Vatican Museums Private Tour

Your visit of the Vatican starts at its temple of art: the Vatican Museums. Bypassing the long lines, your guide will bring you straight inside the museums with a fast-pass ticket to ensure that you get the most out of your time. With nine miles of art, the Vatican Museums can be overwhelming, and we hear you! Once inside, your accredited specialist guide will take you through a route that covers all the must-see masterpieces and some surprises beyond the expected. The highlights also include panoramic view of St Peter’s Cupola, the Gallery of the Candelabra and the Gallery of Maps, as well as incredible darker stories that took place within the holy walls!

You’ll then reach the threshold of the Sistine Chapel that waits to take your breath away. Adam, Eve, Noah and thousands of figures descend to surround you with the full force of their musculatures and gestures. You’ll hear the extraordinary stories behind Michelangelo’s years of hard work as the meaning of his grandiose Last Judgement are unveiled.

From the Sistine Chapel, you’ll enjoy a privileged direct access to Saint Peter's Basilica through a private stairwell. Built over St. Peter’s tomb, the basilica is the heart of the Catholic world. Its striking architecture took the best minds of the Renaissance and the Baroque eras more than a hundred years to complete. The basilica is also packed with masterpieces, such as Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini’s baldachin. Our tour will end at the spectacular columns of St Peter's Square, amongst the faithful who have gathered here for centuries.

Please note that the Vatican conservators can close parts of the museums at any time without notice. Localers cannot guarantee that every room listed on our website will be on visited, and your expert guide will adapt the itinerary accordingly.