About this experience
Experience the Vatican like never before with a skip-the-line private tour, led by an expert local guide dedicated to answering your questions and bringing history to life. Explore one of the world’s most significant religious and artistic sites with exclusive insights and fascinating stories.
Marvel at the iconic Belvedere Courtyard, wander through the antique galleries, and admire the breathtaking frescoes of Raphael’s Rooms. Stand in awe before Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, one of the Vatican’s most sacred spaces, where popes are elected and history is made.
Capture the perfect shot at the Pinecone Courtyard, uncover the Vatican’s hidden legends, and learn secrets only a local guide would know. Ever wondered where the famous chimney for the black and white smoke is placed? Or whether Raphael and Michelangelo were rivals or friends? Let’s uncover these stories together on this unforgettable journey!
At a glance
- Duration: 3 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 3 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Only small bags are allowed
What is included
- Skip the line tickets to the Vatican Museums
- Licensed local tour guide
- Headset cost (if needed)
- Vatican Museums, Raphael Rooms, Sistine Chapel
- Small Grouop (max 15 people group to ensure priority access)
Not included
- St. Peter’s Basilica access is included but not part of the guided tour due to entry restrictions.
- Private transportation
- Gratuities: Optional and at your discretion
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs or additional purchases not covered
- Food & Drinks: Meals and beverages not included
Itinerary and highlights
Vatican Museums: walk on one of the old private pope courtyards, the pinecone courtyard with a pinetree from the II aD. Have a look to the optagonal courtyard and admire the iconic Laocoon. Explore the Museo Pio Clementino and discover its roman and greek sculpture collection, walk on the amazing galleries such as the Gallery of the Maps, Gallery of the Tapestries, and Gallery of the Candelabra. Be surprised by the wonderful frescos made by Raphael for Julius II della Rovere at the beginning of the XVI century and get in to the mysterious life of the famous Pope Borgia.
The Fontana della Pigna or simply Pigna is a former Roman fountain which now decorates a vast niche in the wall of the Vatican facing the Cortile della Pigna, located in Vatican City, in Rome, Italy.
The Gallery of Maps[1] (Italian: Galleria delle carte geografiche) is a gallery located on the west side of the Belvedere Courtyard in the Vatican containing a series of painted topographical maps of Italy based on drawings by friar and geographer Ignazio Danti
The four Raphael Rooms form a suite of reception rooms in the Apostolic Palace, now part of the Vatican Museums, in Vatican City. They are famous for their frescoes, painted by Raphael and his workshop. Together with Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes, they are the grand fresco sequences that mark the High Renaissance in Rome.
Sistine Chapel: We will go and see the famous works of Michelangelo, where he spent years to create this treasured master piece while standing upright on wooden scaffolds.
St. Peters Basilica is included in the ticket but not in the experience as the access from the Vatican Museums has been closed due to Covid. The guide will explain you how to admire the masterpieces of La Pieta, the statue of St. Peter, the Baldacchino, the famous Pope’s tombs such as John Paul II and John XXIII so in case you woul'd like to go by your own.
Meeting and pickup information
- Right at the corner between the Caffe Vatican and the top of the stairs, there will be one of us waiting for you!
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- English — Written
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Tours and the City
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that certain areas of the monument/attraction may be closed on your visit due to religious events or national holidays.
- Only small bags are allowed
- Only your group will participate
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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