Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Trastevere Lunch Shore Excursion
Skip the line at the Papal City with a private guide, plus enjoy Roman cuisine and port transfers
Enjoy the ultimate Roman day tailored exclusively for your party, from the height of papal power to Rome's bohemian quarter west of the Tiber River. Your private guide uses skip-the-line tickets to take you through the Vatican Museums, stand beneath Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, and enter St. Peter's Basilica. Then, transition to the cobblestone streets of Trastevere for a traditional meal and a visit to the Basilica di Santa Maria. Finish with a convenient transfer back to the port.
What You Get With This Tour
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Round-trip port to Rome transfer
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Private guide for Vatican sites
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Skip-the-line access to Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
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Scala Regia to St. Peter’s Basilica
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Guided tour of Trastevere, including Piazza Trilussa
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Lunch and Gelato
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Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your driver at Civitavecchia Port
Your private journey begins with departure from the port at 8:30 AM. Meet your transfer vehicle for the approximately 90-minute scenic drive into Rome. -
2
Guided visit of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
At approximately 10:00 AM, meet your local guide to use your skip-the-line access to bypass the crowds. You will see must-sees like the Pio Clementino (home to the Laocoön), the Gallery of Maps, Nero’s Bathtub, the Raphael Rooms (School of Athens), and the Borgia Apartments before the silent visit to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. -
3
Visit to St. Peter’s Basilica
Following your silent visit to the Chapel, you will follow your guide down the Scala Regia for privileged, direct entry to St. Peter's Basilica. Marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s canopy. -
4
Transfer to Trastevere
Around 1:00 PM, you will transfer from the Vatican area to the charming Trastevere neighborhood, arriving at Piazza Trilussa by 1:15 PM. -
5
Lunch and Gelato
Enjoy an authentic Roman meal at Casa Mia restaurant starting at 1:30 PM. After lunch, take a break with a traditional gelato stop. -
6
Exploration of Trastevere
From 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM, take a short guided walk featuring the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of Rome's oldest churches, followed by free time to soak up the local atmosphere. -
7
Departure from Rome for Civitavecchia
At 3:00 PM, meet your transfer vehicle for the relaxing journey back to the coast. -
8
Your tour finishes at Civitavecchia Port
The tour concludes upon arrival back at the port at 4:30 PM, ensuring you are safely back on board with ample time before your ship’s departure.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Accessibility: The natural itinerary of this tour involves extensive walking, standing, and stairs (e.g., Scala Regia, Trastevere cobblestones). However, as this is a private tour, the itinerary can be accommodated to be wheelchair or mobility accessible. Please contact us, after making the booking, to make the proper arrangements. We recommend a soft baby carrier, as strollers are not allowed inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
Dress Code: As the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel are deeply religious sites, everyone must cover their knees and shoulders. Guests who do not meet the dress code may be refused entry by security officials. No hats please.
Tour Changes: St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesday mornings until 1:30pm, due to the Papal Audience. Tours during this time will not include Basilica entry. Tours during special Jubilee events may also experience a closure of St. Peter's Basilica.
Please Note: The Sistine Chapel is a place of worship, so visitors are not allowed to speak inside the chapel. Your guide will explain what you'll see in advance and provide you with a map or handout for reference before you enter.
Dietary Restrictions: Please contact us with any special dietary restrictions or allergies, so we can do our best to accommodate you.
Time Adjustments: The itinerary of a private tour can be adjusted to your needs. Please reach out if you do not see a start time that fits for your party. We would be happy to check with our ticketing team to see if we can accommodate you.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the driver can depart on time.
Your 8-hour private tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide (3 hours at the Vatican)
Dedicated Tour Leader (2 hours in Trastevere)
Round-trip private transfers between Civitavecchia Port and Rome
Skip-the-line Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel tickets
Privileged entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica via Scala Regia
Lunch and a gelato stop in Trastevere
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Government-issued ID
Water bottle
Clothing that covers knees and shoulders
Camera
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where to meet?
Your tour departs from Civitavecchia Port at 8:30 AM. Exact meeting instructions will be provided by your tour operator. The tour ends upon arrival back at Civitavecchia Port at 4:30 PM.
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, this tour is family friendly. Since the tour is private, the guide can tailor the pace and focus to better suit the interests of children in your party, especially during the 3-hour Vatican segment.
What is the dress code?
There is a strict dress code for all sacred sites: both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees completely before entering the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Basilica di Santa Maria.
What happens if St. Peter's Basilica is closed?
The Basilica is closed every Wednesday morning for the Papal Audience. If your tour is impacted, the time will be reallocated to deeper exploration of the Vatican Museums and Trastevere.
Is the food included in the tour price?
Yes, the tour includes a pre-arranged lunch at Casa Mia restaurant in Trastevere, as well as a stop for gelato.
What is the difference between the Guide and the Tour Leader?
The licensed guide (3 hours) provides the in-depth historical narrative at the Vatican. The dedicated Tour Leader (2 hours) manages the group logistics, the Trastevere walking portion, and the private transfers, ensuring a smooth, stress-free day.
