Semi-Private Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica
See the Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps, and Scala Regia, the exclusive passageway to the basilica
Vatican crowds and long ticket lines can eat up your day and drain the experience. Skip the wait and explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with just 10 guests per group. This semi-private tour offers a more personal experience with a dedicated guide, plus direct entry to St. Peter’s Basilica through the Scala Regia. You’ll end in the basilica, free to explore until you’re ready to take on the rest of Rome.
- Meet your guide outside Caffé Vaticano
- Vatican Museums
- Pinecone Courtyard
- Gallery of Candelabra
- Hall of Maps
- Gallery of Tapestries
- Raphael Rooms
- School of Athens
- Sistine Chapel
- Scala Regia
- End inside St. Peter’s Basilica
You’ll meet your local guide at the top of the stairs near Caffé Vaticano, just across from the Vatican Museums entrance. With skip-the-line access, you’ll head straight inside to explore the treasures of the Vatican without the usual crowds. Your expert guide will lead you through highlights like the Raphael Rooms, Borgia Apartments, and more, sharing the stories behind the art. After your time in the Sistine Chapel, you’ll enter St. Peter’s Basilica through the Scala Regia, where your tour concludes inside one of the most revered churches in the world.
Semi-Private Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica Description
Your 3-hour semi-private tour includes:
Charismatic, English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line Vatican Museums
Pio-Clementino
Galleries, tapestries, maps & more
Raphael Rooms & School of Athens
Sistine Chapel
Enter Scala Regia passageway
Max group size 10
Pio-Clementino Museum and Nero’s Bathtub
Your guide will take you to the Pio-Clementino Museum where you'll see three of the most iconic statues in the world. Learn about the myths and legends associated with the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoön and His Sons, and the Belvedere Torso. You'll also visit one of the biggest and oldest bathtubs you'll ever see, made from rare red marble for Emperor Nero to relax in.
The Best Galleries at the Vatican
Your guide will lead you on through the Vatican Museums, visiting the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps. Admire the ancient Roman and Greek statues, the Flemish tapestries created by Raphael's students, and the gorgeous topographical depictions of Italy.
At the height of the Roman Empire, pontiffs rarely left Rome. In order to understand the Italian peninsula without endangering his life, Pope Gregory XIII commissioned 40 giant, meticulous maps to be created for his use. Most of these maps measure more than 15 by 16 feet, and the end result is nothing short of spectacular.
You'll hear the stories behind these treasures from your expert guide as the Vatican secrets are slowly unveiled to you.
Raphael Rooms and The School of Athens
Raphael is the epitome of a Renaissance artist. In the period of European civilization immediately following the Middle Ages, a great period of revival in art, literature, and thought occurred. Raphael encompassed the ideals of a Renaissance man and frescoed multiple rooms inside of the Vatican Museums. Among other masterpieces, see one of Raphael’s most famous works of art, The School of Athens.
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel
No visit to Vatican City is complete without stepping inside the Sistine Chapel. Since speaking is not allowed in this sacred space, your guide will explain the most important details beforehand and provide a helpful reference guide to take in with you.
Once inside, the magnitude of Michelangelo’s masterpiece becomes clear. In just four years, he painted over 600 figures across the ceiling and altar wall—scenes from Genesis, prophets, sibyls, and the powerful Last Judgment. The Sistine Chapel is not only a breathtaking artistic achievement, but also the place where cardinals gather to elect a new pope, deepening its spiritual and cultural significance.
Please remember that the Sistine Chapel is an active place of worship. Both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders to be granted entry. Rome’s summers can be hot, so we recommend bringing a lightweight shawl or sweater to cover up when needed.
Ending Inside St. Peter’s Basilica
After your visit to the Sistine Chapel, you’ll follow your guide down the Scala Regia, Bernini’s magnificent ceremonial staircase once used by popes and dignitaries. This route is not open to the general public—only guided groups have access.
You’ll step directly into St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most awe-inspiring churches in the world. Inside, marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà, gaze up into the dome, and stand beneath Bernini’s bronze Baldachin at the high altar. From here, your guided tour ends, and you are free to explore the basilica at your own pace. Whether you choose to linger longer in the quiet majesty or step back into the streets of Rome, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy.
What you get with this tour

See what people are saying
1513 total reviews
Leave a reviewMary Moulton
So Much to See, Not Enough Time
Christine Bonansinga
Our tour guide Sara was truly special. She brought to life so much of what we saw at the Vatican museum with her interesting stories and personal perspective. There is no way a three hour tour could even scratch the surface of what is available to see. But Sara touched upon the highlights in the museum and explained what to look for when we went into the Sistine Chapel on our own.
Donna Mendez
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
In addition to wearing or bringing clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes. You're also welcome to bring a water bottle as it can get hot inside the Vatican during the summer months.
Is there a way to see the Vatican without a guided tour?
Yes, it's possible, though you may find the experience lacking without a guide to explain the stories behind the things you'll see. But you can click here for skip the line Vatican tickets.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
If you have any doubts about your mobility, we suggest taking a Private Vatican tour so your needs can be better accommodated.
Does the Vatican ever experience sudden closures?
During state visits or special religious events, parts of the Vatican may be closed unexpectedly and without much notice. If an area normally visited during a tour is suddenly closed, our guide will still provide explanations of the closed areas from outside. They will even show you another gallery to compensate for the lost time in the usual location.
Does this tour really skip the line?
Yes! Your guide will escort you past the long general admission line to the shorter line for groups. Then you'll enter the Vatican before the general public.
Does this tour include St. Peter's Basilica entry?
You’ll enter through the Scala Regia, a grand staircase designed by Bernini. This entrance is only available to official guided tours, meaning no waiting in the general entrance line.
What to bring?
In addition to wearing or bringing clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes. You're also welcome to bring a water bottle as it can get hot inside the Vatican during the summer months.
Is photography allowed in the Sistine Chapel?
No, the Vatican requests that no photos or videos be taken inside the Sistine Chapel.
Is there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour?
We ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise the Vatican might refuse entry to religious sites and you’ll miss out on a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Rome can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.
Is the Scala Regia something most visitors see?
No—it’s typically off-limits to the public. Only guided tours are allowed to use this historic papal passageway, making your access rare and memorable.