Vatican Museums Private Tour: Sistine Chapel and Necropolis Scavi
Description
Your guide will escort you into the Vatican Museums while skipping the mass queues waiting outside. Marvel in the spectacular museum galleries & bask in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. After being within such breathtaking surroundings, you might think at this point you’ve seen all that is on offer, but with our Ultimate Express Vatican experience, we will also guide you through the Scavi (Underground) area of the Vatican. With many myths and secrets, your guide will open up a new mysterious world.
Tour Options
Itinerary
With our Prime Tour, we get you inside the Museums at its first access. Watch the Vatican Museum Galleries slowly come to life.
The Courtyard of the “Pigna”, created from the 16th century area of the “Belvedere”
The Vatican Museums' Gallery of Tapestries showcases stunning 15th and 16th-century tapestries, intricately woven with scenes from biblical and historical narratives. Inspired by designs from Raphael’s school, this gallery highlights the artistic sophistication and storytelling of the Renaissance.
The Gallery of Maps, inside the Vatican Museums, displays a stunning collection of topographical maps of Italy. Created in the 16th century under Pope Gregory XIII, these beautifully painted maps span 120 meters, offering a unique geographical snapshot of the Italy of the past.
The Gallery of the Candelabra is a part of the Vatican Museums, showcasing a rich collection of Greek and Roman statues, sarcophagi, and reliefs. It is named for the grand marble candelabra that decorate it, dividing the gallery into thematic sections. Set up in the late 18th century, the gallery merges ancient art with stunning architectural details, providing visitors a journey through history and beauty.
The Sistine Chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere (pontiff from 1471 to 1484) who had the old Cappella Magna restored between 1477 and 1480. It is known throughout the world both for being the place where the conclave and other official ceremonies of the Pope are held (in the past also some papal coronations), and for being decorated with one of the most famous and celebrated works of art of artistic civilization the frescoes by Michelangelo.
Enjoy the breathtaking Saint Peter's Basilica, shrine of Christianity and Art. You will marvel at the Priceless Pietà, by Michelangelo, and stop by the venerable tomb of Saint John Paul II & Pope Karol Wojtyla. The Pietà (1498–1499) is a work of Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti, housed in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.
The Vatican Necropolis, beneath St. Peter's Basilica, is an ancient cemetery from the 1st century AD, believed to house St. Peter's tomb. It's a significant archaeological site, accessible only by guided tour.
This monumental elliptical space, enclosed by 284 Doric columns four rows deep (196m wide and 148m long), is the masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who laid it out during the pontificates of Alexander VII and of Clement IX.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Centrally located hotel/accommodation in Rome (within the Aurelian Walls)
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 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 moderate amount of walking is involved - comfortable shoes are recommended
- Minimum age is 15 years
- During the Scavi visit, visitors may be affected by the altered environmental conditions of temperature and humidity. Those who have special physical problems, subject to increase under these conditions, including claustrophobia, are advised not to access the site
- St. Peter's Basilica may close at the last minute for ceremonies or masses without warning
- Please advise if anyone in your group has mobility issues
- To ensure the safety and well-being of all our guests, every reservation that includes minors (under 18) must be accompanied by at least one adult. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept bookings made exclusively by unaccompanied minors.
Reviews(9)
Expensive but worth it. Gio was great, we learned so much and would not have understood most of the experience without her. Please be respectful of the location and traditions. It is one of the most incredible places on Earth. The art is unfathomable, and the history like nothing you have ever heard. Wear lightweight coverings, it’s very hot. The experience will take your breath away.
Thank you for such a thoughtful review. It means a lot to know the experience left such a lasting impression, and we'll be sure to pass your kind words on to Gio. Grazie! Gio, and the CityEyes Team
Vatican tour was so good and Katie was the absolute best. Please do yourself a favor and book with Katie. So easy to understand and relate to and passionate about telling the stories of the vatican
Amazing tour and tour guide. My tour guide was so patient with my slow walking and so very helpful. She took time to thoroughly explain what we were seeing. There is so much to see it is a bit overwhelming, but she did a great job and focusing on the key things and explain explaining the history and beauty of it all. Her thoroughness helped with the enjoyment of this tour. She was very considerate asking if I needed to rest or use the facilities several times throughout the tour.If you happen to get Ellie for a tour guide, you are in for a real treat.
Wonderful, Guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and we learned alot. Worth every penny. Highly recommend!
Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that your guide’s knowledge and friendliness made the tour so rewarding, and that you found it well worth the value. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again soon! Kind regards, The Eyes of Rome Team
The sites are spectacular. My guide Elisse was wonderful. Your customers might want to know that they will be on their feet for almost all the tour.
The Scavi and Vatican tours were absolutely the highlight of our trip to Italy. Our guides, Elisa for the Vatican museums, St. Peter's and the Sistine chapel and Kiran for the Scavi tour, were absolutely excellent. Elisa managed to get us through construction and changing entrance procedures smoothly on a very busy day there, even organizing an impromptu backdoor pickup with our driver when the lay of the land changed. She obviously has good relationships with the Vatican staff which is so helpful and her friendly, warm demeanor was a pleasure for us. She gave us clear instructions and just the right amount of time at each of our stops. The order of sites and timing had to change a bit due to Vatican changes and actually turned out so much better than what we originally planned. Elisa was easy to understand, knowledgeable and so very helpful. We never would have gotten so much out of the visit without her. The Scavi tour with Kiran was an absolutely beautiful experience. She struck a perfect balance between the fascinating archeology and history and the profound religious meaning of the site. Our whole group with varying backgrounds and interests was overcome by the blessing that this experience was. What a gift to employ Kiran in this capacity. We are so very grateful for her knowledge and presentation skills and her ability to convey the full meaning of this once-in-a-lifetime visit. I can't recommend her or the tour more highly!
Ciao Sally, Thank you for your incredible review! We’re thrilled to hear that both Elisa and Kiran made your Scavi and Vatican tours the highlight of your trip. Elisa’s smooth handling of the day’s changes and Kiran’s perfect balance of archaeology, history, and religious significance truly made a difference. We’re grateful for your kind words and high recommendation. We hope to have the pleasure of guiding you again in the future! Arrivederci! Francesca Eyes of Rome Team
I want to start the review with a thanks to Maria, our tour. She was extremely engaging and friendly throughout the tour. She ensured everything went well and we had a good time. She met us at the hotel (pick up was included) and then proceeded to give us a tour as we drove to the Vatican. She was well organized and knew most everyone - making it very quick and easy to get through the various check points/lines with ease. Since this was a very early start (7:20a) we seemingly had a private tour for most of the morning. Many rooms were empty except for us. She explained the history and could answer all of our questions. The Vatican itself was incredible and overall we had an excellent time. We included the Scavi tour as well - which was the one area that while I’m glad I went, I probably wouldn’t do again. This was not an issue with Maria (another guide takes over inside the Necropolis) and it was both long and rather hot/humid underground. If you are claustrophobic, I would be hesitant to recommend this portion of the tour. Still, that part was an incredible piece of history and I’m glad I did it. Back outside, Maria took over and quickly guided us to the Sistine Chapel. We were fortunate on two accounts: the weather was spectacular and the pope was having an audience that day so many special arrangements were happening and the place was buzzing with extra energy. Maria ensured we got to everything we needed to and then assisted us with transportation after we were done (also included). Instead of going back to the hotel, she recommended a few areas and even a lunch place once we decided where to go. Lunch was excellent and we were able to walk around the Piazza Navona area for hours. Highly recommended! Maria is one of the best guides we ever had and made it a great experience. I would also note to have a good breakfast and bring water/water bottle for the tour. You cannot bring much else (cameras/phones/small bags OK) so plan accordingly.
We wer very fortunate to have the services of Barbara De Rosa on our private tour. She was very knowledgeable and explained the various sites in detail. Her English was perfect so we could understand what she was explaining and her sense of humor kept us laughing and interested in what she was saying. We couldn't have asked for a better tour guide.
Grazie for such a positive review, it was great to spend time together! The itinerary at the Vatican Museums is a truly extensive one, as in order to access the Sistine Chapel you have to walk through the Museums Galleries and there is so much to take in! Then the tour continues in Saint Peter's Basilica which is the core of catholic Rome and therefore it hosts artpieces, relics and findings full of layered meanings. Making the tour fun other than just educational is the best way to fully enjoy your time! All is great in good company! Barbara
This walk, without a doubt, was the most special we did. Being in front of what is believed to be the tomb of St. Peter, of his bones, of what was the beginning of Christianity is something very significant. Our guide Ana Paula was very didactic and clear, it was a fantastic experience.
Muito obrigado por esta revisão! Seu guia ficará encantado ao ler que você gostou do passeio! Estamos aguardando uma nova experiência juntos! Até breve! Eyes of Rome
