Vatican Museums

Together with a private guide, guests will discover the highlights of the extensive collection at the Vatican Museums. This private Vatican Tour also includes the fastest possible skip the line access. Explore the Pinecone Courtyard and Belvedere Courtyard, along with the Hall of the Muses, Round Room, and Gallery of the Candelabra. Admire intricate tapestries from some of Raphael's pupils in the Gallery of Tapestries, and historical maps by the Vatican cartographers in the Gallery of the Maps. Do you have a special request or particular interest? Please let me know so I can tailor your experience. We’ll go at your pace and linger as long as you like at the masterpieces. That’s the benefit of having a private guide just for you and your group!

10 minutes

Cortile della Pigna

One of many open-air courtyards located in the Vatican Museums, this is one of the first you will visit. Named for the giant bronze pinecone sculpture that dominates the space.

15 minutes

Sphere within a Sphere (Pass By)

Located in the Pinecone Courtyard, Arnaldo Pomodoro's "Sphere within a Sphere" is one of the museum's more famous pieces of modern art on display. Different iterations of this sculpture are on display throughout the world. Give it a spin!

Museo Pio Clementino

They call them the "Vatican Museums" because they are comprised of many smaller museums, or "wings". The Pio Clementino Museum is the first you will come across on your private tour, and the most important - encompassing the largest number of highlights. Here you will find the Round Room with its giant bronze sculpture of Heracles. You will also find the Room of the Animals, with it's impressive collection of lifelike sculptures of everything for turtles and horses to lions and bears. In the Octagonal Courtyard you will encounter the Laocoön, the very first statue of this collection as well as the the Apollo Belvedere. In the Room of the Muses you will find the famous, twisting, Belvedere Torso. Admire the 3D painted ceilings of the Candelabra Gallery.

45 minutes

Galleria Delle Carte Geografiche

Head with your guide to the Gallery of the Maps and get a perspective of the world how it was five centuries ago. These exquisitely detailed, hand-painted giant maps are a favorite of the Vatican Museums. See if you can find the Italian cities you have visited, or spot the nod to Christopher Columbus' journey to the Americas.

20 minutes

Stanze di Raffaello

Famous painter Raffaello frescoed this series of rooms in the Vatican Museums. Discover them together with your private guide.

15 minutes

Sistine Chapel

Your private visit of the Vatican Museums culminates at Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. No speaking is allowed in the Chapel, so you will enjoy free time on your own to take this masterpiece in.

30 minutes

Museos Vaticanos (Pass By)

The tour concludes at the entrance of the Vatican Museums.

Vatican City (Pass By)

Visit to Vatican Museums - Vatican City

St. Peter's Square

When available, access is provided to St Peter's Basilica, skipping the lines. A tour is not provided inside the Basilica, only access. Your visit will end at the steps of St. Peter's Square with an introduction made by your guide after which you will be on your own to continue exploring.

5 minutes

St. Peter's Basilica (Pass By)

When available, access to St. Peter's Basilica via a special exit from the Sistine Chapel will be included in your tour. This access will allow you to skip the long lines normally required for entry to the Basilica. No tour inside the Basilica will be provided, just access. Please note this is provided in an as available basis and access is not guaranteed. Note: The remaining time is spent between the attractions.