St. Peter's, Vatican Gardens, and Sistine Chapel Private Tour
Start with a pickup from your Rome hotel, or meet at the local operator’s office in the center of the city. Once you’re aboard your transport, you’ll travel out of Rome to the Vatican. Your first stop is St. Peter’s Basilica, where you'll admire Michelangelo’s La Pietà, the bronze Bernini-designed baldachin, and the holy sepulcrum. Making your way past the crowds waiting to enter the Vatican Galleries, head inside the gardens to discover the oasis of green space that's been a place of meditation for the popes over the centuries. As you explore footpaths lined with vibrant flowers, stumble upon works of art and examples of Renaissance architecture. See the giant labyrinth of hedges that are typical of 16th-century Italian gardens, and admire the Lebanese cedars. After strolling through the gardens, follow your guide to the Sistine Chapel, learning about its Michelangelo-painted frescoes as you go. Hear theories about the secret meanings behind The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgement, then step inside to visit the sacred chapel on your own.
Highlights
- ✓Learn more about the Vatican than you would touring alone
- ✓Soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the Vatican Gardens
- ✓Receive personalized attention from your private guide
- ✓Hotel pickup is included and the tour ends at the Vatican
What you'll see & do
- ✓Inside the smallest State in the world and its "green heart", amid monuments, historical fountains and rare botanical treasures
- ✓You will enter directly to the Sistine Chapel with a special access through the Room of the Aldobrandini Wedding, previously known as the Room of Samson on account of the ceiling frescoes by Guido Reni narrating the Stories of Samson. This room is usually close to the public.
- ✓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
- ✓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.
- ✓The Pietà is a work of Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti, housed in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City. It is the first of a number of works of the same theme by the artist. The statue was commissioned for the French Cardinal Jean de Bilhères, who was a representative in Rome. The sculpture, in Carrara marble, was made for the cardinal's funeral monument, but was moved to its current location, the first chapel on the right as one enters the basilica, in the 18th century. It is the only piece Michelangelo ever signed.
- ✓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.
What's included
- ✓Private Walking Tour through the Vatican Gardens
- ✓Hotel pickup with Sanitized Vehicle (Centrally located only - within Aurelian Walls)
- ✓Professional Licensed Blue Badge Tour Guide
- ✓Access to the Sistine Chapel from the Vatican Gardens
What's not included
- ✓Food and drinks
- ✓Drop off service
Good to know
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and select museums, please see voucher for more details
A moderate amount of walking is involved - comfortable shoes are recommended
Pictures are strictly forbidden inside the Sistine Chapel
Food and drinks are not allowed inside each attraction
Pick up at 8:30 AM at your hotel/accommodation in Rome city center (within Aurelian Walls)
Cancellation policy
This experience is non-refundable — once booked, it can’t be changed or refunded.
St. Peter's, Vatican Gardens, and Sistine Chapel Private Tour
Start with a pickup from your Rome hotel, or meet at the local operator’s office in the center of the city. Once you’re aboard your transport, you’ll travel out of Rome to the Vatican. Your first stop is St. Peter’s Basilica, where you'll admire Michelangelo’s La Pietà, the bronze Bernini-designed baldachin, and the holy sepulcrum. Making your way past the crowds waiting to enter the Vatican Galleries, head inside the gardens to discover the oasis of green space that's been a place of meditation for the popes over the centuries. As you explore footpaths lined with vibrant flowers, stumble upon works of art and examples of Renaissance architecture. See the giant labyrinth of hedges that are typical of 16th-century Italian gardens, and admire the Lebanese cedars. After strolling through the gardens, follow your guide to the Sistine Chapel, learning about its Michelangelo-painted frescoes as you go. Hear theories about the secret meanings behind The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgement, then step inside to visit the sacred chapel on your own.
Highlights
- ✓Learn more about the Vatican than you would touring alone
- ✓Soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the Vatican Gardens
- ✓Receive personalized attention from your private guide
- ✓Hotel pickup is included and the tour ends at the Vatican
What you'll see & do
- ✓Inside the smallest State in the world and its "green heart", amid monuments, historical fountains and rare botanical treasures
- ✓You will enter directly to the Sistine Chapel with a special access through the Room of the Aldobrandini Wedding, previously known as the Room of Samson on account of the ceiling frescoes by Guido Reni narrating the Stories of Samson. This room is usually close to the public.
- ✓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
- ✓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.
- ✓The Pietà is a work of Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti, housed in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City. It is the first of a number of works of the same theme by the artist. The statue was commissioned for the French Cardinal Jean de Bilhères, who was a representative in Rome. The sculpture, in Carrara marble, was made for the cardinal's funeral monument, but was moved to its current location, the first chapel on the right as one enters the basilica, in the 18th century. It is the only piece Michelangelo ever signed.
- ✓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.
What's included
- ✓Private Walking Tour through the Vatican Gardens
- ✓Hotel pickup with Sanitized Vehicle (Centrally located only - within Aurelian Walls)
- ✓Professional Licensed Blue Badge Tour Guide
- ✓Access to the Sistine Chapel from the Vatican Gardens
What's not included
- ✓Food and drinks
- ✓Drop off service
Good to know
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and select museums, please see voucher for more details
A moderate amount of walking is involved - comfortable shoes are recommended
Pictures are strictly forbidden inside the Sistine Chapel
Food and drinks are not allowed inside each attraction
Pick up at 8:30 AM at your hotel/accommodation in Rome city center (within Aurelian Walls)
Cancellation policy
This experience is non-refundable — once booked, it can’t be changed or refunded.