This semi-private small-group Vatican tour provides early access to the Vatican Museums, before the general public arrives. With an expert guide at your side you’ll take in highlights of the Museums, Raphael Room, and the Sistine Chapel.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 2.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Instant confirmation
Live tour guide: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese
Small group available

Highlights

Enjoy skip-the-line admission to the Vatican Museums before the crowds arrive
Marvel at the works of art in the Museums and the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel
Learn about the Museums from an expert, licensed guide

Full description

Covid-19 Update

Due to health and safety regulations, this itinerary may change. See Know before you go for the latest updates.

Your 3-hour Vatican adventure begins when you meet your guide and the other members. Skip-the-line admission will ensure that you enter the Museums without delay, and before the doors open to the general public. On this semi-private tour you’ll see the highlights of the Vatican Museums with your expert guide. Marvel at the spectacular works of art, including those housed in the Tapestry Gallery, Map Gallery, and several rooms dedicated to the works of the great Raphael. Your enthusiastic guide will fascinate you throughout the tour with commentary on art history and the history of the Vatican State. Whether you're a novice or an art veteran, the Sistine Chapel is sure to impress. It is often referred to as the jewel in Michelangelo's crown.

Includes

Admission tickets
Skip-the-line service
Semi-private tour
Guide

Not suitable for

Wheelchair users

Covid-19 precautions

You must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask
You will receive a mandatory temperature check
You must present one of the following: proof of full vaccination, proof of first vaccination administered at least 22 days ago, proof of a Covid-19 infection in the past 6 months, a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before the activity starts, or a negative rapid test taken no more than 48 hours before the activity starts
All participants who are over 12 years old must present one of the following: proof of full vaccination, proof of first vaccination administered at least 15 days ago, proof of a Covid-19 infection in the past 6 months, or a negative test taken no more than 48 hours before the activity starts

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Meeting point

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Important information

What to bring

Passport or ID card
Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Pets
Shorts
Luggage or large bags
Short skirts
Sleeveless shirts

Know before you go

Unfortunately this tour is not wheelchair accessible or for people with walking difficulties
Please note: if you arrive late you might lose the entrance or a part of the tour

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 117 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.8/5
Value for money
4.6/5
Service
5/5
Organization
5/5

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The guide was lovely! After he did us an amazing tour of the Vatican museums and the Sistine chapel he proposed us to do us an extra tour of the St Peter basilica for 2 hours he had a very good knowledge of it and was very sympathic we recommend it !

29 June 2021

All the important areas of the Vatican were covered in great detail without going on too long. The Vatican may be the single most impressive site on the entire planet, and we were able to see it in great and splendid detail. Our guide was top of the line and was able to develop a great relationship with everyone in the group. Plus, no queues for obvious reasons, so that made it a pretty unique experience.

23 October 2020

Wonderful tour full of information and all the perfect highlights! Would highly recommend to anyone traveling to the area and wanting to see the Vatican and St. Peters Basilica. David was an amazing tour guide that was experienced and knowledgeable. Thankful to have had this tour otherwise we would have been so lost and not known what to do or what we were seeing.

19 October 2020

3-Hour Semi-Private Early Vatican Tour

3-Hour Semi-Private Early Vatican Tour

About this activity

Experience

Covid-19 Update

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