Private Complete Vatican Tour With Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
3.5 hours
Max 6 people
Commentary: Guide · en
Rome, Italy
About this activity
Full description
Experience the Vatican with just you and your guide on a private tour that ensures skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. With your own dedicated guide, enjoy engaging storytelling tailored to your group as you discover masterpieces like the Raphael Rooms, the Laocoön, and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes. Move at a comfortable pace and explore with ease, whether you’re traveling as a family, celebrating a special occasion, or simply wanting a more personalized Vatican visit. This private tour shows you both the highlights and the hidden gems, making for an unforgettable way to unlock the treasures of the Vatican.
Stop At: Vatican Museums
Skip the long entrance lines and step directly into the Vatican’s treasure-filled galleries. Explore ancient sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, and ornate courtyards, with stories and context from your private guide.
Admission: Included
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Raphael Rooms & Galleries
Admire the brilliance of Raphael’s frescoes and wander through the Gallery of Maps, Gallery of Tapestries, and Gallery of the Candelabra, uncovering details that most visitors miss.
Admission: Included
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Sistine Chapel
Experience Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes, from the Creation of Adam to the Last Judgment. Your guide will explain the drama and symbolism behind these works before your visit, so you enter prepared to see them with fresh perspective.
Admission: Included
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: St. Peter’s Basilica
Enter through a special access door (except late afternoon tours) to explore the basilica without waiting in line. Inside, marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s baldachin as your guide shares the history of this sacred space.
Admission: Free
Duration: 45 minutes
Note: The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesday mornings. It is subject to other closures during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. On such days we will instead explore more of the Vatican Museums' galleries.
Skip the long entrance lines and step directly into the Vatican’s treasure-filled galleries. Explore ancient sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, and ornate courtyards, with stories and context from your private guide.
Admission: Included
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Raphael Rooms & Galleries
Admire the brilliance of Raphael’s frescoes and wander through the Gallery of Maps, Gallery of Tapestries, and Gallery of the Candelabra, uncovering details that most visitors miss.
Admission: Included
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Sistine Chapel
Experience Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes, from the Creation of Adam to the Last Judgment. Your guide will explain the drama and symbolism behind these works before your visit, so you enter prepared to see them with fresh perspective.
Admission: Included
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: St. Peter’s Basilica
Enter through a special access door (except late afternoon tours) to explore the basilica without waiting in line. Inside, marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s baldachin as your guide shares the history of this sacred space.
Admission: Free
Duration: 45 minutes
Note: The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesday mornings. It is subject to other closures during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. On such days we will instead explore more of the Vatican Museums' galleries.
Meeting point
Start Location
153 Via Candia, Antico Caffè Candia
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Antico Café Candia, Via Candia, 153, 00192 Roma RM.
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and is subject to other unexpected closures during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. On such days we will instead explore the magnificent Pinacoteca Gallery.
- The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.
- All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
- Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
- Please note: starting December 2024, access to St. Peter's Basilica may be limited due to the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025, which includes special events and ceremonies. These closures are determined by the Vatican and are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
Know before you go
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.
- All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
- All guests must pass through security. For useful information/restrictions about your tour in the Vatican Museum, visit https://m.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani-mobile/en/visita-i-musei/consigli-utili.html
- Only small backpacks and handbags are allowed inside the Vatican Museums. Storage is available but please note you must return (about a 20-minute walk) to the entrance to pick up your items at the end of the tour.
- Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
- No photography or filming is permitted in the Sistine Chapel.
- The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and is subject to other unexpected closures during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. On such days we will instead explore the magnificent Pinacoteca Gallery.
- Please note: starting December 2024, access to St. Peter's Basilica may be limited due to the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025, which includes special events and ceremonies. These closures are determined by the Vatican and are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 7 hours before the activity starts
Cancellations received greater than 7 days prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 7 days of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Additional information
Ticket age ranges:
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)