Museums
3 hours
Free cancellation
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What a Life Tours
What a Life Tours
5
Cultural ToursHistorical & Heritage ToursWalking ToursSightseeing ToursPrivate Tours
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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About
In 2006 we began as a group of young and energetic Rome enthusiasts hoping to find a way to share our passion for this wonderful city with people from all over the world. We created a team made up of insider experts, savvy local guides and specialists in food, art and culture, developing what we believe is the most personal and authentic approach to tourism on the market. We’re all about enhancing the experience for you, the customer, because we used to be just like you – foreigners in this beautiful city, with high expectations on how we wanted to experience it. We genuinely want you to gain unforgettable, stress-free, local insight on your visit. So forget what you know about the typical commercial ‘tour guide’ with a raised umbrella and a rehearsed speech – let us show you the real heart of Italy and ensure you fall in love with this country, just as we have! - The What a Life Tours team
Vatican City, Lazio, Italy
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Private and Luxury
3–4 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 99% of travelers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Private and Luxury
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 91% of travelers
91% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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$106
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Sightseeing Passes
2–3 hours
Recommended by 95% of travelers
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$279
per adult
Half-day Tours
3 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 97% of travelers
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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.
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5.0
8,646 reviews
Excellent
8,169
Very good
367
Average
83
Poor
15
Terrible
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Jean
Caterham, UK1 contribution
Feb 2020
This was a small group skip the line tour, there was only four of us, so nice and friendly. Our tour guide Elaine was so knowledgeable and passionate, who had lots of unusual information to impart. We were lucky to see the whole collection of the tapestries in the Sistine Chapel, the first time they have been exhibited together for 500 years. Also try and get to the top of the dome of St Peters Basilica, there is a lift to take you half way then 320 steps to the top - amazing !
Written February 25, 2020
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.
Ciao, we are thrilled that you had a fantastic time on your Early Morning Vatican Tour! Skipping the long line and beating the crowds is definitely the best way to see the gorgeous Vatican Museums. Having a friendly and knowledgable guide like Elaine at your side sure helps a lot too. Plus, you get to learn exciting secrets about the artworks within that most people don't even notice! It is also terrific that you were able to see the Sistine Chapel tapestries before they move away for good and even had time climb to the top of St. Peter's Dome after your tour. The views from up top are unbeatable, aren't they? Thanks so much for choosing our small, family-run business for your tour, we hope to see you back again soon!
Written February 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eva M
Heraklion, Greece103 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
We have just finished our 4 h tour on the Vatican museums with Elaine from « What A Life Tours » and it was absolutely amazing! Apart from the beauty of the exhibits themselves Elaine was so helpful to present an interesting view of the place with many hidden « gems » and tips and I also loved how passionate she was about what she does and that was so exciting and beautiful. I totally recommend to visit the museums with the help of a guide because otherwise you may lose some very interesting facts and information about it. I also loved how much Greek art we had the opportunity to see there! Totally it worth a visit !
Written August 12, 2021
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.
Thank you very much for sharing! Kind regards, Maria
Written November 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marc S
Phoenix, AZ4 contributions
Mar 2022
I'm not one to review normally, but our experience with "What a life tours" was phenomenal. To Joseph, I can't thank you enough for the last minute booking and accommodating our unique request to have a tour guide speak English and Spanish. To Daniela, thank you so much for an amazing 2 day experience. We can't thank you enough and you made our trip to Rome even more special.
To those looking to book a tour of Rome, we did a 2 day private tour with Daniela, who was the most knowledgable tour guide we have ever met. Day 1, we walked around Rome starting at the Colosseum and stopping at all of the major sites, but also, sites that aren't well known. Day 2 we did a private tour of Vatican City which was incredible - St. Basilica is simply breathtaking along with the Sistine Chapel.
Overall, if you are looking for a tour in Rome, I can't recommend "What a life tour" enough and especially Daniela. To accommodate our private group last minute and speak English and Spanish, I will forever be grateful. It felt like a friend was walking us around their city with us and knew ever inch of the city. Truly special!
To those looking to book a tour of Rome, we did a 2 day private tour with Daniela, who was the most knowledgable tour guide we have ever met. Day 1, we walked around Rome starting at the Colosseum and stopping at all of the major sites, but also, sites that aren't well known. Day 2 we did a private tour of Vatican City which was incredible - St. Basilica is simply breathtaking along with the Sistine Chapel.
Overall, if you are looking for a tour in Rome, I can't recommend "What a life tour" enough and especially Daniela. To accommodate our private group last minute and speak English and Spanish, I will forever be grateful. It felt like a friend was walking us around their city with us and knew ever inch of the city. Truly special!
