Private Sightseeing Tours
3 hours
from
$367
per adult
Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tours
Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tours
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Guided Tours of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Basilica of St. Peter with a local authorized English speaking guide.
Tours and Tickets by Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
379 reviews
Excellent
281
Very good
63
Average
24
Poor
9
Terrible
2
Tracey B
9 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
On our arrival we found staff all very helpful and polite. We were told where to find our tour guide and found everything well sign posted and easy to find.
Our tour guide was a lovely gentleman called Carlo who was very friendly and welcoming.
To begin with Carlo explained to us how he wasn't allowed to take us into the Sistine Chapel but used the available pictures to talk though the art work we would see in there after he had taken us through the museum.
This was really interesting and he had us all capitvated. You would of thought he and Michel Angelo were best buddies!!
The tour of the museum was equally interesting, so much to see !!! Carlo was clearly passionate about the Vatican and bought everything to life. He was easy to listen to and so informative. We came away feeling like we had learnt a great deal.
The Sistine Chapel is smaller than I expected but the paintings were breathtaking.
It was a shame that so many people were squeezed in though, as it felt a bit squashed in.
There is a Cafe and a Pizzaria on site and we enjoyed a meal deal which consisted of a large slice of pizza, a side and a drink which we thought quite reasonably priced.
There are also gift shops where you can purchase souvenirs ranging from postcards right up to Roman busts!!!
Photos are not allowed to be takem inside the Sistine Chapel but ok to do so in the museum.
Overall we had an amazing day out and would love to return one day to see more.
Our tour guide was a lovely gentleman called Carlo who was very friendly and welcoming.
To begin with Carlo explained to us how he wasn't allowed to take us into the Sistine Chapel but used the available pictures to talk though the art work we would see in there after he had taken us through the museum.
This was really interesting and he had us all capitvated. You would of thought he and Michel Angelo were best buddies!!
The tour of the museum was equally interesting, so much to see !!! Carlo was clearly passionate about the Vatican and bought everything to life. He was easy to listen to and so informative. We came away feeling like we had learnt a great deal.
The Sistine Chapel is smaller than I expected but the paintings were breathtaking.
It was a shame that so many people were squeezed in though, as it felt a bit squashed in.
There is a Cafe and a Pizzaria on site and we enjoyed a meal deal which consisted of a large slice of pizza, a side and a drink which we thought quite reasonably priced.
There are also gift shops where you can purchase souvenirs ranging from postcards right up to Roman busts!!!
Photos are not allowed to be takem inside the Sistine Chapel but ok to do so in the museum.
Overall we had an amazing day out and would love to return one day to see more.
Written August 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jgil80
London, UK2 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
As soon as you get close to St. Peters Square, you get bombarded by people offering tours and selfie sticks, but the biggest one to watch out for are the "Staff" offering free information. This is a scam!!!! They scare you by saying that you can upgrade your tickets for the Vatican Museum and Sistene Chapel by not having to come back out and joining the long 2 hour + queue for St. Peters. However, access to the Church is actually free, whether you queue, or take the short cut (which is not clearly marked) once you walk through the Sistine Chapel. They try and convince you that without this "upgrade", you have to exit the Vatican, and join the queue. This person wanted to escort us to the upgrade office, but we politely refused and made our own way in. Upon entering the ticket office, we enquired about this upgrade, which is when we were told it was free! Luckily we were not an easy target and did not accept, but I am sure many people have. What shocked us was the fact that this person was wearing official Vatican Staff Information uniform, but trying to scam you. If this post helps one person I will be happy, as this is a very dirty tactic and can't believe the Vatican allow this behaviour to be conducted on their Holy ground!!!!
