vatican museum official guided tour

• Holidays in Rome
• New Years Eve
• Where to Stay
• Where to Eat
• Best Time to Visit Rome
• Top 10 Tips for Rome
• Bathrooms in Rome
• What to Pack & What to Wear

Money Matters

Getting Around

Getting to Rome

• Learn Italian
• Rome & Vatican Tours
• Italy Tours
• Transfers & Transport
• Sign up & get a FREE ebook  Subscribe NOW!  Our New Italy Travel Website Is HERE VISIT NAPLESWISE TODAY!
• Romewise Home Page
• Visiting the Vatican
• Vatican Museum Tours

Vatican Museum Tours - How to pick the best one?

By Elyssa Bernard

December 21, 2023

Wondering which of the many Vatican Museum Tours is right for you?

There are so many options, so h ow do you decide which one to take?

Vatican Museum Tours - Why it's so hard to choose

One of the questions I get most often is "How do I decide which Vatican tour to take?"

I know there are a lot of choices.

There are early morning tours, small group tours, tours that include Saint Peter's Basilica, the Necropolis of Via Triumphalis  or the Vatican Gardens . . .

And even then, there are a lot of different companies that offer the same or similar tours. 

So how do you choose?

I'm going to break down the different TYPES of tours, and then give you links to book the best ones of each type.

On this page about Vatican Museums tours, you'll find:

• Is it worth taking a Vatican tour ?

Tours through the official Vatican website

• Standard Group Tours of Vatican Museums
• Vatican Museum Tours before Opening Hours
• Super-speedy Tours of Vatican Museums - head straight for the Sistine Chapel and bypass the rest
• Small/ Semi-private Group Tours of Vatican Museums
• Vatican Museums on Friday or Saturday Night
• Private Tours of Vatican Museums
• Vatican Gardens and Vatican Museum Tours Combo
• VIP Vatican Museum Tours with out-of-hours viewing of Sistine Chapel
• Tours that include the Vatican + Colosseum
• Do it yourself - build the Vatican tour you want !

Vatican Museum Tours - Is it Worth Taking a Tour?

I love to visit the Vatican Museums on my own because I can take as long as I want, and linger over a painting or a room if I feel like it.

But that is partly because I am lucky enough to live here and be able to visit often.

I've also taken part in pretty much every Vatican tour out there, and love that experience also.

Now the question is, is it worth taking a tour to visit Vatican Museums?

In my opinion, absolutely yes.

Here's why:

• Easy - Your tickets will be bought and ready, nothing for you to do but show up.
• Focused - With the vast amount of art to see in the Vatican Museums, having a guided tour can help you to focus on just some of the most important sections and pieces.
• Just the right amount of sight-seeing - On a guided tour, you will keep your visiting time to a limit, and won't overdo or exhaust yourself trying to "see it all."
• Help with your questions - When you have a guide, there is someone to answer your questions as they pop up. This happens to me all the time and I find myself asking museum guards (who may or may not know the answer), or trying to look things up on my phone. It's considerably nicer to have a knowledgable guide who can tell you (correctly, and in person) just what you want to know.
• Don't miss a thing! - On a guided tour, you will no doubt see things you would have overlooked on your own. This also happens to me a lot in Rome, and every time I take a guided tour with an expert, I learn something new. The first time I went to the Vatican Museums on my own (years ago), without a guide, I breezed past the  Laocoön sculpture because I didn't even know what it was, let alone to look for it!

And if you take a more special kind of guided Vatican Museums Tour , like a private, small-group, out-of-hours tour, then it can make an even bigger difference.

Vatican Museums Audio-Guide

You may also decide to skip the Vatican Museum tours, and visit on your own with an audio-guide.

This can be a good compromise, because you will get more information than you can from the little printed info-cards next to some of the pieces in the museums.

I still would recommend a human guide because they are better able to bring the whole thing to life for you, and are there to answer questions.

If you do decide to use the Vatican Museums Audio-Guide, you can book this when you pre-book your Vatican Museums tickets through the Vatican website, or, you can opt to get the audio-guide once you enter the museum.

Vatican Museum Tours - Which One is Right for You?

One of the most frequent questions I get is, which Vatican Museum tours do you recommend?

And of course, there is not one right answer: this depends on what you are looking for, how much time you have and want to commit to, and your budget.

All Vatican Museum tours include skip-the-line tickets, a visit to the Sistine Chapel , and a licensed tour guide (someone who is knowledgable and who is legally allowed to take you on this tour.)

Most tours are offered in English or Italian.

You can usually book a guide in other common languages too, such as Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, etc.

There are also a few options for pre-booking special tickets, without a tour.

 🤙 Roaming in Rome? 📱

Get yourself an Italian eSIM for calls, messages and data when traveling here.

Save on data charges with plans from just 19€ from Holafly - our recommended eSIM provider!

Click here to get yours now  and use code ROMEWISE to save 5%!

What happens when you book a tour of the Vatican Museums using the official Vatican Museums website ?

First, you will pay less, as there is no tour agency or middle-man.

Second, you will be assigned a tour guide who is directly employed by the Vatican Museums.

What is the difference between booking a tour of the vatican through the vatican website and a tour agency?

All guides who give tours of the Vatican Museums must be licensed guides and they must have permission from the Vatican Museums to give tours there.

The difference between a Vatican Museums employee/guide and an outside guide may simply be in the quality of the guide.

I must say that I have taken tours with Vatican Museum employees/guides, and some of them have been fantastic.

But you just never know.

No matter what tour you book, unless you hire a private guide that you either know or who has been recommended to you, you have no way of knowing what that guide will be like.

Reasons to choose booking with the Vatican Museums or with a tour company

Sometimes, tickets and tours may not be available on the Vatican Museums website but you might find more availability for tickets and tours on a certified reseller such as Tiqets , Get your Guide , or Viator .

Or, perhaps you have heard about a specific tours company or tour, such as Walks of Italy, who offer two of the most popular tours of the Vatican Museums, Pristine Sistine, and the Vatican Key Master Tour in which you get to open the museums.

Read on to discover more tour options, and the differences between the different types of tours you'll find, both on the Vatican website and on outside tour company sites.

NEW FOR 2024!

The archeological area of the Vatican Necropolis of Via Triumphalis is now open for visitors.

This is an ancient Roman burial site that is within the Vatican walls and before now was very difficult to get access to.

You can only enter as part of an official Vatican tour group, and tickets need to be purchased through the official website .

This is an entirely separate visit, so you will not have access to either St Peter's Basilica or the Vatican Museums.

Click here to watch my YouTube video about it and see what it's like!

Vatican Museum Tours - Skip the Line Group Tours

One of the most popular of the Vatican Museum tours is the group tour .

You skip the line of course, and have a knowledgeable guide so you don't have to think about what to see or where to go.

All of these tours include the Sistine Chapel , usually ending there.

St Peter's Basilica Shortcut

You can only take the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel to St Peter's Basilica if you are on a tour that INCLUDES the basilica.

The shortcut is open from 9:30 am - 5 or 5:30PM, and it's ONLY accessible to tour companies or private guides that you book OUTSIDE the Vatican Museums website.

The Vatican Museums does not have any ticket or tour that includes the shortcut.

This means that you won't have access to the shortcut during the  KeyMaster tour , the  Extra Time tour , or any other tour that does not specifically include the basilica.

If you book any tour of the Vatican Museums, you can check the details to see if it finishes in the  Sistine Chapel  or the basilica.

Click here to view a map of Vatican City  (it will open in a new page.)

