About this experience
If you want to really appreciate the wonderful artworks of the Vatican this tour is for you.
On this special extended tour , our expert English-Speaking guide will ensure you see the highlights that this treasure chest has to offer; the Vatican Art Gallery, the Sistine Chapel, St’ Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square.
Not only will you see the highlights; all on the normal tour itinerary, you will see so much more besides!
At a glance
- Duration: 6 hr
- Skip-the-line entry
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 6 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Local guide
- Private tour
- Professional art historian guide
- Guaranteed to skip the long lines
- Admission tickets
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick up and drop off
Itinerary and highlights
With over nine miles of galleries, it is difficult to see everything in the Vatican on a fleeting visit. The Gallery of Maps and the Gallery of Tapestries hold fantastic treasures as does the Gallery of the Candelabra where you can see the sculpture of Lacoon and his sons.
Raphael’s Rooms alone are spectacular and worthy of a prolonged visit, and of course you could spend a half day in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel with its wonderful frescoes and still not see everything this magnificent chapel has to offer.
On this special extended tour however we shall ensure you have time for a more in-depth appreciation of the Vatican and its wonderful artworks.
The Borgia Apartments are one of the gems not on the usual tourist itinerary. In the 15th century the Spanish cardinal Rodrigo Borgia, Pope Alexander VI lived here with his family. There are some stunning family portraits and your guide will let you in on some of the secrets of this infamous family. Your guide will explain some of the religious symbolism behind the portraits themselves and give you an insight into the lives of the Pope and his enigmatic daughter Lucretia and son Cesare.
You guide will take you to the see the highlight of any Vatican tour, the Sistine Chapel.
There is no talking inside so your guide will explain what to look for when you see Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes that adorn the chapel; the artist spent eight years of his life painting this spectacular ceiling. How did he do it? Ask your guide!
It is then time for a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica where you will explore the numerous side chapels with their hidden crypts. You will see Michelangelo’s Pietà and your guide will explain why this is the only work that he signed. You will gain an appreciation of the mastery that went into the creation of Bernini’s altarpiece and learn how Michelangelo triumphed over his contemporaries for the honour to paint St. Peter’s magnificent dome.
The tour will end in Saint peters square
Meeting and pickup information
- Vatican Museums Entrance, below the white gate topped by the statues of Michelangelo and Raphael. Street address: viale Vaticano. Your tour guide will have a sign with your name on it.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tours
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
- READ CAREFULLY: Because of the growing popularity of the current pope Francis and his intense activity in organising mass events in the Vatican some areas might get closed last minute without previous notice. This has already happened this year and can happen again during your Vatican tour: the Sistine chapel and/or the Basilica of Saint Peter might not be accessible. In case of such events our tour guide will provide you with a valuable alternative focusing the tour inside the Vatican museums.
- Please note due to the Jubilee, the Basilica might not be accessible as part of the tour. Unfortunately, we know that very last minute.In any case, you can go there after the tour, queueing.
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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