Vatican VIP Early Entrance 8:00 AM
Rome, Italy
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Experience the Vatican like never before with this VIP super early Vatican and Sistine Chapel tour. This exclusive guided experience lets you explore iconic highlights, including the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums, in near solitude, avoiding the usual crowds, and enjoy informative commentary from your guide.
- Explore the world-famous collections ahead of most tours and visitors
- Access the St. Peter's Basilica through a special entrance without crowds
- Hear insights from your guide you'd otherwise miss on your own
- Headsets are included, so you won't miss a word of commentary
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
The early timing of this tour allows you to get into the Vatican before the peak afternoon crowds arrive.
What's Included
- Vip access to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
- Expert English or Spanish Speaking Guide
- Headsets to hear your guide clearly
- Taxes and fees
- Breakfast
- Private transportation
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Piazza del Risorgimento, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Meet your tour coordinator in the middle of Piazza del Risorgimento (400m from Metro A Line, Ottaviano metro stop), in front of the caffe Bar "L’Ottagono". Look for the staff with the 'Best Of Rome' logo sign. Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to the departure booking time.
End point
- Saint Peter’s BasilicaPiazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Your guide will escort you out of the Sistine Chapel, using a shortcut that will make you visit the St. Peter's Basilica without any lines. Enjoy touring the most beautiful Basilica in the world at your own pace.
Itinerary
1
Piazza del Risorgimento
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Vatican Museums
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
3
Vatican Museums
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
4
Sistine Chapel
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
5
Vatican Museums
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Meet your tour coordinator in the middle of Piazza del Risorgimento (400m from Metro A Line, Ottaviano metro stop), in front of the caffe Bar "L’Ottagono". Look for the staff with the 'Best Of Rome' logo sign. Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to the departure booking time.
- Meeting time: Please make sure to be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before your booked time slot. Latecomers won't be waited for and no refunds will be granted.
- Important: Please note that large bags/backpacks/suitcases have to be checked in the Vatican cloakrooms,located at the entrance of the museums,while your tour will end up in front of the Basilica. Only very small bags are allowed.
- Important: Shoulders and knees must be covered
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
- Pets are not allowed inside the venue
- We can’t be held responsible in case of sudden closure of the Saint Peter’s Basilica or any other room inside the Vatican Museums without notice, as this is a decision of the Vatican Administration itself and we have no control over it.
- Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.
- The Vatican Museums reserve the right to close any section, including the Sistine Chapel, due to unforeseen circumstances. While we regret that refunds cannot be guaranteed in such situations, please rest assured that your tour will proceed with access to other remarkable and historically significant sections of the museum. We remain committed to providing you with a meaningful and enriching experience.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.4
based on 142 reviews
Regina_E, Oct 2025
First, I'd like to say that our tour guide was very kind and most informative; she did a great job of sharing details about the paintings, etc. I believe her name was Francesca. I am very happy that we got to tour the Vatican and see it first hand, but I have to say it was a LOT of walking. If you have mobility issues and are NOT in a wheelchair, it will be a long tour for you! At least it sure was for me! Miles of corridors and lots of stairs. The write up on the tour makes it sound like it will not be crowded. It was VERY crowded. Also, the tour itinerary says that we would see the Papal Apartments, but that was not part of the tour. I would recommend the tour to friends with some caveats. It's not for those too young or too old. I would also emphasize how incredibly crowded it was; we definitely were not expecting that many people. While it was nice to have seen it, the best part for me was actually going into St. Peter's Basilica afterwards. It is awe-inspiring!
Renee_H, Sep 2025
Going early is the only way to go. We were able to go at a slower pace and not be shoulder to shoulder.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and personable.
Anne_G, Sep 2025
The guy had expert knowledge of the history of all aspects of the Vatican and the artifacts we were shown
SANDRA_W, Aug 2025
The guide was terrible. After three hours, we did not see St Peter Basilica or the square. We had to leave to catch transportation to the port for our cruise. The tour was suppose to be around three hours and was suppose to visit these areas. He talked of things of no interest, took us places of no interest, and stood in one place of no interest forever. Very disappointed we were unable to see the places that we were told we would see. I have used Viator many times but this tour was a waste of time and money.