When you take a group tour, you will have what's called "whisper" headphones, so the guides can speak in a normal tone and you can easily hear them.

As of January 1, 2024, all group tours will be limited to 20 people.

The best part about this kind of group tour is the price.

This is the least expensive option of the Vatican Museum tours.

Visit the Sistine Chapel before it opens to the public on this special access tour.

There are many options even for taking a group tour.

Click the below to book a group tour of the Vatican Museums that includes:

• Only the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (and not St. Peter's Basilica - just access, but no tour)
• The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica (this is an excellent tour because you skip ALL the lines, even the priority lines, AND you get a tour of the Basilica)
• Handicapped access (most tours do NOT accommodate wheelchairs , so you need to pick one that specifically DOES. This tour covers the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel but not St. Peter's Basilica.)
• The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and The Pinacoteca (The Pinacoteca is the Vatican Museums Paintings gallery - most tours skip this but it is amazing, full of masterpieces, and worth the time if you have it! The Basilica is not included on this tour, but you can visit on your own without queuing.)
• The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica with Hotel pick-up/drop-off

A word about "skip the line"

Of course one of the benefits of taking a tour is the possibility to skip the line.

You can skip the line even without a tour, simply by pre-booking your tickets.

HOWEVER, you should know that nobody can skip the line for security, and when Rome is really crowded, as it is nearly all the time lately, you may find a bit of a wait to get through security.

So prepare yourself for that, and also plan to arrive a bit earlier than your entry time to give yourself plenty of leeway in case of long security lines.

Vatican Museum Tours - Early Access

The Vatican Museums open at 8AM Monday - Saturday.

(There can be different closing times depending on the time of year.)

However, it is possible to gain early access to the Vatican Museums.

There are two things you need to know about this kind of tour:

• There are a LOT of companies doing this, so you will not have an exclusive visit (although of course there will be a lot FEWER people than during the morning rush.)
• In order to get the advantage of seeing the Sistine Chapel before the crowds arrive, you will need to rush through the rest of the Vatican Museums on your way there, missing most of the major works of art along the way. Either the tour will go back through so you can see the rest of the museums at a slower pace, or, if the tour itself does not offer this, you can do it on your own. In either of these cases, you will wind up in the Sistine Chapel a second time before you finally exit.)

That said, it will still feel like a special experience to get in there before the crowds fill in.

Also, many people do want to "just" see the Sistine Chapel, so this helps to keep the visit short if you want to.

For a more exclusive experience, jump down to this section .

As of January 2024, it will only be possible to gain early access to the museums by booking a tour.

Previously you could book early access entrance tickets, but these have been removed with the extension of the opening hours from 9AM to 8AM.

Open the Vatican Museums and turn on the lights of the Sistine Chapel!

One of the most special tours I ever took was with the Key Master of the Vatican Museums .

We literally went through the museums and opened them up and turned on all the lights.

You can book this through Take Walks and I assure you it will be one of the most amazing things you've ever experienced!

Before Hours Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel and Basilica Tour

With this 3-hour tour, you will go with group of around 15 people into the Vatican Museums before they open to the general public. 

Click here to book this Early Access Group Tour of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica .

The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome

Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.

In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican , Colosseum , Trevi Fountain , Pantheon , Piazza Navona , Spanish Steps , Castel Sant'Angelo , and much more.

And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.

Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers .

Speedy Express Tours of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Maybe I should have put this one at the top of the page.

One of the most common questions I hear about the Vatican Museums is:

Can I just go see the Sistine Chapel ?

I've answered this before (the answer is no) and even with a tour that guarantees this, you really cannot. 

There is an "express route" to the Sistine Chapel from the entrance of the Vatican Museums, which skips the Pinacoteca, the Pio-Clementine Museums, the Egyptian and Etruscan wings.

But you still have a lot of museum to get through before you make it to the Sistine Chapel, so even without visiting any of the above, and bee-lining to the chapel, it will still take you at least 30 minutes just to walk there quickly, without stopping to look at anything. 

That said, there are tours that help you do this.

In the section just before this one, about Early Access Vatican Museum Tours, you have options for going in before opening hours.

In theory, these could also be considered as fast tours, since you do go directly to the Sistine Chapel.

But with the above, you are also given the chance to go back and take more time in the museums.

No matter what season you visit Rome, here are 4 essential things we recommend never leaving home without:

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

Normally I would urge you to visit the rest of the museums, as they are chock full of some of the world's most amazing and beautiful art.

But maybe you have really limited time, or who have been to the museums before and want to re-visit just the Sistine Chapel.

So, you can book an Express tour:

Visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with option to add on St. Peter's Basilica .

Your guide will provide explanations of the Sistine Chapel, but as you are sort of speeding through the rest of the Vatican Museums, you won't get detailed explanations of what you're walking past.

Vatican Museums - Small Group Tours

In the section above, there is a link to a small group, exclusive tour.

That tour goes inside the Vatican Museums early, before they open to the general public.

It's an amazing experience and I highly recommend it! (More about this below.)

If you're looking for an excellent truly small group Vatican Museums tour, click here .

Their small-group tours are max 20 people, but when you go to choose your date, you can see they also offer even smaller groups or private tours (which costs a bit more but may be worth it.)

Ready to plan your trip?

Book your train.

Planning to travel between cities in Italy and other parts of Europe?

Use Trainline to see all the different options available across the different rail companies.

Find your hotel

Find your perfect place to stay in Rome.

Use Booking.com to choose between hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments in neighborhoods throughout the Eternal City.

Buy your TurboPass

Purchase the convenient Turbopass and visit all of Rome's top attractions including the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Vatican.

With one handy pass, it's all included.

Vatican Museums - Private Tours

Taking a private tour is exactly what it sounds like: this is a fantastic option if you want a completely private, personal tour, with the guide focused just on you.

Of course, if you are a family or group of 4-6 people, it becomes more affordable.

Click here to book a private tour (minimum 2 people), of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel .

Vatican Museums + Vatican Gardens Combo Tour

The Vatican is home to some amazing gardens , which are beautifully kept and landscaped.

But they are in two places: one is just behind St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

The other is in the summer residence of the Pope, Castel Gandolfo .

You can easily book the Vatican Gardens tour through the Vatican Museums website .

It includes entry to the Vatican Museums but no tour or guide.

If you want, you can book this through an outside agency so you get a more complete tour experience.

See below for options.

Tour of Vatican Museums and Vatican Gardens in Vatican City

With this small-group tour, you will first visit the Vatican Gardens.

After visiting the gardens, your group will head inside to tour the Vatican Museums, finishing inside the Sistine Chapel.

Click here to book a Vatican Gardens + Vatican Museums combo small-group tour.

Currently unavailable - stay tuned for the updates!

Visit to Vatican Museums and Gardens in Castel Gandolfo

If you have a full day to dedicate to this, and want to experience something really special, a whole world of tranquility, quiet and beauty, away from the hustle and bustle of Rome, this is a wonderful tour.

It allows you to skip the line and visit the Vatican Museums, then walk through the Vatican Gardens and get on a train that will take you just half-hour outside Rome to the summer residence of the Pope: the stunning Barberini Gardens at Castel Gandolfo , only recently opened to the public. 

 🔐 Store your bags and luggage securely! 🧳

We're parterned with Radical Storage who have locations across Italy for you to keep your luggage safe before and after check-in, while on day trips and for everything else between 👌

Click here to book now and use code ROMEWISE to save 5%!