Written December 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie M
Sunnyvale, California, United States11 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
We booked the Express Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum Entrance Tour for our visit to Rome in early July. I cannot begin to say how well spent this money was! First of all, if you go to Rome in July, know that it is HOT and that the Vatican museum is largely not air conditioned. Add to that the packing in of literally hundreds of people, and standing in long lines and...well let's just say this could take a bit of the shine off your visit. Not so with the early entry ticket! We were met by a very knowledgeable guide, the organization of the tour was easy and quick to access, and we entered the Sistine Chapel probably 20-30 min before the rest of the museum even opened. Plenty of room and ability to just be present and absorb the beauty and genius of Michaelangelo's work!! The only thing to be aware of is that the tour ends in the Sistine Chapel and while you have access to the entire Vatican Museum, finding your way back through is a bit of a labrynth. Not a problem for us (who like to wander aimlessly through museums as it is), but if you were on a strict schedule or had a particular art piece that you wanted to find, it could be a bit frustrating. That said, you are deep in the center of the museum, when other tourists are still outside in line for tickets. If you really want to see the Sistine, I highly recommend this tour!
Written August 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie F
San Diego, CA22 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
This tour was well-worth the extra money it cost to take this tour! We took the "regular" group tour of the Vatican museums in the morning, and we were "herded through" very quickly and couldn't hear or understand what the guide was saying through the earphones unless you were right by her. It was extremely noisy in the Sistine Chapel with people "packed in" and guards urging the crowds to keep moving to the back of the chapel toward the exit. This VIP tour was the total opposite! We had an American tour guide who majored in Art and was extremely knowledgeable, personable, and told very interesting and informative stories about the art as we looked at it. Since the tour took place near the closing time (3:00 P.M.), the museum was no longer crowded so our small group of 14 people could stop and look at the art while our tour guide talked about what were seeing and a little bit about the artists and the style of their work. In addition, we were fortunate to have been able to go into rooms that contained rare marble pieces or sculptures that the general public does not have the opportunity to see due to their being housed in small rooms because of their value or due to the fragility of the ancient objects like the Etruscan art exhibit. We also got to see the spectacular view from the path to the Pope's summer apartment. Recently, Pope Francis opened to the public the Pope's personal quarters since he no longer resides in the rooms traditionally used by the Popes in the past. Unfortunately, this happened shortly after our tour, but I would think that it would probably only be included in a small group tour like this. The best part of this tour was getting to spend 25-30 minutes in the Sistine chapel with only our Guide and a security guard who accompanied us to open the special private rooms. The first ten minutes, we got to walk around or sit on one of the benches in silence, and absorb Michaelangelo's magnificent masterpieces and spiritual essence of chapel. It was a totally different experience than the one experienced in the regular tour with the crowds and the noise of hundreds of people crammed together. For the last 15-20 minutes, we came together on the benches in the middle of the chapel, and our tour guide gave us a fascinating talk about Michaelangelo and the six years he spent working on the ceiling, as well as another six years spend working on The Last Judgement. She also told us an interesting story about Michaelangelo and Raphael. I loved getting the opportunity to learn about the art while looking at the actual ceiling or wall on which the piece was painted. On the general tour, we were given information out in the courtyard before we entered the museums and the chapel. This tour was the highlight of our trip to Rome! I highly recommend spending the additional money to get the most out of a once in a lifetime visit to the Vatican!
