The Vatican City Tour covers the highlights from arguably the most important collection of art in the world with more than 1,200 rooms. Such highlights include the Rooms of Raphael, the Sistine Chapel, and Ancient Roman and Greek pieces in the Belvedere Courtyard. As the Sistine Chapel is located at the far end of over 1200 galleries, we will get you there quickly and without hassles or unnecessary waiting (while still covering the most important masterpieces along the way). Our guides provide a comprehensive background on the Sistine Chapel from before it was commissioned to the finishing touches, distinguishing between truth and popular legend as promulgated by Hollywood and popular books.After leaving the Sistine Chapel you will be proffered direct access to St. Peter’s Basilica, a privilege made available to When In Rome Tours and official guided tours only. All other visitors on other tours are forced to exit the Vatican and take the long route back into St. Peters, which involves long lines and lost time. You will be granted direct access into the Basilica straight after seeing the Sistine Chapel.

Our guide will lead you through the underground level we refer to as “The Vatacombs”, a rarely seen area of the Vatican where tombs of the former popes are located. We then head up into St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest basilica in the world built over what are believed to be the bones of St. Peter. Included in this visit are The Pieta’, and famous Dome designed by Michelangelo, the massive Baldacchino sculpted in bronze by Bernini, the Transfiguration by Raphael and other monuments of artistic importance. Outside the magnificent Basilica we discuss the history of the Vatican State, it’s Swiss Guard, and how St. Peter’s Square was designed.