The Vatican City is located in the heart of Rome, completely surrounded by the Italian capital. Ruled by the pope, the Vatican is a city-state and the seat of the Roman Catholic Church.
And while it’s a major religious destination, the Vatican is mainly visited because of its rich art and cultural heritage.
After all, the Vatican Museums are home to some of the most striking and historically important pieces of art in the world! Paintings, sculptures, and jaw-dropping frescoes by Italy’s most famous artists adorn its chapels and galleries. I highly recommend adding it to your Rome itinerary!
Visiting the Vatican is, in my opinion, only truly worth it with a tour. There’s too much history, symbolism, and culture to unravel, and you’ll only fully grasp it if an expert is leading the way.
Booking a private tour of the Vatican ensures you have a personalized and overall more enjoyable experience. Around 5 million people visit the city-state every year, and the museums can get terribly crowded, meaning that group tours are usually big, and not as informative.
Private visits, on top of being catered to your interests, often offer after-hours or early access to avoid the masses, as well as entry to rarely-visited parts of the museums.
In this article, we’ve compiled the top private tours of the Vatican to ensure your visit is nothing but memorable. A professional guide will be at your group’s disposal to provide fascinating insights about each location.
Are you ready to delve into world-class art and history like a VIP? Read on!
Why should you trust me? I’m Italian, born and raised in a city not that far from Rome, in Bologna. I’ve had the chance to travel around Italy extensively, both during the years I lived in the country and on my numerous visits afterward.
My expertise of the region, combined with 10 years in the travel industry, curating travel guides and tours from all over the world, have trained my eye to spot the best tours and experiences from the rest. You can expect to find only the top options in my articles.
I generally use Viator and Get Your Guide to book tours around the world. I especially recommend them for their great cancellation policy. You can cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
Limited time? These are the top tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Private Early Bird Vatican Museums Tour |
| VIP SISTINE CHAPEL | VIP Key Master’s Tour: Open The Sistine Chapel |
| ROME TOUR WITH VATICAN | Best of Rome in a Day Private Guided Tour |
| PAPAL AUDIENCE | Papal Audience in Rome Private Tour |
| FAMILY-FRIENDLY TOUR | Family Vatican Highlight Scavenger Hunt |
OUR PICK: Early-Bird Private Vatican Tour
Unlock the Vatican’s secrets with a Private Early Bird Vatican Museums Tour, that sets you apart from the everyday tourist. First thing in the morning, you’ll step into a world where Renaissance art, culture, and history live and breathe.
Wander the Vatican Museums to marvel at sculptures, tapestries, and the intricate Gallery of Maps. Then, be awestruck by the Sistine Chapel, home to two Michelangelo masterpieces: the impressive ceiling fresco, and The Last Judgment painting.
You’ll also get to explore St. Peter’s Basilica, where you’ll admire Bernini’s Baldcchino altar, and the famous Pieta.
Choose the luxury option for a ride straight from your Rome hotel, and a tour customized to your interests.
Why is this the best tour? You’ll visit first thing in the morning, avoiding the swarms of tourists that go later in the day. A comprehensive tour around all the major Vatican locations will be led by an expert guide, and you’ll get to customize the experience.
Plus, hotel roundtrip rides are available as an add-on.
Read what the reviews say
“Put simply, one of the best private tours we have ever been on in Europe. The tour was well organized and provided a wealth of insight. We didn’t have to wait in any lines, and as soon as we were done our van pulled up to drive us back to our hotel. If you want an informed, lux, professional and impactful tour – look no further.’’
Robert_T – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Tickets to the Vatican, a guided tour, and hotel transfers. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Great Options To Consider
▶️ Zoom past the long lines into a world where art and history collide with this Private Vatican Museums Hidden Gems Tour with Optional Pick-Up.
With a savvy guide leading the way, you’ll get to admire Raphael’s dynamic paintings and Caravaggio’s dramatic scenes. All the while, gain insights into their creations and their significance.
Uncover hidden treasures as you wander around rooms that are usually off-limits, and marvel at the Sistine Chapel’s artwork.
You’ll end the tour by accessing St. Peter’s Basilica through a side entrance, bypassing the main queue. Upgrade the excursion to include hassle-free hotel pick-up and drop-off.
This tour includes: A private walking tour, a guide, and skip-the-line tickets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ On this Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Basilica & Papal Tombs Private Tour, skip the line to explore the Vatican Museums’ gems.
Alongside a professional guide, who’s an expert in the Vatican City’s history, you’ll discover the jaw-dropping Sistine Chapel. A tour around the Raphael Rooms and the famous Octagonal Courtyard is also included.
Delve into the history and meaning of the various artistic pieces, stand in front of Michelangelo’s frescoes, and pay a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica. There, you’ll have the opportunity to check out the Papal Tombs and their incredible sculptures.
This tour includes: A tour guide, skip-the-line tickets, and a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Open the Sistine Chapel Tour
Ready for an experience like no other? Join this VIP Key Master’s Tour: Open The Sistine Chapel to unlock the doors of the Vatican Museums in the morning.
You’ll join the site’s Key Master, and watch as they open the Sistine Chapel before wandering through art-filled halls without any crowds.
This exclusive, small-group tour grants early bird access and a Vatican guide to spill the beans on every masterpiece you come across. You’ll get to explore the Raphael Rooms, the Octagonal Courtyard, the Galleries of Maps and Tapestries, and the Museums.
