Vatican Museums & St. Peter's Tour

Skip the line and explore the world-famous Vatican Museums complex, filled with stunning artwork and masterpieces. Witness Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and visit St. Peter’s Basilica. Elevate your experience with our Renaissance or Dome options for a unique and breathtaking view of the city.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Vatican Museums - With this Tour, we get you inside the Museums. we will visit together the Vatican Museum Galleries and halls
  • Cortile della Pigna - The Courtyard of the “Pigna”, created from the 16th-century area of the “Belvedere”
  • Sphere within a Sphere - The Sphere within a Sphere” by Arnaldo Pomodoro at the Vatican Museums is a striking sculptural masterpiece that graces the Cortile della Pigna. This captivating artwork features a large bronze sphere with a textured, fractured surface, revealing a smaller sphere within. The interplay of light and shadow on the intricate patterns adds to its mesmerizing allure. Symbolizing themes of complexity and inner depth, Pomodoro’s sculpture at the Vatican Museums stands as a testament to the convergence of art, spirituality, and profound meaning in the heart of one of the world’s most renowned cultural institutions.
  • Gallery Of The Maps - The Gallery of Maps, inside the Vatican Museums, displays a stunning collection of topographical maps of Italy. Created in the 16th century under Pope Gregory XIII, these beautifully painted maps span 120 meters, offering a unique geographical snapshot of the Italy of the past.
  • Gallery of Tapestries - The Vatican Museums’ Gallery of Tapestries showcases stunning 15th and 16th-century tapestries, intricately woven with scenes from biblical and historical narratives. Inspired by designs from Raphael’s school, this gallery highlights the artistic sophistication and storytelling of the Renaissance.
  • Gallery of the Candelabra - The Gallery of the Candelabra is a part of the Vatican Museums, showcasing a rich collection of Greek and Roman statues, sarcophagi, and reliefs. It is named for the grand marble candelabra that decorate it, dividing the gallery into thematic sections. Set up in the late 18th century, the gallery merges ancient art with stunning architectural details, providing visitors a journey through history and beauty.
  • Stanze di Raffaello - If RENAISSANCE OPTION SELECTED: the tour will include the Rooms of Raphael.
    Each room offers a vibrant tableau of Renaissance ideals—harmony, intellect, faith, and history.
    The interplay of art and history takes visitors on an unforgettable journey through one of the most remarkable periods in Western art and culture.
  • Sistine Chapel - The Sistine Chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere (pontiff from 1471 to 1484) who had the old Cappella Magna restored between 1477 and 1480. It is known throughout the world both for being the place where the conclave and other official ceremonies of the Pope are held (in the past also some papal coronations), and for being decorated with one of the most famous and celebrated works of art of artistic civilization the frescoes by Michelangelo.
  • St. Peter’s Basilica - Enjoy the breathtaking Saint Peter’s Basilica, shrine of Christianity and Art. You will marvel at the Priceless Pietà, by Michelangelo, and stop by the venerable tomb of Saint John Paul II & Pope Karol Wojtyla.

The Pietà (1498–1499) is a work of Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti, housed in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.

  • La Pieta - The Pietà is a work of Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti, housed in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City. It is the first of a number of works of the same theme by the artist. The statue was commissioned for the French Cardinal Jean de Bilhères, who was a representative in Rome. The sculpture, in Carrara marble, was made for the cardinal’s funeral monument, but was moved to its current location, the first chapel on the right as one enters the basilica, in the 18th century. It is the only piece Michelangelo ever signed.

  • St. Peter’s Baldachin - The Baldachin in St. Peter’s Basilica is a breathtaking masterpiece of art and architecture. Designed by the renowned Baroque sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, it stands as a magnificent bronze canopy over the high altar of the basilica. This ornate structure, adorned with intricate details and towering over 90 feet tall, serves as a symbol of the grandeur of the Catholic Church and a focal point of the basilica’s interior. It is a true marvel that captivates visitors with its beauty and historical significance.

  • La Pietà - The Pietà (1498–1499) is a work of Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti, housed in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.

  • Cupola di San Pietro - IF DOME OPTION IS SELECTED: The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, a masterpiece designed by Michelangelo, stands as a defining symbol of the Vatican and Rome. As one of the largest and most iconic domes in the world, it offers breathtaking views both from the ground and its viewing gallery. Dominating the skyline, it reflects the architectural brilliance of the Renaissance.

  • St. Peter’s Square - This monumental elliptical space, enclosed by 284 Doric columns four rows deep (196m wide and 148m long), is the masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who laid it out during the pontificates of Alexander VII and of Clement IX.

What's Included
  • Private Tour with Blue Badge Guide
  • Vatican Museums Skip The Line Ticket
  • Visit of the Sistine Chapel
  • Shortcut to St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Renaissance Option: Raphael Rooms included
  • St. Peter’s Dome Option: includes climb of the Cupola
What's Not Included
  • Food And Drinks
Additional Information

Bypass the queue with quick-entry to the globally renowned Vatican Museums complex, home to a splendid collection of art pieces and masterpieces. Your journey will allow you to appreciate one of the world’s most notable compilations of sculptures, carvings, frescoes, and paintings. Enjoy a relaxed walk through some of the most mesmerizing rooms, such as the Tapestry Gallery and the Map Gallery. Marvel at Michelangelo’s magnum opus in the Sistine Chapel.

