Private Vatican Museums Hidden Gems Tour with Optional Pick-Up

based on 217 reviews

Duration:4 hours (approx.)
Location: Rome, Italy

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Embark on this exclusive 4-hour tour of the Vatican Museums and its Hidden Gems for an unforgettable journey through art, history, and spirituality.
With your personal storyteller delight in the world's most celebrated masterpieces, including the iconic Sistine Chapel with its world-known frescos by Michelangelo and the fine Galleries, while also exploring the hidden, lesser-known chambers of the Pinacoteca, with exquisite works by Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio. For art enthusiasts, this is a rare opportunity that must not be missed.
Admire captivating architecture and a vast collection of classical sculptures, then seamlessly transition into St. Peter's Basilica without queues. Stand in awe of Michelangelo's Pieta and the Bernini canopy.
End your tour in the heart of Vatican City, St. Peter's Square, encircled by its iconic colonnades.

Enhance your experience and make it as smooth and comfortable by selecting our Luxury Option with pick-up and drop-off service.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Vatican Museums
Treat yourself with a customized private tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. Visit some hidden gems of the museums and explore rooms closed to the general public at all times. Meet your guide at your hotel where you will be picked-up and travel together to the Vatican Museums. Skip the line for fast-track entry to the world famous Vatican museum complex, made up of galleries with an impressive number of artwork and masterpieces from antiquity to present day. During your visit you will have a chance to see one of the world’s finest collections of sculptures, carvings, frescoes and paintings. Enjoy the impressive Belvedere Courtyard and then stroll through the most interesting rooms and galleries of the museum complex. Marvel at the famous Lacoon and the Belvedere Torso at the sculpture museum, deeply revered by Michelangelo and other Renaissance artists.
2. Cortile della Pigna
The Cortile della Pigna, or "Court of the Pine Cone," is a tranquil courtyard within the Vatican City, named after a colossal bronze pine cone that dates back to Ancient Rome. This pine cone, once a fountain, stands as the centerpiece of the courtyard, symbolizing enlightenment and eternal life. The courtyard, nestled between the Vatican Museums' Belvedere Palace and the Apostolic Palace, is an embodiment of the Renaissance spirit, blending art, nature, and history in a serene setting.
3. Sphere within a Sphere
Sculpted by Arnaldo Pomodoro, the 'Sphere within a Sphere' artwork in the Vatican is a captivating bronze sculpture featuring a large golden sphere with a smaller, intricately textured sphere nested within. Symbolic and enigmatic, it invites contemplation on themes of life's cyclical nature and the interconnectedness of the universe. The play of light on its surfaces adds dynamic dimensions to this thought-provoking piece.
4.
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.
5. Gallery of the Maps
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.
6.
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.
7. Sistine Chapel
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
8.
Amidst Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and Raphael's Rooms, discover the hidden gem of the Vatican Museums – the Pinacoteca, home to one of the world's most exceptional art galleries. This exceptional tour takes you on a journey through art and history, showcasing Giotto's pioneering Renaissance work, Raphael's last masterpiece, Rome's only Leonardo da Vinci painting, and captivating Caravaggio pieces. It's a must-visit for art enthusiasts, an embodiment of the Vatican's artistic legacy.
9. St. Peter's Basilica
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.
10.
The Baldachin in St. Peter's Basilica is a breathtaking masterpiece of art and architecture. Designed by the renowned Baroque sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, it stands as a magnificent bronze canopy over the high altar of the basilica. This ornate structure, adorned with intricate details and towering over 90 feet tall, serves as a symbol of the grandeur of the Catholic Church and a focal point of the basilica's interior. It is a true marvel that captivates visitors with its beauty and historical significance.
11. La Pieta
The Pietà (1498–1499) is a work of Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti, housed in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.
12. St. Peter's Square
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.