VIP Vatican Museum Tours with out-of-hours Viewing

There are a good selection of Vatican Museum tours that offer early morning entry to the museums (see above.)

This means that although your group is going in before the normal opening time, you will also be going in with all the other tour groups doing the same thing.

Which means it is not quite as exclusive as it sounds, even if it's definitely less crowded than going at opening time (which is why it's actually a pretty affordable tour, usually costing less than 100€ per person.)

If you're really looking for an exclusive visit to the Vatican Museums out of hours, here are a couple of options:

VIP: Sistine Chapel Private Viewing and Small-Group Tour of the Vatican's Secret Rooms

Visiting the Vatican Museums after hours and seeing the secret rooms was one of the best tours I ever took.

You can read more about it on my dedicated page .

VIP Vatican Museum Tours - After Hours Private Viewing of Sistine Chapel

For a really special experience, book a VIP tour, that features after-hours viewing.

You really do have a much more exclusive experience than the groups going before the Museums open.

Most Vatican Museum tours do not offer this option, so you will have the Sistine Chapel almost entirely to yourselves.

Click here to book your VIP tour of the Vatican Museums with Sistine Chapel Private Viewing.

And for an even more exclusive, private, truly after-hours tour, you can book this one.

Tour the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum on the same day

While I normally don't recommend this, sometimes a day is all you have, and you really want to fit in these two Rome must-sees.

You can try to do this on your own, but if you want to make the most of this day, especially if you are doing this as a shore excursion, I really recommend doing it as a guided tour.

Click here to book visit my page about this, for more details .

Click here to book a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum in one day .

You can also book a night tour of the Colosseum at certain times of the year, so you could see the Vatican Museums during the day and then do this night tour.

Do it yourself - build the tour YOU want!

If you are still not sure which tour to book, you can  visit this tour booking page where you can choose the length of the tour, the time of day, and the maximum group size you want  (the smaller the group, the more it costs per person.)

Click the "filters" button and go through and check the boxes you want, and you'll see all the tour options available according to your criteria.

Romewise's Top Travel Resources

Ready to book your trip to Rome? Take a look at these helpful links to companies we use and trust:

• Keep your travel spending simple with the Wise card, which removes all the worry about exchange rates and high transaction fees all over the world
• Search for and book your perfect accommodation
• Our complete guide to what to pack for Rome
• The number one travel accessory, a multi-point travel adapter and voltage converter  
• Browse a huge range of tours in Rome and beyond
• Experience unique tours and special access to Rome's most popular sights  
• Protect yourself with comprehensive travel insurance

Within this post there are some affiliate links for products and services. For more details about our affiliate policy click here .

Get your 100%  free  Rome trip planner now!

Simply sign-up today for our free newsletter and get the Romewise Quick Start guide to Rome:

We are committed to respecting your data. Click for our Privacy Policy .

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

Please come over to the private Romewise Facebook group and join in the conversation.

You will often find me there, happy to answer your questions / comments!

You will also meet other Rome lovers and experts, too.

What are you waiting for?

Come join in the fun !

Read here about our sponsorship policy

Top attractions and tours

• Colosseum - Don't miss visiting Rome's most iconic monument
• Vatican Museums - This is where the Sistine Chapel is
• Pantheon - Book ahead and skip the line
• Galleria Borghese - You'll need to book ahead for one of Rome's best museums
• Castel Sant'Angelo - See Rome's history through its architecture
• Rome City Pass - A great way to make your Rome visits easier

Disclosure : If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

New to Romewise? Start Here

Get the most out of Romewise

Coming To Rome?

Weather in Rome

Accommodation

Already in Rome?

Things to Do

MORE CITYWISE WEBSITES:

Florencewise

Atlantawise

Citywise LLC

Home    |    About Me     |    STORE     |    Privacy Policy    |    Legal Disclaimer    |    Affiliate Disclosure    |   Contact Me

Copyright © 2009-2024 by Elyssa Bernard, Romewise.com | All Rights Reserved.

• How to arrive

• Guided tour

Cookie Policy

We and selected third parties use cookies or similar technologies for technical purposes and, with your consent, also for other purposes as specified in the cookie policy. Refusal of consent may render the relevant functions unavailable. You can consent to the use of such technologies by using the "Accept" button. By closing this policy, you continue without accepting.

Your consent preferences

The following panel allows you to express your consent preferences for the tracking technologies we use to provide the features and perform the activities described below. To learn more about the usefulness and operation of these tracking tools, please refer to the cookie policy. You can review and change your choices at any time. Please note that refusal of consent for a particular purpose may render the relevant features unavailable.

Strictly necessary functions

These tracking tools are strictly necessary to ensure the operation and provision of the service you have requested from us (e.g. language settings) and therefore do not require your consent.

Google Tag Manager Read the information

Navigation tracking consent

Allows the storage of (web) cookies or device (app) identifiers related to the analysis, e.g. the duration of the visit.

Consent to customisation

Enables customisation-related archiving, e.g. suggestions on videos.

Marketing Consent

Allows the storage of (web) cookies or device identifiers (apps) related to advertising.

Consent for sending user data

Set consent for sending user data to Google for online advertising purposes.

Consent Personalised Ads

Set consent for personalised advertising.

Security Consent

It allows the storage of security-related information, e.g. authentication functionality, prevention of fraudulent activity and other user protections.

• Pilgrimages
• Rome Day Tours
• In the Media

Guided tours of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

The Catholic Traveler’s Guide to Rome is offered completely free to be sure you have the best pilgrimage experience – and is only possible because of my generous supporters. Please consider supporting my work through Patreon or Substack , or a one time tip through Venmo . 🤍

I think most people can get by touring the Vatican Museums on their own without a guide. Simply using an audio guide or a guide book is all most need. Here’s why…

Nearly 30,000 people visit the Vatican Museums each day.

30,000 people. Every day.

This looks miserable because it is miserable.

Some of the best works of art are housed in the Vatican Museums. There are some amazing private guides. Despite this, the biggest complaint I hear about visits to Rome is how miserable the Vatican Museums were.

Plus, admiring beautiful art is a very personal thing. If you go alone, you can go at your own pace. You can sit and enjoy a work of art. You can venture off the typical tourist itinerary – there’s a reason it’s Vatican Museum s and not Vatican Museum. There are lots of galleries in the Museums that most people never visit.

Go it alone

You can, and should, book a ticket to the Vatican Museums on their official website.

The Museums are nearly always packed, but later in the day the crowds start to thin out.

My favorite time to visit is during the Night Openings of the Vatican Museums . This is seasonal and a really cool and unique experience.

Another new(ish) option is to book breakfast at the Vatican Museums . You pay a little more, but get in before the crowds. If you go this route, go straight to the Sistine Chapel to enjoy it before the crowds. Then you can back track and visit the rest of the Museums.

Guided tours

If you feel you need a guided tour, you have tons and tons of options. I’ve listed some of the best here…

For a private guided tour, I recommend Agnes at Understanding Rome . She’s professional, fun, and engaging. You should let her know I sent you. You should also book early as she’s quite popular.

One of the best guides out there is Liz Lev . She’s often booked solid and also a bit more expensive than most other guides, but she’s worth the price. She’s a good friend, let her know I sent you.

If you have the means, I highly recommend becoming a Patron of the Arts for the Vatican Museums . The perks are amazing, the price probably isn’t as much as you’d expect, and the guides are excellent. In fact, the first time I took a Patron tour, my guide was the same woman who guided U.S. Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama – and it was just the two of us.

