Private Early Bird Vatican Museums Tour

based on 743 reviews

Duration:3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Location: Rome, Italy

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Infant (Age : 0 to 5)

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ADULT (Age : 18 to 99)

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Upto 24 hours in Advance.

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

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TRAVELER REVIEWS
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Are you planning your once in a life time Vatican experience? This is hands down the best Vatican Tour!
Our early bird tour options will allow you to enjoy the Vatican treasure before the crowd!
After hotel pickup, travel to the Vatican. Enjoy a fascinating tour and an interactive experience with a passionate tour guide who will animate the history of the magnificent artwork and cater to your personal interests.
During your visit, see one of the world’s finest collections of sculptures, carvings, frescoes, and paintings.
The main attractions included in the tour will be the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica ( not available on Wednesday morning due to the Papal Audience).
Don't waste your time, choose our Prime option and be among the first lucky ones to enter the Museums!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

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.
2. Cortile della Pigna
The Courtyard of the “Pigna”, created from the 16th century area of the “Belvedere”
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.
4. 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.
5. St. Peter's Basilica
The largest Basilica in the world is also home to worldwide masterpieces like the famous Pietà by Michelangelo! it even houses an underground crypt for Popes, of which can be visited ( not available on Wednesday morning due to the Papal Audience) The Basilica has a big influence from Michelangelo and you can see his art work throughout. The Basilica was originally built above the tomb of the Prince of the Apostles, where the Pope visits every Christmas or Easter Time.

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Dress code: Modest attire required for places of worship and selected museums; no shorts or sleeveless tops allowed, cover knees and shoulders for both men and women to avoid entry refusal.
• St. Peter's Basilica excluded on Wednesdays due to the Papal Audience.
• Allow at least 20 minutes for security checks at monuments/attractions.
• Timings and reservations subject to availability and administrative decisions; may undergo last-minute changes.
• Notify us of any mobility issues or disabilities.
• Museums partially accessible for visitors using wheelchairs; Basilica not included.
• Comfortable footwear recommended for moderate walking during the tour.
• Possible last-minute closures of St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel for religious ceremonies; no refunds for unplanned disruptions.
• Children under 18 require a valid passport or ID for age verification on the day of the tour.
• Review the confirmation message sent one day before the tour for final details.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Kelly_R
Our tour guide Silvia was everything you hope for. The lines and crowds at the Vatican are not to be underestimated. Sylvia would not be detered, she led us through the Vatican and Sistine Chapel hitting all of the must sees while not getting bogged down in the crowds. We never felt crowded or rushed just felt like the first to arrive at every point of the tour. She was professional with a clear love and appreciation of the history on full display. We were lucky to have her! Don't skip this private tour it is worth every penny and then some.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-29 16:03:18

Posted By : Lisa_S
Don’t pay extra from comfort or luxury tours! You don’t get anything besides hotel pick up and drop off. Not even a bottle of water for all the extra $$$. Tour guide was knowledgeable. Expected much more for the high cost. No time savings in lines, not earlier than thousands of others. It’s beautiful, but you don’t get value for the added cost.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-29 06:27:38

Posted By : Rebecca_D
Our guide was amazing! Alissa was very knowledgeable and so nice. We had a wonderful tour. We would definitely do again and recommend this tour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-27 04:17:54

Posted By : sheree_i
Rosie was a great tour guide, very educated on the Vatican museums.The tour was well organized and informational. No wait times.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-26 13:37:23

Posted By : Lawrence_V
We had such a wonderful trip with Selenia. She was extremely knowledgeable. She was wonderful about going our pace when walking and making sure that we had bricks for water and shade in the heat. I would highly recommend.

Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-26 03:48:29

Posted By : Cindy_K
Rosy was an amazing tour guide! She was knowledgeable, engaging and great with the kids! She was also able to access a shortcut to St Peters Basilica! This was everyone’s favorite tour! We also appreciated having a driver pick us up at our rental! Definitely recommend!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-25 17:09:54

Posted By : Pat_M
I had been on a similar tour in 2016, but my family had never been here so we did this tour together. Compared to 2016, tours in general are a lot more expensive and you don't get the same access to back rooms and the Sistine Chapel in a small group that you used to. This tour was along with the general public, although there was priority line entrance to the museum and St. Peter's. But you are right along with the crowds (although it wasn't that bad on the morning of our tour). That all being said, the tour was very good and our guide, Marina, was excellent.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-25 10:02:20

Posted By : Harry_L
Emanuele is the best. She has an extensive background on Roman history and the Vatican. She presented a colorful story filled with surprises and attention grabbing twists. Time permitting we would have booked another tour with her.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-23 10:30:04

Posted By : Odette_A
Amazing three hour private tour of the Vatican. Our guide Carlo was punctual, professional and knowledgeable. Our family had the VIP treatment. Would definitely recommend this tour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-22 21:31:35

Posted By : Cindy_D
We had a great experience with Viator! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and helpful in navigating lines and directing us to the important points of interest.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-20 18:16:30