About this experience
Wether it’s your first time visiting the smallest country in the world or the 7th, there’s always so much more to see, and learn.
Take our
Private Extended Tour of the
Vatican City and you will get the chance to see the impressive works of
Michelangelo,
Raphael,
Caravaggio and many more, but you will also get access to the Papal Apartments of the Borgia Family and the infamous Pope Julius II.
Soak in the beauty of the
Sistine Chapel at your own pace and explore every nook and cranny in the awe inspiring
St.Peter’s Basilica.
Last but not least, we will go below the Basilica to visit the Tombs of Past Popes with a closer glimpse into the sacred
Tomb and Crypt of St. Peter.
Our
Private 5 hour Vatican City Tour is a guaranteed immersive experience in the heart of Catholicism.
At a glance
- Duration: 5 hr
- Skip-the-line entry
Plan your experience
Set aside 5 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What is included
- Live commentary on board
- Local taxes
- Professional Tour Guide
Not included
- Entrance fees - Payable to the guide on the day of the tour
- Gratuities (optional)
- Headsets Fee (Compulsory after 5 people), Vatican Museums
- Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica
Itinerary and highlights
The Vatican Museums are the largest collection in the world so it is important to leave ample time to explore them
We first enter into the Picture Gallery which holds great works of Raffaele, Caravaggio, Bernini and many more.
We then begin to go through the many galleries and courtyards visiting impressive statues such as the Belvedere Torso and Laocoon.
We pass through the Gallery of the Maps, Tapestries, Candelabra, multiple Rooms of Raffaele. We will also visit the Old Papal Apartments and Borgia Apartments.
In the Sistine Chapel we will examine Michelangelo's frescoes with his alter wall; The Last Judgment. From top to bottom we will cover all areas in depth. We will also look at the ceiling which holds one of the most import works of art in the western world, the 'Creation of Man', also done by Michelagelo's masterful hand.
We will also cover St. Peter's Basilica in depth visiting the many alters throughout the church, Michelangelo's Pieta and Bernini's Baldacchino.
Your guide will also bring you below the church to see many tombs of past Popes including a gimps of the tomb of St. Peter.
The tour will finish in St. Peter's Square where the guide will talk about the purpose of the square, the Ancient Egyptian obelisk in the center, as well as the many saints and martyrs who welcome us into the piazza.
Meeting and pickup information
- The tour meets at the bottom of the stairs located on Via Tunisi. The stairs are directly across the street from the entrance of the Vatican Museums. The meeting point is at the bottom of the stairs where you will find you guide holding a sign with your name on it, and / or a Maximus Tours sign.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Maximus Tours
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- St Peter's Basilica is a holy place of worship and does not follow the same rules as the Vatican Museums. The Basilica is subject to close with little to no notice due to religious events. In this case the tour will conclude in the Sistine Chapel.
- All youth / students aged 18-25 years must present a valid photo student ID and document with date of birth. Students below the age of 18 will only be asked to show proof of age. If you do not arrive with the proper documents, the Vatican will not honour the reservation and a new full price ticket must be purchased.
- 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
- A moderate amount of walking is involved.
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
What is the cancellation policy?
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