The official Vatican Museum tours are hit or miss. More often than not, it’s a miss. Once I had the Vatican assign an excellent guide to me. Once. Don’t get me wrong, there are a few great guides employed by the Museums, but you don’t get to pick.

What to avoid

Any of the big tour companies in Rome – especially if you are Catholic. I lived across the street from one of the biggest companies (even endorsed by the Vatican) for two years, I heard nonstop bashing of the Church. I currently live across from another one of the big ones, I don’t hear Church bashing every day, but the tours sound really lame.

Anyone who harasses you near the Vatican to “skip the line.” It’s a rip off. Just don’t.

Join my email list for travel tips, pilgrimage announcements, and stories from nearly 20 years of leading pilgrimages.

Click here to read the most recent newsletter.

Oops! We love this experience, but no tickets are on sale at the moment.

Vatican Gardens, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: Official Guided Tour

Would you like to get notified if tickets become available?

Similar experiences

visit the wonderful spada gallery, guided tour of the vatican museums, sistine chapel and st. peter's basilica, visita palazzo barberini, admire the works of art in the colonna gallery, catacombs of saints marcellinus and peter: guided tour, visit the wax museum in rome, vatican museums, sistine chapel: skip ticket, leonardo da vinci - genius and inventions exhibition (rome): priority access, national etruscan museum of villa giulia: skip ticket, bioparco zoo of rome: skip-the-line access, discover our top experiences, hidden evidence: murder at the palace, we call it ballet: sleeping beauty in a fascinating light show, aperitif on the tiber: evening boat ride and drinks, we call it flamenco: a unique spanish dance show, opera in roma: three tenors - nessun dorma, we call it tango: a unique argentine dance show, van gogh: the immersive experience - waitlist, i virtuosi dell'opera di roma: the most beautiful opera arias, ikono rome: immersive museum near the pantheon.

⭐ Vatican Gardens, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: Official Guided Tour. An exclusive journey through the art and gardens of the Vatican!

tickets 🎫 Access Ticket to the Vatican Museums and the Vatican Gardens. 🎫 Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums and the Vatican Gardens 🎫 VIP Ticket for the Vatican Museums and the Vatican Gardens

p unti Salienti 🌟 Admira una miriade di capolavori rinascimentali che hanno raggiunto un'aura quasi mitica, inclusi dipinti di Raffaello e gli affreschi di Michelangelo nella Cappella Sistina. 🌿 Scopri i Giardini Vaticani, rifugio dei pontefici dal XIII secolo, aperti oggi a pochi visitatori. ✨ Esplora i Giardini Vaticani, affascinante rifugio dei pontefici dal XIII secolo, ora accessibili a un numero molto ridotto di visitatori. 🍃 Goditi una visita guidata attraverso i Giardini Vaticani, santuario dei pontefici da secoli, ora aperto al pubblico in modo limitato. 🌱 Partecipa a una passeggiata guidata nei Giardini Vaticani, sacro rifugio dei pontefici da oltre settecento anni, aperta oggi solo a un ristretto numero di visitatori. 🌿 Scopri i Giardini Vaticani con una visita guidata, luogo di riposo dei pontefici fin dal XIII secolo, aperto oggi in modo molto limitato al pubblico.

general information 📅 Dates and times : Select date and time directly in the ticket selector ⏳ Duration : 3 hours spent 📍 Where : Vatican Gardens

description Come and discover the marvellous Vatican Museums and let yourself be enchanted by Raphael's Renaissance masterpieces and Michelangelo's breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Walk through the Vatican Gardens, reserved for a lucky few only, and enjoy a guided tour full of fascinating information. Avoid the queue and immerse yourself in the divine art of this magical place. It's an experience not to be missed!

• Explore the Courtyard of the Pine cone, the impressive Helical Staircase and the Gregorian Egyptian Museum.
• Don't miss the countless works of art and history that the Vatican Museums have to offer.
• Enjoy exclusive access that will allow you to explore a true treasure trove of culture and beauty, without having to waste time in long lines.
• Get your camera ready, because there will be plenty of opportunities to take unforgettable photos.
• You will have an experience you will never forget, completely immersed in an authentic celebration of art and history.
• Experience a day full of beauty, art and magnificence as you explore the Vatican Museums and the Vatican Gardens.

How to get there?

Vatican Gardens

Via Paolo VI, 29, 00120

Sorry, JavaScript must be enabled to use this web app

Visit the Vatican at your own pace, hassle-free experience

Vip early entrance vatican guided tour.

If there is one place in the world that holds a powerful amalgam of artistic, historical, religious, and political value that is within the open borders of the Vatican City. Besides being home to the Pope and the official site of the Catholic Church, the so-called Holy See, hosts some of humanity’s biggest artistic accomplishments. The Vatican’s architectural and artistic masterpieces attract daily a large influx of tourists. As the official Vatican Museums tour provider we offer guided tours that will get you in not only faster but also earlier. With our early morning tour, you will experience the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s Basilica at the most peaceful time. You will explore the secrets of the largest and busiest complex of museums in the world with no crowds.

› Get premium access and admission tickets to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica

› have the museums to yourself with early entrance at 7:30 am, 90 minutes before the general public, › benefit from the knowledge of a dedicated english-speaking guide with extensive expertise of the vatican, › flexibility of choice, you can be part of a small-group tour of no more than 12 people or choose the private option, peaceful, quiet and hassle-free experience.

Due to the high number of enthusiastic tourists, the museums can get very busy at times and this can jeopardise your experience. This special time slot that we provide ensures a greatly enhanced experience as it is available to only a few lucky tourists. You will practically feel like you have the museums all to yourself which will allow you to pay detailed attention to the masterpieces. Equally important when visiting the museums is having a precise itinerary. This is because the museum’s corridors are very labyrinthine and host over 7 kilometres of art. To avoid wasting your time wandering through the corridors not knowing where is what, it is advised to be in the company of an expert and our guides know these museums like the inside of their pockets! They also hold encyclopaedic knowledge of the artefacts and will provide you with little-known facts about their creators and much more!

What parts of the museums will you visit?

We have carefully crafted a special itinerary that will take you to see the main parts of the museums. With this tailored tour, you will visit the famous Gallery of the Candelabra. This place takes its name from the majestic candelabras that divide this gallery into six sections. The sculptures are all arranged following symmetrical criteria compatible with the architecture of the six fabulously designed rooms. This place contains artworks found throughout the country, from the time of the Roman Empire to modern-day. From there you will explore the Gallery of Tapestries displaying the work of Raffaello Sanzio. This exhibition is completely protected from sunlight in order to best preserve the tapestries. Each of these massive tapestries displays different powerful Catholic stories and myths. You will also explore the Gallery of Maps where you can gain an understanding of what the world was thought to look like centuries ago, at a time when cartography was undergoing its own renaissance.

The beauty and complexity of the Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is renowned for being decorated with what many perceive as the most spectacular masterpiece in human history, Michelangelo’s frescoes that cover the ceiling. The Sistine Chapel ceiling helped Rome overtake Florence as the supreme cultural capital of Italy. Thanks to the special time-slot provided by this tour, you will be able to walk around and admire the frescoes in complete silence. The experience will be much more insightful when the place is not crowded. The chapel is covered in beautiful and noble colours in the famous shades of ochre, umber green, Sangiovanni white, and ultramarine blue. The central part of the ceiling is divided into 9 panels portraying stories from the Book of Genesis such as the awe-inspiring Division of Light from Darkness, Creation of the Stars, of the Waters, of Adam, of Eve and finally the Creation of the Original Sin. Michelangelo’s genius has to be admired in silence but your assigned guide will give you a description of what you are about to experience before entering the chapel and will handle your questions once out.