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Dress appropriately for worship places and museums; no shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Cover knees and shoulders for both genders to avoid entry issues.
• Wear comfortable shoes for moderate walking during the tour.
• Notify us of mobility issues or disabilities.
• Allow at least 20 minutes for monument/attraction security checks.
• Timings and reservations may vary and are subject to last-minute changes.
• Wheelchair users note partial museum accessibility; Basilica not included.
• St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel may close last-minute for ceremonies; extended Vatican Museums tour offered in such cases.
• Children under 18 require a valid passport or ID for age verification on the tour day.
• Review the confirmation message sent one day before the tour for final details.
• Not suggested on Wednesday morning due to the Papal Audience

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Jan_R
Our guide was amazing! We have. Large family and wide range of ages so she was accommodating and patient. She even helped us get an Uber back to our hotel. She was the best! Only bummer was there was a LOT of people so it made it difficult to hear sometimes. It was very hot! But still worth it.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-26 10:17:21

Posted By : Kirsten_Z
Wonderful experience! I learned so much, my guide was incredibly knowledgeable. It was worth every penny.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-16 05:44:07

Posted By : ltoohey11
Touring the Vatican with Azzurra was like experiencing it with an expert friend. She navigated us easily between the crowds and took time along the way to preview upcoming important pieces with photos on her iPad, so that we could fully focus on and experience the meaningful and historical treasures without having to worry about following and listening to a guide on a headset with a group of people. We loved her sense of humor and vast knowledge, the way she answered all our questions and seemed to pick up on what interested us most along the way. Being picked up at our hotel made it super easy and Azzurra’s lunch spot recommendation was the perfect way for us to share our experiences with each other afterwards. Highly, highly recommend Eyes of Rome and the fabulous Azzurra in particular!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-13 12:15:31

Posted By : paulasX1013UJ
When they say “ skip the lines” they aren’t kidding. Azzurra breezed us through and congestion. I’ve never had any interest in art history but Azzurra made it come to life for my husband and I. We learned so much in a very enjoyable way. The beauty of the Vatican and the political influence of the pope was so interesting. We weren’t rushed through the Sistine Chapel and had as much time as we wanted in St Peter’s Basilica. We chose the private tour with hotel pick up and drop off. Expensive but it’s a once in a lifetime experience. Do it!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-11 11:48:30

Posted By : Sylvia_H
Our guide, Maria, was amazing. She helped us get through security and each of the sites with ease and always knew the best spots in each section where we could pause and fully appreciate the amazing works of art. Her detailed explanations of the history and analysis of the key works of art deepened our experience immeasurably. She broadened our understanding not just of what we saw during our tour but of art in general. We were very happy that we took the tour and would highly recommend it.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-25 05:50:20

Posted By : Bernadette_K
Wonderful tour!
Luigi was an absolutely fantastic guide!
With so much to see that was amazingly beautiful, he made the experience so much better. We never felt rushed and he knew exactly how to get us from one great section to another. It would be so easy to be overwhelmed with all of the grandeur and things to see. Such an amazing and knowledgeable person.
Highly recommend Luigi!

Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-23 15:54:54

Posted By : Karen_A
This tour was a lifesaver for exploring the Vatican. So many things we would have never known in a VAST landscape of things to see. Rosie pointed out the most important things in our limited time, and was a huge help in getting us straight through and skipping the lines. We also opted for the pickup from our hotel which we would highly recommend! The driver dropped us right beside our guide!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-23 02:45:25

Posted By : Stacey_F
This tour will “check the box” for any traveler looking to see the highlights of the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel. However, to “check the box” is to miss out on the incredible works of art and architecture brought to life by Maria on this tour. Her passion for the works and the stories they hold had us enthralled. From Bernini’s architecture and Balachin to the Laocoon and Michelangelo’s Pieta and Sistine Chapel, to Gallery of Maps, and to the long history of the Vatican obelisk, Maria painted a complete picture of the history and reasoning behind these masterpieces.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-18 10:53:01

Posted By : Nicholas_T
Outstanding tour! I cannot imagine visiting the Vatican any other way. The lines were extraordinarily long, however, with the skip the line tickets our guide Alessandro walked ua right in. He was extremely knowledgeable and gave us a great tour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-04 15:39:10

Posted By : Helen_B
Absolutely fabulous!!! Our guide was so knowledgeable, pointing out and explaining the smallest of details. With so many visitors, groups and languages surrounding us, it was absolutely worth the private tour!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-30 02:27:54