Exclusive Private Tour: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Castel Sant’Angelo
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Rome with this exclusive, private, skip-the-line tour.
Your experience begins with a 3-hour guided exploration of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, two of the world’s greatest cultural treasures.
Your expert guide will lead you through this vast, awe-inspiring collection, showcasing unparalleled masterpieces spanning centuries.
Admire works by Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo, including the breathtaking Last Judgment that adorns the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling. Gain fascinating insights into the history, artistry, and significance of each piece, all while bypassing the crowds with your skip-the-line access.
The next leg of your journey takes you to Castel Sant’Angelo, one of Rome’s most historically rich and architecturally striking landmarks. Originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian, this ancient fortress has been transformed over the centuries into a papal residence, military stronghold, and even a prison. Spend 2 hours exploring its labyrinth of rooms, ramparts, and courtyards, as your guide shares captivating stories of its storied past.
Stroll along its fortress walls and discover its transformation from imperial tomb to medieval castle, and hear about the pivotal role it played in the defense of the Vatican.
At the summit of Castel Sant’Angelo, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Eternal City—Rome’s skyline, the Tiber River, and the Vatican, all stretching before you. These breathtaking vistas offer a unique perspective on the city’s historical layers and beauty, providing you with incredible photo opportunities.
Skip the lines, immerse yourself in history, and explore Rome’s iconic cultural landmarks at your own pace. With your personal guide, you’ll uncover the rich stories, secrets, and legends of these extraordinary sites, making this an experience you’ll cherish forever.
What’s included?
- Entry or admission fee
- Skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel for a seamless experience.
- 3-hour guided tour through the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, led by an expert guide.
- Admire masterpieces by artists such as Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
- Insightful commentary on the history, artistry, and significance of each artwork, including Michelangelo’s Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel.
- 2-hour guided tour of Castel Sant’Angelo, exploring its rich history and architectural beauty.
- Breathtaking panoramic views from the summit of Castel Sant’Angelo, offering unique views of Rome’s skyline, the Tiber River, and the Vatican.
- Private experience with a dedicated guide for personalized attention.
- All entrance fees included for Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Castel Sant’Angelo.
- Exclusive skip-the-line access to avoid long queues at all sites.
Exclusions
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities (recommended)
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Transportation to/from attractions
Please note
- Stroller / pram accessible
- Public transportation nearby
Important Tour Information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Infants must not sit on laps; infant seats unavailable
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Mandatory meeting times:
- Vatican Museum: 20 minutes before departure
- Castel Sant’Angelo: 15 minutes before departure
- Late arrivals cannot join the group and will not receive a refund.
- Dress code: No shorts or sleeveless tops. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.
- Valid photo ID required (e.g., ID card, passport).
- Child discount applies with a valid ID.
- Security checks are mandatory and may cause delays, especially on holidays.
- Large bags not allowed. Only small bags permitted.
- Booking changes not accepted within 24 hours of tour. No refund for changes.
- Pets not allowed.
- Weather, security, or event-related changes are beyond our control and will be handled individually.
- Refund requests must be made within 48 hours of the tour.
- Tour itinerary:
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: 3 hours
- Castel Sant’Angelo: 2 hours
- Face masks recommended, not mandatory.
- Dress code: Knees and shoulders must be covered for entry.
What do I need to bring?
- Valid ID (e.g., ID card, passport, driver’s license).
- Entrance ticket (if not received digitally in advance, it is recommended to have it on hand).
- Appropriate clothing: Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter places of worship, avoiding sleeveless tops and shorts.
- Small bags or backpacks: Large bags and backpacks are not allowed, so bring only small bags.
- Water: It is recommended to bring a bottle of water, especially during warm weather.
- Comfortable shoes: The tour involves a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is advised.
Cancellation policy
- Bookings are non-refundable. All sales are final.
Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest independent city-state, situated within Rome, Italy. It serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, led by the Pope. Notable landmarks include St. Peter’s Basilica and Square, and the Vatican Museums. It is renowned for its cultural and religious significance.
Vatican Museums
Let’s get into the history and secrets of the Catholic Church and hear about the rivalry between the Renaissance artists. Discover the treasures hosted by one of the largest and most-visited museums of the world enriched by a huge number of masterpieces collected through time. Admire the best of the ancient world visiting the Greek and Roman sculpture section. A collection of classical art masterpieces where admire the beauty of several sculpture groups, as for example the statue of Laocoön and His Sons that is one of the most famous ancient sculptures.
Gallery of the Candelabra
Pass along the Chandelier Gallery, a section within the Vatican Museums in Vatican City. Known for its impressive display of ancient Roman sculptures and large candelabra, the gallery offers a rich collection of art and historical artifacts. It is one of the many noteworthy attractions within the Vatican Museums, showcasing classical art in a grand setting.
