Private Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica Early Bird Tour

Meeting point

Where

For the EARLY MORNING BASIC OPTION, transfers are NOT INCLUDED. Guests will meet their guide at 7:30 AM directly on-site, at Caffè Vaticano, Viale Vaticano 100 - located on the opposite side of the Museums' entrance. Your guide will be holding a sign with your last name on it. · Open in Google Maps

Departure

07:30 on Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat; scheduled through October 2027 (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)

Return

For guests who booked the LUXURY OPTION the drop-off service is included.

Pickup

Hotel pickup from 1111 pickup points (1111 pickup points listed by the operator, 1111 of them hotels)

Operator

CityEyes Private Tours; booking and payment are completed on Viator

1. 1
   Vatican Museums

   With our Prime Tour, we get you inside the Museums at its first access. Watch the Vatican Museum Galleries slowly come to life.

   1h 30m · Admission included
2. Cortile della Pigna

   The Courtyard of the “Pigna”, created from the 16th century area of the “Belvedere”

   Pass by, no stop
3. Sphere within a Sphere

   The Sphere within a Sphere" by Arnaldo Pomodoro at the Vatican Museums is a striking sculptural masterpiece that graces the Cortile della Pigna. This captivating artwork features a large bronze sphere with a textured, fractured surface, revealing a smaller sphere within. The interplay of light and shadow on the intricate patterns adds to its mesmerizing allure. Symbolizing themes of complexity and inner depth, Pomodoro's sculpture at the Vatican Museums stands as a testament to the convergence of art, spirituality, and profound meaning in the heart of one of the world's most renowned cultural institutions.

   Pass by, no stop
4. 4
   Sistine Chapel

   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.

   30 min · Admission included
5. 5
   St. Peter's Basilica

   The largest Basilica in the world is also home to worldwide masterpieces like the famous Pietà by Michelangelo! it even houses an underground crypt for Popes, of which can be visited ( not available on Wednesday morning due to the Papal Audience) The Basilica has a big influence from Michelangelo and you can see his art work throughout. The Basilica was originally built above the tomb of the Prince of the Apostles, where the Pope visits every Christmas or Easter Time.

   30 min · Admission included

About this tour, from the operator