Things to do in Vatican City, Lazio: The Best Walking Tours

November 16, 2021 Alida England

Sure, Vatican City is tiny—110 acres—but it houses the world's largest Catholic church (St. Peter's Basilica) and has perhaps the best collection of artistic masterpieces in the world (the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo's Pieta, the Laocoon Group, etc.). And maybe only 800 people live here, but one of them's the Pope. It's a pretty good argument for quality over quantity.
Restaurants in Vatican City

1. Private Sistine Chapel & Vatican Highlights Tour with Fast Access & Hotel Pickup

Sistine Chapel Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

You have two optional start time options on this 3-hour private –  9.00 am or  2.00 pm. and as it is a private tour you gain access to parts of the Vatican not on the usual tour itinerary.  You can go at your own pace and with skip-the-line access bypass the crowds an get to see so much more of this magnificent place. Hotel pick up is included for a stress-free experience.

Inclusions: Guaranteed to skip the long lines, Hotel pickup (selected hotels only), Private tour, Local guide, Professional art historian guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, drop-off Hotel

Reviewed By Karen A

Thomas was our guide. He was informative knowledgeable and answered all our questions. Crowds were small due to the coronavirus. Able to see amazing sites.

2. Ultimate St. Peter's Basilica Dome Climb and Tour with Papal Crypts

St. Peter's Basilica, Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City The Roman Guy
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

While Vatican City is home to many bucket list attractions, one of the hardest ones to see is often St. Peter’s Dome. Because most travelers visit St. Peter’s Basilica after the Vatican Museums, the line to climb the dome can get pretty extensive as the day goes on. This tour allows you to enter St. Peter’s Basilica right when it opens, allowing you to climb the dome while most travelers are touring the Vatican Museums.

Inclusions: Professional English speaking guide, St. Peter's Dome tickets included, Maximum group size of 16

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By antonella_fru

Avi was fantastic! Super knowledgeable and engaging. Wish we were there, but this was a close second! Highly recommended!

3. Scavi Tour to the Tomb of St. Peter's & Skip Line Guided Tour of the Basilica

Largo del Colonnato, 1, 00193 Roma RM, Italy Vatican City Tour and Tickets
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

The most exclusive Vatican tour to a restricted area of Vatican City with fewer than 100 permits granted per day. Vatican necropolis with the tomb of St. Peter's is the best-preserved ancient cemetery in Rome with artefacts, frescoes and bas-reliefs taking the visitor back to times of imperial Rome and early Christian persecutions. Tour includes guided visit of St. Peter's Basilica with guaranteed skip the line entrance to the Basilica.

Inclusions: Scavi Tour, skip line admission to St. Peter's Basilica, St. Peter's Basilica Tour, scavi admissions

Exclusions: gratuity

Reviewed By IrynaI8

The tour was canceled, and we were rescheduled to go afternoon. We specifically paid that amount for a tour that available before the public arrives to the museum. The group was more than 10 people, there were some crowds in some areas with other groups and other guides talking around. Our tour guide was great, however, we have not received what we booked, it was not private, and it was not 3 hours as it described in a tour.

4. Ancient Rome Tour

Best Rome Driver Private Tours
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5.0 based on 27 reviews

Rome, Rome, Italy, Rome, Rome, Rome, Italy, Rome, Italy, Rome, Italy, Rome Your Private English Speaking Driver will pick you up from your Rome accommodation and chauffeur you through the Eternal City. Rome is filled with treasures that you can find in every corner of the city including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. It is also home to exquisite flavors of Roman delicacies that you can not find anywhere else. Our Ancient Rome Day Tour will capture your heart and your interest as you enjoy this unforgettable Day Tour.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, English Speaking Driver for the length of the service, Courtesy and service

Exclusions: Tickets to enter the Sites, Private Licensed Tour Guides, Lunch, Entry / Admission - Colosseum, Entry / Admission to Vatican Museum / Sistine Chapel, Entry / Admission - Roman Forum, Gratuities, Entry / Admission - Basilica San Pietro

Reviewed By V1892VXluanac

Our driver Fabrizio was the best...He turned up on time, he smiled, he was kind and he knew exactly what he was doing. Not only did he take us to some beautiful and inspiring places around Rome, he literally explained where we were and the history behind the places we saw, which was awesome lol I completely recommend him if you expect the full experience;)

5. Vip Super Early Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour

Via Leone IV, 6, 00192 Roma RM, Italy Italy With Family
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

The Vip Super Early Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour are​ the best you could have if you are looking for an exclusive experience. This unique guided tour is organized for a small group of 12 people only, this way you can interact with your expert English speaking guide as if you were on a private tour. Your group will enter the Vatican at 7:30 AM, one hour and a half before the general audience and 30 minutes before most of the other tour companies. This special tour will allow you to enjoy the Vatican highlights with almost nobody around while most of the other tours offered in the Vatican are held with thousands of other tourists around you.

