Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica Private Tour
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Rome, Italy
- 3 to 4 hours (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Explore the Vatican Museums without waiting in long lines, thanks to this this private, skip-the-line tour. Dive into a world of art and history as you explore the museum's many galleries, including the Sistine Chapel, which is home to Michelangelo's artistic masterpiece. Upgrade for the Renaissance option to explore the Raphael Rooms or choose the Dome option for panoramic views from St. Peter's Basilica.
- Skip the line at the Vatican Museums and explore its many galleries
- Choice of morning or afternoon tour time to suit your schedule
- See more of the vast complex with two upgrade options
- Enjoy a fully personalized experience with a private tour
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
This private package offers several ways to explore the Vatican Museums, with or without St. Peter's Basilica.
What's Included
- Vatican Museums Skip The Line Ticket
- Visit of the Sistine Chapel
- Private Tour with Blue Badge Guide
- If RENAISSANCE OPTION SELECTED: Raphael Rooms included in the itinerary
- If ST. PETER'S DOME OPTION SELECTED: climbing of the Cupola included in the itinerary
- Shortcut to St. Peter's Basilica
- Food And Drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Caffè VaticanoViale Vaticano, 100, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Meet and greet with your guide directly on-site. The guide will be holding a sign with your name.
End point
- Saint Peter's SquarePiazza San Pietro, 00120
In case St. Peter's Basilica is closed for last-minute masses or ceremonies, the tour will end at the exit of the Vatican Museums.
Itinerary
1
Vatican Museums
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Cortile della Pigna (Pass By)
Sphere within a Sphere (Pass By)
2
Galleria Delle Carte Geografiche
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Gallery of Tapestries
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Gallery of the Candelabras (Pass By)
4
Stanze di Raffaello
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
5
Sistine Chapel
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
6
St. Peter's Basilica
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
La Pieta
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
8
St. Peter's Baldachin
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
9
St. Peter's Basilica
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
10
St. Peter's Square
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- Please advise in case of mobility issues - wheelchair partly accessible
- For ST. PETER'S DOME OPTION is not suitable for wheelchair users
- For ST. PETER'S DOME OPTION: don’t attempt to visit the dome if you can’t physically climb steps or if you’re claustrophobic. A lift takes you some of the way, but then you still have to tackle 320 steps (and space is a bit tight in places).
- St. Peter's Basilica may close at the last minute for ceremonies or masses without warning
- In the case of visitors using wheelchairs and mobility scooters, please note that the Museums are partially accessible, and the Basilica won't be included
- St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel are subject to last-minute closures for religious ceremonies. When this occurs, we're happy to offer customers an extended tour of the Vatican Museums. While we endeavor to inform our guests ahead of time about any planned disruptions to the opening hours, this is not always possible. In these cases, we are unable to provide refunds or discounts
- A current valid passport or ID document is required on the day of the tour for children under 18 years old as proof of their age
- All visitors must pass through the monument/attraction security check please allow at least 20 minutes to clear security
- Please review the confirmation message that we send one day prior to the tour date, which confirms the final details of the service
- To ensure the safety and well-being of all our guests, every reservation that includes minors (under 18) must be accompanied by at least one adult. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept bookings made exclusively by unaccompanied minors.
- For ST. PETER'S DOME OPTION: not recommended for guests with mobility issues or claustrophobic
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 64 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Maria was very knowledgeable about the history and art of the Vatican. She went at the perfect pace for my husband with mobility limitations. She was very personable and able to answer all of our questions. She exceeded our expectations.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Maria will be very happy to read your words. Thank you for choosing CityEyes and for recognizing the care, knowledge, and perfect pacing she brought to your Vatican tour.
Grazie!
Maria, and the CityEyes Team
Alex was very knowledgeable. We enjoyed his personal relationship throughout the tour. He was very sincere about his explanation of St Peter’s Church.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Alex will be very happy to read your words. Thank you for choosing CityEyes and for recognizing the knowledge and sincerity he brought to your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica.
Grazie!
Alex, and the CityEyes Team
We did a private tour of 6 and our guide was personable, knowledgeable, and patient. We enjoyed our time.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for choosing CityEyes and for sharing your experience. We’re very happy your private tour felt personal, knowledgeable, and well paced.
Grazie!
The CityEyes Team
We thoroughly enjoyed the tour we took with Gianluca. He was full of information, animation, and a great sense of humour! Very professional and engaging!
We would highly recommend Gianluca as a tour guide to anyone. Many thanks for a great morning!!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Gianluca will be very happy to read your words. Thank you for choosing CityEyes and for recommending him so warmly; we truly appreciate your trust.