Note: Although not private, this small-group tour offers unparalleled exclusivity in experiencing the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
This tour includes: An official Vatican guide, all entrance tickets, and witnessing the opening of the Sistine Chapel. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Rome Tours with Vatican Museums
▶️ Dive into the heart of the Eternal City with the Best of Rome in a Day Private Guided Tour Including Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and Colosseum.
This 6-hour excursion takes you around Rome with an expert guide, showcasing the city’s major attractions. Start with a visit to the Colosseum, where you’ll learn about the gladiators’ battles and other events that took place there.
Then, make your way to the nearby Roman Forum, the political center of the Roman Empire. The trip will also take you to the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, and grant you free time to grab lunch.
The final destination is the Vatican, where you’ll visit its fascinating museums and the Sistine Chapel with an expert in its art and history. Tickets to all the attractions are covered, so there’s nothing for you to plan!
This tour includes: A professional guide, a tour of Rome, and all entrance fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Zip through the capital’s ancient glory with this VIP Tour of Rome (3/5/8hrs) Colosseum & Vatican Museums.
Kick off the experience, which can last anywhere between 3 to 8 hours (your choice!) with exclusive access to the Vatican Museums.
You’ll first visit the awe-striking Sistine Chapel, soaking up the grandeur of Michelangelo’s ceiling fresco. Then, visit St. Peter’s Basilica with an expert guide, learning about its fascinating art and architecture.
Continue to the city of Rome for an equally informative tour around the city. You’ll explore the Colosseum, the historic Roman Forum, and the imposing Pantheon.
Depending on the length of your trip, you’ll also check out the Spanish Steps, Campo de Fiori, and Piazza Navona. With luxury hotel pickups in a sleek van, this tour offers a unique and customizable dive into Rome’s richness!
This tour includes: A tour guide, a private chauffeur, and hotel pick-up and drop-off. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Family-Friendly Tours of the Vatican
▶️ Unlock the wonders of Vatican City on a Rome: 2.5-Hour Family Vatican Highlight Scavenger Hunt. Your group of 4 will learn informative details about the Vatican while your guide keeps the children entertained on a scavenger hunt.
Get fast-track access to the Vatican Museums, and explore them while uncovering secrets through games and riddles. Listen to captivating stories, win prizes, and end the trip at the glorious St. Peter’s Square.
This tour includes: A local guide, a tour around the Vatican Museums, and a scavenger hunt. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ A fun alternative is this Private Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour for Kids & Families. Skip the queue at the Vatican Museums, and explore them with a professional guide who has plenty of experience with children.
In an easy, fun manner, they’ll take you around the galleries, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. You’ll learn about the art pieces and their history as the kids discover fun facts through quizzes and puzzles.
This tour includes: A local guide, activities for the children, and skip-the-line tickets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Papal Audience with Private Transport & Guide
Ever dreamt of seeing the Pope up close but not quite on the VIP list? The Papal Audience in Rome Private Tour is your golden ticket!
Every Wednesday, the Pope holds an audience at the Vatican which you’ll get to attend. With a savvy guide leading the way, you’ll score great spots among the crowd, and watch Pope Francis’ blessings and hymns from up close.
Plus, door-to-door transfers mean you’ll enjoy comfort and a hassle-free experience. The overall experience lasts 4 hours. Please note that this tour is available only when the Pope is home in the Vatican.
This tour includes: Hotel roundtrip transfers, tickets to the Papal Audience, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Vatican Wheelchair Accessible Tour
Check out this Rome: Vatican and Sistine Chapel Wheelchair-Accessible Tour. It’s a 3-hour guided excursion that includes skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and the iconic Sistine Chapel.
A professional guide will provide insights as they take you around the site through the fully accessible entrances.
You’ll get to admire Michelangelo’s art masterpieces, step into Raphael’s Rooms, and wheel down the opulent halls with your private group.
This tour includes: Skip-the-line tickets, a guide, and a wheelchair-accessible tour. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Shore Excursions from Civitavecchia with the Vatican
▶️ Enjoy an exclusive excursion with this VIP tour of Rome from Civitavecchia, Colosseum & Vatican (10hrs). You’ll be picked up at the port, and enjoy a comfortable ride to the city’s major attractions.
Enjoy a private stroll through the Vatican, where you’ll get to admire the impressive Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the art-filled Raphael Rooms. A guide will be ready to provide all the information you require about the pieces.
Then, make your way to the city of Rome and explore the ancient Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Circus Maximus.
You’ll get to customize the tour to suit your interests, including most Roman attractions! The trip is capped at 7 travelers and ends at the Port of Civitavecchia just in time for you to board the ship.
Skip-the-line entrance tickets can be included.
This tour includes: A customizable itinerary, a private guide, and transfers from the Port of Civitavecchia. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Zoom off from your ship on this Private Shore Excursions to Rome from Civitavecchia Cruise Port with Driver.
You’ll spend an entire day discovering the wonders of the Eternal City, such as the iconic Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Colosseum.
Stroll through Piazza Navona, climb the Spanish Steps, and pay a visit to the Vatican Museums and its majestic Sistine Chapel. You’ll skip the lines to make the most of your time, and enjoy free time to explore the art galleries and vast chambers.
You can choose to include a private guide at the Vatican City for an extra fee.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers from the port, a driver, entrance to the Vatican Museums, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
