Vatican City Tour
Skip-the-Line Private Experience with an Expert Guide
If you want to enjoy a truly in-depth experience of the Vatican, this private tour is the perfect choice. I will pick you up directly from your hotel in Rome, and we will start our skip-the-line Vatican Museums tour together – no queues, no stress.
Once inside, our route begins from the Pine Cone Courtyard (Cortile della Pigna), an elegant open-air space dominated by a giant bronze pine cone that once decorated ancient Roman temples. We will then move through the spectacular Cortile del Belvedere, the historical passageway that connects the Papal Palaces.
From there, we continue into the Gallery of Maps, where large topographical maps of Italy frescoed in the 16th century adorn the walls, revealing how Renaissance scholars viewed the world. We'll pass through the Gallery of Tapestries and the Gallery of Candelabra before reaching one of the artistic highlights of the Vatican Museums: the Raphael Rooms – once the private papal apartments, painted by the young Raphael for Pope Julius II.
Finally, we enter the heart of the Vatican: the Sistine Chapel. Here, in silence, you will gaze upon Michelangelo's breathtaking ceiling and The Last Judgment. I will have explained everything to you before entering, as guides are not allowed to speak inside.
With a private, authorized tour, we will then have direct access from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica – a privilege reserved only for official groups. This allows us to skip the often hours-long line and enter the Basilica smoothly and quickly.
Inside the Basilica, we will admire Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldachin, and the tomb of St. Peter himself.
This experience is one of the most emotional journeys into the heart of Christian history and art.
Evening Vatican Museums Tour
Experience the magic of the Vatican Museums after sunset. On selected evenings, the doors open to a special nighttime visit – away from the large daytime crowds. Explore the vast galleries, admire Raphael’s Rooms and ancient sculptures bathed in soft lighting, and end your journey in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s genius comes alive under a peaceful evening silence.
This is the perfect option for those who want to avoid heat and crowds, or who wish to add a romantic, exclusive atmosphere to their Vatican experience. Night tours are limited and must be booked in advance.
Vatican Gardens Tour by Minibus
A unique opportunity to enter the hidden green heart of the Vatican City. The Vatican Gardens, normally closed to the general public, can be visited aboard a special electric minibus. This eco-friendly vehicle allows up to 20 people per hour to discover the private gardens used by popes for centuries.
During the panoramic tour, you will see Renaissance fountains, medieval walls, ancient statues, and hidden chapels – all while enjoying commentary through multilingual audio guides. The Vatican Gardens tour also includes entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel after the ride.
Availability is extremely limited, so early reservation is strongly recommended.
Contact
For information and price:
danila.bracaglia@gmail.com – WhatsApp +39 338 2458831
Dr. Danila Bracaglia