vatican early tours

Private Early Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Get privileged access to the vatican on a vip early morning private tour with st. peter’s basilica.

Looking for the ultimate private Vatican experience? This early morning tour lets you into the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel a full hour before the general public! With your own personal guide to lead you through the iconic sites and artwork, Vatican tours don’t come more exclusive than this. Be one of the first of the day to step inside the magnificent Sistine Chapel, get a closer viewing of the masterpieces inside the Vatican galleries, then skip the line to explore St. Peter’s Basilica!

Skip the Line

• Super-early first entrance to the Vatican
• Beat the crowds for a more private experience
• Candelabra Gallery
• Gallery of the Tapestries
• Gallery of Maps
• Be one of the first inside the Sistine Chapel
• Skip the line to the Basilica
• St. Peter's Basilica
• Papal Tombs

Most early entrance Vatican tours will let you start exploring at 8:30 am, half an hour before the general public. But with our special access early morning private tour, you'll be one of the privileged few to enter even earlier, and you'll have a full hour to explore the Vatican before it opens its gates to the masses! You'll meet your expert guide early in the morning by the Vatican Museums entrance, then it's time to begin your private Vatican tour.

Although your guide will have a carefully planned itinerary to show you the best of the Vatican, there's room for flexibility depending on your group size, the things you want to see, and the pace you're comfortable with. Enjoy a tailored experience viewing the iconic works of the Vatican Museums and marvel at the Sistine Chapel without the crowds, before skipping the line to explore St. Peter's Basilica with your guide.

Early Morning Private Vatican Tour Description

Your 2.5-hour private Vatican tour includes:

Early entry, skip-the-line Vatican tickets

Tailored highlights tour of the main Vatican galleries

Exclusive Sistine Chapel tour before the crowds arrive

Skip-the-line tour of St. Peter's Basilica

An expert English-speaking private tour guide

The Best Galleries at the Vatican

Your private guide will lead you on through the Vatican Museums before the crowds arrive, visiting the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps. Admire the ancient Roman and Greek statues, the Flemish tapestries created by Raphael's students, and the gorgeous topographical depictions of Italy.

At the height of the Roman Empire, pontiffs rarely left Rome. In order to understand the Italian peninsula without endangering his life, Pope Gregory XIII commissioned 40 giant meticulous maps to be created for his use. Most of these maps measure more than 15 by 16 feet, and the end result is nothing short of spectacular.

You'll hear the stories behind these treasures from your expert guide as you see the most popular highlights of the Vatican Museums.

Sistine Chapel Without the Crowds

One of the top things to do in the Vatican City is, of course, to visit the Sistine Chapel. The chapel opens its doors at 8:00 am, well before the main crowds arrive, meaning you can literally be one of the first few people of the day to step inside and admire this beautiful, iconic chapel where popes have been elected for centuries. Speaking is not allowed in the chapel since it's a sacred space, so your guide will explain what you'll see before entering and give you a handy guide for reference.

Only when you are inside, it's clear why the Sistine Chapel is one of the most celebrated works of art in Western civilization. Michelangelo painted more than 600 figures in all, and the sheer magnitude of his endeavor is mind-blowing. As one of Michelangelo’s most prized masterpieces, the Sistine Chapel also serves as a gathering place for cardinals of the Catholic Church.

Majestic St. Peter’s Basilica

After your time in the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, you'll walk through a passageway that allows you to bypass the ticket lines and enter St. Peter's Basilica more quickly. Here, you'll be awestruck as your guide leads you around by the impressive architecture, statues, and artwork made by famous artists like Michelangelo and Bernini. Gaze upon the beautiful Pietà, the incredible mosaics, the Tomb of Innocent XI, and Bernini's canopy under the dome.

You tour ends here, but feel free to spend extra time enjoying the Basilica on your own afterwards.

  If your tour falls on a Wednesday, St. Peter’s Basilica is closed due to the Papal Audience. In this case, your guide will use this time to show you more masterpieces that the Vatican Museums has to offer.

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What you get with this tour

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Excellent guide

AMAZING!!!!

The ROMAN Guy made my daughters and I'd vacation and tours extremely simple, easy and full of knowledge. Its the best way to go!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

In addition to wearing or bringing clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes. You're also welcome to bring a water bottle as it can get hot inside the Vatican during the summer months.

I have some doubts about my mobility. Is this tour right for me?

If you have any doubts about your mobility then this is a great tour for you to take. Your private guide will ensure you are comfortable the entire way and can tailor the tour to your needs.

What are the chances my tour will be canceled or the Vatican will close something.

Although it is rare, sometimes part of the Vatican closes with little notice. If an area normally covered on a tour is closed, your guide will be sure to make up the time in other areas.

Does this tour really enter before other groups?

Yes! The public has access at 9:00 am, while other early-access tours enter at 8:30 am. This tour is admitted at 8:00 am, which is a full hour before the crowds.

Does this tour always include St. Peter's Basilica?

St. Peter's is always included on this private Vatican Museums tour, except on Wednesdays when it is closed in the morning for the Papal Audience.

In addition to wearing or bringing clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes. You're also welcome to bring a water bottle as it can get hot inside the Vatican during the summer months.

Is photography allowed in the Sistine Chapel?

No, photography is not allowed inside the Sistine Chapel.

Does the Vatican ever experience sudden closures?

During state visits or special religious events, parts of the Vatican may be closed unexpectedly and without much notice. If an area normally visited during a tour is suddenly closed, our guide will still provide explanations of the closed areas and show you another gallery to compensate for the lost time in the usual location.

Is there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour?

We ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise the Vatican might refuse entry to religious sites and you’ll miss out on a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Rome can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

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Vatican Museums Early Morning Prime: First Entrance Tour

• Tour highlights
• Tour itinerary
• Tour Details

What makes this tour Special

Our First Entrance Vatican Tour grants you the privilege of being among the very first to enter the Museums and the Sistine Chapel

The effortless passage from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter's Basilica offers a unique and direct connection between two of the world's most iconic landmarks, enhancing your overall experience

With a personal storyteller to guide you through the journey, tailored to your interests, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the art and history, making this visit truly exceptional and enlightening

What to Expect

PRIVATE TOUR

Enjoy your tour with your own private tour expert at your party's disposal only

Meet&Greet at your hotel/accomodation. Transfer to the tour site included

NOT AVAILABLE

KID FRIENDLY

This tour is suitable for kids of all ages

ENTRANCE TICKETS

Entrance tickets are included! Enjoy your tour!

• Blue badge certified private tour guide
• First entrance to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• St. Peter's Basilica (Except on Wednesday)
• Reservation fees
• Meet & greet your private guide at your hotel or accommodation
• One Way Transfer from your hotel/accommodation to the tour site
• Drop Off back to your hotel/accommodation after the tour (available upon request)

Sites you’ll visit

• Vatican Museums
• Sistine Chapel
• St. Peter's Basilica
• Vatican Museums Famous throughout the world, the multiple galleries and rooms can take days to visit although only just over a third of the art that Popes throughout the centuries have collected is on show to the public. The museums house an immense collection that includes some of the most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world along with some of the most precious Ancient Rome and Egyptian statues.
• Sistine Chapel Definitely the most known work of art of all time, the frescoes by Michelangelo are considered the finest work of art ever created by Man. The iconic narration of the vault dedicaded to the Holy Creation and the Bible is a pendant of the huge wall scene (60 feet tall) just behind the altar: the “Last Judgment” with its 391 figures. The side walls welcomed Michelangelo’s creation with pre-existing stories of the Life of Jesus and Moses by Botticelli and the Renaissance masters. Despite the religious dedication, the meaning of the Sistine Chapel trascends the time and space of the Church and reveals its universal meaning for mankind.
• 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. 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.

Tour description

Embark on a captivating journey as one of the fortunate early visitors and benefit from the first access to the Vatican Museums, where you'll navigate through a labyrinth of world-class art collections and exquisite masterpieces from various epochs. 

Far from the usual day crowd, you'll stroll through the Vatican Galleries .

Among them, are the Gallery of Maps , with its impressive detailed frescoes depicting Italy from north to south, and the captivating Gallery of Tapestries , showcasing a splendid array of intricate tapestries, each of which tells a unique and fascinating story.

The tour culminates in the iconic Sistine Chapel , where you can fully immerse yourself in the splendor of Michelangelo's timeless frescoes, "The Last Judgment" and "The Creation of Adam," all without the usual bustling crowds.

From the Sistine Chapel, a direct passageway leads to St. Peter's Basilica , where you'll have the opportunity to admire the famous Baldachin crafted by Bernini and the incredible sculpture "La Pietà" by Michelangelo, a masterpiece that leaves a profound impact on all who behold it.

Throughout this unforgettable experience, your Personal Storyteller will accompany you on an interactive journey tailored to your personal interests. A unique opportunity to connect with history, art, and culture on a deeply personal level, making your visit to the Vatican Museums truly memorable.

Choose our Vatican Museums Prime Experience and live one of the best experiences you could ever have while in Rome!

Useful information

• Not available on Sunday.
• Even with your ‘Skip the Line’ ticket you are NOT exempt from the line (queue) for the Security Check. As you enter in the Museums all visitors and their bags have to be screened under metal detectors and to be checked by the Vatican guards.
• It is not possible to bring large bags or backpacks, as well as bulky bags, big umbrellas and selfie-sticks. All weapons, hazardous or flammable objects are strictly forbidden.
• Food and beverages are permitted but must be checked.
• Appropriate clothing is recommended, especially in high season when visiting some important holy sites, such as Basilicas and Churches. Shoulders and knees have to be covered (Sistine Chapel included).
• Wheelchair partially accessible (St. Peter's Basilica not included in the itinerary)

Full Refund Cancellation Policy

• Dolce Vita policy is applied on all Standard Bookings placed more than 72 hours from the date of the event. We provide all our customers with Refundable Terms up to 72 hours from the date of the event for any reason. To apply for a refund including where your tour is cancelled or changed by Eyes of Rome®, please contact our customer service team at [email protected] .
• Peace of Mind policy is applied on Selected Bookings and on all Bookings placed within 72 hours from the date of the event. We provide all our customers with Refundable Terms so if you are unable to attend your booking due to unforeseen circumstances outside of your control you may be entitled to a refund - please see our full set of Refundable Terms and Conditions here . To apply for a refund, please find the instructions on how to apply in the booking confirmation email you received after payment.

Enhance your Experience

Grand Canal

Tower of Pisa

The Vatican

Trevi Fountain

Duomo di Milano

The Pantheon

The Spanish Steps

Circus Maximus

Amalfi Coast

Pompeii & Amalfi

The Roman Forum

Visit the Vatican at your own pace, hassle-free experience

Vip early entrance vatican guided tour.

If there is one place in the world that holds a powerful amalgam of artistic, historical, religious, and political value that is within the open borders of the Vatican City. Besides being home to the Pope and the official site of the Catholic Church, the so-called Holy See, hosts some of humanity’s biggest artistic accomplishments. The Vatican’s architectural and artistic masterpieces attract daily a large influx of tourists. As the official Vatican Museums tour provider we offer guided tours that will get you in not only faster but also earlier. With our early morning tour, you will experience the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s Basilica at the most peaceful time. You will explore the secrets of the largest and busiest complex of museums in the world with no crowds.

› Get premium access and admission tickets to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica

› have the museums to yourself with early entrance at 7:30 am, 90 minutes before the general public, › benefit from the knowledge of a dedicated english-speaking guide with extensive expertise of the vatican, › flexibility of choice, you can be part of a small-group tour of no more than 12 people or choose the private option, peaceful, quiet and hassle-free experience.

Due to the high number of enthusiastic tourists, the museums can get very busy at times and this can jeopardise your experience. This special time slot that we provide ensures a greatly enhanced experience as it is available to only a few lucky tourists. You will practically feel like you have the museums all to yourself which will allow you to pay detailed attention to the masterpieces. Equally important when visiting the museums is having a precise itinerary. This is because the museum’s corridors are very labyrinthine and host over 7 kilometres of art. To avoid wasting your time wandering through the corridors not knowing where is what, it is advised to be in the company of an expert and our guides know these museums like the inside of their pockets! They also hold encyclopaedic knowledge of the artefacts and will provide you with little-known facts about their creators and much more!

What parts of the museums will you visit?

We have carefully crafted a special itinerary that will take you to see the main parts of the museums. With this tailored tour, you will visit the famous Gallery of the Candelabra. This place takes its name from the majestic candelabras that divide this gallery into six sections. The sculptures are all arranged following symmetrical criteria compatible with the architecture of the six fabulously designed rooms. This place contains artworks found throughout the country, from the time of the Roman Empire to modern-day. From there you will explore the Gallery of Tapestries displaying the work of Raffaello Sanzio. This exhibition is completely protected from sunlight in order to best preserve the tapestries. Each of these massive tapestries displays different powerful Catholic stories and myths. You will also explore the Gallery of Maps where you can gain an understanding of what the world was thought to look like centuries ago, at a time when cartography was undergoing its own renaissance.

