Once you set foot inside Vatican City, a knowledgeable and professional private guide will be at your disposal to escort you on an exceptional tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
The private Vatican tour is tailored to offer you an extraordinary and personalized experience in Rome, ensuring you have an unforgettable time. With a carefully thought-out itinerary, your guide will take you on a journey through the world-renowned museums, where you can admire the vast collections of art and artifacts from different eras of history.
As you stroll through the halls, your guide will provide insightful commentary on the artwork and share historical information, which will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the exhibits.
Next, you’ll be guided to the iconic Sistine Chapel, where you can witness the incredible ceiling painted by Michelangelo, along with the masterful works of other Renaissance artists. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the Chapel’s fascinating history and the profound significance of its artwork.
Finally, the tour concludes with a visit to the breathtaking St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most important landmarks of Rome. Your guide will provide a detailed account of the history and architectural significance of the basilica, including its stunning works of art and breathtaking design.
Overall, this private Vatican tour is a perfect way to discover the beauty and richness of Rome’s artistic and cultural heritage. With a well-planned itinerary and an expert guide to accompany you, you’re guaranteed a memorable experience that you will cherish for years to come.
Your guide will take you through the Vatican Museums, leading you through exclusive, never-before-used secret passageways. As you explore, please note that there is no chatting allowed, so be prepared to focus on the intriguing features that you may have missed on your own.
During this part of the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the main highlights of the Vatican Museums, including:
Raphael’s last artwork before his death was The Transfiguration, which is now one of the most renowned paintings displayed in the Pinacoteca of the Vatican Museums.
Donato Bramante, the celebrated Italian architect, designed two Bramante Staircases in the Vatican. While the original Bramante Staircase is off-limits to visitors, the contemporary version can be explored during a private tour of the Vatican.
This sculpture is a must-see at the Vatican Museums, and standing before it allows you to fully appreciate its significance.
During your tour of the Rotunda Room, you can witness the stunning Oculus ceiling, adorned with beautiful rosettes, and a magnificent mosaic design based on a second-century pattern, which has remarkably retained its vibrant colors.
The Porphyry Basin is another breathtaking attraction in the Rotunda Room, serving as the focal point of the space. This enormous red basin was initially used to decorate one of ancient Rome’s primary public areas.
The Tapestry Hall is a significant part of the Vatican Museum collection. When you visit this area, don’t forget to glance up at the ceiling, which looks three-dimensional but is, in fact, a painted illusion.
Inside this gallery, you’ll find a series of meticulously crafted topographical maps of Italy and its regions, all of which are hand-painted. It’s worth noting that this gallery spans an impressive length of 120 meters, which is longer than a football field.
The Vatican Museums, which used to serve as the Popes’ residence, boast many notable features, including the Borgia apartments and Raphael rooms.
The Raphael rooms are undoubtedly the most prominent attraction of this site, showcasing artwork by Raphael that highlights Rome’s High Medieval period.
This astonishingly well-preserved masterpiece from the fourteenth century is situated at the center of the Apostolic Palace, but it’s not commonly displayed. As it’s tucked away behind the Raphael Rooms, it’s not typically included in the regular Vatican Museum tour. However, with the Private Vatican Tour, you may have the chance to admire this artwork.
The Vatican Museum holds many hidden treasures, and the Cabinet of the Masks is undoubtedly one of them. This exhibition showcases a plethora of sculptures, most of which are inspired by Ancient Greek mythology. Therefore, it is considered one of the Museum’s best-kept secrets, waiting to be explored during the Vatican Private Tour.
Walking into the Sistine Chapel is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe. Situated inside the Vatican Museums on the right, the Sistine Chapel boasts stunning frescoes on its ceiling and rear wall, painted by Michelangelo Buonarroti in the 15th century.
Many of the world’s greatest artists, such as Raphael, Botticelli, and Pietro, have contributed to the exquisite frescoes and paintings that adorn the Sistine Chapel. Some of the most notable artworks that you can see in the Sistine Chapel include:
The Last Judgment, Michelangelo’s most renowned creation, is a fresco located above the chapel’s altar. This magnificent artwork portrays hell and took four years to complete.
The renowned fresco, “The Last Supper,” at the Sistine Chapel was composed by the Italian Renaissance artists Cosimo Rosselli and Biagio d’Antonio in 1481-1482.
Another masterpiece by Michelangelo adorns the center of the ceiling, and the composition is perfect. When viewed from a distance, the creation, the hands, and the background scenery create a harmonious and stunning display.
The Vatican Private Tour concludes with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, the last and final adventure of the tour. To access the basilica, a connecting door from the Vatican Museums is used, ensuring that visitors do not have to go through security again. With the Vatican Private Tour, you can experience the architectural complexity of St. Peter’s Church with an exclusive private guide.