Written November 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natsom
Calgary, Canada30 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
Doesn't matter your religious affiliations, you are blown away by the history, architecture, wealth, and talent of the sculptures, structures, and art. We did an early morning, skip the line, small group tour. There were 12 of us. The headsets were perfect, but the guide had extras just in case. She was well spoken and very knowledgeable. She hustled us when it was appropriate to stay ahead of large tours and give us the best experience possible when we could stay a little extra time in one place. The actual viewing in the Sistine Chapel is less than 15 minutes. The 3.5 hour tour is worth every second and I would do it again because you cannot fathom what you are about to view. Do the early morning tour. Our guide told us that by mid-day the staircase going down into the Sistine Chapel can be backed up for 45 minutes. You get to this staircase after you have been in the Vatican apartments for almost 2 hours and you have no where to go while you wait to get into the chapel. On the early morning tour we had no wait to get into the chapel. The chapel was full of people, but I cannot imagine wasting time standing on a staircase waiting to get in. So, take some advice, it was worth getting up at 5:00 AM to be at the Vatican at 7:30 AM
Written October 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DFWandbeyond
Austin, TX21 contributions
Nov 2015 • Friends
There are no words to describe this opportunity! Simply, no words. But I'll try. First, get a tour, and one that gets you in early. Dark Rome was all it advertised itself to be and more. Our guide Teresa was wonderful. Kept us on time, filled with just the right amount of information and yet gave time for us to simply digest and process the magnitude of what we were experiencing. Second, ask about a "General Audience" with the Pope. Totally worth the opportunity -- and we are Lutheran. The tour guide and the Vatican Staff could not have been more accommodating. Third, when you go, carry the least possible amount of belongings. It's a long day and you don't want to lug paraphernalia around with you. Plus, with security at an all ge high, you'll pass through much more quickly. Forth, and you'll never believe this, this is the best dollar to euro exchange rate. Buy something in dollars, get euros in change.
Take the tour that gets you up into the dome of the Basilica. It's not for the faint of heart or physically challenged. But so worth it. Please note, there is an extra fee for this and the earlier you go the better. Less crowded. Then go back to explore the Basilica on your own. Be sure to go down to what I would call the grotto.
Take the tour that gets you up into the dome of the Basilica. It's not for the faint of heart or physically challenged. But so worth it. Please note, there is an extra fee for this and the earlier you go the better. Less crowded. Then go back to explore the Basilica on your own. Be sure to go down to what I would call the grotto.
Written January 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim O
Castle Hill, Australia111 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
We booked a fast access to the complex. That worked out ok but inside it was chaos. So many people. There are some great things to see but get there early as soon as it opens and avoid the worst of the crowd. In some parts we were carried along by hordes of school student groups. The Sistine Chapel is meant to be a sacred place where silence is observed. What a joke that was. The attendant had to on at least two occasions tell everyone to be quiet and stop taking photos and video. It was hard to get a really look at the ceiling as we were constantly jostled.
Written May 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gregory F
Porirua, New Zealand103 contributions
Dec 2016
You can either experience 3 hours queuing in line or you can be kind to yourself and Skip the Line by purchasing a Vatican and Sistine chapel tour. Highly recommended
Written December 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jane499580
Glossop, UK141 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
Definitely book a tour as this is the best way to skip the queues and understand what to actually look for in the paintings and art work understanding the reasons behind certain items well worth the money, queues were five hours long when we went
Written November 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dayna R
1 contribution
Jan 2018 • Couples
My boyfriend and I really wanted to see as much of Rome as we could so we thought that booking a tour would be the best way to sight see and learn about the city of Rome, and this definitely did not disappoint. We signed up for a small group tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica which actually ended up being a private tour! We were very lucky and got to have our guide Davide Falasca all to ourselves! He was extremely knowledgeable about the city and very personable. He was easy to locate at the initial meeting point and he even took great photos of us at sites. Couldn't have asked for a better tour or tour guide!
Written January 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi! I’m traveling with my elderly in-laws and they would like to see the Vatican, but don’t necessarily want to do the 3-4 hour tour. Is there a shorter version? Or can they just go into the church from where the tour ends?
Written July 25, 2019
I don't recall seeing any ramps at St Peters and there are certainly stairs to get into the basilica. Vatican Museum will be difficult, even with special access given the sheer number of visitors you are likely to encounter.