Grazie!
Gianluca, and the CityEyes Team
Such a magical experience. Loved the private aspect of our tour and how much great information Elisa provided 10/10 would highly recommend going the private route. Although the tour lasted about 4 hours I would put aside about 6-7 hours so you can also walk around At Peter’s Square and the underground portion
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for choosing CityEyes and for recommending Elisa so warmly. We’re very happy the private experience felt so magical and that her knowledge made your visit so special.
Grazie!
Elisa, and the CityEyes Team
Excellent tour with a great tour guide, Benjamin, and never had to wait in line as you entered the different sites
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for choosing CityEyes and for your kind words about Benjamin. We’re happy the tour felt smooth and well guided from site to site.
Grazie!
Benjamin, and the CityEyes Team
Amazing tour and we love our guide Gio. She was very knowledgeable and made the day very fun. Despite the 100 degree weather we saw everything we wanted to see and did not have to wait in very many lines. She navigated us through the crowds so we could see everything we wanted to see and we learned so much. It was so much fun and great way to start the day. It is well worth the price.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for choosing CityEyes and for sharing such wonderful words about Gio. Knowing the day felt fun, smooth, and well worth the price is a real compliment.
Grazie!
Gio, and the CityEyes Team
Crowd size was extremely (!) large as is the rest of Italy in July. Excessive summer heat compounded the difficulty. Regardless, our experienced guide adapted to the situation and cleverly helped to mitigate the impact on our group, especially the children. I speak genuinely when I say that she was the best in all respects.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Knowing the guide made such a difference in difficult conditions is a real compliment. Thank you for choosing CityEyes and for sharing such generous words.
Grazie!
The CityEyes Team
Marina was an incredible guide on our private tour which included the Sistine Chapel and Basilica tour. She was very knowledgeable, engaging, and helpful. Would recommend, 10/10
Response from Host, Jul 2026
A 10/10 recommendation is a real compliment. Thank you for choosing CityEyes and for sharing such generous words about Marina.
Grazie!
Marina, and the CityEyes Team
Our tour guide was unbelievable! She was highly knowledgeable and passionate about explaining all details. She had a great energy and made for a top-notch experience.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for these generous words. It is great to know your guide’s energy and explanations made the experience feel top-notch.
Grazie!
The CityEyes Team
We toured the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica with Luigi. He was a wealth of knowledge, personable, and so polite! As an archeologist he explained everything in a way that helped us understand everything we were seeing. We learned so much! I would highly recommend touring with Luigi, you won't be sorry! He made us feel like VIP's.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Feeling like VIPs is exactly the kind of experience we want our guests to have. Thank you for recommending Luigi and CityEyes.
Grazie!
Luigi, and the CityEyes Team
Mirta was wonderful - attentive, thoughtful, knowledgeable, & fun to work with! Our group needed the thoughtfulness and attentiveness. It’s a lot to see and learn about in only a few hours and she paced well and know how to parse and share the top highlights for visitors.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your kind words and for choosing CityEyes. We're so pleased your group had such a positive experience, and we really appreciate your recommendation.
Mirta, and the CityEyes Team
Emanuela, was a 10+ guide! Her vast knowledge and choice of artifacts to highlight doing our tour was so educational. This was such a special and memorable tour of the Vatican..
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We’re delighted your Vatican tour with Emanuela was so special and memorable.
Emanuela, and the CityEyes Team
Had this tour together with family including a 10-year old. Everything went smoothly. Our guide Alberto was really great - explaining all the history in a way that was interesting for everyone and making sure he understood where to focus. Excellent experience- highly recommended!!!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that Alberto made the tour engaging and enjoyable for the whole family, including your 10-year-old.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another great tour in the future!
Kind regards,
The Eyes of Rome Team
My guide was very knowledgeable and efficiently got me through all the crowds. The skip the line tickets are a must. Great tour.
Excellent private tour guide - Michela - incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and excellent English. Only major disappointment was not having access to St. Peter's due to the Pope's services - completely out of Michela and Tour companies control but would ne nice to have a voucher for future use as 2/3 of private tour was completed.
Worth every penny. Our guide Alessia was so kind and inviting. She showed us everything we wanted to see. We even asked about going through the holy doors at St Peter’s. She said it isn’t normally part of the tour; but she arranged for us to do that during our 4 hour tour.
