Visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica on this must-do Vatican private tour with personalized attention from your guide! With some 12,000 rooms spanning nearly 4,000 years of history, the Vatican's magnificent museum complex can be overwhelming, so let an expert guide introduce you to its defining highlights on this Vatican private tour curated to your preferences. See the museum greatest hits and then step inside the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s fresco ‘The Creation of Adam.’ Finish with a St Peter’s Basilica tour and hear the secrets of the holiest place in Christendom.

Vatican Private Tour at Glance

Our carefully planned Vatican private tour takes you out of the line and into the company of an art historian who guides you through its lavishly decorated walls. With a tailor-crafted itinerary through the Vatican Museums you will be ushered past the crowds to the most important and famous artworks housed here. Stand in awe beneath the Sistine Chapel, tour the Raphael Rooms and enjoy a wide variety of galleries filled to the ceiling with ancient sculptures, medieval maps, pristine paintings, delicate tapestries and precious relics.

Hear fascinating stories only a local would know with your art historian guide. Learn the interesting personalities behind your favorite pieces of art, bringing the ancient collection to full vibrancy. The frescos of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel hold hidden secrets, including a personal message to the Pope and your guide will be your key to unlocking these clandestine communications.

With special access directly from the Sistine Chapel, entry to St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest and holiest place of Christian worship in the world where you will take a journey into the history of the Popes and the Catholic Church. The tour concludes in the Basilica with its imposing dome and the sculpted marble masterpiece of the Pieta', both designed by Michelangelo. Bernini's impressive Baroque baldachino above the high altar, where only the Pope is allowed to say Mass, is lavishly covered in gold and bronze.

Takeaways

Feast your eyes on one of the world most extensive collections gathered by art-loving Popes and see for yourself why the Vatican is a mecca for millions of travelers. Along with the well-known artists, you will also be introduced to lesser-known masterpieces lurking just off the beaten tourist path waiting to be discovered. This complete Vatican private tour engages first-timers and regular museumgoers with art and architecture in a personal way.

Upgrade to the early entry tour and not only will you skip the long lines to enter the Vatican Museums, but you’ll gain access before the general public step foot inside. Or book the evening tour and explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel after the main closing times – an opportunity available for a strictly limited season. Tour does not include a visit to St Peter's Basilica.