Religious art at St Peter’s Basilica

This tour encompasses all the attractions of the Vatican, including a visit to St Peter’s Basilica,* a unique example of Renaissance architecture and Baroque art and a symbol of huge significance to Christianity. You will enter the Basilica through a special-access corridor, skipping the long general-access lines. The creation and décor of the Basilica involved the most brilliant engineering and artistic minds of the time. Tourists of all faiths visit the Basilica to discover and admire the creations of the geniuses of Michelangelo and Bernini. You will discover Michelangelo’s Pietà, an extremely moving sculpture depicting the lifeless body of Jesus in the arms of his mother Mary. Under the same roof, there is Bernini’s Baldachin, a massive sculpted bronze canopy that sits above St. Peter’s tomb. The Baldachin is not only jaw-dropping, but it is a prime example of the style that flourished around Europe at the beginning of the 17th century, Baroque. At the end of the tour, you can explore more at your own pace.

Small-Group Tour

You can join this early entrance guided tour, as part of a group of no more than 12 people. Being part of a small-group when touring the Vatican can be a fun yet more personal experience since the size of the group is small. Your assigned guide will accommodate everyone on the tour and answer everyone’s questions. Our guides are highly experienced at keeping such groups engaged and entertained and they will provide top insider knowledge on the monuments. This option is more budget-friendly while not giving away the benefits of having a guide to accompany you as you discover the Vatican. On top of that, it has proved to be a great option for tourists who do not mind the presence of other like-minded and culture-hungry travellers who are all enthusiastic about discovering the Vatican.

Private Tour

Newlyweds, families, first-time tourers, or couples and friends who prefer more privacy or are simply looking for more authentic travel experiences, may often think that having a guide to yourself is better than sharing one. With this premium option, you decide who joins you on this tour. Needless to say that you will benefit from the undivided attention of your guide and that you can also benefit from flexibility of itinerary. With this choice you will experience the Vatican in a very time-efficient and seamless way, where you can spend more time on the galleries that appeal to you the most and less time in others, you will see the Vatican at your own pace. You can also choose this option and upgrade it to include pick-up from your accommodation. This option promises a much more comfortable, efficient, and authentic experience!

This tour runs from Monday to Saturday and it includes St Peter’s Basilica every day except on Wednesdays. The Basilica is an active Church and on Wednesdays it is closed until 1 PM due to the weekly Papal audience. Instead, you will spend more time discovering the hidden gems of the Vatican Museums. Rest assured that your guide will give you an introduction of the Basilica and the art inside so you know what to look for if you wish to visit later. Moreover, when visiting St. Peter’s Basilica and/or the Vatican Museums, you are kindly asked to respect the city’s dress code, which implies having your knees and shoulders covered.

Witness the fabulous art and architecture in the museum of museums

© COPYRIGHT 2023 IWF SRLs, VIA SATRICO 7, 00183 ROME, ITALY, P.IVA 15741651002

DETERMINAZIONE PROVINCIA DI ROMA – LICENZA NUMERO 478323 DEL 28/05/2021 R.E.A. RM 1611120

• +39.366.22.020.40
• [email protected]
• Piazza della Città Leonina, Rome

This website is not the official website of the Vatican Museums. It is run by IWF Srls and works with attractions and tour operators to provide incredible experiences at the touch of a button.

Vatican Guided Tour, Sistine Chapel, Vatican City, Vatican Museum Customized Private Tours, Official Travel Agency

• Vatican Guided Tour
• Rome by Night and Private tour of the Vatican Museum
• Private Vatican Museums Tour + Colosseum at Night – Vatican Guided Tours

Sistine Chapel Private Tour – Official Vatican Museum Guided Tours and Tickets

• Vatican Private Tour Guide | Official Vatican Private Tours and Tickets
• Vatican Tours For Kids And Families Skip The Line Entry | Vatican Private Tours
• Private Vatican City Tour For Kids and Treasure Hunt Experience
• Vatican Early Entrance Tickets And Private Vatican Museum Guided Tour For Kids
• Vatican tour with kids | Guided Tour of the Vatican by Night Tour for Families
• Vatican Private Tour Pope’s Summer Residence From Rome
• Private Sistine Chapel Tours And The Colosseum Arena Floor Vip Experience
• Vatican Museum After Hours Private Tour With Aperitif – Vip Experience
• Vatican Museum breakfast and tour | Early Private Tour Of The Vatican with Breakfast
• Vatican Private Tours | Tour Of The Vatican City
• Exclusive Tour of the Vatican-pope’s Summer Residence Gardens
• Vatican Gardens private tour including Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
• Exclusive Vatican City Private Tour And The Best Of Rome In One Day
• Vatican Museum By Night Private Guided Tour and Tickets
• Private Vatican Museum Tours Exclusive Early Entrance
• Vatican Private Guided Tours | Exclusive Guided Tour | Best Of The Vatican Museum
• Express Private Sistine Chapel Tour and Vatican Highlights
• Special Vatican Museum Guided Tour Cabinet Of The Masks
• Vatican Tour – Small Group Tours
• Vatican Gardens
• Papal Audience and Vatican Group Tour
• Catacombs Group Tour
• Vatican and Colosseum Tours Semi-Private or Private guided Tours
• Vatican City Early Access and Sistine Chapel Tour – Small Group or private tours
• Early Vatican tours – Sistine Chapel early morning entrance and tour for Kids Small Group
• Afternoon Vatican Museum Tour, Sistine Chapel Tours Small Group
• Vatican Night Tour – Small Group Special VIP Entrance
• Vatican Tour and Tickets – Best of the Vatican City Small Group Tour
• Sistine Chapel Ceiling – Vatican Museums Immersive Tour – Michelangelo’s frescos
• Semi-Private Sistine Chapel Early Entrance Vatican Tour
• Sistine Chapel official Tour with Early Access and Private Express Tour of St Peter’s Basilica
• Special Small Group Colosseum and Vatican Tour
• Tour of the Arena Floor Colosseum Sistine Chapel Tour- VIP Entry
• Special Semi-Private Vatican City Tour Up To 10 People
• Vatican City Early Morning Tour Super Fast Track Colosseum’s Arena Tour
• Semi-Private Tours – The Vatican City and Colosseum Tour Special Access to Arena

Papal Audience and Vatican Museums Tour

• Rome Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour with Skip-the-line Colosseum
• Papal Audience + Exclusive Visit to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel
• Vatican Museum Disabled Access Skip-The-Line Guided Tour
• Ancient Ostia Tour
• Angels and demons
• Borghese Gallery
• Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace and Villas
• Rome Catacombs Tour and Ancient Appian Way Private Tours
• Colosseum Private Tours | Ancient Rome Guided Tours and Tickets of the Colosseum and Roman Forum
• Ponza Island Tours | Day Trip From Rome To Ponza Island
• Rome by Night escorted Tour | Private Tours Of Rome At Night VIP Chauffeured Service
• Rome Shore Excursions | Rome Highlights Private Cruise Ship Excursion From Civitavecchia
• Rome in one day Tour- Vatican Museum and Rome Private Tours in a day
• Rome In 2 Days | Rome And Vatican City Private Tours In Two Days
• Rome Walking Tour | Evening private walking guided Tours | A Stroll To Discover The Highlights Of The Eternal City
• Tours of Tivoli Day Trip From Rome | Tivoli, Villa D’Este and Villa Adriana guided Tours And Tickets
• Rome Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Vatican Museum tour
• Skip-the-line Colosseum & Vatican Museum Tour
• VIP Tour Vatican Museum & More
• Vatican Museum Group Tour & Rome Private Sightseeing
• [email protected]

• +39 0669348035
• 08:30 AM - 8:30 PM Rome (IT) Local Time

Proceed Booking

Already a member, don't have an account create one., or continue as guest, adding item to wishlist requires an account.

