Private Vatican Tour: Egyptian & Etruscan Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica

Highlights

• Guaranteed Skip-the-Line Access
• Egyptian & Etruscan Museums
• Professional Blue Badge Guide

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   Vatican Museums

   40min

   Treat yourself with a customized private tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. Visit the unique Golden Room which is mostly closed to the general public.Discover the Egyptian Museums and see its famous mummies. Enter the beautiful Golden Room, part of the Etruscan Museum, containing jewelry dating between the 9th and the 1st century BC, from the Iron Age until the progressive and definitive converging of the Etruscan cities into the structure of the Roman state. Enjoy the impressive Belvedere Courtyard and then stroll through the most interesting rooms and galleries of the museum complex. Marvel at the famous Lacoon and the Belvedere Torso at the sculpture museum, deeply revered by Michelangelo and other Renaissance artists. Explore the Gallery of Tapestries and the Gallery of the Maps

2. 2

   Stop 2

   10min

   The Egyptian Museum in the Vatican Museums offers visitors a glimpse into the ancient world of Egypt. Showcasing a variety of artifacts, including mummies, papyri, and hieroglyphic inscriptions, it's a fascinating exploration of Egypt's rich history and culture.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   10min

   The Etruscan Museum inside the Vatican Museums offers a deep dive into the ancient Etruscan civilization, showcasing artifacts like pottery, sculptures, and jewelry. It highlights the art, culture, and history of the Etruscans, offering visitors a unique glimpse into one of Italy's earliest societies.

4. 4

   Sphere within a Sphere

   Pass by

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

5. 5

   Cortile della Pigna

   Pass by

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

6. 6

   Galleria Delle Carte Geografiche

   5min

   The Gallery of Maps, inside the Vatican Museums, displays a stunning collection of topographical maps of Italy. Created in the 16th century under Pope Gregory XIII, these beautifully painted maps span 120 meters, offering a unique geographical snapshot of the Italy of the past.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   5min

   The Vatican Museums' Gallery of Tapestries showcases stunning 15th and 16th-century tapestries, intricately woven with scenes from biblical and historical narratives. Inspired by designs from Raphael’s school, this gallery highlights the artistic sophistication and storytelling of the Renaissance.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   5min

   The Gallery of the Candelabra is a part of the Vatican Museums, showcasing a rich collection of Greek and Roman statues, sarcophagi, and reliefs. It is named for the grand marble candelabra that decorate it, dividing the gallery into thematic sections. Set up in the late 18th century, the gallery merges ancient art with stunning architectural details, providing visitors a journey through history and beauty.

Before you go

Location

Viale Vaticano, 00165, Italy