The beauty and complexity of the Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is renowned for being decorated with what many perceive as the most spectacular masterpiece in human history, Michelangelo’s frescoes that cover the ceiling. The Sistine Chapel ceiling helped Rome overtake Florence as the supreme cultural capital of Italy. Thanks to the special time-slot provided by this tour, you will be able to walk around and admire the frescoes in complete silence. The experience will be much more insightful when the place is not crowded. The chapel is covered in beautiful and noble colours in the famous shades of ochre, umber green, Sangiovanni white, and ultramarine blue. The central part of the ceiling is divided into 9 panels portraying stories from the Book of Genesis such as the awe-inspiring Division of Light from Darkness, Creation of the Stars, of the Waters, of Adam, of Eve and finally the Creation of the Original Sin. Michelangelo’s genius has to be admired in silence but your assigned guide will give you a description of what you are about to experience before entering the chapel and will handle your questions once out.

Religious art at St Peter’s Basilica

This tour encompasses all the attractions of the Vatican, including a visit to St Peter’s Basilica,* a unique example of Renaissance architecture and Baroque art and a symbol of huge significance to Christianity. You will enter the Basilica through a special-access corridor, skipping the long general-access lines. The creation and décor of the Basilica involved the most brilliant engineering and artistic minds of the time. Tourists of all faiths visit the Basilica to discover and admire the creations of the geniuses of Michelangelo and Bernini. You will discover Michelangelo’s Pietà, an extremely moving sculpture depicting the lifeless body of Jesus in the arms of his mother Mary. Under the same roof, there is Bernini’s Baldachin, a massive sculpted bronze canopy that sits above St. Peter’s tomb. The Baldachin is not only jaw-dropping, but it is a prime example of the style that flourished around Europe at the beginning of the 17th century, Baroque. At the end of the tour, you can explore more at your own pace.

Small-Group Tour

You can join this early entrance guided tour, as part of a group of no more than 12 people. Being part of a small-group when touring the Vatican can be a fun yet more personal experience since the size of the group is small. Your assigned guide will accommodate everyone on the tour and answer everyone’s questions. Our guides are highly experienced at keeping such groups engaged and entertained and they will provide top insider knowledge on the monuments. This option is more budget-friendly while not giving away the benefits of having a guide to accompany you as you discover the Vatican. On top of that, it has proved to be a great option for tourists who do not mind the presence of other like-minded and culture-hungry travellers who are all enthusiastic about discovering the Vatican.

Private Tour

Newlyweds, families, first-time tourers, or couples and friends who prefer more privacy or are simply looking for more authentic travel experiences, may often think that having a guide to yourself is better than sharing one. With this premium option, you decide who joins you on this tour. Needless to say that you will benefit from the undivided attention of your guide and that you can also benefit from flexibility of itinerary. With this choice you will experience the Vatican in a very time-efficient and seamless way, where you can spend more time on the galleries that appeal to you the most and less time in others, you will see the Vatican at your own pace. You can also choose this option and upgrade it to include pick-up from your accommodation. This option promises a much more comfortable, efficient, and authentic experience!

This tour runs from Monday to Saturday and it includes St Peter’s Basilica every day except on Wednesdays. The Basilica is an active Church and on Wednesdays it is closed until 1 PM due to the weekly Papal audience. Instead, you will spend more time discovering the hidden gems of the Vatican Museums. Rest assured that your guide will give you an introduction of the Basilica and the art inside so you know what to look for if you wish to visit later. Moreover, when visiting St. Peter’s Basilica and/or the Vatican Museums, you are kindly asked to respect the city’s dress code, which implies having your knees and shoulders covered.

Witness the fabulous art and architecture in the museum of museums

© COPYRIGHT 2023 IWF SRLs, VIA SATRICO 7, 00183 ROME, ITALY, P.IVA 15741651002

DETERMINAZIONE PROVINCIA DI ROMA – LICENZA NUMERO 478323 DEL 28/05/2021 R.E.A. RM 1611120

• +39.366.22.020.40
• [email protected]
• Piazza della Città Leonina, Rome

This website is not the official website of the Vatican Museums. It is run by IWF Srls and works with attractions and tour operators to provide incredible experiences at the touch of a button.

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Early Access Vatican Tour: The Ultimate Guide

What is an Early Access Vatican Tour?

This tour allows you to explore the Vatican Museums and the iconic  Sistine Chapel before the general public arrives. By getting up early, you can be the the first amongst the crowds and enjoy an exclusive experience. The Vatican City is the house of many mysteries, secrets, arts, frescoes. Exploring these wonders without crowd is an amazing experience.

How to get into Vatican early?

To guarantee skipping the lines at the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, buy a skip-the-line ticket or a guided tour online. We suggest to opt for an early morning visit to experience the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel before the general public arrives. This way you get a mesmerising experience inside the Vatican.

Is an early morning tour of the Vatican worth it?

Absolutely! Early access allows you to explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with fewer crowds, creating a more peaceful and intimate experience. Consider a small group tour for the best experience. From January 2024, the Vatican allows a maximum of 20 people in a group tour. When you consider to have a less number of people in the group we suggest you to have a Vatican Private Tour or a Vatican Semi Private Tour .

What is a Vatican private tour?

In this tour, you will be the only person or your family with the guide walking inside the Vatican. Experiencing the arts and frescoes at your leisure.

What is a Semi private Vatican tour?

This is a shrinked group tour with a maximum of 10 people with a tour guide in your language providing you the closed group Vatican experience. However, you will be with fellow tourists within the group.

What time is early morning Vatican tour?

The earliest Vatican tours begins around 8:00 or 8:30 a.m. It is take 3-4 hours for you to explore all the pristine locations of the Vatican. This timing allows you to explore every corner of the Vatican, including the Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, before the crowds gets into the museums. The usual groups enter the Vatican Museums after 9:00 AM which gives us an advantage of walking inside the Vatican at ease.

Is it better to visit the Vatican in the morning or afternoon?

Well we suggest at early morning tour or an evening tour. Usually, the Vatican gets crowded post 11:00 AM and it is too overwhelming with the crowd all around. Imagine somebody photobombing your experience. However, It depends on your preference. Mornings offer fewer crowds and better photo opportunities. Afternoons can be pleasant too, but consider guided tours to avoid long lines and stress.

What is the busiest day at the Vatican?

The Vatican is busy most days, but Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays tend to be quieter. Avoid Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and a day before, after a holiday for a more peaceful experience.

What days to avoid the Vatican?

Avoid Sundays (when the museums are closed) and weekends for a less crowded visit. Also, check for public holidays and special events. If you have enough time in Rome and you are on the last weekend of the month, the Vatican Museums entry is free on the last sunday of every month. But we suggest to check the calendar before you visit.

Do I need to book Vatican tour in advance?

Yes, booking in advance is recommended to secure skip-the-line tickets and guided tours. It ensures a smoother experience and avoids long waits. Why waste time in queues while you can skip the queues. But, beware of the scams around the Vatican and online.

How do I skip the Vatican queue?

Purchase skip-the-line tickets online or join guided tours that offer priority access. This way, you can bypass the regular queues.

Can you turn up to the Vatican without a ticket?

While you can turn up, it’s not advisable. Long lines and crowds are common. Booking tickets in advance ensures a hassle-free visit.

Can you just walk into St Peter’s Basilica?

Yes, you can walk into St. Peter’s Basilica without a ticket. However, consider visiting early to avoid crowds and enjoy the stunning architecture.

Are early access Vatican tours suitable for everyone?

While early access Vatican tours offer many benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. These tours typically require participants to arrive at the Vatican Museums early in the morning, which may not be ideal for late risers or those with mobility issues. Additionally, some early access tours involve a fair amount of walking and standing, so participants should be prepared for physical activity. However, if you’re an early bird eager to beat the crowds and enjoy a more intimate Vatican experience, an early access tour could be perfect for you.

Now lets talk about:

What are the benefits of an early access vatican tour.

When it comes to exploring the Vatican Museums , timing is everything. Booking an early access Vatican tour can significantly enhance your experience and allow you to make the most of your visit. Here are some of the key benefits of opting for an early access tour:

• Avoiding the crowds: One of the most significant advantages of an early access Vatican tour is the opportunity to explore the museums before they open to the general public. This means you can admire the world-famous artworks and exhibits without the usual crowds and queues.
• Enhanced experience: With fewer people around, you’ll have more space to move and time to appreciate the stunning masterpieces housed within the Vatican Museums. Whether you’re admiring Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel or marveling at the intricate tapestries in the Gallery of Tapestries, you’ll enjoy a more immersive and enjoyable experience.
• Better photo opportunities: Early access tours provide excellent opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of the Vatican without having to contend with crowds of tourists. You’ll be able to snap stunning photos of iconic landmarks such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Gardens without any distractions.
• Expert guidance: Many early access Vatican tours include knowledgeable guides who can provide insightful commentary and background information on the artworks and history of the Vatican. Their expertise will enrich your visit and help you gain a deeper understanding of the significance of the exhibits.
• Exclusive access: Some early access tours offer access to areas of the Vatican that are not usually open to the public, such as the Cabinet of the Masks or the Bramante Staircase. This exclusive access allows you to explore hidden gems and enjoy a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

What attractions are included in the early access Vatican tour?

Here are the main attractions included in the tour:

• Vatican Museums : Explore the vast collection of art and artifacts housed within the Vatican Museums. From ancient sculptures to Renaissance paintings, there’s something to captivate every visitor.
• Raphael Rooms : Step into the former papal apartments adorned with frescoes by Raphael. These rooms offer a glimpse into the artistic and political power of the Renaissance era.
• Sistine Chapel : Marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the stunning frescoes adorning the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Witnessing these artworks in the quiet morning light is an experience unlike any other.
• St. Peter’s Basilica : Enter the largest church in the world and admire its awe-inspiring architecture and artworks. From Bernini’s Baldacchino to Michelangelo’s Pietà, there’s so much to see and appreciate.

By booking an early access Vatican tour, you’ll have the chance to appreciate these attractions in a more intimate setting, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in their beauty and significance.

Hope this helped you understand why it is important to book early access Vatican tour

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Best Vatican tours: Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

Touring the Vatican is one of the top things to do in Rome. But deciding which tour to choose can be overwhelming. We’re here to help you find the best Vatican tour for your trip.

Article contents

Summary of recommended tours

We’ve provided a complete analysis of the best Vatican tours available in this article. This includes dates and times available, duration and other useful information. Here is a summary if you’re the kind of person who wants quick answers.

Best standard tours

• Walks of Italy – Complete Vatican Tour  (small groups up to 20 people)
• Liv Tours – Skip the line Highlights of the Vatican tour (small groups up to 6 people – 5% off with code – UntoldItaly)
• CityWonders – Skip the line tour of the Vatican (larger groups)
• Vatican official – Standard Vatican tour (provided by the museums – historic focus)

5% discount on small group tours with Liv Tours. Discount applied at checkout when you click this link  or use code ‘UntoldItaly’

Best early access tours (beat the crowds).

• Walks of Italy – VIP Key Masters Tour (open the Sistine Chapel at 6.00am – small group tour) – this is the earliest and most exclusive tour
• Walks of Italy – Alone in the Vatican (small group and early access from 6.30am)
• Liv Tours – Alone in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums (small group with early access from 6.30am, includes breakfast in the Pine Cone Courtyard)
• Walks of Italy – Pristine Sistine – best first access with the general public tour

*Note, in 2024 the Vatican Museums changed it’s early entry policy to allow only a handful of visitors access prior to 8am when doors are open to the general public. Places on these exclusive tours are extremely limited

What to see on a Vatican tour

First, let’s clear up exactly what ‘the Vatican’ is so you can decide which parts you wish to tour. The Vatican is in fact an independent city state within Rome ruled by the Pope – the head of the Catholic church. It is the smallest country on Earth with an area of 0.44 square kilometers and population of just 1,000.

The main areas to visit inside the Vatican City are:

• St Peter’s Basilica including cupola (dome), tombs and square – more info
• Vatican Museums including the Sistine Chapel – the world’s greatest art collection with works by Raphael, Giotto, Caravaggio and of course Michelangelo
• Vatican Gardens – arguably the most beautiful gardens in Rome with stunning views of St Peters, grottoes and lawns

Most Vatican tours will include visiting both St Peters and the Vatican Museums as part of their package. The gardens can only be accessed by a separate tour usually combined with a tour of the Vatican Museums (but not St Peters).