Inclusions: Vip access to the Sistine Chapel, Vip access to the Vatican Museums, Vip access to the St. Peter's Basilica, Expert English Speaking Guide, Headsets to hear your guide clearly, Taxes and fees

Exclusions: Breakfast, Private transportation, Gratuities

Reviewed By KatrinK181

We always enjoy being back in Rome and this time we decided to take a driving tour as we had just a couple of days and wanted to see all the cities without walking miles around the city. The staff speaks great English and it was amazing just to enjoy the ride and the views with an a/c as it's really hot in Rome! I've seen the brochure with all the tours this company provides, and next time in Rome we'll definitely book the Colosseum express, which is great as it only takes 1,5 hours while most of the tours cover the whole area, which takes like 3 hours and it's crazy considering the heat.

6. Private Early Bird Vatican and St Peter's Basilica Tour: Hotel Pick-up Drop-off

Eyes of Rome
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5.0 based on 316 reviews

In a nutshell: The Earliest Vatican Tour with Special Priority Access to beat the early bird crowd! Are you planning your once in a life time Vatican experience? This is hands down the best Vatican Tour! Don’t miss your opportunity to enter the Vatican Museums with no waiting time at all. Secure your access almost one and a half hours prior to the official Vatican opening, skipping any possible line with our Prime entrance, available only through 7 tour operators in the world and the only true skip the line ticket for your early morning Vatican Experience. With our Prime Tour, we get you inside the Museums before the regular Early Morning crowds, bypassing those already waiting in line for the Vatican doors to open.  

Inclusions: Meet and greet service at your hotel/accommodation, Professional Licensed Blue Badge Tour Guide, Hotel pickup with Sanitized Vehicle (centrally located hotels. Within Aurelian Walls), Priority Access (before the regular Early Morning Crowd - if Prime Option selected), Raphael Rooms , Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica with direct access, Hotel Drop Off Service (if Prime Option selected)

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By EugeniaGio90

My boyfriend and I had an amazing time in Rome, in the fun and expert company of Serena. She took us on a discovery of Rome that was tailored to our interests and left us filled with wonder. Lot's of interesting information, delivered in an engaging and pleasant way. Serena was super helpful when we were planning the trip: she gave us lot's of great tips for places to eat and for other museums or sights to visit on our own time. We highly recommend her

7. Private Skip the Line Vatican Hidden Gems Tour with Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off

Eyes of Rome
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4.9 based on 156 reviews

Enjoy this exclusively designed private 3.5 hours tour of the stunning Vatican Museums and its Hidden Gems - the second largest and the fifth most visited art museum in the world, home to the famous Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms. Skip the line and enter directly with your personal guide to enjoy some of world's most renowned masterpieces produced by Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, and visit some hidden off-the-beaten-track rooms. Explore the fascinating architecture and a vast collection of classical sculptures. Continue the visit by entering into St. Peter's Basilica directly from the museums, without queuing up from the main square, and finish your tour in the charming St. Peter's Square. Upgrade your tour with the visit of St. Peter's Dome and the drop off service back to your centrally located hotel.

