Private Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica Early Bird Tour
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!
Options
Early Morning Basic Option
Transfers not included: Private Walking Tour with meet and greet on site
What's included in Private Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica Early Bird Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Vatican Museums
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 PignaPass-by Only
The Courtyard of the “Pigna”, created from the 16th century area of the “Belvedere”
Sphere within a SpherePass-by Only
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.
Inclusions
- LUXURY OPTION - Private hotel pick-up and drop-off service (from/to centrally located locations)
- LUXURY/COMFORT Options - Private hotel pick-up service (from centrally located locations)
- LUXURY Option - Meet and greet with the guide at your accommodation (if centrally located)
- Tickets to the Vatican Museums
- Professional Licensed Blue Badge Tour Guide for A Private Walking Tour
- Shortcut to St. Peter's Basilica
- Visit to the Sistine Chapel
- Food and drinks
- Early Morning BASIC OPTION - Transfers not included
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Dress code: Modest attire required for places of worship and selected museums; no shorts or sleeveless tops allowed, cover knees and shoulders for both men and women to avoid entry refusal.
- Timings and reservations subject to availability and administrative decisions; may undergo last-minute changes.
- Please notify us of any mobility issues or disabilities.
- Museums partially accessible for visitors using wheelchairs; St. Peter's Basilica will not be included.
- Comfortable footwear recommended for moderate walking during the tour.
- Possible last-minute closures of St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel for religious ceremonies; no refunds for unplanned disruptions.
- Children under 18 require a valid passport or ID for age verification on the day of the tour.
- Please review the confirmation message sent one day before the tour for final details.
- Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration or closed due to extraordinary celebrations. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes
- To ensure the safety and well-being of all our guests, every reservation that includes minors (under 18) must be accompanied by at least one adult. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept bookings made exclusively by unaccompanied minors.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You can choose to be picked up from a list of locations, or alternatively, have the choice to make your own way to the meeting points
Please arrive at the pick up point 15 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
For the EARLY BIRD LUXURY OPTION pick-up, drop-off, and meet and greet with the guide at the accommodation are included in the tour cost. Guests should be at 7:45 AM down the lobby ready for the transfer. For the EARLY BIRD COMFORT OPTION pick-up and meet and greet with the guide at the accommodation are included in the tour cost. Guests should be at 7:45 AM down the lobby ready for the transfer. For the EARLY MORNING BASIC OPTION transfers are NOT INCLUDED. Guests will meet their guide at 8:00 AM directly on-site, at the designated meeting point. YOU WILL BE CONTACTED BY THE AGENCY FOR ANY CHANGE.
Meeting Points
- For the EARLY MORNING BASIC OPTION, transfers are NOT INCLUDED. Guests will meet their guide at 7:30 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 last name on it.
End Points
- For guests who booked the LUXURY OPTION the drop-off service is included.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
• 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
