Few cities in the world are such a treasure trove of historic landmarks as Rome. For nearly 3,000 years, the iconic Italian capital has been the centre of globally influential art, architecture and culture, with the Vatican City serving as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Little surprise, therefore, that Rome is one of the world’s most enduringly popular tourist destinations.
So packed full of ancient monuments and other places of interest is the city that planning a visit can be somewhat overwhelming. One solution is to join a private tour that allows you to see a number of attractions in a short space of time, with an experienced guide helping to make the experience even more special. Here’s our pick of 5 of the best private tours you can book in Rome and the Vatican.
From €177.29 per person
This private guided tour invites you to explore two of Rome’s most historically significant landmarks while learning about their rich back-stories. Accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable guide, you’ll navigate the imposing confines of Castel Sant’Angelo as well as the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica. Walk around the castle’s maze-like corridors and marvel at the famous basilica’s unrivalled opulence and spectacular works of art. The price of the tour includes all admission fees, skip-the-line access to Castel Sant’Angelo, and an audio guide tool for St. Peter’s Basilica.
From €86.84 per person
A great way to avoid the crowds is to join this semi-private early hours tour, which allows you access to the legendary Vatican museums before their official opening times. Explore the famous Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of the Tapestries, and the Vatican’s myriad of other historic jewels. All the while you’ll be accompanied by an expert English-speaking tour guide who will regale you with fascinating facts and tales about the sites and their sumptuous collections.
From €177.40 per person
Another way to skip the notoriously long lines at the Vatican is to join this private tour which offers privileged entrance to the museums. With a fully licensed tour guide to yourself, you’ll get to see the very best of the Vatican museums, including Michelangelo’s world famous masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel, without having to spend hours in line. During the tour you can ask questions of your guide, who will be happy to enlighten you and build your knowledge of the site’s remarkable world famous attractions.
From €92 per person
If you’d like to introduce your kids to the wonders of the Vatican, this 3-hour private tour is a popular choice. Curated specifically for families with small children, you and your little ones will get to explore St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums at your own pace, with useful visual aids bringing the sites to life in an engaging and informative way. Skip-the-line admission is included, ensuring your kids won’t get frustrated in long queues. Your guide will also be on hand with stories and facts to entertain the kids. Hotel pickup and drop off is included in the price.
From €434.90 per person
Wait for the crowds to disperse before exploring the Vatican on this exclusive, 3-hour private evening tour. You’ll get to wander around the site’s main highlights including the papal palaces, the Greek statues of the Lacoon, the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity that is impossible during normal opening hours. The tour finishes with a stroll to St. Peter’s Square, where you’ll get to enjoy the rare sight of the square empty of people. Tours take place just once a week on Friday evenings.
