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Vatican Private Express Tour

with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica

Sistine Chapel Express Private Tour ★★★★★ 5 based on 4 reviews.
5 1
Group size: Private Tour Language: English Duration: 2.5 hrs Start Time: 8:30 AM

2020 travellers' choiceStreamline your Vatican visit with a personal insider who knows not only the history but also all the shortcuts, bypasses, and timesavers. We’ll whizz pass the nonessentials and shine the spotlight on the two main protagonists of the show – the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.

At a Glance Why You’ll Love It

vatican express tour
Enter the Vatican Museums a full half-hour before the general public and head straight to the Sistine Chapel for a uniquely uncrowded visit to Michelangelo’s two most famous frescos.
Focus your Vatican visit with a concise 2.5-hour itinerary covering all the major masterpieces inside the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica in the early morning when crowds are at their minimum.
Explore the sights with your own private tour guide! You’ll have plenty of space to interact, ask questions and satisfy your every curiosity about the Vatican and its art.

Tour Summary Get in the Know

The Perfect Vatican Tour In Only 2.5 Hours

On a tight sightseeing schedule? Traveling with some not-so-museum-loving kids? Or just looking to maximize your precious time in the Eternal City? Whatever your reason may be, we are happy to announce that there is in fact a way to get the best of the Vatican without making it a full-day affair. On our whistle-stop tour of the Vatican featuring the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, you will breeze past all lines and fast-track straight to the main must-sees in only 2.5 hours.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves; there is no better way to start a morning of sightseeing in the Vatican City than with the quintessential Italian breakfast in the pleasant company of an expert local. Get to know your guide over a scrumptious croissant and a cup of hot coffee (or a fresh orange juice for the youngsters) before taking the 2-minute walk to the Vatican Museums’ entrance.

Experience the Sistine Chapel Before the Crowds

We could save the best for last… but we’d rather make your jaw drop right off the bat! Gawk at stunning tapestries, lifelike sculptures, and intricate Baroque ceilings on the art-filled route to the very crown jewel of the Vatican – the glorious Sistine Chapel. With exclusive access to the Museums and all of their treasures one hour before the general public, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to marvel at Michelangelo’s piece de résistance in the blissful peace it deserves – without the usual rush and crush of tourists.

The exceptional storytelling skills of our official Vatican tour guides are put to good use as you learn more about the man behind the world’s most famous ceiling. Hot-tempered and never one to shy away from controversy, Michelangelo has left quite a few intriguing tales for posterity. The Renaissance “rock star” was known to avenge himself against the few who had the courage to criticize his work – using a paintbrush as his only weapon. One who learned this the hard way was Biagio da Cesena, the Master of Papal Ceremonies under Pope Paul III. Tucked away in the bottom right corner of the enormous Last Judgment fresco, this critic can be found – hand-painted in Hell, surrounded by snakes and demons. You can imagine what he must have done to deserve this – or you can let us fill you in on the backstory.

In Awe of St. Peter’s Basilica Immense & Sublime

Navigating from one masterpiece to another, we’ll save hours in line by taking advantage of an exclusive passage from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica. The majestic church can fit up to 65,000 people but, fortunately for us, we won’t have to worry about fighting crowds at this time of day. Listen to enthralling stories of the popes, pilgrims, and artistic prodigies who have left their marks on this iconic Catholic site as you explore its every nook and cranny. Some of the awe-inspiring highlights include Bernini’s massive bronze Baldachin and, yet another of Michelangelo’s chef d’œuvres – the towering 446-foot tall dome.

Lastly, we’ll stop to admire the sculptural wonder of the Pietá, one of the finest treasures of the Renaissance. The calmness of the Virgin Mary’s unspoken suffering as she cradles her dying son has moved viewers for over 500 years and continues to do so to this day. Take a moment to study the folds and creases in Mary’s dress and the tension of the muscles in Christ’s body – it’s almost impalpable that such amazing detail and beauty could be made by one man and his chisel. Even more astonishing is the thought that Michelangelo sculpted this masterpiece at the tender age of 24. On your way out your guide will give you an explanation of St. Peter’s Square from the immense portico that overlooks it.

What you’ll See Along the Way

Breakfast in our Office
Intro in our Office
Sistine Chapel
St. Peter's Basilica
The Pietà
The Baldachin
St. Peter's Square
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Tour Highlights

  • Breakfast in our Office
  • Intro in our Office
  • Sistine Chapel
  • St. Peter’s Basilica
  • The Pietà
  • The Baldachin
  • St. Peter’s Square

Inclusions

  • Skip-the-line access to Vatican Museums
  • Skip-the-line access to St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Expert English-speaking tour guide
  • Private customizable tour
  • All tickets and reservations

Please Note*

Increased security measures at the Vatican Museums may cause some lines to form for tours with skip the line entry. Customers will still enter with priority over general admission ticket holders.

Early Entry Vatican Sistine Express Tour

What Our Customers Say…

Sistine Chapel Express Private Tour ★★★★★ 5 based on 4 reviews.
5 1

Great tour guide!!

★★★★★
Last year we visited the Sistine Chapel without a guide, so, this year we decided to visit again with a guide and we're so glad we did because we learned so much about the Sistine Chapel from our tour guide Carlotta. She is very knowledgeable but aside from that she is passionate and enthusiastic when speaking/describing the many various things in the Chapel and Basilica. She held our interest from beginning to end! Great tour guide!!
- Aida B

Sistine chapel and St. Peter’s express

★★★★★
Our guide Matteo was amazing! Prior to the tour he gave an overview and history of what we were about to see. This allowed us to look for specific things of interest. Matteo was friendly and knowledgeable and provided a great experience which enabled us to SKIP ALL THE LONG LINES!
- Pam O

Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour

★★★★★
This is a must for anyone vacationing in Rome! Our guide Mateo was amazing! He was so knowledgeable and passionate...I can’t imagine having a better experience. Thank you!
- Carol C

Such knowledge!

★★★★★
So very glad we booked the early morning tour! There were times our group (of 10 I think) had entire halls and rooms to ourselves. The Vatican and Sistine Chapel are must sees when in Rome. My favorite part of the tour was our most knowledgeable guide, Matteo. Not only did he give us wonderful history lessons, but you could tell he has a real passion for what he does. Money well spent!
- Nannette G

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