Andrew_R, Aug 2025
Our guide Silvia was very knowledgeable and passionate about showing the group the sites and symbols from our start outside the Vatican walls through the gardens and museums and finally the Sistine Chapel. Despite the early start the museums were very crowded. I booked the 8am start but 7am might be less crowded.
Trey_M, Aug 2025
I can’t believe I paid $350 for this. First of all, the title says “VIP Vatican tour - 7 am” but all of that is false information. We showed up a bit early to be sure (6:45 am) but our tour guide didn’t show up until about 7:40. Then, we didn’t even get in line with our tour guide until 8. It was not VIP, we didn’t go anywhere that other people were not and it certainly was not at 7am. It also was advertised as we were going to be going where there was “virtual solitude” as they said, but it was shoulder to shoulder the entire time. I don’t have a problem with it being packed, I get that. It’s a popular place. My problem is that I paid a lot extra because it was advertised as a “VIP” tour where there was going to be much less people.
I also wasn’t a fan of how rushed it was. Next time I would opt for a self guided tour with an audio device because we were rushing past everything in order to finish the tour. So I couldnt stop to read any signs or statures and I missed alot. There was no standing still, we were moving the entire time as if we were on a time crunch.
I was just very unimpressed with their communication, clarity, and accuracy in advertising. We essentially got ripped off. Very sad.
Shane_C, Jun 2025
We got shammed. Paid $335 for two ppl for a VIP tour at 7am. We got here at 6:30 just to be sure. No one ever came until 7:15. The” Italy with Family said we had 7:30 tour on his paper. We said fine and went along assuming it must be a VIP 7:30, not 7am. It was not. We got a large group tour that entered the museums at 8am with everyone else. There was nothing vip or extra about it. As matter of fact the tour guide stopped short leading us leaving off the last gallery for some reason. I went back to where we met the company and showed him my confirmation email and he said yeah that looks like a special tour at 7am for that price but said he can’t do anything but what was given him to Viator so have to talk to Viator. Said They are the problem. I have of course reach out multiple times thru their support chat deal with no response . Can’t find a phone number of course . Do not spend money here. I will post a new review if they make it write and refund us at least portion of the what we paid. But can’t get back the wasted time. Tour guide last name was Solomon and she was extremely rude and acted like she didn’t want to be there. Was bothered by any questions. Didn’t give headsets until after 30 min waiting to get in museum and didn’t bother to tell us that was the plan . Most other groups already had headsets. Terrible experience.
Viator, please respond. Thx
Liam_M, Jun 2025
I'm afraid this was the worst tour of our holiday. For the cost of this tour we were under the impression that it was an early access ticket, i.e. you get in before the general public. Nope! We met the tour about 7:15 and then joined with the 7:45 group to walk around to the museum to queue with every other tourist. We did get in shortly after 8am when the museum opened but the guide took us up to the outside balcony for an hour to talk about the Vatican in general. We did not actually enter the museum until 9am where we had one hour tour as the crowds got busier and we missed key items, particularly the Raphael rooms. The guide said she had a PHD but talked to us as if we were babies.. We had to do a full loop round the museum again, in the high heat and heavy crowds, to see the Raphael rooms. Not a pleasant experience at all. Extortionate cost for the tour, not worth a penny of it. Just queue from 7am and get round early yourself.
angelina_s, May 2025
This was a terrible tour. It was advertised to get us into Vatican museums, Basillica, and Sistine Chapel. While I understand the Pope's death affected things being open, all we got was the museums with a guide who did not speak good English for 149 euros a person. No guide or entrance to Basillica (and obviously Sistine Chapel)
Dinah_P, Apr 2025
Federica is knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Vatican history. The tour and she are definitely worth the cost. My only complaint is that we were not taken to St. Peter's Basilica and that I now have to make arrangements for that. I would have paid extra to include that in the tour.
Ronda_S, Mar 2025
The Vatican can be overwhelming. Having a guide as knowledgeable and funny as Federica made it a wonderful experience. Her knowledge of Michelangelo and what influenced him was exceptional. She would take us to older statues or paintings and show us what to look for when we got to the Sistene Chapel. Fascinating! Overall, Viator was very easy to work with. I had to change the date of our tour and was able to easily do that online, which was a lovely surprise. Our meeting spot was easy to find and the staff who coordinated our group were fun. I would do this exact tour again, and probably will!
