Top Vatican City Literary Tours

When in Rome, take a trip to the Vatican City—the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to some of the world's most beautiful artworks. Instead of being tied to a crowded, shared group, embark on a private tour of the city-state to learn all about the artifacts you see. Walk through the ornate Vatican Museums, see inside the Raphael Rooms, and be stunned by the Sistine Chapel.

The Vatican is enormous and extremely popular, which can make exploring overwhelming. Save time, make sure you see all the highlights from its collections and gain a greater understanding of the history and significance of the art on this private guided tour, which includes skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

Enjoy an up-close way to experience one of Italy's top attractions—and see a perspective on Rome and Vatican City that few other visitors get to experience—on this private tour of St. Peter's Basilica. With just your guide for company, head into the storied church—a major pilgrimage destination for Catholic worshipers—and learn all about its rich history. Then, have the special chance to ascend to the Dome via 281 steps for sweeping, postcard-worthy views.

Explore the wonders of the Vatican City with this engaging half-day private tour designed for kids and families. Discover ancient Roman and Greek statues, Raphael’s Rooms, Galleries of Tapestries and Maps, the Sistine Chapel, and more. Pre-booked tickets allow you to skip the long lines, and an expert guide leads you through the treasures to avoid getting lost.

Explore the Vatican's noteworthy sights on this half-day private tour. An expert guide points out and explains the history of the pieces while you avoid lengthy queues with pre-reserved tickets. Marvel at wonders including Ancient Roman and Greek statues, Raphael’s Rooms, the Galleries of Tapestries and Maps, the Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter’s Basilica and Square. Take photos and enjoy your time at the Vatican.

Discover the genius of Renaissance master Michelangelo during this private tour of the Vatican Museums that focus on his art and architecture. Highlights include the fresco-covered ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, La Pietà sculpture, and panoramic views overlooking the Eternal City from the top of St. Peter’s Basilica. Get the chance to ask your guide plenty of questions without the hustle of a group tour.

Visiting the Vatican with children can be challenging. This private tour makes it easier: skip entrance lines with priority admission and team up with your guide to solve quizzes, play scavenger hunts, and try other personalized educational activities. This tour visits St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.

Like many of Rome’s historic sites, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel can be difficult to visit in a wheelchair. With this private, wheelchair-friendly tour, the marvels of Italy’s most impressive collection of art are accessible to everyone. Enjoy priority access and admire the highlights of these famous galleries with the insights from your own guide.

Combine the majesty of the Vatican with dazzling views from St. Peter’s Dome on this private half-day tour, led by a professional art historian guide. Explore the Vatican Museums, including the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel, admire the mosaics inside St. Peter’s Dome, and enjoy sweeping views from its highest point, then explore St. Peter’s Basilica. Includes skip-the-line tickets.

Break down the vast Vatican complex into manageable pieces and take in the highlights in just a few hours on this private tour. Save time with skip-the-line admission and head straight to the Vatican Museums to the most important masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, and others, including the stunning Sistine Chapel.