Why take a tour of the Vatican Museums and St Peters

There are two main reasons to join a tour of the Vatican – experience and convenience.

With over 6 million visitors a year, the Vatican Museums and St Peters are among the most popular attractions in Rome and the world. And rightly so. Their collection of art is mind boggling in scale and value. And the historical importance of the buildings is almost unparalleled.

Unless you are a highly educated art historian, there is no way you will know what to look for among all the glitz and walls dripping with priceless paintings. And unfortunately, the information provided by the museums is disappointing.

Visit with a guide and they will be able to point out the most important pieces and their symbolism and significance. Not to mention the major events that have taken place between those walls.

You will spend at least 2 – 3 hours visiting the Vatican no matter how you approach your visit. This is because it takes that amount of time to move through the buildings. That being the case, it makes sense to have an expert guide you through the highlights.

Tours start in the Vatican Museums skipping the long lines for tickets and use a special entrance to St Peter’s from the Sistine Chapel to avoid the separate lines for the Basilica. So if you are not on a tour or have not pre-purchased tickets you will need to line up twice to see both main areas of the Vatican.

Prefer to visit without a guide?

Make sure you buy skip the line tickets prior to your visit to avoid waiting in lines – around 2-3 hours during peak periods.

You can buy tickets for the Vatican Museums on the official site here or if you are having trouble using the site or they are sold out you can buy Vatican  Museums skip the line tickets with authorized ticket seller GetYourGuide here .

St Peter’s is a separate entrance. Buy tickets to skip the line at St Peter’s here .

What to look for in a tour of the Vatican

By law, all guides operating in the Vatican must hold a license that can only be obtained by a very strict examination process. So you know that any guide you tour with will have a thorough knowledge of the details, dates, and facts of the art and buildings you visit.

Your choice really comes down to timing, group size, inclusions, length and style and price of tour. Generally, the size and length of tour will determine the price, however, you also pay extra for exclusive experiences.

• Timing – early morning and evening tours are available and are strictly limited so you will have fewer crowds to contend with
• Group size – if budget allows, try to book a tour with a group size less than 20. Any more than this and you’ll be struggling to hear (despite headsets) or engage with your guide
• Inclusions and itinerary  – basic and express tours of the Vatican focus on the highlights of the Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel, Gallery of Maps, Michelangelo’s masterpieces, Pinacoteca Courtyard) plus St Peter’s interior. Longer tours will take you to the Underground Crypts, the Carriage Pavilion and Nero’s bath
• Length – the shortest tours available are around 2 hours and you can also join full day tours of the Vatican.
• Budget – basic tours start at around €40 for large group tours while you can pay between €300 – €500 per person for a private tour of the Vatican

Worth Noting

• We have not found a tour that includes visiting St Peter’s dome. If you want to ascend the dome you will need to buy a ticket at the basilica office at the conclusion of your tour
• If you find yourself waiting in line for tickets and wishing you had booked a tour, please do not join one of those offered by the scammers that work the crowd. They are not recommended – expensive and basically just entry tickets (if that!)

The best Vatican tour companies

Here are some of the most popular operators and our assessment of how they differ. There are literally hundreds of tour operators working in the Vatican so we have chosen the best for different types of travelers.

• Walks of Italy – working closely in partnership with the Vatican Museums to create unique and engaging experiences for English speaking visitors, the Walks of Italy offerings Pristine Sistine and VIP Key Masters tours are outstanding 
• Vatican official tours – The Vatican Museums tours are generally the least expensive option but note that group sizes start at 16 people. Expect a focus on religious history and the church. Their Art and Faith tours are focused on the relationship between art and religion in the context of the history of the Catholic Church in Rome – view all official Vatican tours
• Liv Tours – this Rome based company is known for their very small group and private tours and knowledgeable guides who are expert at adjusting tours for their guests’ interest and knowledge level – view all Liv Tours Vatican tours PLUS 5% off with code ‘UntoldItaly’ 

Best Vatican tours

We chose the best small and larger group tours of the Vatican offered by the tour companies mentioned above. We used our own experience and cross checked this with ratings on tours on TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide and other media. This is updated on an ongoing basis so we can bring you the best tours available.

Please note – If you are visiting on a Wednesday, your tour group will not be able to enter St Peter’s basilica due to the weekly Papal Address. In this case, the tour will include additional galleries of the museums.

If you are looking for a private Vatican tour please skip forward to the section below.

Standard tours of the Vatican

Most tour operators offer a standard 2 – 3 hour Vatican tour that includes highlights of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s. These tours start at the same time the museums are open to the general public.

Your tour includes skip the line for tickets and have a dedicated guide escorting you and explaining the art and history.  But, there is no escaping the crowds, unfortunately. You will however be able to use the group entrance into St Peter’s avoiding a half hour walk back to the main entrance and line for the basilica.

Early morning Vatican tours

We think that early access tours are the best way to experience the Vatican. You can see the priceless artwork in relative solitude as you pay a premium to enter without the crowds. If these tours are within budget then we strongly suggest choosing the earliest tour available.

The Vatican Museums allow a very limited number of people each day in to the galleries at 6:00am with the “ clavigero ” or key keeper of the Museums. You can join this unforgettable tour led by the wonderful team at Walks of Italy – more info and booking instructions here . Note – this applies to the museums only and does not include access to St Peter’s. If you would like to read our complete review of this experience – visit this page

LISTEN: to our Vatican Museums Tips and   Highlights podcast episode with Walks of Italy co-founder Stephen Oddo

Complete Vatican tours

If you’re an art and history lover it is fair to say that 2-3 hours will barely scratch the surface of the 54 galleries and 20,000 works on display. These early start tours ensure you see the highlights as well as some of the lesser known treasures in the museums such as Nero’s bath, the Borgia apartments, Pinacoteca Vaticana and 16th century double helix Bramante staircase which inspired the modern version of the same name. Visit the Vatican Museums ticket office to learn about openings of special galleries and sections of the Museums.

Family friendly tour of the Vatican

Do you want to take the whole family to tour the Vatican Museums? We suggest giving this a lot of consideration especially if you have very young children. They will need to do a lot of walking, often in hot and stuffy rooms and remain silent in the Sistine Chapel.

If you do decide to go, booking a family friendly tour is a great idea. Your tour will be tailored to the interests of children and your guide will assist in keeping your kids entertained so you can enjoy the experience too.

Liv Tours offer a fun family friendly interactive tour in the Vatican designed especially for families. This is a great way to introduce your children to the history and stories behind this precious art collection.

Special Vatican tours

Evening vatican museum tours.

During the summer months the Vatican Museums open from 19:00pm to 23:00pm on Friday evenings. With limited numbers allowed into the galleries you can enjoy them without the crowds and in the cooler night air. This exclusive experience will no doubt be a highlight of your trip to Rome.

Note – this experience does not include visiting St Peter’s basilica so you would need to go there separately

Recommended night Vatican tours

• Vatican Museums official [group size up to 30]  – click for info
• Walks of Italy [group size max 15] at 19:30pm – click for details

Claim your 5% discount on small group tours with Liv Tours.   Click here and use code ‘UntoldItaly’

Vatican Garden Tours

The Papal gardens are among the finest in Europe that are centuries old. A stroll through the gardens reveals sculptures, fountains and stunning views of the basilica. They are an oasis away from the chaos of the city beyond.

A tour of the gardens will help you appreciate the history and stories behind the many works of art within the gardens and their significance to the Catholic church. There is a replica of the sacred Lourdes grotto in France as well as monuments and statues collected by and dedicated to former popes.

An advantage of doing a tour of the gardens is that it also includes admission to the Vatican Museums. And yes, you skip the lines. No tour is provided in the museums, however.

Vatican Scavi tours

If you have a particular interest in Christianity and history, there could be no bigger thrill to see what is said to be the tomb of St Peter the apostle, deep below the basilica that bears his name. Only 250 people per day are allowed into this sacred area as part of escorted 90 minute tours run by the Vatican. Tour groups are small with only 12 people visiting the excavation site and tomb.

You need to book this tour months in advance by following the instructions on the official Vatican excavations office page . Please note – children under 15 years may not go on this tour. You may not take photos on the tour.

Private Vatican tours

Would you prefer a fully private tour of the Vatican Museums? Private tours are a great way to enjoy the Vatican at your own pace and to see those things you really want to see. Starting at around €350, they can also be more cost effective if you are traveling in a larger group. We recommend  Liv Tours for private Vatican tours.

DISCOVER: The Best hotels near the Vatican City .

Useful information for visiting the Vatican

Both the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s basilica are religious sites. Men and women should cover knees and shoulders as a sign of respect. You may be refused entry if you are not suitably attired.

During the hot Roman summers you might like to bring a light shawl or scarf as an alternative to wearing clothing that covers your shoulders.

Tours are not offered on Sundays when the museums are either closed or open to the public for free admission.

Tour itineraries do not include St Peter’s basilica on Wednesday due to the usual Papal audience in the piazza.

The best day to do a standard Vatican tour is probably Tuesday when you avoid the extended long weekend European visitors.

If you want to do an early morning tour choose from Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday.

Night tours of the Vatican are only available on Fridays from April to October.

Yes, it is a condition of entry that all people entering the Vatican Museums and St Peters pass security checks. Don’t worry, these lines move quickly

Yes, cloakroom facilities are found near the entrance to the Vatican Museums and there is a separate cloakroom for St Peters. Both are free of charge

Yes, you can take photos (without flash) in most areas except the Sistine Chapel where photography of any kind is not allowed. Flash photography is forbidden in all areas as it may damage the artwork

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Vatican Early Morning Tours

Exclusive access before the crowd, first entry, sistine chapel at its best, vip breakfast, our tours with exclusive early access.

Exclusive Breakfast at the Vatican with Tour of the Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica

Sistine Chapel First Entry Experience with Vatican Museums

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Something Different

View the vatican as the sun rises.

For some, vacations are about packing as many new experiences into the day as possible. If this is you, our Early Morning tours are reason enough to throw off those covers. While the rest of the world snoozes, imagine exploring the quiet corridors, hushed chapels, and tranquil gardens of the Vatican. All our Early Morning tours get you into the Vatican before 8 am. This gives you plenty of time before the rest of the visitors start to clog up the place. Imagine watching the Vatican staff arrive while you snack on pancakes or croissants in the center of the courtyard before exploring the Museums? Our VIP Breakfast Tour lets you do this. If you prefer paintings to papal breakfast, our Exclusive First Entry: Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums Tour drops you directly in the most famous chapel in the world before freeing you to wander the other museums as your own pace. On each tour, your guides will share their obsessive knowledge and love of the artworks and secrets of the Vatican spaces. Having a head start on the crowds makes this an incredible and often emotional experience. Whatever you choose, enjoy the rest of your day at your leisure.

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Early Morning Vatican with Sistine Chapel Semi-Private Tour

Experience the Sistine Chapel at its best on an early morning visit to the Vatican Museums!

Price 129 €

(327 Reviews)

• tour overview
• tour description
• tour reviews

starting time 7:35

duration 3.5 hours

group size Max. 10

Tour Overview

For all you early birds out there, our Early Morning Vatican Tour is the best way to start your day in the Eternal City. Skip the lines and join our expert guide to be amongst the first visitors to enter the Museums, where an enchanting collection of wonders await. Witness the splendour of Michelangelo’s spectacular one-man-show in the Sistine Chapel bathed in the soft light of a Roman morning, and admire the frescoes of Michelangelo’s greatest rival in the Raphael Rooms. And that’s not all: explore the Vatican Museums’ unrivalled collection of classical art, tapestries and sculptures before concluding your tour in St. Peter’s Basilica, where we’ll marvel at Bernini’s incredible bronze baldachin and Michelangelo’s moving Pietà in the world’s most impressive church. Our early morning Vatican tour is a chance to see the treasures of the Vatican Museums at their best: get your day off to the perfect start and join us for this unique experience!

• Early morning visit to the Vatican Museums
• Ticket and reservation fees to the museums
• Expert, fluent English-speaking guide
• Headsets (for groups of 6 or more)

• The Sistine Chapel
• The Raphael Rooms
• St. Peter's Basilica
• The Belvedere Courtyard

• Ancient Sculpture Galleries
• The Hall of Maps
• The Tapestry Gallery

Tour Description

Explore the vatican museums in the early morning.

As an accredited tour company with the Museums, our Vatican tours provide skip-the-line tickets for all our clients, providing you with the most convenient morning visit to admire Michelangelo's awe-inspiring frescoes. Our early morning Vatican tour offers the perfect environment in which to admire the Sistine Chapel and the artworks of the Museums, giving you the space to appreciate their beauty and comprehend their meaning.