St. Peter’s Basilica is an architectural marvel and one of the most important religious sites in the world. The basilica’s interior is adorned with ornate decorations, stunning sculptures, and intricate mosaics that tell the story of Christianity. The dome of the basilica is an impressive feat of engineering and offers a breathtaking view of Rome from the top.
The private guide will provide insights into the history and significance of St. Peter’s Basilica as well as answer any questions that you may have. You will have ample time to explore the basilica, admire its beauty, and take in its spiritual atmosphere. Whether you are religious or not, St. Peter’s Basilica is an awe-inspiring sight that is not to be missed when in Rome.
As you enter Saint Peter’s Basilica, you will be struck by the extraordinary design of the structure. The first thing that will catch your eye is the magnificent Bernini’s Canopy, a massive bronze structure created by the renowned Italian artist Gianlorenzo Bernini. The canopy is so impressive that it will leave you in awe and wonder.
As you walk to the right of the entrance, you will come across the Pietà, one of Michelangelo’s most moving masterpieces. The sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary holding the lifeless body of Jesus in her lap with a serene expression on her face. The work is so beautiful that it can stir even the coldest hearts with its deep emotional resonance.
To the left of the Canopy, you can spot the magnificent memorial of Pope Alexander VII, designed by Bernini himself. Considered to be his last masterpiece, the memorial portrays the pope in a prayerful posture and is surrounded by four female statues.
The statue of Saint Peter, constructed in the 5th century AD, is a renowned depiction of the Prince of the Apostles. This bronze sculpture portrays Saint Peter seated on a marble throne and serves as a potent reminder of his status as the first Pope.
The Dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica is an architectural masterpiece that never fails to impress visitors with its grandeur and beauty. Designed by the renowned artist Michelangelo, the dome is an iconic feature of the Vatican skyline and a testament to the genius of the Renaissance period.
One of the most striking aspects of the dome is its incredible height, which can be fully appreciated from the inside. The interior is adorned with dazzling golden mosaics that reflect the light in a mesmerizing way, creating a sense of awe and wonder for those lucky enough to witness it.
To reach the base of the dome, visitors must climb 551 steps. While this climb is not included in the Vatican Private Tour, there is an optional Dome Climb tour available for those who want to experience the dome up close and personal.
Over the course of three hours, our tour will take you on a journey through the Vatican’s artistic treasures, including the expansive Vatican Museums and Michelangelo’s stunning murals in the Sistine Chapel. Along the way, our knowledgeable guide will share insights into the fascinating history and culture of this iconic location.
If you have any questions about the Vatican or its many wonders, our guide will be happy to answer them for you. And as the tour comes to a close, our guide will offer recommendations on how to make the most of your time in the eternal city, ensuring that your visit to the Vatican is an unforgettable experience.
Experience the Vatican in the most exclusive way possible with our Private Tour, designed for those who wish to explore the Vatican without the crowds. This VIP tour offers fully personalized access to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Imagine standing in the center of the Sistine Chapel, with no one else around to disturb your view of the breathtaking frescoes on the ceiling. Our tour ensures that you have a private little adventure, where you can appreciate the history, art, and culture of the Vatican up close and in person.
This exclusive tour is available at different time slots, with tours starting at 9:00 and 15:00 from Monday to Friday, 9:00 and 15:30 on Saturday, Sunday – Closed. As your private tour begins, the great doors to the Vatican Museums will open exclusively for you, giving you a chance to explore the vast collections without the crowds. Your tour will end with an intimate viewing of the spectacular Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
With a professional tour guide and a small group, you can enjoy the company of some of the world’s most awe-inspiring and finest human creations in silence. Our VIP Vatican Tour is the best way to witness Michelangelo’s masterpiece in all its glory.
This private tour offers unique access to the Vatican Museums and all of Rome’s hidden jewels. You can go behind closed doors and see treasured areas of the Vatican that are typically off-limits to visitors, such as the Niccoline Chapel, the Cabinet of Masks, and the Bramante staircase.
Join us on this intimate tour to explore the best collections of Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica’s art in the most personalized way. With this tour, you can make your dream of an exclusive and private encounter with the Vatican a reality.
This is available on a daily basis, except for Vatican holidays and Sundays.
1 and 6 January,
19 March,
1 April,
1 May,
29 June,
14 and 15 August,
1 November,
25 and 26 December
(Ristorante Da Paolo) Viale Vaticano, 104, 00165 Roma RM, Italy
3 hours…
A proficient private tour guide who speaks English, Spanish and Russian fluently.
2 to 8 Member (Per Group)
25 minutes before the tour..
