VATICAN MUSEUMS HIGHLIGHTS WITH SISTINE CHAPEL & ST. PETER’S BASILICA

PREPARE TO BE “WOWED” THROUGHOUT YOUR ENTIRE TOUR

Availability
From Mon to Sat
DURATION
3 Hours
Times
Flexible

Tour Overview

AN EXTRAORDINARY COLLECTION
Few places on Earth boast as many masterpieces as the Vatican Museums, the challenge is to condense this collection into 3 hours of highlights. That's where I come in as your private guide and experienced Archaeologist
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PREPARE TO BE “WOWED”
From the Laocoön to the Sistine Chapel and the Pietà, I’ll guide you through the hidden secrets and intriguing anecdotes behind these marvels, making the experience both unforgettable and persona
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THE SMALLEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD
Gain a glimpse into the everyday life of this unique 100 acres city-state!
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FULL ITINERARY

Experience the Vatican Like Never Before 

A fun and insightful journey with an Expert Vatican Archaeologist

Immerse yourself in the splendor of the Vatican with a guide who combines deep expertise and a love for storytelling. As an archaeologist trained at the prestigious Vatican Archaeology School, I bring years of specialized study and a passion for history to create a tour that is not only educational but also entertaining and engaging.

Step straight inside the Vatican to explore the Vatican Museums


Stepping immediately inside the Vatican Museums with reserved priority entrance tickets, we’ll pass the stunning Vatican terrace where you can take some stunning pictures and soon after that we’ll explore the Vatican’s vast collection: let me share the fascinating details that bring these works to life. Admire the breathtaking Laocoön, a marble sculpture that has captivated Michelangelo and art lovers for centuries. Stroll through the breathtaking Gallery of Maps, featuring one of the oldest maps of Rome, and marvel at the precision and artistry that defined an era. I’ll introduce you to the figures woven into the works of the Hall of Tapestries. I’ll hone in on the highlights of the Gallery of the Candelabra, injecting life into the form of its lifelike marble sculptures. 

The extent of this collection amassed by the popes is truly staggering to comprehend – if you spent just one minute looking at each piece it would take you twelve years…I’m not kidding you! That’s why exploring with an expert, veteran guide is the best way to see the Vatican, condensing the vastness of its highlights so you don’t miss a thing.

 

Enjoy the magnificent Sistine Chapel

Marvel at Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes, from the iconic Creation of Adam to the Last Judgment. I’ll guide you through the hidden secrets and intriguing anecdotes behind this Renaissance marvel, making the experience both unforgettable and personal and giving you the space and silence to appreciate Michelangelo’s masterpiece for yourself.

Finish your Vatican & Sistine Chapel tour in Saint Peter’s Basilica

No Vatican tour would be complete without a visit to Saint Peter’s Basilica. Another of Michelangelo’s architectural commissions (his last, in fact), Saint Peter’s holds the highest honour of being the world’s largest Christian basilica in the world’s smallest state.

 

I’ll feed all your curiosity about the history and legends surrounding this church, introducing you to its masterful mosaics and awe-inspiring artworks.

 

Nourish your knowledge with the story of Bernini’s Canopy and what it was made for, and linger in awe before Michelangelo’s story in stone of the Pietà, a heart-rendering sculpture of Mary holding the body of her crucified son, considered as a masterpiece of grace and emotion.

Step into the heart of the Vatican and admire its grandeur. Pause before Michelangelo’s Pietà, , and uncover the stories that make this basilica a true wonder of the world.

Along the way, you’ll hear original stories about the popes, Michelangelo, Raphael, and the history of the Vatican. My goal is to show you the Vatican Museums through my eyes, blending my love for details with a focus on the highlights. This tour is about learning while enjoying a relaxed, lighthearted atmosphere.

This is a unique opportunity to see these treasures with the time and space to appreciate their majesty. Spaces are very limited. Reserve your date with the great masters now!
Choose a tour where history, art, and humor come together for an extraordinary experience.

100% refund up to 2 weeks prior to the start of your tour.
50% refund from 2 weeks up to 72 hours prior to the start of your tour.
When canceled less than 72 hours before the start of your tour, we will do our best to reschedule you or issue you a credit to use on any of our upcoming tours. This credit won’t expire until you use it!

I always purchase your tickets in advance (to save any waiting in line) so they are non-refundable.

If you have a medical emergency, or your travel plans change due to unforeseen circumstances, please contact me as soon as possible at hello@ninainrome.com or call me at +39 3314451245. I will work with you to make your time with me as stress-free as possible.

Where do we meet for our tour?

All my Vatican tours start from a location in the proximity of the entrance of the Vatican Museums. You will get full details of the exact location in the confirmation form I will send you upon booking one of my tours. Should you want me to pick you up at our hotel, just ask me in advance! 

What are the blackout dates for your Vatican tour?

Jan 1 New Year’s Day – Morning & afternoon tours closed
Dec 24 Christmas Eve – Afternoon tours closed

Dec 25 Christmas Day – Morning & afternoon Tours closed
Dec 31 New Year’s Eve – Afternoon Tours closed

How soon should I book?
Some of my guests  book many months in advance, some others at the last minute. In general, a few weeks’ notice is wise, especially in the busier months (from MAy to October).

Will there be a bathroom break or a rest stop during your Vatican tour?
Yes! There will be at least two bathrooms or rest stops along the way.

 
Is there a mandatory dress code at the Vatican Museums?
While visiting the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica all tourists are asked to have their shoulders and knees covered. I always suggest bringing a light scarf or a shawl to cover yourself when required.

Can I take pictures during the Vatican Tour?
Pictures are allowed, without flash, throughout most of the galleries in the Museums and in St. Peter’s Basilica. No pictures and no videos while visiting the Sistine Chapel. Please do share your best ones on Facebook or Instagram!

Is the Vatican wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Vatican Museums are wheelchair accessible. Visitors who need to use a wheelchair have the chance to use their wheelchair or to rent one for free in the Museums’ lobby. The Vatican offers free entry to all disabled visitors with certified invalidity of more than 74%. For visitors who are not self-sufficient, free entry is also provided to a companion. The free entry tickets which include priority entry are issued upon presentation of a certificate of invalidity at the Reception desks in the hall of the Museums.

Can we find a taxi or ride after the tour?
I’ll show you at the end of the tour where to find the closest taxi stand. If there are no white cabs, app-based services like Uber are available too. 

Can children come on this tour?
Of course! I love seeing kids’ reactions to the awesome artworks and hearing their questions. Over the years, several energetic and curious kids/teens have enjoyed my tours, especially when they “get” that I’m not testing them with questions, just trying to prompt their observations. Kids will have fun while learning in the environments where history happened!

How much do your tours cost?
Pricing varies with each tour. It depends on the number of participants, admission fees, transportation costs and other factors. I will always try to budget the tours to your needs!

Are gift certificates available for this tour?
Yes, gift certificates are available for all of my tours!

✔️ Make sure to bring your phone or camera to take amazing pictures!

✔️ Bring with you a bottle of water (NO GLASS), we will be able to refill it during the tour 😉

✔️ Sunscreen and a hat are highly recommended, especially during the summertime!

✔️️ Dress appropriately for the weather and don’t  forget comfortable shoes!