VIP Vatican Breakfast and Guided Tour with Sistine Chapel Access

About this experience

Embark on an extraordinary journey at the Vatican with this morning tour that includes an American-style breakfast inside the Vatican's Courtyard. You’ll explore the Vatican Museums before they open to the general public so you can admire famous sights like the Sistine Chapel in a more intimate atmosphere before finishing with skip-the-line access to St Peter’s Basilica through a reserved entrance.

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 5min

   With our Early Entrance into the Vatican, you’ll explore the Vatican Museums before they open to the general public so you can admire the Sistine Chapel in a more intimate atmosphere before finishing with skip-the-line access to St Peter’s Basilica through a reserved entrance.

2. Stop 2 · 30min

   Begin with an American-style breakfast in the Vatican's Courtyard among the majestic views of the Vatican with unparalleled serenity before the public is allowed inside.

3. Stop 3 · 5min

   In the heart of the Vatican's Cortile della Pigna stands a notable bronze sculpture: Sfera con sfera (Sphere Within a Sphere) by Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro. This captivating artwork depicts two fractured orbs resembling intricate machine gears, symbolizing the intricate and fragile nature of the modern world. Pomodoro began creating similar sculptures in the early 1960s, exploring the theme of complexity.

4. Stop 4 · 1h 30min

   Then join your expert guide for a semi-private tour of the Vatican Museums. Saunter along our carefully designed route to admire exquisite centuries old art collections and archeological wonders.

5. Stop 5 · 10min

   The Vatican Museums' Gallery of Maps is a mesmerizing display of intricate cartography, spanning centuries. Immerse yourself in history through vividly detailed maps, capturing the beauty of geography and artistry.

6. Stop 6 · 15min

   From there, visit the Sistine Chapel – the Pope’s personal place of worship. Marvel at Michelangelo’s artistry as you immerse yourself within one of the world’s most significant landmarks.

7. Stop 7 · 15min

   Finally, your guide will avoid long lines to get you into St. Peter’s Basilica to explore one of the pillars of the Catholic church. Remain in St. Peter’s Basilica after the tour to experience more of this amazing church at your leisure, or step back outside St. Peter’s Square to admire Bernini’s clever optical illusion and the basilica’s heavenly facade.

8. Stop 8 · 10min

   St. Peter's Square, an iconic masterpiece in Rome, embraces visitors with its grandeur. Designed by Bernini, the vast elliptical space is encircled by a majestic colonnade, symbolizing the Church's embrace. The central obelisk and fountains add splendor, while the stunning façade of St. Peter's Basilica stands as a beacon of architectural brilliance, inviting pilgrims and tourists alike to marvel at the heart of Vatican City.

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Meeting & pickup

• At the bottom of the steps across the street from the Vatican Museums entrance. The steps are located between on the corner of Viale Vaticano and Via Tunisi. The closest Metro stop is Line A (Ottaviano – Musei Vaticani). Our City Wonders coordinators wear blue City Wonders jacket or polo shirts.

• Saint Peter’s Basilica is subject to last-minute closures for religious ceremonies. When this occurs, we're happy to offer customers an extended tour of the Vatican Museums. While we endeavour to tell tour groups ahead of time if there are any planned disruptions to the Basilica's opening hours, this is not always possible and in these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. • Please be at the meeting point 15 minute before the departure time. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated & missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded. • For help with meeting points or other urgent issues, please phone (0039) 06 8336 0561. • Only small bags are allowed • Visitors must pass through metal detectors at the security check point. Please expect to wait 20-30 minutes to clear security • On Wednesdays, due to the Papal Audiences, access to St Peter's Basilica is not possible in the morning. • Gratuities for your guide/driver that provided excellent service are appreciated! Disclaimer: • Please note all participant names and date of birth are required at the time of booking in order to join this tour. If we do not receive this information, we will cancel the booking. Every customer is required to carry a valid ID that matches the name on the ticket, or an entry will be refused. Name changes are not permitted once the booking is confirmed. • Please be advised that this tour option is non-refundable, with no cancellations or date changes allowed due to pre-purchased tickets. It is mandatory to bring a valid ID or Passport for security checks, and entry will not be granted without proper documentation.

Before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Please note that this tour is only available up to 60 days in advance, due to the nature of the tickets. We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment!
• Saint Peter’s Basilica is subject to last-minute closures for religious ceremonies. When this occurs, we're happy to offer customers an extended tour of the Vatican Museums. While we endeavour to tell tour groups ahead of time if there are any planned disruptions to the Basilica's opening hours, this is not always possible and in these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts.
• On Wednesdays, due to the Papal Audiences, access to St Peter's Basilica is not possible in the morning.
• * Please note all participant names and date of birth are required at the time of booking in order to join this tour. If we do not receive this information, we will cancel the booking. Every customer is required to carry a valid ID that matches the name on the ticket, or an entry will be refused. Name changes are not permitted once the booking is confirmed.
• * Please be advised that this tour option is non-refundable, with no cancellations or date changes allowed due to pre-purchased tickets. It is mandatory to bring a valid ID or Passport for security checks, and entry will not be granted without proper documentation.
• A dress code is required to enter to the museums. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women.

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.