Jacky_K, Jan 2025
The tour guide was very informative not only about the Vatican, but also about European history she was wonderful.
Kaydeen_T, Dec 2024
Barbara is a fantastic guide. Great teacher and storyteller. We were so happy with her, we booked another tour with her company, just to have her guide us again at another attraction. Excellent experience
Kyra_M, Nov 2024
We arrived at the meeting point at 0630, for the 0700 start time. Nobody showed. There was no communication from the operator, and no response to us when we reached out to them. I have an Italian number, so there should have been no problems calling or texting. When someone finally showed up after 0720, we found out that we had been moved to the later tour. Our names were on the check-in list with 0700 noted, and everyone else on the list was there for the 0730 tour. At the time of booking, there was a USD $30+ per person difference in price between the 0700 and 0730 tours.
When I requested a partial refund for the difference between what we paid for and what we received, the operator claimed that we were booked for the later tour. I provided screenshots of our booking. Then they said that we got the longer tour (3 hrs vs 2.5 hrs). I provided time stamped photos showing when we hit the end of the tour outside of the Basilica. THEN they said that there was a delay because of security. I provided photos of the entry tickets the guide gave us, with an 0800 entry time. Still, Viator was unable to secure the partial refund.
The tour itself was fine. A little crowded, a little rushed - but that’s expected at any location like this in Rome.
Given the absolute lack of communication plus the bait-and-switch tactics of the operator, I would never recommend this to friends. I wish I had paid attention to the reviews on Viator that share similar experiences - I just assumed those were people that were being overly picky or critical. Go with the cheaper options, because you’ll get the same tour anyway.
Lee_J, Nov 2024
Skip the line helped. Still a line but not bad. George was very informative but we should have spent more time on some of the viewable items and less on the detailed history leading up to viewing.
Diana_S, Oct 2024
Giorgio was a wonderful tour guide and was very knowledgeable about the Vatican. The Sistene chapel was awe inspiring and St. Peter's Basilica was incredible.
Dean_C, Oct 2024
We were hoping to experience the museum and chapel with some space to view. Even with the ability to skip the lines, we were in a crush of visitors.
Moet_H, Oct 2024
If you’re debating on whether or not you should book this tour, just know it was one of the best decisions I made on our trip to Rome. Our tour guide was THE BEST. I think her name was Barbara but can’t remember. You get in the Vatican early before it opens to public. She made sure we were one of the first groups to enter as the line for other first entry tours gets long very quickly. She was so knowledgeable and moved at a fast pace but you understand why when there are tsunamis of people trying to see the same thing. She got us first access on closed off areas in the Vatican. Overall best experience we had and exceeded our expectations.
Tay_D, Oct 2024
Truly excellent experience. The company organizer who met us at the caffe to start was so friendly and helpful, and our tour guide, Barbara, was perfection. Friendly, hugely informative, funny all around couldn’t have asked for more. She knew ways around even the other tour guides, which was HUGELY important. We were not first in line to enter, but we somehow ended up among the first in each gallery without feeling rushed. One thing I wish I’d better understood: when you go into the Sistine chapel (wow), she’ll tell you that you can either leave the chapel with her to head to the Basilica OR stay in the Vatican Museum — you can’t re-enter the museum if you go out with her. I wish I’d have understood that our tour was pretty much over at the point and that she’d be pointing us to the Basilica to go solo. I could have stayed in the Museum for the full day, so I wish I’d have known to stay. But, that was only a minor point — can’t be mad about heading to the Basilica (wow). All in all, absolutely highly recommend.
Jody_Y, Sep 2024
The early tour is definitely a must to avoid the largest crowds. We went in quickly with the tour guide and were able to move through the various areas in the Vatican complex. If you want more time in specific areas, however, you may want to consider a longer tour.
Santiago_A, Sep 2024
The Guide’s English was not clear, sound system with a lot of interference. It supposed to be a VIP early entrance 7.30 am and our museum tickets were actually for 8.30 am. We had to lined up
For about 30-40 minutes. Excessive time wasted in the terrace of the museum and then the museum tour itself, was done super fast missing such as important areas like Raphael’s room including La Academia painting, the Matisse room among others. At the end, the tour finished outside Saint Peter’s Basilica so there was no tour about the Basilica. Awful experience
Daniel_W, Sep 2024
Didn’t get in at 7am or 7.30am as planned. So unfortunately falsely advertised.