Gallery of Tapestries
Be astonished by the elegant Tapestry gallery, wallpapered by the finest tapestry worldwide, realized by Raphael’s disciples. The Gallery of Tapestries is a prominent section in the Vatican Museums, located within Vatican City. It is renowned for its extensive collection of intricate and finely woven tapestries. These tapestries, primarily dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, depict various scenes and narratives. The gallery provides visitors with a visual feast of detailed craftsmanship and historical storytelling, making it a significant attraction within the Vatican Museums.
Gallery of Maps
Visit the Maps Gallery, a complete exhibition of maps representing Italy as it was seen by a cartographer in 1581. The Gallery of Maps is a captivating section in the Vatican Museums, situated within Vatican City. It is known for its impressive display of topographical maps of Italy, created in the 16th century. The maps showcase detailed artwork and cartography, offering a historical perspective on Italy’s regions.
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina) is a chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the pope in Vatican City. Originally known as the Cappella Magna (‘Great Chapel’), the chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV, who had it built between 1473 and 1481. Since that time, the chapel has served as a place of both religious and functionary papal activity. Today, it is the site of the papal conclave, the process by which a new pope is selected. The fame of the Sistine Chapel lies mainly in the frescoes that decorate the interior, most particularly the Sistine Chapel ceiling and The Last Judgment, both by Michelangelo.
During the reign of Sixtus IV, a team of Renaissance painters that included Sandro Botticelli, Pietro Perugino, Pinturicchio, Domenico Ghirlandao, and Cosimo Rosselli, created a series of frescos depicting the Life of Moses and the Life of Christ, offset by papal portraits above and trompe-loeil drapery below. These paintings were completed in 1482, and on 15 August 1483, Sixtus IV celebrated the first mass in the Sistine Chapel for the Feast of the Assumption, at which ceremony the chapel was consecrated and dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Between 1508 and 1512, under the patronage of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo painted the chapel’s ceiling, a project which changed the course of Western art and is regarded as one of the major artistic accomplishments of human civilization. In a different political climate, after the Sack of Rome, he returned and, between 1535 and 1541, painted The Last Judgment for Popes Clement VII and Paul III. The fame of Michelangelo’s paintings has drawn multitudes of visitors to the chapel ever since they were revealed five hundred years ago. Admire the major representatives of the Italian art such as Leonardo, Perugino, Beato Angelico, and many more Towards the end of this tour, you will visit the beautiful Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece: The Last Judgement.
Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo
An official experienced guide will escort you around the castle, showing the incredible masterpieces hosted there and telling you all about the castle’s histories along with its role during the history of Rome. Your tour will start just outside Castel Sant’Angelo, where you will find your guide. From there, you will appreciate and admire the incredible and impressive structure of the Castle and its wonderful setting. Once you get inside, you will be impressed by the several treasures hidden there. During the visit you will see: Emperor Adrian’s tomb Popish apartments and bastion Historical prisons Michelangelo’s courtyard An amazing panoramic view from the terrace Castel Sant’Angelo bridge and so much more!
St. Angelo Bridge
Ponte Sant’Angelo, originally the Aelian Bridge or Pons Aelius, is a Roman bridge in Rome, Italy, completed in 134 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian (Publius Aelius Hadrianus), to span the Tiber from the city centre to his newly constructed mausoleum, now the towering Castel Sant’Angelo. The bridge is faced with travertine marble and spans the Tiber with five arches, three of which are Roman; it was approached by means of a ramp from the river. The bridge is now solely pedestrian and provides a scenic view of Castel Sant’Angelo. It links the rioni of Ponte (which was named after the bridge itself), and Borgo, to whom the bridge administratively belongs.
You can start this experience at the following places.
Vatican Museums
00120 Vatican City, VA
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No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.
25 years of experience
Tour in The City was founded in 1990 in response to the ever increasing demand for customized guided tours, in order to visit one of the most important art collections in the World, the eternal city Rome.
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Must-see attractions
Colosseum
The Colosseum, Rome’s legendary ancient arena, once echoed with gladiator battles and grand shows, and now stands as a powerful symbol of the city's eternal legacy.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is a masterpiece of Roman ingenuity, crowned by its iconic dome and central oculus, serving as a temple-turned-church for almost two millennia.
Roman Forum
Once the center of ancient Roman society, the Roman Forum is a vast archaeological park showcasing temples, civic buildings, and storied ruins.
Vatican City
Vatican City, the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, holds a wealth of art, history, and faith, housing St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill, one of Rome’s famed seven hills, was the site of imperial palaces and offers breathtaking views over the city and its ancient ruins.
Galleria Borghese
The Galleria Borghese, set within the lush Villa Borghese gardens, showcases a stunning collection of sculptures and paintings by masters such as Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica, the crown jewel of Vatican City, is a majestic architectural marvel housing Michelangelo’s Pietà and the soaring dome he masterfully designed.
