Rome: Early Bird Vatican Museums Small Group Tour (MAX 6 People)

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Vatican Museums

   With our Prime Tour, we get you inside the Museums at its first access. Watch the Vatican Museum Galleries slowly come to life.

   60 minutes here · Admission included

2. Cortile della Pigna

   The Courtyard of the “Pigna”, created from the 16th-century area of the “Belvedere”

   Pass by without stopping

3. 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.

   Pass by without stopping

4. Galleria Delle Carte Geografiche

   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.

   5 minutes here · Admission included

5. 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.

   10 minutes here · Admission included

6. 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.

   10 minutes here · Admission included

7. 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.

   15 minutes here · Admission included

8. 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.

   60 minutes here

9. 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.

   Pass by without stopping

10. 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.

    5 minutes here · Admission included

11. 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.

    15 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• Vatican Early Bird Small Group

  Small Group Tour (Max 6 pax): This option includes a small group tour (max 6 participants) of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Starting point: Giuly's Café, Via Santamaura, 3, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

• Upgrade to Private Tour

  Upgrade to Private Tour: Upgrade your experience to a private tour. By upgrading, you'll have your own guide. Vatican Museums, Sistine, St. Peter's Starting point: Caffè Vaticano, Viale Vaticano, 100, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Before you book

Cancellation

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

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat

Group size

Up to 6 travelers per booking

Operated by

CityEyes Private Tours

Know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• 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

Photos

Traveler reviews

78 verified traveler reviews for Rome: Early Bird Vatican Museums Small Group Tour (MAX 6 People). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.