Visitors with verified invalidity of more than 74% are entitled to free admission to the Vatican Museums, while their accompanying person can also enter for free if they are not self-sufficient. Free entry tickets are not available for purchase, and they can be obtained directly at the special permissions and/or reception desks in the museum hall upon presentation of a valid invalidity certificate.
Moreover, a visitor with a disability and their companion can enjoy priority skip-the-line entry when necessary. If a wheelchair is required, it can be obtained for free from the Museum cloakroom by presenting a valid ID and a deposit.
The Vatican Museums staff is aware of the challenges that visitors with disabilities may face when visiting sites or museums, and they strive to accommodate their needs. Blind and deaf visitors can request a free tour designed specifically for them. However, the Vatican Gardens are not accessible to visitors with disabilities.
The Vatican Private Tour offers a VIP experience of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. This exclusive tour provides access to hidden areas that were previously only accessible to kings and popes throughout history. You can enjoy exploring the attractions at your own pace without having to navigate through crowds. The private tour guide will take the time to get to know you and provide detailed explanations of everything.
In addition to these benefits, there are several other advantages to a personalized tour:
Private Vatican tours offer a more personalized and enjoyable experience compared to larger group tours. By limiting the group size to no more than 2 to 8 people, you can bond more easily with your fellow tourists and have the opportunity to get to know each other. This creates a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy the tour to the fullest.
Moreover, the tour guide on a private Vatican tour will go above and beyond to ensure that you have a nice day. They will make sure that all of your needs are taken care of and will provide you with a tailored experience that meets your specific interests and preferences.
The Vatican is a vast complex with many attractions to see, and a private tour is the best way to see everything you want. With a personalized itinerary and a knowledgeable guide, you can have a fantastic experience while learning insider information and tricks that are not included in guidebooks.
During a private guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, you will have the opportunity to observe closely some of the finest and largest art collections in the world. You can explore the Gallery of Maps, tapestries, Raphael’s Rooms, and St. Peter Dome, and learn about the rich history and stories behind them. By having a knowledgeable guide by your side, you can fully appreciate the significance of each piece and the context in which it was created.
Overall, a private Vatican tour is the best way to get the most out of your tour. It provides a more personalized and tailored experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the art and history of this incredible site. So why wait? Book your private Vatican tour today and experience the magic of the Vatican like never before!
Absolutely! We highly recommend the Private VIP Experience Tour as the ultimate way to enjoy the Vatican. For a more intimate and relaxed visit to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, we suggest opting for a small group tour instead of a large one. With a smaller group, you can enjoy a more cozy atmosphere and take your time exploring the various exhibits. However, if you want a truly personalized experience with your guide’s undivided attention, a private tour is the way to go.
The tour is offered in five different languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and Russian. During the tour booking process, you can easily select your preferred language.
After selecting your preferred language, please contact us at +39 081 188 16603 OR +39 327 742 0062 (Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 4 pm) to confirm availability. We are happy to assist you with this process.
With private customized tours, you have the flexibility to create your own itinerary and schedule. The tour is tailored to your preferences, allowing you to choose the activities and events that interest you the most. This personalized approach ensures that you get the most out of your tour, without feeling rushed or constrained by a fixed itinerary.
It’s important to note, however, that the itinerary of the VIP access tour may be subject to change. This is because access to certain areas, such as secret rooms and tunnels, may be limited based on availability and the discretion of Vatican authorities. Your tour guide will do their best to provide you with the best experience possible, while also being mindful of any changes that may need to be made. Overall, a private customized tour provides you with the flexibility and freedom to explore the Vatican at your own pace and according to your preferences.
Unfortunately, this tour does not offer wheelchair access. However, we understand that some visitors may have mobility issues and require special accommodations. If you or any member of your group requires a wheelchair or crutches to move about, please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements to accommodate your needs.
We offer private tours that can be customized to accommodate visitors with unique needs. Please contact us in advance and let us know what specific accommodations you require. We are happy to work with you to ensure that your visit is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
If you encounter mobility issues, please contact us for private access. However, it is important to note that the sites are not wheelchair accessible, and hence, individuals using wheelchairs may not be able to visit this place.
You may carry a small bag with essential items during your visit. However, it is not allowed to bring large bags or luggage to the attraction.
The cost of a private tour of the Vatican may vary based on the activities and attractions included in the tour, as well as the guide’s charges. In the case of this private Vatican tour, the focus is on three of Rome’s main attractions: the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
The cost of this tour starts at €190.00 per adult and is designed for a group of up to 8 people, with a duration of approximately 3 hours. We always strive to offer the best and most exclusive tours to our guests, so we encourage you to book your private Vatican tour today and not delay any longer!