Tour guide was laid back but didn’t come into the basilisca with us to explain what was going on or pointing things out. Felt quite rushed.
Patricia_L, Sep 2024
“GiGi” from “Italy With Family” was a wonderful and charismatic tour guide! He was both extremely knowledgeable and very personable. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our fast paced 3 hour tour. GiGi provided a wealth of information in a highly professional manner. We strongly recommend the “VIP early entrance small group tour” (we had just 11 in our group)…..it was well worth the extra money! GiGi as a top notch tour guide of St. Peter’s Square, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, ending at St. Peter’s Basilica!!
Thalia_S, Sep 2024
George, our guide was excellent and so informative. Provided great information throughout the whole tour and navigated us through the Vatican seemly. Highly recommend
Melissa_M, Aug 2024
Tour guide was awesome! I believe her name was Barbara. Very knowledgeable and personable. Made sure we were able to navigate and see everything regardless of the crowds.
Tammy_M, Jul 2024
Loved the early access, skip the line, but our tour guide was just an escort. We held back in line so we could hear the expert information provided by the other tour guide.
Richard_G, Jun 2024
I went to the Vatican in 2022 and got an early access ticket (booked direct from the Vatican website) because I wanted to see the museum as empty as possible. That tour was superb - every room was practically empty and it was an amazing experience that I wanted to relive with my early-20s age kids. Unfortunately, I couldn't find that tour advertised on their website again, so booked with the 'Italy with Family' tour company.
Again, I booked early access tickets (7am meet for a 7.30am start). The tour rep (Michael) gave us our headsets at 7.30 and we had to then walk to the Vatican entrance for an 8am entry - already 30 minutes later than was advertised!
Once in the museum (behind dozens of other guided tours), the first thing the guide (Georgio) did was spend 15 (!) minutes standing and telling us all about St Peter's basilica and showing us Wikipedia pages of Michelangelo's Pieta (also in St Peter's!) on his mobile phone!. Meanwhile, hundreds more people were walking past us into the place we'd paid a lot of money to visit EARLY!
Once we'd actually started the tour, the guide then stood 20 yards behind the other groups and vaguely pointed to things that we couldn't see because he couldn't be bothered getting closer and actually showing them to us. We were rushed through the crowds for another 15 minutes or so (we got to the tapestry room), before we decided the tour guide was useless and we'd just end up missing everything. We deliberately split off from the group and looked round ourselves (actually seeing what we'd paid to see)!
The tour rep, (Michael) again, called me - presumably after the tour had finished - to say we'd got lost and to hand the headsets in. I told him we'd deliberately left the 'tour' and were still only 3/4 of the way through the museum. He didn't have much to say about the whole thing, but he didn't sound surprised, so I guess this has happened before.
Please don't waste your money on this 'early access' tour - there are much better operators out there. However, if you like the tour guide showing you internet pages of other places in Rome instead of the one you've paid to visit, this is just the company for you!!!
Needless to say, I'd give zero stars if I could.
Taylor_V, Apr 2024
We had such an amazing tour! It is SO WORTH IT to take the early tour. It gets you in line before the museum open and saves you from some of the crowds. Our tour guide was an archeologist and she knew so much she did such a great job at making sure we got all of the information and keeping us on time. It was seriously amazing! Would go again!!!
Christy_A, Apr 2024
George was a great guide. His explanation of the paintings in the Sistine Chapel provided good context. The page was spot on, and I would recommend this tour.
Beth_G, Aug 2023
This tour did not end up being what we expected. We intentionally booked the 7AM to get in super early with a small group. Our tour guide for 7 AM was a no-show so the tour company combined us with the 7:30 tour. This made our tour a large group of 20, leaving 30 mins later with many other tours. The order of this tour was St Peters first (it’s huge so not super crowded at 7:45 when we arrived) - then we left the basilica and walked outside for 15 mins all the way to the museum entrance, getting there at 9 when it was already a total zoo. Really regretted losing that half hour as we lost out on the crowd free experience we wanted.
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