Exploring the Vatican with an expert guide in a small group will help you to visualize the cultural context that gave birth to these incredible artistic masterpieces – you’ll learn about the ambitious artists, princes, merchants and bankers who created a new world of spectacular cities studded with elegant palaces and magnificent churches. Visiting the Vatican you’ll understand why the Renaissance was one of the most important periods in human history, an amazing time when the flowering of the arts was accompanied by the evolution of science - together laying the foundations for our modern world.

Meet the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel

Whoever sees the Sistine Chapel through the eyes of Michelangelo, whoever reads in it his thoughts and sentiments, encounters a genius. Who he was, how he lived and what he thought are the main themes of our visit. Our guides will bring to life the great building projects of the Italian Renaissance and together we will relive the environment of the Papal court in Rome in which Michelangelo created his masterpieces. The figures of Jonah, Adam, Eve, Noah and thousands of others on the ceiling of the  Sistine Chapel  and in the  Last Judgment  reflect the profound ideas of Michelangelo – you’ll be able to appreciate what they say, and learn how these frescoes redefined not only art, but the way in which we look at the world.

Explore the courts of the Italian Renaissance in the Raphael Rooms

This was a period of overwhelming enthusiasm and of amazing innovation. The men of the Renaissance didn't merely dream of changing the world - they really revolutionized it. The printing press, the geographic maps with which Columbus reached the Americas, modern science, architecture, art and the sense of beauty (a concept often demonized in the Middle Ages), all these were their creations. The frescoes of the  Raphael rooms  perfectly depict the world of the contemporary courts that governed the course of this new world and where the great geniuses of the age called home.

The cultured conversations fueled by the wine of sumptuous banquets, the statues brought to light by a frenzied passion for excavations, new fashions, and above all new ways of thinking and living, are marvelously recreated by Raphael with the perfect touch of his graceful brush. This is an experience that we will have the opportunity to relive in the flesh on our Vatican group tours. Indeed, there is an entire world to discover here, a world of which we ourselves are the children.

Get up close to amazing masterpieces on our Vatican Museu ms tour

Some of the most important works that we will discover, such as timeless Greek masterpieces like the  Laocoon , the  Belvedere Torso  and the  Apollo Belvedere , were excavated at the time of Michelangelo and Raphael after being lost for centuries. They studied and admired them in the same beautiful spaces where they are preserved today. This is what makes the Vatican Museums so special and unique in the world: their walls incorporate the history of the Renaissance.

The artworks the great masters created are the fruit of their careful study. We will walk through the Vatican Museums stopping by the  Pinecone courtyard , the  Belvedere courtyard,  the tapestry galleries and many classic statues retracing the experience of Raphael and Michelangelo centuries ago. Discovering a meaningful selection of masterpieces with our knowledgeable   guide, you will appreciate the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel in their original context.

From the Sistine Chapel we will reach St. Peter's Basilica without waiting in line

Unravel the fascinating story of Christianity in St. Peter's Basilica

Visiting St. Peter's Basilica will take you to the heart of the Christian faith. We'll discover an incredible collection of relics and religious objects gathered over the course of nearly 2,000 years at the site of St. Peter's tomb, located below the main altar. In the basilica you will have the chance to admire and understand enchanting works of art such as  Michelangelo's Pietà , a work whose intimate embrace overflows with such tenderness that it can move even the hardest viewer to tears.

The masterpieces of  Bernini , the great genius of the Italian Baroque, also dominate St. Peter's, and the spectacular piazza dazzles with astounding optical effects. It is here that the faithful have gathered for centuries to celebrate the great events of Christianity, from the election of new popes to solemn masses. We will bring you here to learn about a history that will also become our own, a history lived by the protagonists of our fascinating Vatican group tours.

To get the full story of how Christianity replaced the ancient pagan world in the earliest years of the faith, check out our fascinating Underground Rome and Catacombs Tour .

The Basilica of St. Peter's may be subject to unscheduled closings and late openings for religious ceremonies. Because these are often last-minute for security reasons, we do not have time to notify our guests. We will provide you with a complete experience by exploring the Vatican Museums in more detail and therefore, will not provide any refunds.

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Tour Reviews

5.0 (327 reviews)

Our guide was immensely helpful in explaining the history and significance of what we saw! The whole family was engaged.

Rebecca - Sep 23, 2023

Philipo was an excellent tour guide. Group was about twenty people, which was a good size, and the guide did an excellent job keeping everyone together. Getting to see the museum when it was less crowded was great, and walking down the Scala Regia between the Sistine Chapel and the Cathedral was incredible. The best money we spent on our trip!

Christopher W - Sep 20, 2023

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Vatican Early Access Tour at Opening

Tour overview.

Join our exclusive small group Vatican tour in the early morning with a top-notch tour guide. Get early entrance to the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums & Raphael Rooms. Book now and beat the crowds! In a small group, you will be able to discover with no rush the extraordinary abundance of history and art and you’re guaranteed to have personal attention that is hard to come by at this venue. We have worked many years to achieve this goal and we are proud to say our visitors are ecstatic once out of the Vatican!

**The Fabbrica di San Pietro has begun the replacement of the glass diaphragm protecting the marble group of Michelangelo’s  Pietà with a new pane of glass to guarantee adequate parameters of visibility and safety. The renovation works are expected to go on until the end of September 2024 and during this time, Pietà will not be visible.**

Tour Highlights

• Sistine Chapel
• Raphael Rooms
• Belvedere Apollo
• Laocoön and His Sons
• Belvedere Torso
• Gallery of Maps
• Gallery of Tapestries
• Gallery of Candelabra
• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Michelangelo’s Pietà
• Bernini’s Baldachin

What's included

• Skip-the-line access
• Expert English-speaking tour guide
• A small group
• All tickets and reservations
• Headsets to hear the guide clearly

What you’ll See Along the Way

The Gallery of Maps is a stupendous hallway where geography and history are perfectly intertwined. Created at the end of the 16th century, the entire room is dedicated to customized maps, which display the whole of Italy. On one side of the 393-foot long gallery are two representations of the country: one from the Imperial Roman Era and the other from the 1500s. Each map shows political happenings, religious roles, and major battles. The ceiling is no less remarkable, with frescoed scenes displaying episodes and miraculous events of apostles, saints and martyrs, which are linked to the geographical maps below..

Raphael’s most famous frescoes can be seen in four rooms in Pope Julius II’s and Leo X’s apartment. The first of the Raphael Rooms (1508-1524) to be frescoed – Pope Julius II’s study – reflects the themes of theology, philosophy, poetry and justice. Raphael’s most noted painting the School of Athens highlights the degrees of knowledge acquired through reason. The largest of the rooms the Hall of Constantine represents the victory of Christianity over Paganism, the Room of Fire is dedicated to Pope Leo IV, and the Room of Heliodorus represents the liberation of St. Peter. A real highlight on our Vatican tour!

This world-renowned sculpture from the 1st century AD portrays Apollo, the Greco-Roman god of light and the arts, immediately after having fired his bow. Apollo’s gaze follows the arrow volley towards its goal, believed to be the serpent Python. Throughout history, art authorities from around the globe have praised the sculpture, hailing it as the most sublime, subtle and engaging piece from ancient times. In the centuries following its unearthing, it had an enormous impact on both Renaissance artists and Neoclassical sculptors, who flocked to the Vatican to witness the charm of the sculpture firsthand.

Out of all the invaluable masterpieces housed in the Vatican Museums, this may just be the most precious of them all. When the sculpture was rediscovered in 1506, it caused a contemporary sensation. Everyone who laid eyes on the marble wonder was stunned by its beauty, including Michelangelo himself. In fact, the Renaissance virtuoso was so smitten with the sculpture that he convinced Julius II to purchase the masterpiece and bring it to the Vatican. The acquisition of the Laocoön would set off centuries of future art accumulation within the Vatican Museums, to which we owe the magnificent collection found there today.

The world-renowned tapestries adorning the walls of this breathtaking gallery used to hang in the Sistine Chapel until they were moved to their present-day location. The most esteemed pieces of the collection are the carpets based on Raphael’s drawings, depicting crucial scenes from the life of Jesus. Out of these 9 tapestries, we recommend paying some special attention to The Resurrection of Christ, which is woven in many layers, creating a surprising optical illusion as you walk by. It took the weavers 4 years to finalize the masterpiece and they cleverly used materials of different density in order to obtain the eye-deceiving effect.

This torso one of the world’s most well-renowned examples of a ”disjecta membra", a fancier term for a fragmented statue. The exquisite anatomical delineation of the statue's remnants has made the piece a source of inspiration for numerous artists of different periods; especially during the Baroque and Renaissance eras. The sculpture has even been called "The Torso of Michelangelo", because of the profound impact it made on the master. The sculpture was the foundation of Michelangelo’s anatomy studies when designing many of his world-famous creations; including the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.

This gallery is one of the most visited in the Museums and world-renowned for the marble sculptures on display. Each of its six sections holds exquisite classical Greek and Roman sculptures creatively arranged around the gallery like furnishings. One of the more unusual pieces is the sculpture featuring Bacchus, the God of Wine, being carried on the shoulders of a young man. What makes this statue special is that Bacchus still has his original glass eyes - something incredibly rare for a 3rd century statue (most of them were robbed by vandals who thought the shiny eye-balls were made out of precious stones)!

Upon entering the chapel, the visual cues are spellbinding. Covering 12,000 square feet, biblical stories inhabit almost every centimeter of space. Gaze upwards at Michelangelo’s ceiling, a masterful tour de force and cornerstone of High Renaissance art, to behold nine mystical depictions of stories from the Book of Genesis. His other masterpiece on the altar wall, The Last Judgment, foreshadows the Second Coming of Christ and the final eternal judgment by God of all humanity. Our early entry Vatican guided tours afford our customers the opportunity to experience this iconic chapel without the chaos and crowds.

If you thought the size of the Vatican Museums was overwhelmingly spectacular, St. Peter’s Basilica takes the “wow factor” to another level. The sheer capacity of the interiors is enough to leave any visitor searching for words to describe its vastness. At 613 feet long, 85 feet wide and 147 feet high, it took an incredible 120 years to build, starting from 1506. Admire Michelangelo’s unparalleled Pietà masterpiece and stroll towards the center right nave to observe Bernini’s 30-foot high bronze Baldachin, which sits directly atop the site of St. Peter’s tomb.

Directly above the pope’s altar sits a huge bronze canopy, which was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the early 1600s. The Renaissance wunderkind was commissioned the prestigious task at the tender age of 25 and it was his first artistic contribution to the Basilica, where he would continue to work for the rest of his life. Bernini’s patron, Pope Urban VIII, became infamous amongst the Romans when he allowed the artist to melt the bronze beams of the Pantheon’s portico to complete the construction. In total, 120 tons of metal were required to make the baldachin, which stands at a whopping 95 feet.

Michelangelo was only 23 years old when French Cardinal Jean de Bilhères commissioned him to carve "the most beautiful works in marble that Rome has ever seen". While the bar was set high, Michelangelo surprised everyone when the masterpiece was unveiled – none of the onlookers could comprehend how such a young sculptor was able to create something as flawless as the Pietà. Sadly, the perfection was temporarily spoilt in 1972, when a vandal attacked the sculpture with a hammer and damaged it severely. The masterpiece was quickly repaired, but visitors now have to admire it from behind bullet-proof glass.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: all in one tour

Want to ensure your Vatican experience is a memorable one? We’ve done all the legwork for you on our Vatican Early Morning Tour! First, you’ll enter to see the Vatican Museums’ breathtaking masterpieces just as the doors swing open to the public. On one of our early Vatican tours, you’ll be one of just 12 other guests, so you’ll have more than the mic and earphones in common with your guide, getting real personalized attention and connecting with the charms of one of the most visited art collections on Earth. After you enter into this stupendous site which safeguards thousands of masterpieces, silent testimony of the millenniums of history and art locked in here, you will admire the rich statue collection which started the Museums in the days of Pope Julius II, Raphael’s Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will tour you through these corridors and halls, pointing out the exhibits on display. Once through, the Sistine Chapel awaits you. This wonderful chapel, frescoed by the great Florentine artist Michelangelo, stands proud facing 25,000 or more visitors a day with its rich and detailed stories and symbolisms, such as the Creation of Adam on the ceiling and Last Judgment on the altar wall. Gaze upon Michelangelo’s stupefying ceiling, Creation of Adam, and the Last Judgment in awe, take your time – and savor each moment – because this is an experience you’ll never want to forget, as you nearly reach out and touch one of humankind’s most astounding creative achievements. Michelangelo’s enigmatic frescoes are brimming with genius and symbolism, but the huge amount of details can go unnoticed, so our expert guides are here to bring the meaning of the whole pictorial scheme to life. Give yourself the chance to see it the way Michelangelo intended, with a tour company that has our TripAdvisor pedigree.

