Private Tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peters Basilica

Tour Description

Private Tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peters Basilica

This tour is for those who want to explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peters Basilica at their own pace. Whether you are looking for something specific or just want to see the highlights, this private excursion lets you choose what you see.

The Vatican Museums

Delve deeper into the Vatican collection on this customizable tour, which focuses on the diverse art and history with an expert guide. Since the conception of the Museums in 1506, the space has grown considerably and now occupies a substantial part of the Vatican’s 44 hectares. Comprised of 1,200 rooms, 54 galleries and 8 actual museums, there’s certainly a lot to choose from. Would you like to see one of the 15 known paintings by Leonardo di Vinci, Raphael’s last work or Caravaggio’s “the Entombment of Christ”? Do you prefer Egyptology, then maybe you’d like to explore the Vatican’s Gregorian Egyptian Museum, which is specifically dedicated to Ancient Egypt and the Near East? Basically, the choices for this tour are endless, just let us know what you want to see, and we’ll make it happen or, alternatively, just ask your guide what they would suggest and let them surprise you. 

Sistine Chapel

Ever wondered what Michelangelo looked like, how he painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling, or what he really thought of the Pope? In this segment your guide will explain everything, from how the chapel got its name, to the other artists that worked there, and the significance of the figures portrayed in the key works that fill the space. Learn about frescos and the obstacles involved when adopting this form of painting, as well as what makes the method superior. Uncover hidden messages that Michelangelo left on the ceiling and alter wall, find out what made his colors so vibrant and see for yourself why the Sistine Chapel is considered one of the most important works of art in the world.  

St. Peters Basilica

Whether you are religious or not St. Peter’s Basilica is without doubt one of the most impressive architectural structures in the world. Built over the resting place of Simon Peter, it is the second largest church in the world and the second most important basilica in Rome (but definitely the most popular). Encompassing an area of approximately 5 acres, St. Peter’s is vast, boasting 778 columns, 395 statues, 150 mosaics, 44 alters, 27 chapels, 11 domes and 5 sets of main doors. Its construction was a colossal undertaking, spanning over a century, throughout the reins of 21 popes, and was overseen by 10 major artists/architects. Learn more about its rich history, uncover its fascinating secrets, and explore its world-famous art collection. 

Availability: Daily at 3.30pm (except Sundays)

Duration: 3 hours

Meeting point: Via Germanico n.16 (closest metro stop “Ottaviano”, Line A)

Itinerary

• Octagonal Courtyard
• Gallery of the Muses
• Round Room
• Gallery of the Candelabra
• Gallery of Maps
• Sobieski Room
• Raphael Rooms
• Borgia Apartments
• Collection of Modern Religious Art
• Any room of your choice, even outside the standard path