Written March 19, 2022
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.
Dear Marc, we appreciate very much that you took the time to register, and share your feedback on your private tours booked via the official website of What a Life Tours. Daniela is one of the best tour guides in Rome, her knowledge is truly impressive. You see, the best guides are the ones who have knowledge but who can also make those little adjustments that make a tour a friendly experience. Those are the kinds of guides who tour for us! We ourselves want your trip to Rome to be memorable and a pleasant experience to tell others. Thanks again and hope to see you again in Rome! Kind regards, Maria
Written March 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kelli M
West Dennis, MA36 contributions
I am so glad we booked a guided tour with What a Life Tours. John was our tour guide and he was a true historian and his knowledge really explained the meaning, history and hidden features in the art and architecture. We were a small group of 13 and the tour company provided some special privileges that the larger tours did not experience. Getting into special exhibits, not waiting in line for headsets or having to wait in several lines for each of the exhibits added to the VIP feel of this tour. If you want to maximize your time and understanding of history at the Vatican then consider booking with What a Life Tour Company.
Written June 24, 2023
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.
Pattie K
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
Paid extra for an early entrance tour which stated we’d get into the Sistine Chapel before the general public. By the time the tour guide took us to the Sistine Chapel it was 11am (we’d been there for 3 hours already and was so hot) and was wall to wall people. Couldn’t even enjoy it.
Written October 9, 2023
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.
Grace T
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Couples
We did a full day private tour with Tonia. We had a perfect day. She was knowledgeable and tailored our day/pace/activities to us and our interests. Tonia made the day incredibly enjoyable as she was easy to connect with. Tonia was excellent at maneuvering through overly crowded areas while still making sure we saw everything Rome had to offer. Great experience all around!
Written April 20, 2022
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.
Kelly J
Australia2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We recently booked the Vatican Early Access to Vatican museum, Sistine chapel, St Peter’s Basilica. We booked through Get your Guide app.
This tour is 100% worth the money.
Our guide Carlota was phenomenal. Her knowledge was incredible, and her explanations of the history of the Vatican were perfect for us who had minimal knowledge about the Vatican.
She kept the tour light hearted and so interesting.
3 hours seemed long, but it flew by. The early access was great, the general public line was incredibly long and it was nice to be able to skip that.
Without this tour, especially Carlota, we would’ve had no idea and missed a lot in the Vatican.
100% can recommend this tour to any first timers in Rome!
This tour is 100% worth the money.
Our guide Carlota was phenomenal. Her knowledge was incredible, and her explanations of the history of the Vatican were perfect for us who had minimal knowledge about the Vatican.
She kept the tour light hearted and so interesting.
3 hours seemed long, but it flew by. The early access was great, the general public line was incredibly long and it was nice to be able to skip that.
Without this tour, especially Carlota, we would’ve had no idea and missed a lot in the Vatican.
100% can recommend this tour to any first timers in Rome!
Written October 12, 2022
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.
Brian
7 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We did a 3hr tour of the Vatican, sistene chapel and St. Peters basilica. Matteo was amazing, offering and abundance of information and making sure we got to see everything up close.
There were only four of us in our tour and he informed us that the company does not cancel a tour based on the number of guests and normally only has a Max of 10 per tour.
If we are back in Rome we will definitely use this company for all of our tours and will recommend to friends!
There were only four of us in our tour and he informed us that the company does not cancel a tour based on the number of guests and normally only has a Max of 10 per tour.
If we are back in Rome we will definitely use this company for all of our tours and will recommend to friends!
Written February 19, 2020
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.
Ciao, thank you so much for this perfect 5-star review! Your guide, Matteo, is the best of the best when it comes to showing groups around the museums. No matter how many times he has seen the Vatican Museums, his passion and excitement for the artworks inside shines through! We limit the number of people on our tours so that every guest can have a more intimate experience with their guide. So, we are very glad you enjoyed yourself! If you do decide to come back to Italy, we would love to have you for another tour whether that be in Rome, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast or elsewhere in Italy!
Written February 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anna G
2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
This was our first time ever doing a guided tour and we didn’t know what to expect! However we absolutely loved it and really enjoyed ourselves. We had Eugene as our tour guide, he was very informative and seemed to genuinely love what he was doing which we believe made us enjoy the tour even more. He was also very funny and seemed to care about all of the group he was leading. This made us feel very comfortable and we really enjoyed our day 😊
Written March 19, 2023
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.
Nikos G
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Terrible experience!
