About this experience
Visit the museums at the time of the first entrance with the exclusive private early morning Vatican tour, accompanied by a top-rated, expert guide. After enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the chapel and admiring Michelangelo’s masterpiece, you’ll visit the Vatican Museums - arguably the best collection of art in the world, seeing highlights such as the Laocoon and the Apollo Belvedere as well as some other hidden treasures. This Vatican tour also includes St Peter’s Basilica, where you’ll see Michelangelo’s Pietà and learn about art, history and religion.
*** Disclaimer: For reservations made less than 72 hours in advance, your tour will end in the Vatican Museums as we cannot guarantee skip the line tickets into St Peter's Basilica. ***
At a glance
- Duration: 3 hr 30 min
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 3 hr 30 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Each traveler must present a valid passport or government issued photo ID that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to the Vatican Museums.
What is included
- Expert, English-speaking private guide
- Headsets (for groups of 6 or more)
- Early Access to the Vatican Museums
- Skip-the-line Tickets
- All Fees and Taxes
Not included
- Transportation to and from the meeting and end points
- Food and Beverages
- Gratuities (optional)
Itinerary and highlights
Rooms of Raphael, Hall of Maps, Ancient Sculpture Gallery, Belvedere Courtyard, Cortile della Pigna
The Sistine Chapel
St Peter Basilica
Inside St Peter's Basilica
Inside Vatican Museums
View from the inside of St Peter's Basilica
Meeting and pickup information
- Your guide will meet you in front of the Caffe Vaticano, Viale Vaticano, 100. They will have a Through Eternity sign or flag.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Italian — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Through Eternity Tours
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. 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 note that the Vatican Museums provide free entrance for visitors who are (according to the requirements stated by the Vatican City) at least 74% disabled by presenting the appropriate certification and, if one needs assistance by another person, that person also receives a free entrance. Please inform us when you are booking if you fit into these requirements and we will remove the pricing of the entry tickets from the price of the tour.
- As this is a walking tour with steps and staircases, comfortable walking shoes and a bottle of water are strongly recommended.
- Please advise if any travelers have mobility concerns so that we can best accommodate you.
- At the end of your tour, you are required to return the headset provided to you to your guide. In the event that you do not return the headset, you will be subject to a fine of €100 for lost property.
- Each traveler must present a valid passport or government issued photo ID that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to the Vatican Museums.
- Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Please advise if any travelers have mobility concerns so that we can best accommodate you.
What is the cancellation policy?
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