Written July 25, 2019
Hi I am visiting Rome on 1st July for 3 nights and am trying to book a small group, English speaking tour of the Vatican, Cistine Chapel and Museum. I am travelling with my wife thus why we would like to join a smaller group. Any ideas, contact details ?? I've tried a couple but no replies yet!? We are looking at either 2nd or 3rd of July. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Regards Richard Abel
Written June 6, 2018
Thanks everyone. All sorted and booked now with city tours . Your help much appreciated. To the next one whenever...anyone sort Brexit out?? Just joking
Written June 7, 2018
Where do I buy "Skip The Line" tickets and can I pay for a guide to go with these tickets?
Written May 28, 2018
Viator - make sure you look at the important information tab it will tell you things like - don't go on Wednesday, shoulders and knees must be covered. It is reliable the staff are helpful if you need to confirm anything. Look for the one that provides a hotel pick up (not drop off but there are taxis close by).
ENJOY!
Written May 30, 2018
Hi there, I will be traveling with my 10 month old and i'm wondering if there is room to store a stroller while doing a guided tour or if its best to just bring a carrier.
TIA
Written March 19, 2018
Not sure but its,ALWAYS so crowded, I'd bring a carrier
Written March 19, 2018
I’m visiting in early March 2018 will there be big queues then,thanks.
Written January 15, 2018
I went that time last year.......massive queues.......i was with a tour group so we jumped the line.
I would suggest doing that or you will waste too much time.
Written January 17, 2018
Did you have trouble finding the tour group? Should I be worried if the Vatican Museum doesn't list an afternoon tour but Getyour guide does?
Written March 9, 2016
I highly recommend the VIP tour at 3:00 P.M. because the crowds are beginning to clear out and you can stop and look at what you came to see. It is much easier to hear your tour guide as well.
Written November 18, 2016
Just curious did you purchase the skip the line tour on the vatican site or did you use a tour operator? I checked and the museum says they have that tour at half the price but I wondered if it is really skipping the line.
Thanks-Vickie
Written December 28, 2015
You still stand in a line to get thru the eye but it's much shirer5. We got there at 8am and people were standing all the way around the block, and we skipped all of that. I thought it was worth doing
Written January 17, 2018
atlanta2016
Atlanta, Georgia
Are there any combination Vatican tours and City hop on/hop off tours that include a discount since buying 2 tours?
Written August 23, 2015
Hi
Not that I'm aware off as they are run by seperate companies. But highly recommend the Vatican Sistine chapel tour with personal guide as you will avoid the enormous queues.
Written August 23, 2015
We're going in July with our 12 and 14 year-olds. How long did you spend at each of the 3 sites? Were others in your group? What was the approximate cost? Thank you! Jodi
Written March 4, 2015
Jodi,our family of 5 didn't take a private tour...as we stood in the line just to buy tickets to enter The Colosseum we noticed a line for advanced ticket purchasers, that prompted us to buy advance tickets for the Vatican. LUCKYLY we did because the line at the Vatican was no comparison to the line at the Colosseum, it seemed to wrap around the Vatican twice! Utilizing the free WiFi at our hotel we bought entry tickets to the Vatican Museum which included the Sistine Chapel ...I cant recall exactly how much we paid but I want to say it was like $25 or $30 but euros of course, it wasn't alot..there are tour groups EVERYWHERE inside the Vatican & the surrounding areas..I picked up all kinds of tidbits just by walking by and listening for free. We went June 2-14,2013 it was not hot at all..we expected this unbearable heat however it was very pleasant weather wise ..only 3 of our 12 days were spent in Rome which is not nearly enough time to see that great city.. tour guide or not the Vatican & Sistine Chapel are going to be crowded... the halls are long and narrow in the museum,and everyone is herded and huddled together in the chapel staring up at the ceiling...the crowd is hushed as it is a very holy place, and no pictures were allowed to be taken...as far as time goes there is so much to see at the Vatican & you can stare at the ceiling of the chapel for hours in amazement..its just unbelievable, a jaw dropping site..knowing what I know now if I could do it all over again I would have devoted 6-8hrs of a day just to the Vatican.
Written March 7, 2015
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