Sistine Chapel Private Tour – Official Vatican Museum guided tours privileged entry – Skip the line Tickets – Personal official tour guide. Exclusive VIP Service. Sistine Chapel Private Tour takes you to Vatican City’s famous museums with spectacular art displays. Experience statuary collections from Renaissance popes, the Belvedere Courtyard, the Hall of the Muses, the circular room with the statue of Hercules, the hall with Constantine’s Sarcophagus, the gallery of maps overlooking the Vatican Gardens, Raphael’s Rooms and Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment” in the Sistine Chapel . With privileged entrance, journey through history, get to know hidden secrets from the Catholic Church and many other fascinating stories from the Renaissance period. You will be able to marvel at masterpieces from Baroque artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini and the astonishing Michelangelo’s Pietà.

Our expert official tour guides of the Vatican Museum will offer you an unforgettable experience.

Vatican private tours for individuals, small or big groups.

The Sistine Chapel private tour can be personalized with tailor-made itineraries in Vatican City.

The duration of the Tour will be 3 hours including direct access to the Basilica of Saint Peter’s and the skip-the-line entrance to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. It is possible to organize early morning, morning, afternoon, evening Vatican private tours with a priority entrance. Please do not hesitate to contact us!!

Vatican private tours are suitable for children and Disable!!

Official Vatican Museum Guided Tours

Highlights:, introduction to the vatican city (holy see) and vatican history.

• Chandelier Gallery
• Tapestry Gallery
• Belvedere courtyard
• Visit the Hall of the Muses
• See the statue of Hercules
• Experience Constantine’s sarcophagus
• Discover the Vatican Map Gallery overlooking the Vatican Gardens
• Be in Raphael’s rooms
• Get exclusive entrance to Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment” in the Sistine Chapel

MEETING POINT

The meeting point is communicated in your booking confirmation e-mail.

Related Tours

Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace, Villas, and Gardens

Online Enquiry Form

Email Address*

Your Enquiry*

• Select Language
• Select Currency
• Australian Dollar
• Canadian Dollar
• Chinese Yuan (CNY)
• British Pound (GBP)
• Indian Rupees (INR)
• Japanese Yen (JPY)
• Malaysian Ringgit
• Newzealand Dollar
• Singapore Dollar

Call Us Back

• +3 More Images
• Adult Adult  (19+) - +
• Child Child  (6-18) - +
• Infant Infant  (0-5) - +

Non-refundable

IO Bus Rome Hop-On, Hop-Off + Vatican Museums Entry Ticket

Activity schedule, key highlights.

• Inclusions & Exclusions

Daily except Sunday

Bus Ticket: 24, 48, 72-hours, 1 day, after 2pm, 5 days (As per option chosen)

Vatican Museums: 1 day

Hop-on, Hop-off: 8:50am to 6:40pm, every 20 minutes Vatican Museums: Several departure times (choose while booking)

Timings are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting the Vatican Museums. 

You can board the hop-on, hop-off bus from any of the stops.

Vatican Museum (stop 6): Meet our local partner at the bottom of the steps across the street from the Entrance of the Vatican Museums. The steps are located right next to Caffè Vaticano on the corner of Viale Vaticano and Via Tunisi. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure time. 

Hop off the bus at any of the stops.

• Saver combo: Rome Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour with Skip-the-Line admission to the Vatican Museums
• Explore Rome on a fun and flexible hop-on, hop-off bus tour
• Enjoy entertaining and informative audio commentary in multiple languages on the bus
• Skip the lines and marvel at some of the most exquisite artwork in the world inside the Vatican
• Explore Michelangelo’s famous frescoes in the Sistine Chapel
• Both printed and smartphone vouchers accepted!

Discover Rome on a flexible and lively Rome hop-on, hop-off tour and enjoy priority access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

IO Bus Rome Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour:

Enjoy sightseeing in Rome, one of the most gorgeous and romantic cities in Europe, on an action-packed and fun-filled Rome hop-on, hop-off tour! Discover the city’s majestic architecture, priceless art, street food, a heady mix of cultures, haunted ruins & more.

You can get on and off the bus as you wish to explore the sights further, go shopping or grab a bite to eat. Visit iconic attractions with our strategically located stops or stay onboard and listen to the informative audio commentary, provided in multiple languages - perfect for first-time visitors.

Choose from the following ticket options:

• 1 Day (Valid for one whole day, from the moment of validation until the end of the daily service)
• After 2pm (Enjoy the get-on, get-off sightseeing tour, starting at 2pm until the end of the daily service)
• One Run (One complete ride. This ticket does not allow the get-on, get-off service.)
• Long ticket family 5 days

Some of the stops (subject to change) are:

• Terminal Via Marsala (Termini Station)
• Largo Di Villa Peretti
• Saint Mary Major Church
• Circus Massimus
• Venice Square
• Spanish Steps
• Barberini/Trevi’s Fountain

Vatican Museums and Sistine Skip-the-Line:

Our representative will meet you at meeting point and guide you past the lengthy lines. Before being free to explore on your own, a map and a brief orientation will be given to you!  Enjoy skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums and browse one of the greatest collections of art in the world. Admire priceless works of art amassed by the Popes over centuries – with paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and more.

Admire Michelangelo’s remarkable frescoes at the Sistine Chapel and see the magnificent rooms of Raphael and the ancient Roman and Greek pieces in the Belvedere Courtyard. Explore Michelangelo's famous frescoes in the Sistine Chapel – including The Creation of Adam on the ceiling.

Inclusions & Exclusions

• Rome Get-On, Get-Off Bus Tour (as per the option chosen)
• Pre-recorded audio commentary, available in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese and Japanese
• App POP GUIDE
• Walking tours and children commentary through APP
• Real time monitoring of the buses and waiting time at the stops
• WIFI on board
• Escorted access through Skip-the-Line Entrance to the Vatican Museums
• All entrance & reservation fees

Useful downloads

Please note.

Voucher information: You can show your voucher on your smartphone (But if you’d rather print a copy – that’s fine too!)

After your booking, you will receive separate vouchers for each activity. Please keep the vouchers handy and present it to the respective activity operators on the day of your visit.

IO Bus Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Tour:

We ensure that the tour runs on time, however at times the itinerary might be revised due to weather, traffic conditions, etc.

Rome is a functioning city and weather, traffic and events may occasionally cause disruption.

Wheelchairs can get on the bus, but not on the second floor. They have a dedicated spot on the first floor.

Small pets are allowed on board only with muzzle and leash. Guide dogs for blind people are allowed on board with muzzle and leash.

Every passenger can bring on board a small bag (dimension max 50x30x25cm)

The lost objects found on the buses will be deposited at our office (CS OPEN BUS SRL, Via di Torre del Fiscale 43, 00178 Roma).

Vatican Museums :

The Sistine Chapel may be subject to unscheduled closures for religious ceremonies. While we undertake to tell guests beforehand if there are any planned disruptions, this is not always possible. In these cases, we are unable to provide refunds or discounts.

Please note that appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. Knees, shoulders and backs must be covered. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip-the-Line' access.

Customer Reviews

Noel azzopardi.

