Skip the long lines and enjoy exclusive early-bird entrance to the Vatican and tour the museums and Sistine Chapel like a VIP. The 3-hour tour will get you access to one of the greatest art collections in the world before the crowds arrive.
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 hours
- Starting time 7:30 AM
- Skip the line through a separate entrance
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, French, German, Spanish
- Wheelchair accessible
- Private group
Experience
Highlights
- Skip the long lines to the Vatican Museums
- Walk through the Pinecone Courtyard and Garden Terrace
- Explore the Octagonal Courtyard and Belvedere Palace
- Admire the Sistine Chapel long before the crowds arrive
- See one of the greatest art collections in the world, unhindered
- Admire the Galley of Maps, Raphael Rooms and more
- Go to St. Peter's Basilica in the soft morning light
Full description
Enjoy an exclusive and private tour of the Vatican, with early entrance to avoid the crowds.
The tour starts at 08:00, before the general public are admitted, providing a special opportunity to see the treasures of the Vatican Museums and visit a freshly awakened Sistine Chapel almost unhindered
Explore the highlights of the papal palace, from the Greek statues of the Lacoon to the Tapestries and the exquisite Raphael Rooms. Tailor your visit to include the aspects of the collections you want to see, whether in the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, or St. Peter’s Basilica.
Your personal guide will not only enlighten you with the Vatican’s fascinating history, but share bits of papal gossip and little-known stories about the popes and artists represented.
Includes
- Skip-the-line entrance to the Vatican Museums
- All reservation and administration fees
COVID-19 precautions
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Meet in front of Cafè Vaticano, Viale Vaticano 100, across the street from the Vatican Museum entrance. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to tour commencement
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
Know before you go
- Large bags, bigger than 15.7 inch x 13.7 inch x 6 inch (40 cm x 35 cm x 15 cm), and/or an umbrella (if not foldable), must be checked into the wardrobe of the entrance hall. It is recommended to leave these items at home
- Dress Code: cover knees and shoulders
- Occasionally the basilica may be closed due to last minute private events outside of the tour operators control and often without notice. In these uncommon circumstances the tour will operate as usual and the time spent inside the basilica will be enjoyed by an extended tour in an alternative area
