About this experience
Join this extended fast access tour of the Vatican in the company of a very knowledgeable English-speaking guide. On most of the Vatican tours there is only enough time to see the highlights of the numerous treasures housed in the nine miles of galleries. On this tour you see the “must see” artworks, but much more as we take you on a journey through the Vatican Art Gallery, the Sistine Chapel,Saint Peter’s Basilica with the Square and the majestic Dome.
Enjoy the visit of some of the world’s most significant works of art and hear some of the history and stories surrounding the magnificent locations where they are housed.
Climb up the 281 steps to the highest point of the Dome for one of the best views of the entire city of Rome, and your guide will show you landmarks and points of interest from this birds-eye view.
At a glance
- Duration: 4 hr
- Skip-the-line entry
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 4 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- At the Vatican and in general in all the Roman churches and Synagogues dress code for both men and women requires shoulders and knees to be covered. Shorts and skirts are fine, but below knees. Do not bring large items (e.g. large bags, backpacks, long umbrellas…) on tour because they are not permitted in the Vatican Museums. You are allowed to bring water and cameras.
- Please bring a copy of your ID with you as the security staff will be checking them. Without the required documents, they may not allow you to join the tour.
What is included
- Official tour guide
- Vatican Museums tickets
- Private walking tour
Not included
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
Follow our expert guide through the Vatican Museums and explore extraordinary collections, including Greek and Roman artworks, early Christian manufacts and iconic masterpieces.
Step inside the Sistine Chapel and marvel at the world-famous frescoes by Michelangelo, including the Last Judgement.
Let's start to explore the Dome! Short to attend as you may be there before the standard daily hoards arrive. enclosed within the tour is that the elevator ride to the primary level wherever you find about the dome with its beautiful mosaics and elaborations. From ground level they're impressive; from up shut you'll extremely appreciate the mastery that went into making such elaborate work.
Then prepare yourself for the climb up the 281 steps which will take you to the highest of the dome. The guide can tell you what to see for once you reach the top: spectacular views of St. Peter’s Square; the marvelous read on the long, straight avenue that Mussolini bulldozed which ends up in St. Peter’s and therefore the long distance views across the river to the terribly centre of ancient Rome. positively the most effective viewing purpose within the whole of Rome!
It is then back once more to ground level for a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica wherever you may explore the various facet chapels with their hidden crypts. You'll see Michelangelo’s Pietà and your guide will make a case for why this is often the sole work that he signed.
There is still additional to envision although below ground level. You guide can lead you below ground to the pontifical sepulchre wherever, over the centuries, several of the Popes are inhumed.
Meeting and pickup information
- At the stairs outside the Vatican museums (street address is viale Vaticano,100). Your tour guide will be holding a sign with your name on it.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Italian — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Rome Tours by Tommaso
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- READ CAREFULLY: Because of the pope 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 you Vatican tour. In case of such events our tour guide will provide you with a valuable alternative focusing the tour inside the Vatican museums.
- At the Vatican and in general in all the Roman churches and Synagogues dress code for both men and women requires shoulders and knees to be covered. Shorts and skirts are fine, but below knees. Do not bring large items (e.g. large bags, backpacks, long umbrellas…) on tour because they are not permitted in the Vatican Museums. You are allowed to bring water and cameras.
- Please bring a copy of your ID with you as the security staff will be checking them. Without the required documents, they may not allow you to join the tour.
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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