Good & helps you skip the lines

Siona Wilkie

The only way to see the vatican.

Not having to wait in the long line ups in the hot days of summer make this experience well worth the price of admission! I would definitely recommend this to anyone that wants...

Maria T. Albano

Excellent...

Top attractions in Rome

• Sistine Chapel
• St. Peter's Basilica
• Roman Forum
• Papal Audience
• Trevi Fountain
• Spanish steps

Things to do in Rome

• Hop On Hop Off

Other Hop On Hop Off Destinations

• New York City
• San Francisco
• Washington DC
• Los Angeles
• Johannesburg
• San Antonio
• Reykjavik Iceland
• St-Petersburg
• Benalmadena
• Thessaloniki
• Kristiansand
• BUENOS AIRES
• Hop On Hop Off Bus Offers and Deals

travel inspiration from guidebook

10 Best Places To Visit In Europe in Summer 2024

Unlock Rome: The Go-To Guide to Celebrate Easter in Rome in 2024

Dolce La Vita in The Eternal City : Unmissable Rome’s Top Attractions in 2023

Get the latest offers and inspiration.

Sign up to our newsletter and get the best isango! has to offer

• Enter a valid email
• Enter the characters shown below Captcha not matching

Terms of Use

• Booking terms & conditions
• Picture credits

Get in touch

Haven't found what you're looking for?

Try a more specific search (e.g Add city or destination name)

• Enter full name
• Country UK (+44) USA (+1) Algeria (+213) Andorra (+376) Angola (+244) Anguilla (+1264) Antigua & Barbuda (+1268) Argentina (+54) Armenia (+374) Aruba (+297) Australia (+61) Austria (+43) Azerbaijan (+994) Bahamas (+1242) Bahrain (+973) Bangladesh (+880) Barbados (+1246) Belarus (+375) Belgium (+32) Belize (+501) Benin (+229) Bermuda (+1441) Bhutan (+975) Bolivia (+591) Bosnia Herzegovina (+387) Botswana (+267) Brazil (+55) Brunei (+673) Bulgaria (+359) Burkina Faso (+226) Burundi (+257) Cambodia (+855) Cameroon (+237) Canada (+1) Cape Verde Islands (+238) Cayman Islands (+1345) Central African Republic (+236) Chile (+56) China (+86) Colombia (+57) Comoros (+269) Congo (+242) Cook Islands (+682) Costa Rica (+506) Croatia (+385) Cuba (+53) Cyprus North (+90392) Cyprus South (+357) Czech Republic (+42) Denmark (+45) Djibouti (+253) Dominica (+1809) Dominican Republic (+1809) Ecuador (+593) Egypt (+20) El Salvador (+503) Equatorial Guinea (+240) Eritrea (+291) Estonia (+372) Ethiopia (+251) Falkland Islands (+500) Faroe Islands (+298) Fiji (+679) Finland (+358) France (+33) French Guiana (+594) French Polynesia (+689) Gabon (+241) Gambia (+220) Georgia (+7880) Germany (+49) Ghana (+233) Gibraltar (+350) Greece (+30) Greenland (+299) Grenada (+1473) Guadeloupe (+590) Guam (+671) Guatemala (+502) Guinea (+224) Guinea - Bissau (+245) Guyana (+592) Haiti (+509) Honduras (+504) Hong Kong (+852) Hungary (+36) Iceland (+354) India (+91) Indonesia (+62) Iran (+98) Iraq (+964) Ireland (+353) Israel (+972) Italy (+39) Jamaica (+1876) Japan (+81) Jordan (+962) Kazakhstan (+7) Kenya (+254) Kiribati (+686) Korea North (+850) Korea South (+82) Kuwait (+965) Kyrgyzstan (+996) Laos (+856) Latvia (+371) Lebanon (+961) Lesotho (+266) Liberia (+231) Libya (+218) Liechtenstein (+417) Lithuania (+370) Luxembourg (+352) Macao (+853) Macedonia (+389) Madagascar (+261) Malawi (+265) Malaysia (+60) Maldives (+960) Mali (+223) Malta (+356) Marshall Islands (+692) Martinique (+596) Mauritania (+222) Mayotte (+269) Mexico (+52) Micronesia (+691) Moldova (+373) Monaco (+377) Mongolia (+976) Montserrat (+1664) Morocco (+212) Mozambique (+258) Myanmar (+95) Namibia (+264) Nauru (+674) Nepal (+977) Netherlands (+31) New Caledonia (+687) New Zealand (+64) Nicaragua (+505) Niger (+227) Nigeria (+234) Niue (+683) Norfolk Islands (+672) Northern Marianas (+670) Norway (+47) Oman (+968) Palau (+680) Panama (+507) Papua New Guinea (+675) Paraguay (+595) Peru (+51) Philippines (+63) Poland (+48) Portugal (+351) Puerto Rico (+1787) Qatar (+974) Reunion (+262) Romania (+40) Russia (+7) Rwanda (+250) San Marino (+378) Sao Tome & Principe (+239) Saudi Arabia (+966) Senegal (+221) Serbia (+381) Seychelles (+248) Sierra Leone (+232) Singapore (+65) Slovak Republic (+421) Slovenia (+386) Solomon Islands (+677) Somalia (+252) South Africa (+27) Spain (+34) Sri Lanka (+94) St. Helena (+290) St. Kitts (+1869) St. Lucia (+1758) Sudan (+249) Suriname (+597) Swaziland (+268) Sweden (+46) Switzerland (+41) Syria (+963) Taiwan (+886) Tajikstan (+7) Thailand (+66) Togo (+228) Tonga (+676) Trinidad & Tobago (+1868) Tunisia (+216) Turkey (+90) Turkmenistan (+7) Turkmenistan (+993) Turks & Caicos Islands (+1649) Tuvalu (+688) Uganda (+256) UK (+44) --> Ukraine (+380) United Arab Emirates (+971) Uruguay (+598) USA (+1) --> Uzbekistan (+7) Vanuatu (+678) Vatican City (+379) Venezuela (+58) Vietnam (+84) Virgin Islands - British (+1284) Virgin Islands - US (+1340) Wallis & Futuna (+681) Yemen (North)(+969) Yemen (South)(+967) Zambia (+260) Zimbabwe (+263) Select Country Enter mobile

You have signed up successfully.

Please stay tuned on your email for exciting offers.

Exclusive Travel Deals and Tips Inside!

Subscribe to get access to insider travel tips and special offers.

Save on your next booking with us!

Enter your email to participate

Sign Up Login Login Or Sign Up

Sign up to create and view bookings Login to create and view bookings

• E-Mail ID Already Exists User does not exist Enter a valid email
• Please enter password Enter valid password(at least 6 characters)
• Remember me Forgot Password
• I wish to receive top deals and travel inspiration
• By signing up you agree to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Forgot Password

• Enter your email address and we will send an email with a link to reset your password.
• Continue Login

Email sent successfully.

Vatican Museums

Where we are.

General information +39 06 69883145 [email protected] Office of the Directorate +39 06 69883332 [email protected]

Publications and Merchandising

Sculptures >

Publications >

Gift ideas >

Prints and Posters >

Accessories >

Home decor >

Follow us Menu

Social media

Support menu, patrons of the arts, sistine chapel.

Search Menu

Advanced search.

Rome: Vespa Tour With Official Licensed Local Guide

Exploring the historic streets of Rome on a classic Vespa is a thrilling way to experience the city’s charm. This guided tour led by a licensed local offers a unique perspective, taking riders through iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. With personalized insights into the city’s rich history and culture, travelers can customize their adventure to discover hidden gems. Whether you’re a solo rider or a couple, the flexibility and interactive nature of this tour promises an unforgettable journey . But what makes this experience truly special is the chance to capture memories that will last a lifetime.