Conclude your journey with a stop at the magnificent St. Peter’s Church, where the distinguished Bernini’s Baldachin resides. Here, you also get the privilege to behold Michelangelo’s phenomenal statue, ‘La Pietà.’

Avail the extraordinary opportunity to amplify your visit with our RENAISSANCE or DOME Options. These options present a rare chance to tour the elegant Raphael Rooms or climb St. Peter’s Dome, rewarding you with a stunning bird’s-eye view of the metropolis.

  • St. Peter’s Basilica may close at the last minute for ceremonies or masses without warning
  • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved - comfortable shoes are recommended
  • Please advise in case of mobility issues - wheelchair partly accessible
  • For ST. PETER’S DOME OPTION: wheelchairs not accessible
  • For ST. PETER’S DOME OPTION: don’t attempt to visit the dome if you can’t physically climb steps or if you’re claustrophobic. A lift takes you some of the way, but then you still have to tackle 320 steps (and space is a bit tight in places).
  • In the case of visitors using wheelchairs and mobility scooters, please note that the Museums are partially accessible, and the Basilica won’t be included
  • All visitors must pass through the monument/attraction security check please allow at least 20 minutes to clear security
  • The exact timings and reservations can vary depending on the availability and decisions of the monument/attraction’s administration offices on the booking day and may be subject to last-minute changes
  • St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel are subject to last-minute closures for religious ceremonies. When this occurs, we’re happy to offer customers an extended tour of the Vatican Museums. While we endeavor to inform our guests ahead of time about any planned disruptions to the opening hours, this is not always possible. In these cases, we are unable to provide refunds or discounts
  • A current valid passport or ID document is required on the day of the tour for children under 18 years old as proof of their age
  • Please review the confirmation message that we send one day prior to the tour date, which confirms the final details of the service
  • For ST. PETER’S DOME OPTION: not recommended for guests with mobility issues or claustrophobic
Location
Caffè Vaticano
Viale Vaticano
Meet and greet with your guide directly on-site. The guide will be holding a sign with your name.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(25 Ratings)
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Joe_c
Jul 30, 2024
Wonderful day at the Vatican - Maria did a wonderful job with this tour! She was knowledgeable and very patient with our little kids. We learned so much today!
Review provided by Viator
Ed_r
Jun 22, 2024
Pricy but worth it - Denis was very knowledgeable and we were able to learn a lot in 3 hours. I would highly recommend going to the top of the dome. The climb really wasn’t that bad and there are a few places to rest if you need it. The reward is the best view in Rome.
Review provided by Viator
Daren_g
Jun 19, 2024
Great guide - Great tour - Luiza was a fantastic guide, making sure we saw all the most important highlights of our tour. She was friendly and very knowledgeable, being able to shader all the questions we had for her. This is a great tour and I highly recommend it.
Review provided by Viator
Michellegy2231yy
Jun 1, 2024
One of a kind tour! - Katie was just fabulous! We navigated a busy day at the Vatican with ease. She was knowledgeable, personable and fun. My daughter and I highly recommend this tour group and this lovely guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Diane_b
May 28, 2024
Best guide! - Maria was amazing! As an art historian, she was so knowledgeable about every piece of art we saw. She also had some very interesting facts about Michelangelo and the techniques he used in painting the Sistine chapel.
Review provided by Viator
John_m
Sep 5, 2023
Wow! What a phenomenal experience!!!! - The one on one personal interaction with the guide was amazing. She was so knowledgeable and took the time to explain in great detail the enormity of the Vatican, St Peter’s Basilica, the Rafael rooms and museum. The extra bonus of a private hotel pick up and drop off was exactly what we wanted. We also got a restaurant recommendation La Pollorama and the best caffe in the city Sant Eustachio.
Review provided by Viator
Vomgimpelwald
Aug 18, 2023
Absolutely recommended, worth it - Today we did a private tour with Marco through St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. Marco did a great job, we skipped all the queues. That saved us several hours of waiting. He is a real expert, an archaeologist and knows these sights very well. He also responded really well to our questions and challenges. We can only recommend him.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kristinsk5718mg
Jul 6, 2023
Fantastic Private Tour - We had an outstanding tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's with Gianluca. He was such a treasure of information, knowledge and passion. And a great sense of humor. Our tour was on our travel day and although my teens were tired, he kept them engaged and interested. Highly recommend the tour and Eyes of Rome. And it was truly skip the line! Which was so greatly appreciated given the heat and that the regular line was more than 90 minutes long.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
831davido
Jul 5, 2023
Fabulous Private Tour - Rosey was an exceptional guide for me and my daughter through the Vatican Museum and the Basilica. She was extremely personable, knowledgeable and felt like we were being shown around by a friend. I would definitely book the climb to the top of the dome for awesome views of the skyline of Rome. Excellent communication from the day we booked to reminders up to tour day. Highly recommend Eyes of Rome and Rosey!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cynthia_w
Oct 19, 2023
Great experience! - Our guide was great, The Sistine Chapel was awe inspiring. An absolute must see while you are in Rome!
Review provided by Viator
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