Overview
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!
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
LUXURY/CONFORT Options - Private hotel pick-up service (from centrally located locations)
LUXURY OPTION - Private hotel pick-up and drop-off service (from/to centrally located locations)
Tickets to the Vatican Museums
Professional Licensed Blue Badge Tour Guide for A Private Walking Tour
Shortcut to St. Peter's Basilica
LUXURY/COMFORT Options - Meet and greet with the guide at your accommodation (if centrally located)
Visit to the Sistine Chapel
Food and drinks
Early Morning BASIC OPTION - Transfers not included
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
For the EARLY MORNING BASIC OPTION transfers are NOT INCLUDED.
Guests will meet their guide at 8:00 AM directly on-site, at Caffè Vaticano, Viale Vaticano 100 - located on the opposite side of the Museums' entrance.
Your guide will be holding a sign with your names.
End point
For guests who booked the LUXURY OPTION the drop-off service is included.
Good to know
• A dress code is in place to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
• It is strictly forbidden to take photographs in the Sistine Chapel. The staff is authorized to remove any of the photographs and recording taken. Everywhere else it is possible to take photographs with no flash.
• Long items such as large umbrellas, camera stands and tripods, walking sticks (unless for disabled persons) are not allowed and are to be left at cloakrooms. Sharp object, such as knives and scissors, and any presumably dangerous items are also required to be left at cloakrooms.
Food and drinks are not allowed to be taken inside the museums, with the exception of water. Food and drinks left at cloakrooms and not collected on the same day will be destroyed.
• Pets are not allowed.
• Please provide Hotel details to arrange the pick up
• Important notice: The Basilica of St Peter's might close for last minute ceremonies or mass
• St. Peter's Basilica will be closed on Wednesday due to weekly Papal Audience
What to expect
-
Vatican Museums
1 hour 30 min
With our Prime Tour, we get you inside the Museums at its first access.
Watch the Vatican Museum Galleries slowly come to life. -
Cortile della Pigna
1 hour 30 min
The Courtyard of the “Pigna”, created from the 16th century area of the “Belvedere”
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Sphere within a Sphere
1 hour 30 min
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.
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Sistine Chapel
30 min
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.
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St. Peter's Basilica
30 min
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Rome).
Additional Information
- Review the confirmation message sent one day before the tour for final details.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Private Early Bird Vatican Museums Tour
Can I cancel Private Early Bird Vatican Museums Tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 3 hours 30 min.
Where does it start, and is pickup offered?
For the EARLY MORNING BASIC OPTION transfers are NOT INCLUDED. Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
What's included?
- LUXURY/CONFORT Options - Private hotel pick-up service (from centrally located locations)
- LUXURY OPTION - Private hotel pick-up and drop-off service (from/to centrally located locations)
- Tickets to the Vatican Museums
- Professional Licensed Blue Badge Tour Guide for A Private Walking Tour
- Shortcut to St. Peter's Basilica
- LUXURY/COMFORT Options - Meet and greet with the guide at your accommodation (if centrally located)
- Visit to the Sistine Chapel
What's not included?
- Food and drinks
- Early Morning BASIC OPTION - Transfers not included
Which places does it visit?
It visits Vatican Museums, Cortile della Pigna, Sphere within a Sphere, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in German, English, Italian, French, Spanish.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Eyes of Rome