• The Vespa tour in Rome is a 3-hour experience covering iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps.
• The tour is led by an official licensed local guide and can accommodate up to 10 participants.
• Participants have the option to drive solo, with a partner, or with a personal driver.
• A security deposit of €500 is required for the Vespa rental, which is fully refundable upon safe return.
• The tour is offered in both English and Italian, catering to diverse language preferences.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
• Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour With Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
• Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peters Basilica
• Pompeii Day Trip From Rome With Mount Vesuvius or Positano Option

Tour Overview and Details

The Vespa tour in Rome is a 3-hour activity led by licensed local guides . It costs from €130 per person and is limited to 10 participants. The tour is available in English and Italian.

Visitors should book in advance as availability is limited. There’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours beforehand. Guests can also reserve now and pay later.

The tour starts and ends at Via della Madonna dei Monti, 62, covering key sites like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. Participants can drive solo, with a partner, or with a personal driver.

The experience provides an authentic look at Roman life and history.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting from Via della Madonna dei Monti, 62, the Vespa tour takes participants on an engaging exploration of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. Over the course of 3 hours, the group will visit the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Pincio Terrace for breathtaking photo opportunities. They’ll then head to Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Navona, and Castel Sant’Angelo before ascending to the Colle del Gianicolo for panoramic city views. The tour culminates in the charming neighborhood of Trastevere, allowing guests to enjoy Roman life and history. With a customizable itinerary and the chance to drive solo or with a companion, this Vespa adventure offers an unforgettable way to experience the Eternal City.

Experience and Customization

This Vespa tour offers an interactive and customizable itinerary , allowing participants to tailor their experience to their preferences.

Riders can choose to drive solo, with a partner, or have a personal driver .

Embarking on this unique adventure, visitors will gain authentic insights into Roman life and history as they explore both ancient and modern landmarks.

Whether it’s zipping through the winding streets or stopping for photo opportunities, the Vespa tour provides an immersive and flexible way to discover the hidden gems of the Eternal City.

This customizable experience ensures an unforgettable and personalized exploration of Rome.

Requirements and Restrictions

Not all travelers may be suitable for this Vespa tour experience. Certain physical limitations preclude participation, including pregnancy, back problems, and mobility impairments.

Drivers must also meet specific requirements – they need to be at least 18 years old and possess a valid EU-issued license in category A or B. Non-EU license holders will require an international driving permit .

Plus, a security deposit of €500 is required for the Vespa rental. While these restrictions may exclude some guests, they ensure the safety and enjoyment of the tour for all participants.

The provider prioritizes responsible operation and an authentic Roman adventure.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Vespa tour experience in Rome, awarding it an impressive 4.9-star rating out of 5 based on 117 reviews.

Travelers highlight the engaging and knowledgeable guides , who provide authentic insights into Roman life and history.

The unique opportunity to explore lesser-known areas of the city on a Vespa has been a major draw, with many families emphasizing the positive experiences.

Starting Location and Key Stops

The Vespa tour in Rome begins at Via della Madonna dei Monti, 62, providing a convenient starting point for participants.

From there, the tour covers several iconic landmarks of the city:

• Colosseum (15 minutes)
• Trevi Fountain (10 minutes)
• Spanish Steps (10 minutes)

The tour also includes a photo stop at the Pincio Terrace, as well as visits to Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Navona, Castel Sant’Angelo, Colle del Gianicolo, and the charming neighborhood of Trastevere.

This diverse itinerary allows riders to experience both ancient and modern aspects of Rome, seeing the city’s rich history and vibrant culture .

Vespa Rental Security Deposit

A security deposit of €500 is required for the Vespa rental during the tour. This deposit serves as a safeguard in case of any damages to the scooter during the experience.

Participants will need to provide a valid credit card or debit card to cover the deposit, which will be refunded in full at the end of the tour provided the Vespa is returned in the same condition it was rented.

This requirement ensures the responsible use of the scooters and maintains the availability of the tour for future participants.

The deposit is a standard practice for Vespa rentals in Rome to protect the provider’s assets and deliver a smooth, hassle-free experience for all guests.

Languages Offered

Two languages are offered for the Vespa tour in Rome – English and Italian. This ensures that participants from various backgrounds can fully understand and engage with the tour guide’s commentary.

The guide’s fluency in both languages allows them to:

• Provide detailed historical and cultural insights about Rome’s landmarks.
• Respond to any questions or requests from tour members.
• Ensure an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all participants, regardless of their native language.

This multilingual approach enhances the tour’s accessibility and enables travelers to enjoy the Eternal City’s rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• Skip the Line: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel With St. Peters Basilica Access
• The Original Roman Crypts and Catacombs Tour With Transfers
• Expert Guided Tour of Colosseum Arena OR Underground, and Forum
• Tuscany Region Day Trip From Rome With Lunch & Wine Tasting
• Colosseum Underground and Ancient Rome Small Group – 6 People Max
• Skip-the-Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peters | Small Group

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Vespa?

No, you can’t bring your own Vespa. The tour requires participants to use the provided Vespas from the tour operator. This ensures a consistent experience and allows the guides to properly manage the group for safety and logistics.

Is There a Weight Limit for the Vespa?

There is no explicitly stated weight limit for the Vespa scooters used on the tour. However, the tour requires riders to meet certain driver’s license and age requirements, and is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues or medical conditions that could affect safe operation.

Can I Customize the Tour Route?

The tour allows guests to customize the itinerary, exploring both famous landmarks and lesser-known areas of Rome. Riders can drive solo, with a partner, or have a personal driver guide them through the interactive and customizable tour.

Do I Need to Wear a Helmet?

The Vespa tour requires riders to wear helmets for safety. The tour operator provides approved helmets as part of the rental package, so guests don’t need to bring their own. Wearing a helmet is mandatory during the tour.

Can I Stop for Photos Whenever I Want?

Participants can stop for photos whenever they want during the Vespa tour. The interactive and customizable itinerary allows riders to explore and capture the sights at their own pace, with ample opportunities for photo stops throughout the experience.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Rome: Exclusive Colosseum Underground and Roman Forum Tour
• Rome: Exclusive Small-Group Catacombs by Night Experience
• Rome Vespa Half-Day Tour With Private Driver
• Rome: Half-Day Tour by Vespa With Driver
• Best of Rome: Vatican & Colosseum Highlights
• Explore Vatican Museums: Art, History, and Cultural Riches
• Assisi & Orvieto Day Trip From Rome
• Rome: Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter Early Morning Tour
• Rome: Roman Forum, Palatine, and Circus Maximus Tour
• Rome: Skip-the-Line Private Tour of Castel SantAngelo
• Rome: Evening Golf Cart Tour With Aperitivo
• Rome: Caracalla, Colosseum, Circus Maximus Private Tour
• Rome Uncorked: Exploring Italian Cuisine & Wines
• Rome: City Pass 40+ Attractions, Vatican, & Colosseum Option
• THE ILLUMINATED CITY – Rome By Night in Private

Set out on a thrilling Vespa tour to explore Rome’s iconic landmarks with an official licensed local guide . This interactive adventure offers personalized insights and the flexibility to capture unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a solo rider or a couple, you’ll experience the charm of the Eternal City from the comfort of a classic Vespa. Book your tour in advance to secure this unique opportunity.