Semi Private Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museum and Basilica Tour

At a glance

Semi Private Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museum and Basilica Tour is a 3h small-group experience in Rome, Italy, operated by Europe Odyssey Tours di Rahul Raghavan & C.sas. Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 202 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $68.72 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Professional English speaking guide with a clear diction, Ear phones are included for groups of 6 or more.

Quick facts

Duration

3h

Group

Small group, up to 10 travellers

Languages

English

Pickup

Meet at the start point

Confirmation

Instant confirmation

Ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Cancellation

Free cancellation (see policy)

Overview

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 · 2h

   Start your tour at the renowned Vatican Museums. Aside from being the home of the Pope, Vatican city is also home to the Vatican Museums, the world’s largest collection of art with 9 miles of art that could wrap around the Vatican walls 4 ½ times! It contains 54 museums, 1400 rooms, chapels, and galleries. Aside from the renowned Sistine Chapel, the museums also display the only work of Leonardo Da Vinci in Rome, St. Jerome, the Raphael Rooms, and the Pinoteca, which contains collections of the Popes, all dating back to the middle ages and are set in chronological order.

2. Stop 2 · 30m

   Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel is possibly the most well known masterpiece in modern day, with over 5 million visitors per year. It was a project the artist took on reluctantly because his focus was sculptures, and he would complain about the physical toll it took on his body. It is said that the design of the chapel from Pope Sixtus IV, is modeled after Solomon’s temple from the Old Testament, measuring at just larger than a professional basketball court! There are many more frescoes to admire here from other artists, including: Domenico Ghirlandaio, Pietro Perugino, Cosimo Roselli and Sandro Botticelli.

3. Stop 3 · 30m

   You will head through a secret entry into our last stop on the tour, St. Peter's Basilica: the largest basilica in the world, with markings inside the church to ensure every other basilica would fit inside. The curious visitor is treated to Michelangelo’s Pieta at the front, 150 mosaics, and Bernini’s baldacchino, which stands at 96 feet tall and 100,000 pounds of bronze! Surprisingly, there is only one actual painting in the basilica, and it can be spotted hanging above the Pieta. Many popes are buried in the church or are on display, but most of the popes are buried underneath the basilica including St. Peter, the first pope.

Meeting point

Good to know

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Please bring a bottle of water per person.
• Carry medium size back packs as large ones will be checked into the cloak room and involves a long walk to get them back.
• The following items along with the bags will have to be checked into the cloak room: glass bottles of any kind, swiss knives, wine openers, large tripods and large bags.
• Photography is permitted in most rooms but without flash. It is prohibited to photograph inside the Sistine Chapel.
• Entry to St. Peter's Basilica may be subject to unexpected closures or limited availability of tickets. If an area typically included in the tour is closed, our guide will provide an explanation and show an additional site or gallery to compensate As these circumstances are beyond our control, we appreciate your patience and understanding.
• You can also chose to climb the dome on your own, for a separate fee.
• On Wednesdays the Basilica is closed until noon due to the Papal Audience.
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
• A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
• Bring Umbrellas that can fold and are not long have a pokey end
• The tour ends in front on the Basilica. You can spend more time inside the Basilica but you cannot go back to the Sistine Chapel nor the Museum.
• Not recommended for clients who cannot climb and decent stairs

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Frequently asked questions