Vatican Museums Hidden Gems Tour with Skip-the-Line Private Tour

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Vatican Museums

   Treat yourself with a customized private tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. Visit some hidden gems of the museums and explore rooms closed to the general public at all times. Meet your guide at your hotel where you will be picked-up and travel together to the Vatican Museums. Skip the line for fast-track entry to the world famous Vatican museum complex, made up of galleries with an impressive number of artwork and masterpieces from antiquity to present day. During your visit you will have a chance to see one of the world’s finest collections of sculptures, carvings, frescoes and paintings. Enjoy the impressive Belvedere Courtyard and then stroll through the most interesting rooms and galleries of the museum complex. Marvel at the famous Lacoon and the Belvedere Torso at the sculpture museum, deeply revered by Michelangelo and other Renaissance artists.

   120 minutes here · Admission included

2. Cortile della Pigna

   The Cortile della Pigna, or "Court of the Pine Cone," is a tranquil courtyard within the Vatican City, named after a colossal bronze pine cone that dates back to Ancient Rome. This pine cone, once a fountain, stands as the centerpiece of the courtyard, symbolizing enlightenment and eternal life. The courtyard, nestled between the Vatican Museums' Belvedere Palace and the Apostolic Palace, is an embodiment of the Renaissance spirit, blending art, nature, and history in a serene setting.

   Pass by without stopping

3. Sphere within a Sphere

   Sculpted by Arnaldo Pomodoro, the 'Sphere within a Sphere' artwork in the Vatican is a captivating bronze sculpture featuring a large golden sphere with a smaller, intricately textured sphere nested within. Symbolic and enigmatic, it invites contemplation on themes of life's cyclical nature and the interconnectedness of the universe. The play of light on its surfaces adds dynamic dimensions to this thought-provoking piece.

   Pass by without stopping

4. 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.

   5 minutes here · Admission included

5. 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.

   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.

   15 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

   20 minutes here · Admission included

8. Amidst Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and Raphael's Rooms, discover the hidden gem of the Vatican Museums – the Pinacoteca, home to one of the world's most exceptional art galleries. This exceptional tour takes you on a journey through art and history, showcasing Giotto's pioneering Renaissance work, Raphael's last masterpiece, Rome's only Leonardo da Vinci painting, and captivating Caravaggio pieces. It's a must-visit for art enthusiasts, an embodiment of the Vatican's artistic legacy.

   20 minutes here · Admission included

9. 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.

   20 minutes here

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.

    Pass by without stopping

11. La Pieta

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

    Pass by without stopping

12. 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.

    Pass by without stopping

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• Comfort Option

  Pick up included: This tour option has a PICK-UP SERVICE INCLUDED in the offer. Pickup included

• Luxury Option

  Pick up and drop off included: This tour option has PICK-UP and DROP-OFF SERVICE INCLUDED in the offer. Pickup included

• Basic Option

  No Transportation: This tour option has NO TRANSFERS included. Meet and greet with the guide on-site at Caffè Vaticano, Viale Vaticano 100

Before you book

Cancellation

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

Languages

de, en, it, fr, es

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat

Group size

Up to 10 travelers per booking

Operated by

CityEyes Private Tours

Know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Dress appropriately for worship places and museums; no shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Cover knees and shoulders for both genders to avoid entry issues.
• Please notify us of mobility issues or disabilities.
• Allow at least 20 minutes for monument/attraction security checks.
• Timings and reservations may vary and are subject to last-minute changes.
• Wheelchair users note partial museum accessibility; Basilica not included.
• St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel may close last-minute for ceremonies; extended Vatican Museums tour offered in such cases.
• Children under 18 require a valid passport or ID for age verification on the tour day.
• Please review the confirmation message sent one day before the tour for final details.
• Wear comfortable shoes for moderate walking during the tour.
• To ensure the safety and well-being of all our guests, every reservation that includes minors (under 18) must be accompanied by at least one adult. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept bookings made exclusively by unaccompanied minors.

Photos

Traveler reviews

256 verified traveler reviews for Vatican Museums Hidden Gems Tour with Skip-the-Line Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.