Inclusions: Private Walking Tour, Professional Licensed Blue Badge Tour Guide, Hotel pickup with Sanitized Vehicle (centrally located hotels. Within Aurelian Walls), Access to the Rooms of Raphael or Cabinet of Masks, Skip The lIne Tickets, St. Peter's Dome and drop off service (if Luxury Option Selected)

Exclusions: Food & Beverage

Reviewed By EugeniaGio90

My boyfriend and I had an amazing time in Rome, in the fun and expert company of Serena. She took us on a discovery of Rome that was tailored to our interests and left us filled with wonder. Lot's of interesting information, delivered in an engaging and pleasant way. Serena was super helpful when we were planning the trip: she gave us lot's of great tips for places to eat and for other museums or sights to visit on our own time. We highly recommend her

8. Complete Early Morning Vatican Tour: Small Group with Breakfast in our Office

What a Life Tours, Via Santamaura, 14B, 00192 Roma RM, Italy What a Life Tours
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4.9 based on 347 reviews

Marvel at the glorious Sistine Chapel before the crowds arrive on this exclusive 3.5-hour small group Vatican tour. The carefully crafted itinerary covers all the major highlights of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, with fast-track entry to every site visited. Traveling in a small group of 12 people or fewer and with a top rated english speaking guide at the helm, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience at Rome's most fascinating art attraction. Enjoy a complementary breakfast before you embark on your tour. 

Inclusions: Skip-the-line access to St. Peter’s Basilica, Small group walking tour of 12 people or fewer, Coffee and/or Tea, Early Entry Vatican Museums, Early Entry Sistine Chapel, Headsets to hear the tour guide clearly, Early Entry Raphael Rooms

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By KatBry

We were so looking forward to both our What a Life tours in Rome but due to the Covid 19 effect, we have chosen to postpone our visit to a future date as well as our prepaid tours! What a Life tours have been fantastic in advising us to take either a voucher for 100% of the prepaid fees good for 2 years or a 90% refund...their prompt and efficient service guarantees that we will look forward to both these tours again! Thank you WALT!

9. Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Tour | Small Group & Private

Viale Vaticano, 100, 00192 Roma RM, Italy LivItaly Tours
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4.9 based on 237 reviews

This 3-hour tour takes an incredible journey through the highlights of the Vatican Museums. Accompanied by your local, professional, and expert guide, enjoy our Truly Small Group size of only 6 people max, or book a Private Tour for an even more personal and intimate experience. Skip-the-line and go right in to embark on an thorough and fun exploration of one of the world's most famous museums. Be amazed while admiring the incredible beauty that is the Sistine Chapel. Stroll through the Gallery of Maps and be impressed by the incredible tapestries. Wonder at the Raphael Rooms, and continue to see unique sculptures, courtyards, hallways, and much, much more, while learning all about the history of the Church, of the Popes, and of all that is the Vatican.

Inclusions: Tour in a Safe and Semi Private group of MAX 6 people GUARANTEED, Enjoy Skip the Line Access, Professional, Local, Expert Guide, Private Option available!

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities

Reviewed By 844dallasw

Davide was an excellent tour guide for my group of friends on an early Saturday morning. It was obvious that he loved his job and it showed through the history he walked us through during the entire tour. I would highly recommend any tour with Davide and if the Vatican is on your bucket list, then early morning access is the tour you want. Happy travels!

10. Exclusive Early Access Vatican Semi Private Tour | with Private Option

Viale Vaticano, 100, 00192 Roma RM, Italy LivItaly Tours
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4.9 based on 345 reviews

Get Exclusive Early access into the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo's amazing frescoes one whole hour before the general public! Together with a truly small group of only 6 participants max, or in your very own private group, you will be able to avoid the big crowds and quietly enjoy this wonderful masterpiece. The Vatican Museums is on everyone’s Rome itinerary so you can imagine it gets quite full, quite quickly. This tour guarantees not only early entrance but also the personalized and intimate feel that is only possible with our truly small group size, or in your very own private group. We believe that having an intimate experience makes ALL the difference! After the Sistine Chapel, your tour continues through the vastness of the Museums, with the greatest highlights of the Papal art collection, the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Tapestries, the Pinecone Courtyard, and many more, ending with the incredible Saint Peter's Basilica.

Inclusions: Tour in a Safe and Semi Private Group of MAX 6 PEOPLE GUARANTEED, Enjoy Early Entrance to the Vatican Museums before the general public, Skip the long ticket lines, Learn from a Professional Local Expert Guide, Private Option of this tour is Available!

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities (optional)

Reviewed By 844dallasw

Davide was an excellent tour guide for my group of friends on an early Saturday morning. It was obvious that he loved his job and it showed through the history he walked us through during the entire tour. I would highly recommend any tour with Davide and if the Vatican is on your bucket list, then early morning access is the tour you want. Happy travels!

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