican Museums
Sistine Chapel entry
Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
Interactive treasure hunt materials
Prizes for children
Headsets for larger family groups
Private tour experience
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Government-issued ID
Water bottle
Clothing that covers knees and shoulders
Camera