Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Private Tour w/Holy Door Access
Explore the wonders of Vatican City on this exclusive private tour, offering a guided visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, with special access to the Holy Door. With skip-the-line privileges, bypass long queues and dive straight into the Vatican’s artistic and historical treasures.
Your journey begins in the Vatican Museums, where your expert guide will lead you through the most renowned galleries, unveiling masterpieces from ancient sculptures to Renaissance frescoes.
Next, step into the Sistine Chapel and admire Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment, two of the most celebrated works in art history.
Conclude with special access to the Holy Door, a sacred threshold opened only during Jubilee Years. This marks the end of the guided portion, but you may independently explore St. Peter’s Basilica at your own pace.
Options
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Private Tour w/Holy Door Access
What's included in Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Private Tour w/Holy Door Access
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Immerse yourself in a world of artistic and historical marvels within the Vatican Museums. Explore vast galleries brimming with sculptures, paintings, and artifacts, spanning from ancient civilizations to the Renaissance. Your expert guide will navigate you through iconic spaces like the Gallery of Maps, featuring intricate cartographical masterpieces, revealing the geographical understanding of the past.
Sistine Chapel
Prepare to be awestruck by the Sistine Chapel, a pinnacle of Renaissance art. Gaze upwards at Michelangelo's breathtaking ceiling frescoes, depicting scenes from the Book of Genesis, and marvel at the powerful Last Judgement adorning the altar wall. Your knowledgeable guide will unveil the rich symbolism and stories hidden within these artistic wonders.
St. Peter's Basilica
Enter St. Peter’s Basilica through the Holy Door, gaining direct access to the world’s largest church. Once inside, explore at your own pace and take in the breathtaking grandeur of this sacred space. Admire the intricate mosaics, towering columns, and magnificent sculptures that fill the vast interior. Marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà, a deeply moving depiction of the Virgin Mary holding the body of Christ, and stand beneath Bernini’s majestic bronze canopy, which soars above the main altar. While this part of the visit is self-guided, the Basilica’s awe-inspiring beauty and rich history speak for themselves, making for an unforgettable experience.
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line to the Vatican Museums
- Expert Private Guide: Your own knowledgeable guide will lead you through Vatican City
- Headsets to hear the guide better (from 6 & more participants)
- Access St. Peter's Basilica from the Holy Door
- Bypass the queues & maximize your time exploring with pre-reserved tickets
- Transfer services
- Gratuities
- Dome access is not included. Tickets (€10 per person) can be purchased inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Due to uneven surfaces and numerous stairs within the Museums, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Please contact us to discuss accessible tour options or alternative arrangements
- Free admission with a certified disability card of 74% or higher. Companions for non-self-sufficient visitors also enter for free. Please notify the tour provider at booking
- All visitors must have their shoulders and knees covered to enter the Museums & Basilica
- During busy periods, increased visitor numbers may lead to longer wait times for security checks and the mandatory collection of Vatican headsets
- In the rare case of basilica closure your expert guide will curate an alternative itinerary within the Vatican to ensure a memorable experience
- During a Papal transition, the Sistine Chapel may close without notice for the Papal Conclave. Access is not guaranteed, and no refunds will be issued for closures.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Meet Your Guide: Make your way to Via Vittor Pisani, 6/8. Look for our friendly Wanderwise staff holding a flag – they'll be ready to greet you and begin your Vatican adventure!
End Points
- End Point: The tour concludes at St. Peter's Square. Transportation: Public Transportation: The closest metro station is Ottaviano - Musei Vaticani (Line A). This station offers convenient connections to other parts of Rome. Taxi: Taxis are readily available near St. Peter's Square.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Meet Your Guide: Make your way to Via Vittor Pisani, 6/8. Look for our friendly Wanderwise staff holding a flag – they'll be ready to greet you and begin your Vatican adventure! Please plan ahead. Be sure to attive at least 10 minutes before the tour's start time.