Yes, there are various discounts available for different categories of visitors. Children between the ages of 0 to 6 and young travelers between 6 to 18 years old are eligible for reduced prices. Students under the age of 25 can also avail themselves of discounts by presenting their student identification cards.
Additionally, EU citizens can benefit from specific discounted prices. EU citizens between the ages of 18 to 25 are eligible for reduced ticket prices, while those between the ages of 6 to 18 can obtain EU complimentary tickets. However, please note that ticket prices may vary depending on the location, so it is recommended to carefully review the booking criteria before purchasing a ticket.
Absolutely, as Vatican City is primarily comprised of religious sites, there is a strict dress code in place that must be adhered to by both men and women throughout the year. Visitors are required to have their shoulders covered and their pants/skirts must be below the knee. In terms of footwear, flip-flops or casual sandals are not permitted.
As previously stated, the Vatican enforces a dress code for visitors. However, jeans are acceptable as long as they extend beyond the knee.
Since this is a private tour, group sizes are limited to 2 to 8 people maximum. If you prefer a more intimate experience with only your family members, you can book the tour exclusively for yourselves.
Certainly! With a private tour, you have the flexibility to customize the group size to your liking. Typically, private tours include a private tour guide and a group of up to 8 people. However, you have the option to adjust the group size within the same party, regardless of the number. If you have more than 8 family members, please contact us prior to the booking process so that we can make arrangements to accommodate your needs. We are committed to providing you with the best possible experience on your tour.
Certainly, we do provide the option of a hotel pickup and drop-off service, however, please note that this service is not included in the tour price and is available at an additional cost. When you book your tour, you can select the hotel transportation service and we will arrange it for your group based on availability.
The optimal approach to exploring St. Peter’s Basilica is by booking a Private Guide Tour, which allows for a small group setting. With a private guide, you can fully appreciate the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica and revisit any areas of interest. Additionally, the basilica boasts some of the most breathtaking views in all of Rome.
The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are open every day of the week from 9 am to 4 pm, except on Sundays. However, visitors should take note that St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on certain days such as Easter, December 24 and 31, as well as other religious holidays. In such cases, the three-hour tour will be conducted in other areas of the Vatican Museums instead.
It is important to keep in mind that St. Peter’s Basilica is primarily a place of worship, and it may be closed for religious activities without prior notice. In such cases, visitors will be offered a visit to the Vatican Library as a replacement.
Previously, there was a door that allowed visitors to walk directly from the Sistine Chapel to the Basilica, but due to the Covid19 pandemic, that door had been blocked. Consequently, group tours and other tours were not allowed to enter the Basilica from the interior. Instead, visitors had to leave the Vatican and use a separate entrance to access the Basilica. However, the government has lifted this restriction, and entry to the Basilica for guided tours is now open. Guided tours can proceed as usual until further notice.
Once the tour is booked, it falls under the “All Sales Final” policy, which means that it cannot be canceled, and no refunds will be issued.
To ensure a smooth and timely tour, it is highly recommended that you arrive at the meeting spot 25 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Please note that if you arrive late or fail to show up, we will not be able to accommodate you as we would have already departed for the tour with other participants. Moreover, the ticket price for the Vatican Private Tour is non-refundable and cannot be cancelled. Therefore, if you miss the tour, we regret to inform you that your ticket money will not be refunded.
Photography is allowed in most areas of the Vatican Museums, as long as you do not use flash. However, it is strictly prohibited to take photos inside the Sistine Chapel, as it is a religious place and must be respected.
If you wish to capture your memories of the Vatican with high-quality photographs, you can opt for the professional photographic services provided by the tour company. This service is optional and comes with an additional fee. To avail of this service, you must select the professional photographer option during the tour booking process. Once you have booked your tour, the company will get in touch with you to arrange a professional photographer for your group. With this service, you can have stunning photographs taken of you and your group in front of the most iconic landmarks of the Vatican.
You can reach us at +39 081 188 16603 OR +39 327 742 0062 if you need to cancel your tour, and our customer service team is available from Monday to Saturday, between 8 am and 4 pm.
We recommend reviewing the other cancellation-related FAQs for this tour, as well as the Cancellation & Refund Policy provided by “Explore Italy Today”, before proceeding with your cancellation.
Explore Italy Today is fully aware of the current circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 Pandemic. We are responsible for providing you with the most accurate information.
Following the pandemic, it is now necessary to reserve your ticket online to avoid unnecessary gatherings at the ticket office.
There is no longer a requirement for a Green Pass, vaccination certificate, or test certificate to access the Vatican. In addition, there is no need for a certificate to enter restaurants, museums, historical sites, etc. There is also no need for quarantine when traveling to Vatican City.
While on the tour, please observe the following measures:
For the most up-to-date travel information during this pandemic, please visit the Covid-19 Travel Notice.
