Private Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Dome Climb Complete Tour

Are you looking for a complete Vatican experience with a Private Guide? Can you imagine being one of the first people atop St. Peter's Dome? Join this 5.5 hour tour for the ultimate Vatican in a day event. Climb St. Peter's Dome and tour St. Peter's Basilica before a Private Skip the Line tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. This full day Vatican tour includes:

• Private English Speaking Licensed Vatican Guide

• St. Peter's Dome Climb Tickets Included

• Skip the Line Vatican Access

• Guided Tour of St. Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Museums

Meet Your Guide in St. Peter's Square

Your private day at the Vatican begins in the center of St. Peter's Square. Head through security as one of the first people of the day, beating the massive crowds that line up throughout the day.

Saint Peter's Basilica

As you enter the symbol of the Catholic Church, take in the grandeur of the Basilica's central nave. See why it took four Renaissance masters, Bramante, Maderno, Bernini and Michelangelo over a century to construct one of the world's most visited sites.

Inside you will see masterful works that go beyond the grand architecture. Protecting the alter, see Bernini's grand Baldacchino. The intricate bronze canopy is said to be directly above the tomb of St. Peter. Standing nearly 100 feet, the Baldacchino is physically and symbolically the center of the Basilica.

In the Basilica you will take in the first Michelangelo masterpiece of the day. Before the crowds, you will be able to see La Pieta close up. Your guide will describe why the stunning statue of Mary holding Jesus is now protected by glass. No matter the glass, you will see every detail of the marble work.

Dome Climb

Standing nearly 500 feet above ground, St. Peter's Dome is the tallest dome in the world. Your guide will lead you up to the top of the cupola for unbelievable panoramic views of Rome. Your guide will describe the sites across the city that you are sure to visit during your time in Rome.

Papal Tombs

For centuries, Popes have been buried below the Basilica. Your guide will lead you through the elaborate effigies of the church's great leaders throughout history.

Vatican Museums

After your visit to the Basilica, you will head directly to the Vatican Museums. As you pass the Vatican walls, you will see hundreds lining up to enter. With our skip the line access you will glide right past these crowds into the Museums to discover some of the Europe's great art galleries.

In the Gallery of the Maps, see the expertly painted atlas of Italy. At over 500 years old, the cartographic precision and artistic detail of the maps should not be overlooked with the advent of GPS. Through the Gallery of the Tapestries, your guide will describe the amazing skill of the Flemish weavers who are Renaissance geniuses in their own right.

In the Raphael Rooms, you will see the works of yet another Renaissance master. Here you will see Raphael's impressive School of Athens. The painting now seen on every ticket to the Vatican Museums but most tour groups bypass the area completely.

Sistine Chapel

Before heading into the Sistine Chapel your guide will describe the amazing scenes you will see inside. Observe Michelangelo's incredible ceiling depicting biblical scenes is the star of the Vatican tour. Talking and Photography are strictly prohibited in the Chapel to provide the most tranquil possible experience.