We arrived in Rome for the first time and said to avoid the long queues at the museums, booking a place in the small groups (6-12 people) of the particular tourist office. The tour guide was Mario, an incredible guy, with humor, energy and a lot of appetite, who never stopped bombarding us with information. His English was fluent, while in terms of knowledge it appeared that the man is well read and passionate about art (he has studied it anyway).
He took us around the Vatican Museum, Sistina Chapel and finally St Peters Basilica!
For those who have never been to Rome before and have a few days, don't even think about it. In 3 hours this particular tour will take you to the most important places!
Once again, thanks Mario! Keep up the great work!
5/2/23
Nikos + Sofia
We arrived in Rome for the first time and said to avoid the long queues at the museums, booking a place in the small groups (6-12 people) of the particular tourist office. The tour guide was Mario, an incredible guy, with humor, energy and a lot of appetite, who never stopped bombarding us with information. His English was fluent, while in terms of knowledge it appeared that the man is well read and passionate about art (he has studied it anyway).
He took us around the Vatican Museum, Sistina Chapel and finally St Peters Basilica!
For those who have never been to Rome before and have a few days, don't even think about it. In 3 hours this particular tour will take you to the most important places!
Once again, thanks Mario! Keep up the great work!
5/2/23
Nikos + Sofia
Written February 6, 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.
I know italy has dropped the green pass. Do you still require to see proof of vaccination or negative covid test?
Written June 15, 2022
Dear Suzette, from June 1st the Vatican does not require any green pass or equivalent certificate.
Kind regards,
Maria
Written July 14, 2022
Hi! I already reserved "Semi Private Tour of the Vatican, Sistine chapel & St.Peter".... I know that some tours do not include St.Peter, so I want to know if my Spanish tour include the 3 things.... During checkout process the information for Spanish Tour was not able. Thanks
Written December 29, 2021
Goodmorning Doris and Happy New Year! The tour reserved by you includes a tour of St. Peter's Basilica as well, see you soon in the Eternal City!
Written January 4, 2022
Joseph. Wonderful tour of the Vatican with Elaine as our host. Grazie. We tour the Colosseum with you on Thursday. Please provide suggestions for available tours Wednesday or Friday. Grazie, Raymond
Written September 3, 2019
Ciao and thank you for reaching out! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your Vatican Tour with our lovely Elaine. We still have availability for our Rome Evening Stroll on Friday if that is something that may interest you? Unfortunately I cannot post links here but you can make your reservation directly on our website. Do not hesitate to contact us again if you have any further questions!
Written September 3, 2019
Hi , would you recommend the Vatican tour with a 3 and 4 year old? Is there a more family friendly tour?
Written April 3, 2019
Dear Rosanna,
Thank you for your interest in our services!
For families traveling with younger children, we always recommend choosing one of the shorter "best-of" itineraries. Another option would be to book a private tour so that the tour guide can tailor the pace and contents of the tour to make it fun and interesting for your children.
Do not hesitate to contact us again if you have any further questions!
Best regardsm
Maria
Written April 4, 2019
Do you offer Vatican tours on Monday October 15th? We are an interested family of four adults who have never been to Vatican.
Written July 15, 2018
Dear cmsheerin,
We do offer Vatican Tours all year around, please visit our website for more details and availability.
Kind Regards,
Maria
Written July 15, 2018
I need tour in greek for the vatican st peters and museums.
I haven t booked entry tickets yet need fast track 5 adults and one 10 year old.
Can you provide?
English if greek not possible .
Date 10th of july .
Written June 30, 2018
Καλημέρα! Εάν μπορείτε στείλτε μου ένα email για να σας στειίλω πληροφορίες σχετικά με την ξενάγηση στο Βατικανό. Θα βρείτε τo e-mail μας στην ιστοσελίδα μας. Ευχαριστώ πολύ, Ιωσήφ.
Written June 30, 2018
We went on a tour this morning with Carlotta. She showed us a book with red lettering on the cover about the Colosseum. What is the name of the book please?
Written June 9, 2018
That's great, thank you Lorraine and Henk for helping out Melanie! I was just going to write you the title of the book, we are thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Colosseum Underground Tour with Carlotta, have a great Sunday!
Kind Regards,
Maria
Written June 10, 2018
Buenos dias Claudia, ya ho visto che hace la reserva. Se encontramos el 24 de Mayo a la oficina!
Muchissimas gracias!
Written May 22, 2018
Do all your tours include time in the sistine chapel? The list of inclusions doesn't mention it specially that i can see. Thanks
Written May 12, 2018
Dear Kuntley,
Thank you for your interest in our services!
All of our Vatican Tours include entrance to the Sistine Chapel, and spending time inside this magnificent place!
Have a great evening,
Warm Regards,
Maria
Written May 12, 2018
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