More of the Vatican City from Raphael to St. Peter’s

Some of the most famous and timeless masterworks can be found in the Vatican’s gigantic collection, founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century. Get a thorough look at the Lacoöon, Belvedere Apollo, dazzling Raphael Rooms, and more with a captivating historic photograph at each stop from your expert guide. The finale of our early entry Vatican tours culminates in St. Peter’s Basilica. Majestic and inspired, it is the perfect place to come full circle on the morning’s itinerary. Every inch of this 240,000-square-foot church is breathtaking, but our tour goes beyond the gold and splendor, revealing the true stories of fervor, innovation, faith, and power. Feast your eyes on Michelangelo’s Pietà and admire the stunning interior of the dome he designed, as well as Bernini’s massive bronze baldachin sitting over the Pope’s private alter directly above St. Peter’s tomb and other little-known details that can only be spotted when inside!

While the Vatican Museums are equipped with elevators for wheelchair access, they are not conveniently located on the group tour route, and only give access to specific sections of the Museums. As a result, we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this tour. Please note that no walking aid can be used to pass from the Sistine Chapel to the St. Peter's Basilica so also walkers etc can not be accommodated on these group tours.

A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.

Yes, you can bring a small bag with you on your tour. Bags, backpacks, or luggage measuring more than 40·35·15 centimeters are, however, not allowed into the Vatican Museums and must be checked at the cloakroom. The same applies to large umbrellas, tripods, and any other objects that could potentially be harmful to other visitors or damage works of art in the Museums. The cloakroom storage is free of charge, but please be aware that it is located approximately 20 minutes walking distance from the conclusion point of the Vatican tours.

Vatican Early Access Tour Reviews

What our Customers say...

Higly Recommended

Francesca was excellent, everything we could wish for. Impressive knowledge, great sense of humour, perfect organisation, thoughtful and caring about each of our diverse group, and btw excellent English. The visit was comprehensive, well planned, the right length and good value for money”

Excellent tour, very worthwhile!!!

Guide was very excellent, knowledgeable and informative (with years of experience). This tour would not be as interesting or worthwhile without a tour guide.”

Two wonderful tours

My husband and I took two tours - Vatican Early Access and the Colosseum Underground, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Both tours were guided by Carlotta. She was extremely knowledgeable, kind, entertaining and funny. We really enjoyed our time with her. She offered to spend a little extra time in St. Peter's at the end of our Vatican tour and my husband and I decided to stay. By the end of the tour I felt like we were old friends. I would definitely recommend What a Life Tours. Their service was professional, prompt and courteous.”

Do not miss this!

Meet early at the What A Life tour office 200 metres from the Vatican Entrance - coffee and pastries for breakfast :-) - a nice touch. We met our tour guide Carlotta and sorted out radio headphones, then walk to the Vatican entrance ready for the earliest possible start. Carlottas commentary and knowledge were fantastic - very engaging and delivered at the perfect pace. I cannot recommend this tour highly enough. Thank-you Carlotta and What A Life tours, you made our first day in Roma something very special.”

I was stunned

This was my first time in Rome and I did a bit of looking around before deciding on the early morning tour with What a Life Tours. So glad I booked with this company!! I arrived by taxi to their office, was greeted warmly, had a delicious coffee and croissant, and then we took off to get in line at the Vatican. My guide was Mario, and he was the best guide out of all the tours and things I did while I was in italy by a long shot! He explained and revealed so many interesting things about what we were seeing, all while maintaining a really respectful and gentle attitude. Do not miss this tour!”

More of Our Amazing Vatican Tours…

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VIP Pristine Sistine Tour & Vatican Palace Breakfast

• Enter the Vatican an hour before it opens to the public to get ahead of the crowds.
• Relax with a buffet breakfast in a serene courtyard to fuel up for a morning of discovery on your Vatican tour.
• Visit the Sistine Chapel before it gets busy and take in Michelangelo’s frescoes in relative peace.
• Marvel at the art and architecture housed in St. Peter's Basilica with fascinating insights from your guide.

Tour description

Start your tour with a relaxing breakfast in a historic vatican courtyard..

Some things are well worth waking up early for—and our VIP Pristine Sistine early morning Vatican tour with breakfast is one of them. After enjoying a sumptuous breakfast in one of the Vatican's idyllic courtyards, you'll embark on an in-depth tour of the Vatican Museums before the crowds of the day pour in. Our specially secured early access to the Vatican means that you'll be among the very first people of the day to enter the Sistine Chapel, allowing you to marvel at one of the world's most iconic masterpieces in relative peace.

Your Pristine Sistine Vatican Breakfast Tour starts early so you can be among the first to enter the Vatican—before the museums even open to the general public. After meeting up with your guide and small group, you'll head straight to one of the lovely Vatican Museum courtyards for a breakfast buffet. Relax and take time to soak up the ambiance of our peaceful surroundings as you enjoy your breakfast before you're whisked away for a full tour of the Vatican Museums.

Explore the Vatican Museums without the crowds and be one of the first people of the day to enter the Sistine Chapel.

After breakfast, your Vatican tour will showcase all of the Museums' highlights. In the Belvedere Courtyard, you'll find classical Greek and Roman works. Keep an eye out for the Belvedere Torso in particular; you might recognize it from the Sistine Chapel. Hear details that will enhance your appreciation of the fascinating Laocoön Group sculpture and the Raphael Rooms—widely considered to be among the most beautifully frescoed interiors on earth.

The crown jewel of your early morning Vatican tour comes as you step into the Sistine Chapel as one of the first visitors of the day. Soak up Michelangelo's masterpiece at the quietest time of the morning before the crowds descend.

To finish, you'll head into St. Peter's Basilica via a special access passageway that allows you to bypass the long line already forming outside. It's the perfect place to finish your exploration of one of the most sacred sites on earth.

Visiting the Vatican is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you'll want to make the most of your precious time. Our VIP Pristine Sistine early morning Vatican tour with breakfast ensures you have an experience to remember.

Note: The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and subject to other unexpected closures during special celebrations, including the Easter ceremonies. On such days we will instead explore the magnificent Pinoteca Gallery. Your guide will still give you an introduction to the church should you wish to visit this on your own at a later occasion. We are unable to provide refunds or discounts.

Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact the Guest Experience team at +39 068-596-0143 (Italy) or 888-683-8670 (USA) to make alternative arrangements.

Sites visited

Verified guest reviews, dec 28, 2023.

The tour guide was so knowledgeable, friendly and pleasant. When another unexpected section was open to us on our tour she went the extra mile- literally- and also showed us that area.

Dec 20, 2023

Great experience! From check-in to leaving the Vatican everything was well thought out. Julia was an excellent guide, extremely well-versed in the art and artifacts. Great sense of humor and could tell a story.

Dec 11, 2023

Alessa was such a fun guide, witty guide and super knowledgeable. I really enjoyed the tour with her. You do have to move quickly through some of the rooms just because there are so any people but that is less about the tour itself and more about the amount of people the Vatican allows in at a time. I would recommend doing the early morning before open to the public. I can't imagine how busy it would have been in the middle of the day. The skip the line passes were so helpful. If you are even considering do one of the early morning ones then spend the money and do it. Well worth it

Nov 02, 2023

The whole process including sign up, meet up, tour and guide were well planned by city walks. The knowledge these guides have is outstanding. They know their stuff and do a great job in the time frame they have. They know how to navigate the crowds from years of experience. I’d say do the early morning but skip the breakfast. It does the job of giving you food to fill up but it’s not that good.

Oct 19, 2023

The tour guide was great, friendly and had some really interesting stories. The headset was essential given the crowds. The breakfast was subpar, kind of chaotic, cold, and generally not very good. The VIP doesn't get you into the Sistine early. We did that about 2-3 hours into the tour and it was about as busy as it can get. We may have gotten into the museums "early", I'm not really sure, but there were definitely crowds the whole time.

Know before you book

Make it a perfect day.

Waking up early for our Pristine Sistine tour means not only getting to experience the Vatican Museums without the typical crowds, but you’ll also have the entire day to explore Rome after. Here’s our one-day itinerary for visiting the Eternal City.

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Alone in the vatican: exclusive vip access vatican museums & sistine chapel tour, pristine sistine™ early entrance small group vatican tour, vip vatican key master’s tour: unlock the sistine chapel.

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Vatican Early Morning Clavigero Tour

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For More Information

Why Choose It?

• Indulge in early morning access to the museums but with a special twist.
• Witness the ritualistic unlocking of the world’s most revered museums.
• Revel in the sensory experience of walking through the galleries at an unusual stride.

Tour Description

In the museum and art showcasing industry a lot of contemplation goes in addressing questions such as ‘How to look at art?’ and ‘How to experience a museum?’ Is there a right way to do it? Or are there many ‘ways of seeing’ (as famous art critic John Berger would put it). 

We offer you to experiment with your own ideals of how to experience a museum by deciding to witness a very special, intimate event that occurs every morning at the Vatican which is the unlocking of the museums through the sacred key set that opens every door. 

The clavigero is the term for the custodian who has been handed this important task. Gianni Crea has been handling this responsibility with a set of close to 3000 keys for the past six years. It is a delicate job to carry out, with around five hundred doors to be opened. 

As you follow the clavigeri during this solemn rite, notice how the experience of the Vatican museums transforms as you flow from room to room, not exactly to stop to learn about the art but to perform a ritual, and so notice how the art and the architecture, the colors, the images, the sculptures and the textures you encounter all pass by like a stream and mesh into one another. 

Witness in silence the doors of the museum being opened at 6 AM

You meet and acknowledge the clavigero, and then step back to let him and his team (called the clavigeri)  carry out their daily ritual- using the sacred keys to first open the entrance to the museum, initiating the daily invitation to the world to have the opportunity to see what it holds inside. You are present for this moment, it is meant to be soaked in with absolute awareness of this unusual situation.  

Traverse through the museum to watch each room come to life

Every gallery and  every room is ‘awakened’ by Gianni Crea and his team of custodians, and are greeted and acknowledged for their presence and grandeur. You too, play a central role in the awakening of this museum. At a particular stride and rhythm you will witness every space of the museum, your eyes gliding over all that makes the atmosphere of each room different from the rest: The Atrium of Four Gates; Scala Simonetti; the Pio Clementino Museum; Galleries of the Candelabra; Galleries of the Tapestries; Galleries of the Geographical Maps; the Raphael Rooms; Scala San Pio V and at last, the Sistine Chapel. 

Meditate, replenish your energy levels and continue on your way 

This tour will end at the Sistine Chapel as those are the last doors to be unlocked. You enter and are immediately immersed in a whirlpool of rich color and imagery, each wall painting and fresco intersecting to create a dome of color that envelops you. You have the space to actually wander around the chapel undisturbed by masses of tourists, to soak it in, to be able to rest in a contemplative mood while gazing over the space. 

Once you exit, you can replenish yourself outside with a breakfast in the Pinecone courtyard whilst still taking in the morning light and the different movements in the crisp, morning air. You can then decide to revisit the museum for a second round, and go back with the curiosity of uncovering what it was that particularly caught your eye during the clavigero tour. 

*Please note, shoulders and knees need to be covered during the tour. No vests, shorts, or skirts above the knee will be allowed inside the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.*

• Itinerary: Gates to museums open Guided through the entire museum for the opening of the doors Moment of contemplation in the Sistine Chapel Breakfast in the Pinecone Courtyard Vatican Museums Access Raphael Rooms
• Included: Private licensed guide Key Holder (special opening) Private Access (special opening)
• Wheelchair accessible: Yes

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How to see the Sistine Chapel all by yourself ⁠— or explore the Vatican Museums on the cheap

Jun 15, 2022 • 6 min read

A traveler walks with the Vatican Museums' keymaster Gianni Crea (right) walk through the halls of the Vatican Museums © Copyright – Governatorato S.C.V. – Direzione dei Musei

You’d be wrong to assume that, should you find yourself in the once-in-a-lifetime position of gaining access to the Vatican Museums at 6 am — a full three hours before the doors open to the public — there would be any pomp and circumstance when the main entrance door along Rome’s Viale Vaticano swings open.

The door, built in 1932 and topped by Pietro Malendri-chiseled sculptures of the Vatican’s two main artistic superstars, Michelangelo (with a sculptor's mallet in his hand on the left); and Raphael (clutching his palette and brush on the right), is a grand exercise in symbolic expectation. The chiseled words above, in Latin script, are both direct and spine-tingling: Vatican Museums. It need not say more.