This tour offers an exceptional experience, especially for those with a curiosity to learn. Led by Giulia, an expert archaeologist, we were provided with an abundance of insightful information throughout the journey. Her expertise and guidance greatly enhanced our visit. We also had the unique privilege of skipping the lines twice, including walking the stairs traditionally used by cardinals, with no other visitors present while the rest of the museum was crowded. For anyone with a deep appreciation for the Vatican and history, this tour is well worth the investment.
Rosie did an amazing job keeping all ages engaged with her knowledge. My mother could not walk that quickly and she went out of her way to accommodate her. It was extremely interesting and well worth taking the tour!
This is a must do in Rome, Be prepared be amazed by the beauty of the 16 Chapel. Our guide was great, she took her time explaining everything, Rome is a museum!
Amazing, the tour would. It have been the same without our guide, she was special, lovely and very passionate and knowledgeable of history.
Our guide Luigi was absolutely outstanding. His academic background in archeology provided us with professional insight into the treasures held in the museums and his well documented notes and diagrams provided extra valuable information. He was engaging and extremely courteous and made our tour a resounding success. Very well done to him for a great day and our thanks.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that Luigi made your tour such a memorable and enriching experience. His background in archaeology and his attention to detail truly bring the treasures of the museums to life. We’re glad to know his knowledge and courteous manner added so much to your day. We'll definitely pass along your kind words to him—he’ll be delighted!
We hope to welcome you back for more exceptional tours in the future.
Francesca
Eyes of Rome Team
My wife and I have been to the Vatican numerous times, but this was the first time visiting as an entire family. This was the best way to experience the Vatican and would recommend this tour to both first timers and those that have visited before.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re thrilled to hear that your family enjoyed the Vatican together and that our tour made it special for all of you. It’s fantastic that you found it suitable for both newcomers and seasoned visitors alike. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable moments in the future!
Grazie mille!
Francesca
Eyes of Rome Team
Maria did a wonderful job with this tour! She was knowledgeable and very patient with our little kids. We learned so much today!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Ciao Joe,
Thank you for your great review! We’re thrilled to hear that Maria did a wonderful job and was both knowledgeable and patient with your little ones, and we’re glad you learned so much and enjoyed the tour!
Arrivederci!
Francesca
The Eyes of Rome Team
Denis was very knowledgeable and we were able to learn a lot in 3 hours. I would highly recommend going to the top of the dome. The climb really wasn’t that bad and there are a few places to rest if you need it. The reward is the best view in Rome.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Ciao Ed,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! Climbing St. Peter's Dome is truly a spectacular experience, and we're thrilled to hear that Denis made your tour informative and enjoyable.
If you ever find yourself back in Rome or anywhere else in Italy, we'd love to welcome you back!
Arrivederci!
Francesca
Eyes of Rome Team
Luiza was a fantastic guide, making sure we saw all the most important highlights of our tour. She was friendly and very knowledgeable, being able to shader all the questions we had for her. This is a great tour and I highly recommend it.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Hi Daren,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that Luisa was a fantastic guide and ensured you saw all the important highlights of your tour. Her friendliness and deep knowledge, allowing her to answer all your questions, truly enhance the experience.
We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another great tour in the future!
Arrivederci!
Francesca
Eyes of Rome Team
Maria was amazing! As an art historian, she was so knowledgeable about every piece of art we saw. She also had some very interesting facts about Michelangelo and the techniques he used in painting the Sistine chapel.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Ciao Diane,
Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled that Maria's expertise as an art historian made your tour so enriching. It sounds like she really brought the art and history of the Sistine Chapel to life for you. We’re glad you enjoyed those fascinating insights into Michelangelo’s work!
Arrivederci!
Francesca
Eyes of Rome Team
Our guide was great, The Sistine Chapel was awe inspiring. An absolute must see while you are in Rome!
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Dear Cynthia,
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on your recent visit to the Sistine Chapel with our guide. We are delighted to hear that you found the Sistine Chapel awe-inspiring and that our guide made your experience enjoyable.
We look forward to the opportunity to welcome you back in the future for a 5-star experience!
Best regards,
Eyes of Rome Team
The one on one personal interaction with the guide was amazing. She was so knowledgeable and took the time to explain in great detail the enormity of the Vatican, St Peter’s Basilica, the Rafael rooms and museum. The extra bonus of a private hotel pick up and drop off was exactly what we wanted. We also got a restaurant recommendation La Pollorama and the best caffe in the city Sant Eustachio.
Excellent guide, very friendly, hyper interesting who knew interested my two teenage daughters and answer all our questions. We had a fantastic time everything was perfect!
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up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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