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel, famed for Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring ceiling frescoes, is both a masterpiece of Renaissance art and the sacred setting of the papal conclave.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo, once Emperor Hadrian’s grand mausoleum, now serves as a museum with sweeping views of Rome and a rich history as a fortress and papal stronghold.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain, Rome's largest and most iconic Baroque fountain, is famed for its stunning sculptures.
Testimonials
Hear From Our Happy Explorers!
Martin G
A hot visit to the Colosseum!
Had to collect tickets from a shop near to the Colosseum – lady there was most helpful in explaining where we needed to go and to download apps to our phones for the self audio guide (also gave us some free water with the heat!). Found the entrance easy and then enjoyed the tour – only issue was that the GPS signal wasnt great inside so it was difficult to sync the audio guide to what we were looking at. Took a break before doing the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum – we went on a very hot day and it was hard work walking around – make sure you have plenty of water!! Surfaces were very uneven – which is understandble considering its an ancient monument.
Martin G
FamilyOfFive
Amazing place to visit, weak audio guide
Such an amazing place to visit, it’s easy to understand why this is a must see! The sites were fantastic, but the audio tour was too generic. There were some interesting clips, but not enough about what we were looking at when we were at different points and too much generic history. In retrospect we would have got a lot more from a guide, but it was very nice to go at our own pace.
FamilyOfFive
Eva N
Unforgettable experience!
This tour was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, everything was organized, engaging, and informative. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Colosseum to life with fascinating stories, little-known facts, and a real passion for Ancient Rome.
The skip-the-line access was a huge plus—no waiting around in the hot sun! We also got upgraded for an Arena tour and got to explore areas that aren’t always open to the public, which made the experience feel exclusive and even more special.
Eva N
Poppy B
Very good customer service from Dolly
I was due to travel in August on this holiday however due to operational reasons, the tour may not have run and I was made aware straight away. I dealt with a women called Dolly and she offered me alternative options and we decided to refund the tour which was done promptly. Dolly gave me some brilliant advice and some useful insight to Rome.She was fab!
Poppy B
Tom P
Good day out
Really enjoyed the experience, can’t remember the tour guide’s name but he was very good. Very informative and detailed on the tour which kept me engaged about the history. It wasn’t as busy as usual which was also a pleasant experience. Highly enjoyable, many thanks.
Tom P
James C
Well worth it
Really well organised and our guide was great. Really informative and engaging. You wasn’t rushed and had a nice flow to it.
Would highly recommend this. Not sure you’d capture everything without the guide.
James C
Testimonials
Hear From Our Happy Explorers!
Martin G
A hot visit to the Colosseum!
Had to collect tickets from a shop near to the Colosseum – lady there was most helpful in explaining where we needed to go and to download apps to our phones for the self audio guide (also gave us some free water with the heat!). Found the entrance easy and then enjoyed the tour – only issue was that the GPS signal wasnt great inside so it was difficult to sync the audio guide to what we were looking at. Took a break before doing the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum – we went on a very hot day and it was hard work walking around – make sure you have plenty of water!! Surfaces were very uneven – which is understandble considering its an ancient monument.
Martin G
FamilyOfFive
Amazing place to visit, weak audio guide
Such an amazing place to visit, it’s easy to understand why this is a must see! The sites were fantastic, but the audio tour was too generic. There were some interesting clips, but not enough about what we were looking at when we were at different points and too much generic history. In retrospect we would have got a lot more from a guide, but it was very nice to go at our own pace.
FamilyOfFive
Eva N
Unforgettable experience!
This tour was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, everything was organized, engaging, and informative. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Colosseum to life with fascinating stories, little-known facts, and a real passion for Ancient Rome.
The skip-the-line access was a huge plus—no waiting around in the hot sun! We also got upgraded for an Arena tour and got to explore areas that aren’t always open to the public, which made the experience feel exclusive and even more special.
Eva N
Poppy B
Very good customer service from Dolly
I was due to travel in August on this holiday however due to operational reasons, the tour may not have run and I was made aware straight away. I dealt with a women called Dolly and she offered me alternative options and we decided to refund the tour which was done promptly. Dolly gave me some brilliant advice and some useful insight to Rome.She was fab!
Poppy B
Tom P
Good day out
Really enjoyed the experience, can’t remember the tour guide’s name but he was very good. Very informative and detailed on the tour which kept me engaged about the history. It wasn’t as busy as usual which was also a pleasant experience. Highly enjoyable, many thanks.
Tom P
James C
Well worth it
Really well organised and our guide was great. Really informative and engaging. You wasn’t rushed and had a nice flow to it.
Would highly recommend this. Not sure you’d capture everything without the guide.
James C
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