However, it’s just a suited security staff member who casually opens the door and says, " Buongiorno! " Were it not for the fact that the general public doesn’t actually use this door (visitors enter through a far more modern gateway a few meters to the left), it wouldn’t feel special at all.

But therein lies the rub. Entering the Vatican Museums at sunrise needs no added fanfare — the treasures awaiting in the museums, void of people and quiet enough to hear an aureus coin drop, do all the work themselves.

I’ve come to the Vatican to meet the clavigero , the official Vatican keymaster, Gianni Crea, who oversees the nearly 3000 keys that open all the doors within the Vatican Museums. Crea heads up a team of 11 clavigeri , who take turns opening and closing the various rooms of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, each and every day. I’m just along for the ride.

The 8 best museums in Rome 

Crea, an immediately likable Italian from Calabria, shows me how the keys are kept in a special bunker nightly; and explains that there are five backups of each one. Except one — the key that unlocks the Sistine Chapel. This key is sealed in an enveloped nightly, stamped and sealed by the Swiss Guards, and locked away in the bunker. There is no backup.

Crea hands me the envelope and I casually tuck it away in the back pocket of my jeans — it’s a long walk to the Sistine Chapel and I need my hands to take notes and snap pictures.

As we saunter through the museums, no words can describe the extraordinary experience of watching the rooms come to life at the flick of a light switch, soundtracked by Crea's spirited commentary. Inside Museo Pio-Clementino, Crea nonchalantly removes a rope and takes me behind the Laocoön, one of the most famous ancient sculptures in the world, like we are peeking behind a TV console in his living room (yes, the rumors are true — the original arm is attached to the back of the statue!). We ascend the original Bramante Staircase — closed to the public in most cases — for an extraordinary morning view across Rome. The Gallery of Maps, probably the second most dazzling gallery in the Vatican Museums after the Sistine Chapel, illuminates like the lights of Heaven’s Gate when the electricity is turned on (so astonishing, we do it twice).

Finally, we arrive at the Sistine Chapel. Crea tells me to get to it. “I’ve lost the key,” I joke. "Nooooooooooo!" says Crea with a wry smile. I turn the key to the left. The door opens. And there it is: The most legendary, most eye-popping, most creatively-astonishing room in the world. Empty — there are no words. 

So, how can you experience this once-in-a-lifetime, clavigero-guided tour of the Vatican yourself? Well, currently, the only way is to enter GetYourGuide’s  "Turning the Lights On at the Vatican Museums" contest . Other tours offer access with clavigeri, but only one will get you face-time with Crea. 

But there are a lot of other fantastic ways to do the Vatican — including exclusive private tours to options that won't break the bank. 

The Vatican Museums house one of the world’s most immense collections of ancient sculptures and Renaissance art — some 70,000 works in total, of which 20,000 or so are actively displayed in 24 interconnected galleries across 7 km of museum space. It’s overwhelming —and it’s crowded. Pre-COVID numbers in 2019 recorded some 6.9 million folks through the turnstiles. Is there a way to keep your sanity along the way?

Sì, signori! Depending on your budget, the options are as daunting as the museum itself.

Everything you need to know before visiting Rome

Vatican Museums on the cheap

The absolute cheapest route is booking admission tickets directly (do it well in advance, up to 60 days), which nets you an unprecedented laundry list of world-class art for less than the price of a gourmet pizza back home (adult/reduced €17/€8 plus a €4 reservation fee and optional audio guide €7). Post-COVID, booking online in advance is compulsory.

If the goal is the Sistine Chapel at its quietest, show up at least 1.5 to two hours prior to the 9 am opening to ensure a strategic position in line (keeping in mind you will not be the only person with this idea!). High tail it direct to Michaelangelo‘s masterpiece following the shortcut signage and you’ll arrive before most of the masses. Afterwards, work your way backwards to see everything you flew by when the doors opened.

You won’t have the Last Judgement to yourself, but it’s the best you can do on a budget.

Top things to do in Rome 

Early access, semi-private and group tours

Another way to beat the crowds at the Vatican Museums are early morning and evening semi-private and group tours. The Vatican itself offers both a Prime and Prime VIP Experiences, both of which tour the museum one hour before opening. Though you won’t get the clavigero as your tour guide, you will be led by an authorized educational guide who will notably enhance your overall experience.

The difference between the two experiences is group size and price: Prime groups host up to 25 people for €63 per person. The Prime VIP limits the group to 10 for €45 per person; both tours include breakfast and a guided tour through the Upper Galleries (Candelabras, Geographical Maps, and Tapestries), the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel. Other parts of the Museums may be visited without the guide after breakfast during normal opening hours.

Various independent tour companies offer similar early access and night tour options ranging in price between €50 and €100; and of course semi-private and group tours are available throughout the day as well. Skip-the-Line access for St. Peter’s Basilica is often offered as well.

Private tours of the Vatican

Private tours of the Vatican are similar in style to semi-private and group tours, but are just for you and yours. They will usually involve entering one hour before opening time, include breakfast in the Pinecone Courtyard, and feature a dedicated guide. Most options settle in around €150 to €250 per person.

Some of these tours will even including off limit highlights, such as the original Bramante Staircase, and sometimes explore deeper into galleries that other tours cast but a tertiary glance.

If you are looking to unlock your way to the Sistine Chapel with a clavigero, that’s possible, too, with numerous private companies offering the experience from around €300 per person and up (options with UK-based True Travel, who includes the experience has part of a broader package that includes hotel accommodation, transfers and other sightseeing experiences, start from €2500 to €3000 for two people).

You won’t get the boss (Crea) — one of his staff usually leads these tours — or his remarkable stories. But you will experience the Vatican Museums like few others have.

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The Best Rome Tours

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Considered one of the world's best places to visit , Rome offers countless things to do and an endless selection of delicious cuisine. But given the overwhelming crowds and restricted access to ancient sites, it can be difficult to fully enjoy all that Italy's capital has to offer on your own. That's where a guided tour can help.

Based on recent traveler reviews and expert opinion, we've selected the best tours in Rome. Whether you're gliding past the Colosseum on a Segway or savoring Italian wine in the countryside, you'll benefit from fun and informative guides leading the way.

Editor’s Pick: What a Life Tours – Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour

Price: Adults from 99 euros (about $108); kids from 94 euros (around $102) Duration: 3 hours

U.S. News independently paid to send Laura Itzkowitz , a freelance journalist based in Rome, on this tour to provide readers with an unbiased, first-hand perspective of what to expect. What a Life Tours – Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour was selected by our team as an Editor’s Pick thanks to its popularity and favorable user reviews.

One of the largest – and most crowded – landmarks in the world, the Vatican Museums actually comprises 26 museums, plus various chapels and galleries, so while it’s a must-see attraction, it can be an overwhelming place to visit. The engaging guide leading this skip-the-line tour brought us straight to the highlights, starting with the Pinecone Courtyard and ending in St. Peter’s Basilica , where she showed us Michelangelo’s Pietà and explained why it’s the only work the artist actually signed.

Along the tour, you’ll see masterpieces from the Vatican Museums’ collection, including the ancient statue of Laocoön and his sons; the Belvedere Torso, which inspired Michelangelo; Greek Cross Hall; and the Round Hall, which contains a monumental bronze statue of Hercules. Other highlights include the Gallery of Candelabra; the Gallery of Tapestries; the Gallery of Maps, where the guide pointed out some fun facts about Italy in the 1600s; and the Sistine Chapel. Talking isn’t allowed in the Sistine Chapel, so the guide explained Michelangelo’s frescoes at the beginning of the tour. Our guide shared a deep knowledge of the artworks, and delivered her commentary with a sense of humor. However, the guide didn’t bring us to the Raphael Rooms; if this is a priority for you, you may want to book a different tour.

Tours generally operate Monday through Saturday; the first tour begins at 9:30 a.m. In addition to its variety of Vatican tours, the company also offers tours of the Colosseum and daylong tours of Rome.

Laura Itzkowitz

Why we love it:

• Groups are capped at 12 or fewer participants. 
• After the tour, stroll down Via della Conciliazione to capture perfectly framed photos of St. Peter’s Basilica.
• For a nice lunch nearby, book a table at Ristorante Arlù, a family-run eatery that’s been open since 1959. If the weather is nice, ask for a table outside on the charming cobblestone street.
• Prati, the neighborhood surrounding the Vatican, is popular for shopping, especially along Via Cola di Rienzo. Stop by il Sellaio di Serafini for a handmade leather bag, or Castroni for espresso and other gourmet foods to bring home.

Check prices & availability on:

Fat Tire Tours Rome – Rome Day Segway Tour

Price: From 73 euros (around $79) Duration: 3 hours

Hop on a Segway to see the Eternal City's many sights. After receiving your helmet and tuning in to a quick training session, you'll receive a headset to follow the lively commentary from the experienced Fat Tire Tours guide. Along the three-hour ride, you'll glide past sights like Trajan's Forum, Capitoline Hill and more. Plus, you'll don a virtual reality headset during your stop outside the Colosseum that reconstructs the famous arena's past grandeur. Travelers appreciate that Segways make getting around and seeing Rome's sights easier and more fun, especially for families with older teens. Reviewers also appreciate the engaging local guides.

Tours run daily at 9:30 a.m. Participants must be at least 16 years old and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Pregnant women are not permitted on this tour. The company also leads a night tour, which visits the city's illuminated monuments after sundown, among other outings.

LivItaly Tours – Colosseum Underground Tour with Arena, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

Price: Adults from 159 euros (around $173); kids from 144 euros (around $156) Duration: 3 hours

Enjoy swift entry to the Colosseum underground and see the arena floor, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum on this small-group tour. LivItaly leads up to six travelers to the restricted lower level of the Colosseum, where dungeons once confined gladiators and their opponents. In three hours, learn about ancient Rome's social order on Palatine Hill and everyday life at the forum. Travelers, especially those with children, agree that having a passionate guide with a deep knowledge of Roman history enriched the experience. Reviewers also appreciate the small size of the tour group.

Tours depart daily at multiple times beginning at 12:15 p.m. Book the company's 90-minute Express Colosseum Underground & Arena Tour if you're short on time.

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024

TopBike Rental and Tours – Ancient Appian Way, Catacombs and Aqueducts Park

Price: From 65 euros (about $71) to 89 euros (about $97) Duration: 4 or 6 hours

Travelers have been using the Ancient Appian Way for 2,300 years and you'll traverse it with a friendly, knowledgeable local on this electric bike excursion. Along the ride, you'll pass archeological sites, Christian catacombs and picturesque Roman aqueducts framing the unspoiled countryside. The tour covers roughly 17 miles, 60% of which requires off-road cycling, so TopBike recommends this tour for intermediate riders. Some tourgoers say you might not even break a sweat though, thanks to the ease of the electric bikes.

Tourgoers can opt for the Short Tour (four hours) or the Plus Tour (six hours), the latter of which follows the same path as the shorter excursion and also includes a guided tour of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus (or Saint Sebastian) and a stop at the Baths of Caracalla. Exact tour departure times vary by season, but you can expect to start around 9 a.m. TopBike also leads cycling tours within the city center.

Gourmetaly – Campo de' Fiori, Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 93 euros (around $101); kids from 65 euros (around $71) Duration: 3.5 hours

Tantalize your taste buds on this Rome food tour, which covers three distinct neighborhoods known for their cuisine. As your local guide leads you through the Jewish ghetto, Campo de' Fiori and Trastevere, you'll stop by top-rated food markets, grocery stores, coffee shops, gelaterias and restaurants. Among the food samples included in the tour are fried artichokes, pizza, mozzarella, fresh pasta and gelato. Tours are capped at 12 participants. Reviewers call this a delightful experience thanks to the informative guides who offer an interesting lesson on Roman history, food and culture. They also recommend taking this tour on your first day in Rome to make the most of the guides' recommendations.

Tours are offered several times each day in the morning and afternoon. Note that the afternoon tour does not visit the Campo de' Fiori market (a highlight for many recent tourgoers). In addition to food tours, Gourmetaly also hosts cooking classes.

Eyes of Rome – Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Price: Adults from 453 euros (around $491); kids from 35 euros (around $38) Duration: 3 hours

With your private guide leading the way, you'll visit the Colosseum, explore the ancient city along paths that served the Roman Senate and learn the legends of the House of the Vestal Virgins. Tourgoers value the attentive guides who share history and lore in an entertaining way. They also say the tour is well-paced.

Tickets cover pick up at centrally located hotels and skip-the-line admission. Note that prices can vary significantly depending on the number of people in your party. A couple can expect to pay roughly $500 for tickets. Eyes of Rome also conducts private walking tours of the Vatican.

