Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Small-Group Tour
Rione Monti, Rome
Experience the Vatican Museums on a guided tour, including Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Semi-Private Tour
This semi-private tour in Vatican City suits visitors wanting exclusive access to masterpieces and landmarks, limited to 6 people.
Highlights
- Semi-private tour with a maximum of 6 participants and reserved entrance
- Discover Vatican Museum masterpieces guided by an expert
- See works by Bramante, Michelangelo, Bernini, and Raphael on one tour
- Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Christian basilica in the world
- View some of the world's most prized artworks
Description
From January 12 to March 31, Michelangelo’s Last Judgment inside the Sistine Chapel will be undergoing restoration. A scaffolding will cover this artwork, which means it will not be visible during this period. The Sistine Chapel remains open and accessible.
The tour begins with direct, skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums. Explore highlights such as the Pinecone and Octagonal Courtyards, Belvedere Torso, the Round Room, and the Constantine coffins in the Greek room.
Your guide leads you through the Gallery of Tapestries featuring handcrafted works from Pieter van Aelst’s School based on Raphael’s pupils' drawings. Next is the Gallery of Maps, showcasing wall-to-wall 16th-century hand-painted maps illustrating contemporary geography. Visit the recently restored Raphael Rooms, including The School of Athens painting, where you’ll learn about the historic figures Raphael included.
The tour continues to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, allowing you to admire its vast painted ceiling and surrounding frescoes. The final stop is St. Peter’s Basilica, granting exclusive access to this massive and highly ornate Catholic church. Inside, see Michelangelo’s Pietà statue and Bernini’s bronze altar canopy made from 100,000 pounds of gilded bronze.
The guide leaves you inside St. Peter’s Basilica so you have time to explore further, including the Papal Tombs and optionally climb to the top of the Dome.
Family Experience Option
The Vatican Tour for Kids Private Tour offers a fun, interactive experience for families. It covers the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and special highlights like the Egyptian Museum, tailored for younger guests while engaging adults as well.
Includes
- Reserved Vatican entrance tickets
- Fully guided experience
- Groups limited to 6 people
- Pinecone and Octagonal Courtyards
- Belvedere Torso
- The Round Room
- Constantine coffins
- Gallery of Tapestries
- Gallery of Maps
- Raphael Rooms*
- The School of Athens painting
- Sistine Chapel
- Michelangelo’s ceiling & Last Judgment
- St. Peter’s Basilica*
- Bernini’s bronze altar canopy
- St. Peter’s Square
- Family Experience: Vatican Tour for Kids Private Tour option
Important Information
- All visitors must pass airport-style security; wait times can reach 30 minutes during high season.
- St. Peter’s Basilica may close without notice for private events; tours will include extended visits elsewhere if this occurs.
- Access to the Raphael Rooms depends on crowd control and guard routing; guides will adjust accordingly.
- If you have a disability that qualifies for complimentary Vatican access, please notify us in advance.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, book early to secure your preferred date and bring comfortable walking shoes. Morning tours tend to be less crowded.
