Entire Vatican Private Tour

Go beyond the average Vatican tour and let our top rated Art Historian guides bring masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini to life for you on this award-winning original 3-hour fully private experience with fast-track access to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.

What We Love About This Tour: 

• Perks of booking a private guide: Go at your own pace, ask questions, and get up close and personal with Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini (to name a few) 
• Stand just a few feet away from Michelangelo’s remarkable frescoes in the Sistine Chapel
• This tour unlocks the rarely seen ‘Vatacombs’—papal crypts not normally seen by the public

Meet your expert guide by the Vatican Museum entrance and enjoy skip-the-line entry to what is arguably the most important collection of art in the world. Your guide knows every nook and cranny of the museums and will navigate seamlessly at your pace through the more than 1,200 galleries while emphasizing the Rooms of Raphael, the Ancient Roman and Greek pieces in the Belvedere Courtyard and the Gallery of Maps while ensuring that you stay on course with an eye on the ultimate prize: the Sistine Chapel. 

Much of this tour will be dedicated to the majestic Sistine Chapel, from its commissioning to the finishing touches applied by none other than Michelangelo Buonarroti, as your guide helps you to discern between myth, fact, and popular Hollywood fiction regarding this epic work of art. 

Exclusive fast track access from the Sistine Chapel takes us directly into St. Peter’s Basilica, a privilege enjoyed by authorized groups only. Experience the magic of St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Catholic church in the world and home to renowned masterpieces by Renaissance masters such as Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini before descending into the lower level of the Basilica to experience the “Vatacombs,” where former Popes lie in ornate tombs and effigies crafted by the most celebrated artists of the centuries. 

Tour Offered: Monday through Saturday 

Duration: Approximately 3 hours 

What’s Included: 

• Expert private tour guide (not shared with anyone else)
• Skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums
• Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel 
• Guided visit to St. Peter’s Basilica 
• Access to the Vatacombs, Papal crypts beneath St. Peter’s 

 Not Included: 

• Visit to the Necropolis / Scavi
• Gratuities
• Transport to and from meeting point (chance to include transfers upon checkout) 

Important to Know:

• Tour departs rain or shine
• Wheelchairs and strollers can be accommodated on this tour.

Important to Bring: 

• Comfortable shoes for walking and stair climbing

Covid-19 compliance: For the most accurate and up-to-date information click here. 

• In accordance with Italian Covid-19 safety regulations, all guests ages 12 and older will be required to show proof of Vaccination (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson or AstraZeneca) or a negative Covid-test taken within 48 hours of the tour.
• Please note that due to current local Covid-19 measures, all customers will be required to bring and wear a mask during the entire visit. 
• Temperature checks may also take place at tour venues; if your temperature is above 37.5°C you will unfortunately not be able to attend the tour.

Special Requirements for Vatican Tours: 

• A strict dress code is in place at the Vatican. While short pants are permitted, shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. Shorts must come to knee length.  
• Large bags, knives or other weapons will not be permitted inside the Museums.

Terms and conditions:

• Changes and cancellation are possible free of charge up to 96 hours before the start time. If the desired change involves a tour of greater value, the balance will be due upon rebooking.
• Any cancellations made within 96 hours and no-shows are non-refundable.
• Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult to join a tour or an activity.

See https://www.italiadeals.com/terms for complete terms and conditions