Private Tours of Rome – Vatican & Sistine Chapel Private Tour

Price: From $364 Duration: 3 hours

One of the best tours of the Vatican , this intimate excursion includes skip-the-line access to the complex and a guide who shares the Vatican Museums' top attractions in just three hours. See the artistic highlights in the   Gallery of Ancient Roman Sculptures, the Gallery of Tapestries and famous Raphael paintings. You'll then experience Michelangelo's masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will ensure you see the Pietà   in St. Peter's Basilica, the Apostolic Palace and the famous balcony where the pope delivers his blessings. Travelers praise the excellent guides who tailor the tour to groups' interests and keep children engaged.

Tours operate Monday through Saturday in the morning and afternoon. Ticket prices vary depending on your itinerary and group size. The company suggests you book at least one month in advance to ensure a specialist authorized by the Vatican is available. Private Tours of Rome also offers tours of the Colosseum and the Borghese Gallery, among others.

Courtesy of Roman Food Tours

The Roman Food Tour – Prati By Sunset

Price: Adults from 99 euro (about $107); kids from 90 euros (about $98) Duration: 4 hours

Devoted foodies skip lunch for the more than 20 food and wine pairings on this four-hour evening tour of some of Rome's top eateries. Throughout the tour, you'll feast on gourmet delights, such as homemade pasta, pizza, fresh cheeses and gelato. More importantly, you'll learn tips to enhance your knowledge and pleasure in Italian cuisine. Travelers praise the expertise of the fun guides who explain each dish's origin and quality with gusto.

Tours, which are offered daily multiple times starting at 3:30 p.m. The Roman Food Tour also offers day tours and cooking classes.

Rex-Tours – Rome City Segway Tour

Price: From 79 euros (about $86) Duration: 3 hours

Roll in comfort past many of ancient Rome's major sights on this three-hour Segway tour. Rex-Tours' expert guides lead up to eight travelers for an effortless overview of must-see landmarks, such as Capitoline Hill and the Colosseum. Reviewers applaud the knowledgeable guides who offer a wealth of information without overwhelming travelers. What's more, guides provide restaurant recommendations and tips for making the most of your visit to Rome, according to tourgoers.

The Rome City Segway Tour departs twice daily at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Travelers also recommend enjoying the company's evening Segway tour if you're visiting during the summer and need a break from the peak daytime heat.

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Eating Europe – Twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 114 euros (about $123); kids from 81 euros (about $88) Duration: 4 hours

Travelers suggest you skip lunch before this evening walking tour of Trastevere, so that you can savor the street food and sweet treats served at each stop. As you meander through the neighborhood (often compared to New York City's Greenwich Village), you'll enjoy mouthwatering bites of everything from classic supplì , or fried risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella, to porchetta, homemade pasta and gelato. Foodie guides share each chef's story and culinary traditions, along with tips on how to find and make the best Roman cuisine on your own. Reviewers praise the guides for their insider knowledge and gush about the quality of the food and wine featured on the tour.

Tours run daily at multiple times and there is a maximum of 12 people per tour. Eating Europe also operates a tour that explores Testaccio, considered Rome's "original foodie neighborhood."

Rolling Rome – Rome Squares & Fountains Golf Cart Tour

Price: From 100 euros (about $108) Duration: 3 hours

Avoid Rome's congested traffic and keep the family entertained on this three-hour, private golf cart tour of the city. Whizz past major sights in the historical center and piazzas Venezia, Navona and del Popolo, plus the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and more. Since the tour is customizable, you can also ask the guide to take you to lesser-known spots in the city – a highlight for reviewers. Along with the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, reviewers appreciate the golf cart's ability to avoid traffic using Rome's narrow back lanes.

Tours, which can accommodate up to seven participants, depart daily at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. One week's advance reservation is recommended. Rolling Rome also offers daylong golf cart tours, as well as a variety of Segway and electric bike tours.

Food Tours of Rome – Jewish Ghetto and Campo de' Fiori by Night Food Tour

Price: Adults from 89 euros (about $96); kids from 75 euros (about $81) Duration: 4 hours

Combine sightseeing with snacking and drinking on this evening tour of the Jewish ghetto and the Campo Marzio area. Fun, knowledgeable guides make seven stops for food and wine between explaining major historic attractions like Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori. Stop in delis, family-run shops and restaurants to sample gourmet cheeses and hams, pasta, espresso, and gelato. First-time visitors especially appreciate this informative introduction to the city and the family-run vendors featured on the tour.

Tours depart nightly at 6 p.m. Food Tours of Rome can accommodate some special diets with advance notice. The company also offers a dessert and sightseeing tour of Rome, among various other options.

Rome's Ultimate Free Walking Tour

Price: Free Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

According to reviewers, this free walking tour is a great way to start your visit in Rome. During the nearly three-hour stroll, you'll visit several photo-worthy piazzas, the Pantheon, Ponte Sant'Angelo and Castel Sant'Angelo, among other sights. Guides, who have backgrounds in subjects like history and architecture, earn praise from reviewers for their entertaining storytelling and thoughtful restaurant and activity recommendations.

Tours, which are limited to 15 participants, operate twice daily at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. In total, you'll walk less than 2 miles. According to the company, the tour is suitable for travel strollers and wheelchairs. Though the tour is free, it's recommended that you reserve your spot in advance via the company's website (guides do not wait at the departure point unless reservations are booked). At the end of the tour, you can tip your guide based on your experience.

Check availability on:

Courtesy of Secret Food Tours Rome

Secret Food Tours – Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 79 euros (about $86); kids from 69 euros (about $75) Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

Dine your way through the historical center of Rome, visiting cafes, markets and shops for a total of up to seven stops. During the tour, you'll walk through neighborhoods like the Campo de' Fiori and the Jewish quarter with an enthusiastic guide who ties together history and insights about traditional dishes. The focus is on Italian-style dining: savoring the perfect cappuccino, sampling fresh pizzas and homemade pastas, pairing wines with a variety of cheeses, gelato and more. Travelers praise the guides' knowledge of Roman cuisine and the amount and quality of the food.

Tours depart daily at 11 and 11:30 a.m. An additional 5 p.m. tour may be available depending on the day. Private tours are also an option.

The Roman Guy – Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Price: Adults from $119; kids from $56 Duration: 3 hours

Hoping to see the Vatican sans enormous crowds? This three-hour tour from The Roman Guy convenes at 7:45 a.m., allowing you to enter the Vatican Museums an hour before they open to the general public. First, relish the tranquil Sistine Chapel, which welcomes upward of 25,000 visitors daily during the summer. Afterward, follow your guide to museum highlights, including Raphael's paintings, the Borgia Apartments and the Gallery of the Maps. Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides and say the opportunity to see the Sistine Chapel without the crowds is worth the tour price (though reviewers warn that you will still encounter quite a few other tour groups enjoying early access to the site).

Tours are available Monday through Saturday. Groups are capped at 14 people. If you're short on time, consider The Roman Guy's abridged Vatican Highlights tour, which last 2.5 hours.

City Wonders – Tuscan Countryside Day Trip from Rome with 3-Course Lunch & Wine Tasting

Price: Adults from $112; kids from $102 Duration: 12 hours

If you want to visit Tuscany while in Rome, but don't want to drive the approximately 175-mile journey yourself, consider this 12-hour excursion from City Wonders. You'll depart from Rome at 7:30 a.m. via an air-conditioned coach bus to see famous hilltop towns, such as Montepulciano and Pienza. You'll also visit the Renaissance church of St. Biagio before enjoying a three-course lunch and wine pairing in the famed Montalcino. Travelers say guides are informative and thoughtful, giving tourists ample time to explore the towns and take pictures. All agree that leaving the driving to a professional made the trip worthwhile.

Tours are offered daily. City Wonders also offers a variety of tours in Rome, including tours of the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Borghese Gallery.

Through Eternity Tours – Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Sistine Chapel: Essential Experience

Price: From 1,345 euros (about $1,458) Duration: 6 hours

Conquer Rome in six hours with Through Eternity Tours. With your skip-the-line tickets , you'll visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Professional, engaging guides – all fluent English speakers – allow you to set the pace, absorbing as much history and archeology as you want at each stop. Travelers say you'll see much more on this half-day tour than you would if you were to visit each site on your own, as guides point out unexpected gems along the way.

Rates can vary considerably depending on the number in your party, and the company offers discounts for students and children. Bring stamina, a water bottle and wear comfortable walking shoes . When you're ready for more, try one of Through Eternity's other tours, such as its evening tour of Rome's piazzas and fountains.

Walks of Italy – Gladiator's Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor

Price: Adults from $105; kids from $99 Duration: 3 hours

On this three-hour tour, you'll enter the Colosseum through the "Gladiator's Gate" – the entrance that was once used exclusively for gladiators 2,000 years ago. Once inside, you'll enjoy 360-degree views of the Colosseum on the reconstructed arena floor as your guide shares the gory history of this famous landmark . Then, you'll bypass the lines to tour the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Highlights include the cremation point of Julius Caesar, senate buildings and the Temple of the Vestal Virgins. Guides win kudos from travelers for their ability to discuss dense history topics in an engaging manner. Reviewers say the tour flies by thanks to the guides' entertaining storytelling. They also appreciate the skip-the-line access to these must-see sights.

Tours, which are capped at 25 participants, are offered three times daily at 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Rates may vary based on the time of year, and they include all entrance tickets and the use of audio headsets during the tour. Walks of Italy also hosts cooking classes in Rome and organizes day trips to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.

Maya Tours – Skip-the-Line Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Group Tour

Price: Adults from 45 euros (about $49); kids from 35 euros (about $38) Duration: 2 hours

If you're interested in visiting the Vatican Museums, but don't want to devote more than a couple hours of your Rome vacation to the experience, consider this kid-friendly tour. In addition to skip-the-line access, your guide will show you the must-see artworks, several courtyards and galleries, and the Sistine Chapel. Reviewers praise guides for their interesting and informed commentary (which tourgoers can hear via audio headsets). Parents are particularly impressed with guides' ability to engage children.

Tours are offered Monday through Saturday multiple times in the morning and afternoon. Maya Tours also operates longer, semiprivate tours of the Vatican.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in Rome
• The Best Places to Visit in Italy
• The Best Italy Tours + Small-Group Trips
• The Best International Travel Insurance

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Pope calls on G7 leaders to ban use of autonomous weapons

Pontiff says machines should never be able to decide whether human beings live or die

Pope Francis has made a historic address to G7 leaders urging them to recognise they have the power to decide if artificial intelligence becomes a terrifying or creative tool, and calling on them to ban the use of autonomous weapons in war.

In the first address by a pope to a meeting of G7 leaders, he said it should never be for machines to decide whether human beings live or die.

In an extended session, leaders from Latin America, Africa, India and the Middle East heard from the pontiff in one of the largest such gatherings outside the UN general assembly. The pope, who has mobility problems and met leaders in a wheelchair, received an especially warm greeting from his fellow Argentinian, President Javier Millei, and the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi. Both leaders hugged the pope.

“In light of the tragedy that is armed conflict, it is urgent to reconsider the development and use of devices like the so-called ‘lethal autonomous weapons’ and ultimately ban their use,” he told the world leaders.

“This starts from an effective and concrete commitment to introduce ever greater and proper human control. No machine should ever choose to take the life of a human being.”

Such a step would represent the darkening of the sense of humanity and the concept of human dignity, he said.

The 87-year-old has chosen to become a leading voice on the ethics of AI, telling his audience that it had the capacity to be both a terrifying and fascinating tool. He said it excited people and created fears at the same time, representing a chance to create a new social system, possible democratisation, access to knowledge, acceleration of scientific research, but also to create further injustice, dominance and turning a culture of encounter into one of discardment.

He said AI would influence medicine, the workforce, communications, education and politics.

Drawing on Robert Hugh Benson’s early 20th-century book about the anti-christ, Lord of the World, the pope said the danger of AI lay in the ability it contained for machines to make decisions independent of human beings.

“We would condemn humanity to a future without hope if we took away people’s ability to make decisions about themselves and their lives, by dooming them to depend on the choices of machines,” he said, adding it was true of every tool since the dawn of time that they could be used negatively or positively.

• Pope Francis
• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Weapons technology
• Catholicism
• Christianity

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Most viewed.

Which AI trip planning tool is the best? Here's how Expedia's and Booking.com's compared.

• Expedia Group's Romie and Booking.com's AI Trip Planner are AI-powered travel tools that can help travelers plan and manage their trips.
• Both tools can recommend destinations, places to stay, and things to do and even create a full itinerary for your trip.
• However, these AI travel planners are still in their early stages and can't yet be relied on completely.

This new travel adviser can help travelers plan and manage their trip – and then come with them on vacation.

Expedia Group revealed a new artificial intelligence assistant last month that users can access anytime via their phones. Named Romie, the alpha version available now via Expedia’s iOS app in the U.S., can help build itineraries, summarize travel plans discussed in group chats, warn customers of trip disruptions and more.

