Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica Private Tour

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Vatican Museums

   With this Tour, we get you inside the Museums. we will visit together the Vatican Museum Galleries and halls

   40 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.

   5 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.

   Pass by without stopping

7. 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.

   10 minutes here · Admission included

8. 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.

   30 minutes here · Admission included

9. St. Peter's Basilica

   INCLUDED ONLY FOR OPTIONS THAT INCLUDE 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.

   30 minutes here

10. La Pieta

    INCLUDED ONLY FOR OPTIONS THAT INCLUDE ST. PETER'S BASILICA: 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.

    15 minutes here

11. INCLUDED ONLY FOR OPTIONS THAT INCLUDE ST. PETER'S BASILICA: 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

12. St. Peter's Basilica

    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.

    30 minutes here · Admission included

13. St. Peter's Square

    INCLUDED ONLY FOR OPTIONS THAT INCLUDE ST. PETER'S BASILICA: 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

• NO ST. PETER'S BASILICA

  Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: This option includes a 2-hour and 30-minute guided tour. Express - NO ST. PETER'S: This option does not include St. Peter's Basilica. This option includes Raphael Rooms. Meeting Point on-site

• Dome Option

  St. Peter's Dome Included

• Basic Option

• Renaissance Option

  Raphael Rooms included

Before you book

Cancellation

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

Languages

de, ru, en, it, fr, es

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat

Group size

Up to 10 travelers per booking

Operated by

CityEyes Private Tours

Know before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• 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
• Please advise in case of mobility issues - wheelchair partly accessible
• For ST. PETER'S DOME OPTION is not suitable for wheelchair users
• 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).
• St. Peter's Basilica may close at the last minute for ceremonies or masses without warning
• 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
• 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
• All visitors must pass through the monument/attraction security check please allow at least 20 minutes to clear security
• Please review the confirmation message that we send one day prior to the tour date, which confirms the final details of the service
• 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.
• For ST. PETER'S DOME OPTION: not recommended for guests with mobility issues or claustrophobic

Photos

Traveler reviews

58 verified traveler reviews for Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.