Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s Basilica Private Tour

Private Guided Tour of the Vatican: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peters Basilica

Walking tour with Skip the Line entrances and Official Vatican Private Tour Guide

The tour starts from Vatican Museums, where we enter the Pinecone Courtyard. Crossing the collection of Greek and Roman sculptures, admiring the famous statue of Apollo, the Laocoon and the Belvedere Torso, along with statues of animals, the Coffins of St. Helen and St. Constance. We will see the Galleries of Tapestries and the frescoed Maps of all Italy painted in 1585.

We will visit The Rooms painted by Raphael and his pupils and end with the amazing Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.

Afterwards the tour will lead you to the highest temple of Christendom, St. Peter’s Basilica. More than a simple, church the Basilica that was originally built by Emperor Constantine over the tomb of the very first pope, the apostle Peter, was designed by the best Italian architects. Its construction took more than 150 years, and from a certain point of view is still a “work in progress”.

You can see The Pieta by Michelangelo, the Jubilee Gate, Bernini’s main altar, the staircase enlightened by eternal lamps leading to the tomb of Saint Peter designed by Carlo Maderno, the tombs of the Popes made by Bernini, Della Porta, Canova, Thorwaldsen and many others, Michelangelo’s amazing dome and more masterpieces will overwhelm you.

Ending up with a quick view of Castle San Angelo, and the secret wall connecting with the papal apartment, will give you the complete picture of the headquarter of Roman Catholic Church.

Availability 

Monday to Saturday, Wednesday afternoons

Duration

3 hours

Meeting point

Outside the entrance to the Vatican Museums

Suitability 

Please ensure that when entering the Vatican, please ensure that you are covered up. It is advised that men wear trousers and long or short sleeve shirts/ t-shirts (no vest tops or shorts) and women cover their shoulders and their knees. The same applies for children too.

All bags must be screened by metal detectors and they can be visually inspected by security. Please do not bring any knives or sharp objects. Please do not bring suitcases or large bags.