Exclusive Vatican Museums Private Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Skip-the-line access to Vatican Museums
- Guided tour of Sistine Chapel
- Visit to St. Peter's Basilica
- Explore the Gallery of Maps
- Admire Michelangelo's frescoes
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Skip-the-line access to Vatican Museums
- Guided tour of Sistine Chapel
- Visit to St. Peter's Basilica
- Food and beverages
Itinerary
You will meet your tour guide at our office, which is located in the oldest neighbourhoods of the Vatican, Borgo Pio. It is an area filled with charming local shops and vendors.
After meeting your guide, you will head directly to the Vatican Museum through a special group entrance route and bypassing the enormous lines that are guaranteed to be present all year round. This is a 2.5 to 3 hour journey through one of the most amazing museums of the world. Learn about Greek and Roman sculptures, tapestries, and interesting anecdotes about the artists and their times.
This part of the museum, containing four stanze (Italian for rooms) features frescos by the Italian Renaissance artist Raphael. The famous “School of Athens” is displayed here. Portraits of history’s greatest thinkers, such as Aristotle, Plato, and Raphael himself, can also be gleamed.
Enter in the beautiful Sistine Chapel, where you will witness the work of the the celebrated artist, Michaelangelo. Prepared to be dazzled as you look up to admire the frescoed ceilings that have stood the test of time, like the Last Judgement.
Upon completion of the museum areas, you will discover how the smallest state in the world functions in its own right. Finally, a special door connecting the museums to the Basilica will bring you inside the church of S.Peters! Unlike other tourists who line up for normal entrance, you will be able to get access without the fuss of passing through security once again.
Goodbye! Got any questions about Rome or the Vatican? Raise your questions here. Your guide provide tips of your stay in the eternal city as the tour concludes.
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is conducted in English; ensure you understand the language.
- The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays; plan your visit accordingly.
- Large bags and backpacks are not permitted; bring only essentials.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves extensive walking.
- Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
- Photography is allowed in most areas; however, flash photography is prohibited.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Traveler reviews
Great experience
Shak was was very informative, amazing funny I would highly recommend her!
Top!
Mario, the Guide was extremely Competent and informative! We had a really good time! Everything was organized very good! Complete recommandation!
Really nice tour with great tour guide
Really nice guy and knowledgeable. Tour was well organized and was fun. He talked a little bit too much from time to time which was sometimes boring for the group.
Bravo Sylvia , our wonderful guide
We got off the hop-on, hop-off bus at the Vatican stop and were immediately overwhelmed by the crowds and traffic. Thankfully, a Made in Rome Tours employee noticed us and kindly pulled us aside to explain the skip-the-line tour options. He even walked us a couple of blocks to the ticket office to help us purchase our tickets. When the next tour was sold out, this thoughtful gentleman went above and beyond by walking us a little farther up the street to a wonderful pizza place where we could relax and enjoy lunch while waiting for our tour. When we returned to the meeting spot, we met our guide, Sylvia, who was absolutely fantastic. She was incredibly kind and patient with us as first-time visitors eager to see and photograph everything. Her knowledge was impressive, and she expertly guided us to the most important and special highlights, ensuring we made the most of our limited time. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting the Vatican.
Learned a lot about Vatican
Very informative and personable