Jeff Miller, Distinguished Product Manager at Expedia Group, said “travel is a complicated business and part of the complexity is about orchestrating and managing all the parts of your trip.” The company previously introduced a travel planning feature powered by ChatGPT last year, but the new assistant marks an expansion of its AI capabilities.

“Romie’s job is to meet you where you are, not wait for you to come,” he said. The feature uses the same OpenAI models that power ChatGPT, but Expedia is “open to using other tech or models” as well.

Make travel easy: We tested ChatGPT itineraries in 5 US tourist spots

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Romie is the latest AI-powered travel tool , joining other travel platforms utilizing the technology to make a seamless, more customized experience for travelers. In an Oct. 2023 Booking.com survey of more than 27,000 travelers across 33 countries, 56% said they want to use AI to help inform upcoming travels.

Last summer, Booking.com launched its own AI Trip Planner, which also uses ChatGPT to help travelers find accommodations and build out personalized itineraries.

“Imagine having a conversation (with) the AI Trip Planner and being able to render or change what you see (on the Booking.com website) to match the content of your conversation,” Adrienne Enggist, Senior Director of Product at  Booking.com , told USA TODAY. “The hyper-personalization, really, can be supercharged to make your travel planning more productive, much easier.”

USA TODAY’s Nathan Diller and Kathleen Wong tested Romie’s itinerary-building capabilities against Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner to see what it’s like using AI to plan a trip to Rome from Sept. 9-12. Here’s what they found.

What is it like to use Romie?

I started by making a hotel booking on Expedia, which users need to use Romie’s itinerary-building features. iPhone users in the U.S. can opt-in to access the early version of Romie via the EG Labs section of the Expedia app, but the company does not yet have a public launch date.

I reserved a room at Suitedreams – just under $627 for three nights in September – with an “excellent” rating and over 1,000 reviews. Then I phoned a friend (or AI assistant, rather) to help with the rest. 

When I clicked through to my itinerary, Romie suggested restaurants near the hotel unprompted, with distances listed. When I clicked on one, it took me to a chat function where I could see various restaurants’ Yelp ratings, hours of operation and other info. I could peruse certain details from there, but other buttons moved me to the Yelp app.

Romie cannot complete restaurant reservations for users, but I was able to add bookings to my itinerary by telling the chatbot when I’d be eating. Miller emphasized that Romie is not “just automatically charging your credit card on your behalf.”

“We don't think that experience is quite ready yet, let’s put it that way,” he said. “But we do think that we can still guide you to be able to take action for yourselves.”

Romie also recommended “some of the best things to do” in Rome, like the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums. The chatbot was also able to suggest bookstores when I asked and give me directions to one I selected. When I requested other activities near my hotel, Romie provided several tours I could book through the Expedia app.

I did run into some hiccups when I clicked on the Colosseum option Romie listed on my itinerary page. The AI program pulled up a “B&B in Rome 2 stops from” the landmark, even though I already had a hotel. When I clicked on the listing, it took me to what looked like an external website that suggested I book it on Airbnb – a competitor to Expedia Group’s Vrbo.

When I asked whether I needed tickets for the Vatican Museums, Romie said yes, sharing a website where I could buy them. But the URL was not hyperlinked and I could not click through, nor could I copy and paste it from my phone, meaning I’d have to manually type it into my browser.

Curious to try another method of communication, I added Romie to my phone contacts to use its text message feature. Romie was similarly able to recommend coffee shops near my hotel that way, but this time, I had to tell the bot where I was staying. Unlike in the app, it did not have my booking information.

I also requested help with booking a rental car. Romie acknowledged my parameters – my travel dates and the budget I shared – and sent me an Expedia link. However, when I clicked on it, I was shown hotel listings.

At one point, I asked for a full itinerary for my three-night trip. Romie asked about my interests – I listed food, historical sites and art – and offered a detailed plan with activity and dining suggestions for the morning, afternoon and evening. I tried that separately with the in-app chat function and was given less of a true itinerary than a list of things to do.

“Launching an early version of Romie in EG Labs provides registered participants with the opportunity to test out products and share their feedback in real-time to help Expedia troubleshoot bugs prior to public launch,” Miller said.

Romie’s other features fell outside the purview of my hypothetical trip, but Miller said the tool will get to know users’ preferences over time, with “progressive intelligence” being a key principle.

“An assistant that forgets what you told it isn't very useful, especially in a complex process like travel planning that we all know takes weeks or sometimes months,” he said. “So, that notion that Romie’s learning as it goes and remembering is very important to what we think an assistant needs to do.”

Based on my test run with the current version of Romie, I’d recommend it to travelers as a starting point for generating ideas and tracking itinerary items of interest. However, given the apparent glitches in the user experience, I wouldn’t rely solely on the tool.

– Nathan Diller

How to use AI to plan a vacation: And what you should know first

What’s it like to use Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner?

Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner is only accessible via the Booking.com mobile app in English-speaking markets, including the U.S., U.K., Australia and New Zealand. Once I created an account, a pop-up screen prompted me to “start chatting” with the AI Trip Planner. The AI tool greeted me and asked how it could help my trip planning – it also warned me that it’s “still learning.”

According to Enggist, the AI language model is still in its “early discovery, early planning space.” It acts like a well-traveled friend who can provide guidance based on your answers, interests and tastes. The tool can recommend destinations, places to stay, and things to do and even create a full itinerary for your trip. 

“It’s less about generating search results and more about curating lists of things that are potentially ideal for you,” she said. 

In the future, Booking.com hopes to “extend the helper all the way through the journey,” like updating your ground transportation if your flight is delayed, Enggist said. 

I asked the AI Trip Planner to find me a hotel room in Rome for three nights in September, and it asked for specifics, like a preferred location or type of hotel. I said it would be my first time, and I didn’t know where to start. The tool responded with three hotel options, all of which are based in Rome’s city center, highly rated and cost between $264 and $602 for the stay.

While I could learn more about the hotels and read their reviews on the app, I couldn’t book directly through the AI Trip Planner. For that, I’d have to go to the hotel’s page on the app or website. I also couldn’t book a rental car through the AI Trip Planner.

I then asked the AI Trip Planner to come up with things for me to do during my trip, and it gave me eight “popular attractions and activities,” such as visiting the Colosseum and the Pantheon – typical Rome must-dos. I asked if the tool could help me get tickets to the Colosseum, and it told me that I had to visit the website for the Colosseum or a third-party vendor like Viator to do so. 

“The AI Trip Planner makes recommendations that are more niche or more hidden gems,” Enggist said. However, I found that even when I gave more specifics about what to do – like if I were a foodie – the first results were still the most popular or famous choices, which also means crowds and often overly touristy places.

When I asked for vegan restaurant recommendations, it gave me five. Although there were no links for me to learn more or how to contact the restaurants, I was able to ask for more detailed descriptions, like what I could expect from their menu and the atmosphere. 

I asked the AI Trip Planner to help me get from one of the recommended hotels to one of the suggested vegan restaurants. I was pleasantly surprised at how detailed the results were: I was told the stations and lines if I wanted to use the metro, or take a 20-minute walk “through some of Rome’s most beautiful neighborhoods.” 

Finally, I asked the AI Trip Planner to give me a three-day itinerary in Rome if I love food and am vegan. It broke down each day into the morning, lunch, afternoon and dinner, including what to do and where to eat each meal. The itinerary is a good starting point for travelers, but since it told me to visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum in the afternoon – which is peak visiting time – I’m not sure it accounts for crowds or long lines.

While I wouldn’t depend on the AI Trip Planner for my complete trip itinerary, I would certainly turn to it for help finding accommodations and initial ideas in the beginning stages of my trip planning.

If I were hoping to go on a beach vacation and had a budget in mind but no destination, this is where chatting with the AI Trip Planner would come in handy. I also liked how it helped narrow down my hotel options based on location and price, which is sometimes a challenging yet essential part of planning a vacation. Based on the vagueness of the AI Trip Planner when asked about day-to-day activities, I likely wouldn’t use the tool for restaurant recommendations or things to do since you need to leave the platform to book or get further details anyway. 

These AI travel planners are designed to personalize and simplify the travel planning process. Although they aren't yet at the stage where you can rely on them completely, only time will tell.

– Kathleen Wong

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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• ‘The Grand Tour’ Star James May Clarifies Jab At Pride Flags: “I’m Not Suggesting The Pride Movement Has Anything In Common With Nazis”

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James May has said his tweet about Pride flags in London has been misinterpreted.

Earlier this week, The Grand Tour presenter posted on X (once Twitter) that he “admired” the Pride movement, but that rows of LGBTQ+ flags in central London “may be seen as authoritarian.”

“Please remember that some terrible things, with which you would not wish to be allied, began with TMB [Too Much Bunting]. World War Two, for example,” he wrote.

Pride: while I have observed and admired what you have achieved over my lifetime, may I respectfully suggest that you are borderline guilty of Too Much Bunting (TMB). It may be seen as authoritarian, and therefore oppressive. Please remember that some terrible things, with which… pic.twitter.com/DsMcikkaVF — James May (@MrJamesMay) June 13, 2024

A day later, May issued a clarification. “I’ve had an illuminating 24 hours reading the responses to my ‘bunting’ post,” he said.

“I’m not suggesting that the Pride movement has anything in common with the Nazis.” He added: “My post is not intended for use as a community launch pad for sorties into lazy homophobia.”

I've had an illuminating 24 hours reading the responses to my 'bunting' post. Now hear this. 1) I'm not suggesting that the Pride movement has anything in common with the Nazis. 2) My post is not intended for use as a community launch pad for sorties into lazy homophobia. 3)… — James May (@MrJamesMay) June 14, 2024

May has recently finished voiceover work for the final episode of The Grand Tour , the Amazon Prime Video series he presents with Jeremy Clarson and Richard Hammond. He said the episode will stream in September.

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Fight as a legend in DRAGON BALL: SPARKING! ZERO, releasing 11th october 2024

DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO brings back the revered 3D action battle game series previously known as BUDOKAI TENKAICHI in the West

The game will be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on 11 th October 2024

New modes have been revealed:

• Episode Battle, reliving some of DRAGON BALL most memorable battles with some twists
• Custom Battle, letting players create their dream showdown and share it online

Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S has revealed that DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO , the first entry in the DRAGON BALL Z: BUDOKAI TENKAICHI series in 15 years will be released on 11 th October 2024, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. The game is now available for both physical and digital pre-order.

Developed by Spike Chunsoft, known for their work on the previous DRAGON BALL Z: BUDOKAI TENKAICHI, DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO lets players get into epic battles alongside legendary characters from the series. Episode Battle will let players pick one of eight characters and relive key battle moments in the DRAGON BALL saga. Custom Battle introduces a new element to experiencing DRAGON BALL as a game, where players can try their hands at a match imagined by the developers or create their own battle situation and share it with the world. The new trailer also reveals new additions to the playable character roster with Goku (Super), Ultra Instinct , Gohan (Adult), Super Saiyan 2 , Golden Frieza , Bardock , Raditz , Goku Black , Zamasu , and Jiren, Full Power .

DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO is available in several editions detailed below

• The Standard Edition
• The Digital Deluxe Edition includes the Standard Edition, 3 days of early access to the game, as well as the Season Pass, which contains more than 20 characters including characters from DRAGON BALL SUPER SUPER HERO and DRAGON BALL DAIMA as well as the Shenron Summon that can unlock items. Early access to DLC characters is also included.
• The Digital Ultimate Edition contains the Deluxe Edition content as well as the Ultimate Upgrade Pack which includes, the Goku (Super) Costume with Power Pole, an Emote Voice Set, 1 Customization item and 2 player card backgrounds. This edition also includes the possibility to summon Super Shenron to unlock items or characters.
• The Collector Edition includes the content from the Digital UItimate Edition along with an exclusive DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO diorama and a Metallic Bookmark.
• The Premium Collector Edition, available exclusively on the Bandai Namco Store includes all Collector Edition content as well as a SteelBook and 4 exclusive cards from the DRAGON BALL SUPER CARD GAME Fusion Worlds

As a pre-order bonus, you will have access to the following characters without the need to unlock them in game: Gogeta, Gogeta, Super Saiyan, Gogeta Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan, Broly, Broly, Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan Broly, Full Power .

Also included is a playable character to be revealed later.

DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO

DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO takes the legendary gameplay of the Budokai Tenkaichi series and raises it to whole new levels.

Download the press assets for this announcement

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DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO - GAMEPLAY SHOWCASE

DRAGON BALL FighterZ World Tour 2024/2025 begins on June 28th, 2024

Unleash the Fusion: Fused Warriors Enter the Arena!