Skip the ticket lines and enter the Vatican Museums an hour before the general public arrives. On this half-day tour you’ll explore the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica in a small group and with a top-rated tour guide.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 3.5 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Skip the ticket line
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
What customers loved
Experience
Highlights
- Enter the Vatican Museums one hour before the general public
- Skip the ticket line at the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica
- Explore the Museums with a knowledgeable guide
- Enjoy breakfast (coffee and croissants) before the tour departs for the Vatican
Full description
If you are planning a visit to the Vatican and looking for the ultimate VIP experience, this 3.5-hour tour will provide a personalized experience with the guidance of a passionate tour leader.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor wanting to hit all the must-sees or a seasoned Vatican connoisseur in search of hidden gems, you guide will ensure that your Vatican adventure leaves memories that will last a lifetime.
Your tour group will not exceed 12 participants so that you can benefit from the personal attention of your guide.
The Early Morning Vatican Tour makes it possible for you to take in all the highlights and a few lesser known parts of the Vatican’s big 3: the Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.
Your expert guide has years of experience and knows this cultural complex intimately, making it possible to find the least crowded spots and the most breathtaking masterpieces.
Includes
- Skip-the-ticket-line access to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s
- Admission and reservation fees
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
COVID-19 precautions
Customers must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Meet at the local partner’s office. Please contact the local partner for advice if you get lost.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
Not allowed
- Pets
- Shorts
- Smoking
- Luggage or large bags
- Short skirts
- Sleeveless shirts
Know before you go
- Please note:
- All visitors must pass through airport-style security. During high season the wait at security may be up to 30 minutes.
- The first portion of the itinerary is quite fast-paced. For this reason, it is not suitable for those with walking difficulties.
- The Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica require that all visitors have their knees and shoulders covered.
- Bags measuring more than 40x35x15 centimeters as well as tripods, large umbrellas, and objects that could be harmful to other visitors or damage works of art in the Museums, are not allowed into the Vatican Museums and must be stored in the cloakroom. Be aware that the cloakroom is a 20-minute walk from the ending point of the tour.
- St. Peter’s Basilica is an active parish and therefore subject to unforeseen closures for spiritual celebrations. In such cases, if possible, you will be contacted in advance with an alternative tour time or itinerary.
