Rome: Complete Early Morning Vatican Tour

Experience the Vatican like never before with our small group Vatican tour. Get early access to the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums, enjoy personal attention from expert guides, and explore St. Peter’s Basilica before the crowds arrive.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • What a Life Tours - The activity starts directly at our office located conveniently very close to the Museums’ entrance.
What's Included
  • Meet your guide at our comfortable offices near the Museums’ entrance
  • Skip-the-line access to St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Headsets to hear the guide
  • Entry to the Sistine Chapel
  • Small group
  • Expert English-speaking tour guide
  • 3.5-hour guided tour
  • Early entrance guaranteed
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

Visit our welcoming offices located just a short distance from the museum entrance. Participate in our intimate Vatican tour early in the morning with an exceptional tour guide, and enjoy the earliest access to the museums, Sistine Chapel, and Raphael Rooms. In a small group, you can leisurely explore the incredible wealth of history and art.
Your guide…

Location
What a Life Tours
Via Santamaura
*** MEETING POINT *** at our office at Via Santamaura 14B, What a Life Tours. The closest Metro stop is Ottaviano which is a 6-minute walk away. You must allow extra time to reach the meeting point, CHECK-IN is 15 minutes before the tour departure time. WE CANNOT WAIT FOR LATE ARRIVALS.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(1914 Ratings)
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1 star
101aiyanam
Jul 12, 2025
Great - Great experience! Elaine was informative and fun. Would recommend if you want to get the highlights of the Vatican and the area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Genaagostino
Jul 11, 2025
Fabulous tour with Elaine as our guide!! - This tour was exceptional. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Elaine was amazing and shared many secrets that you wouldn’t get from other guides. This tour is totally worth it. We passed through the museums and into the Sistine chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica with ease. Book this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chrisaz3845iw
Jul 11, 2025
A Great Tour in Vatican City - Visiting Vatican City is like stepping into a living museum—one that pulses with centuries of history, art, and spiritual significance. My tour through this small but mighty sovereign state was nothing short of extraordinary. The day began early, just as the sun peeked over Rome’s skyline. Entering through the Vatican Museums, I was immediately immersed in a stunning collection of classical sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, and centuries-old artifacts. The highlight, of course, was the Sistine Chapel. Standing beneath Michelangelo’s ceiling—the “Creation of Adam” just above me—I was left speechless. Seeing such iconic art in person, in total silence, was deeply moving. Next came St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of Catholicism and one of the most breathtaking buildings in the world. The scale is overwhelming: from Bernini’s towering bronze baldachin to Michelangelo’s Pietà, everything is designed to awe. Climbing to the top of the dome rewarded us with a panoramic view of St. Peter’s Square and the city of Rome beyond—a moment I’ll never forget. Our guide, passionate and knowledgeable, brought the entire experience to life with stories about the Popes, artists, and architects who shaped Vatican City. She even pointed out small details—like the hidden symbolism in the artwork—that I would have missed on my own. From the rich artwork and intricate architecture to the spiritual presence that permeates every corridor, my Vatican tour was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you’re religious or not, it’s a place that humbles you and makes you appreciate the incredible legacy of human creativity and faith.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vacayallday561
Jul 11, 2025
An experience of a lifetime! - Our tour guide Elaine was amazing! So knowledgeable. Without her this would not have been such an amazing experience!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B2413hdchristiana
Jul 11, 2025
Holier than ever - Elaine was a delight! Very knowledgable and funny! Loved every stop despite the crowd she managed to weave us in and out masterfully.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chloeb69
Jul 11, 2025
Amazing tour!! - Great tour with Elaine! Great guide and absolutely loved the morning with her! Very hot but kept cool throughout! Thank you so much!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Btj2587fd
Jul 10, 2025
Vatican tour - Elaine was great. She’s very witty with a wealth of knowledge and insight. She made for a very entertaining and enjoyable tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ronielc166
Jul 10, 2025
Knowledgeable and fun! - Elaine was absolutely wonderful! Knowledge, fun, and efficient! Highly recommend, would take any other tour with this company and especially Elaine !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G8rfinn
Jul 10, 2025
Wonderful Vatican Tour. - Elaine was knowledgeable, funny, organized and very entertaining. Highly recommend touring with her and What a Life tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Onair47095806257
Jul 11, 2025
A wealth of beauty and history. - Our tour guide was excellent. He was knowledgeable, engaging and moved at an easy pace. The advertising that we would enter the Sistine Chapel as soon as the doors opened was why I chose this tour but that was incorrect. It was around 10.00 am before we entered the chapel and naturally it was crammed full of people.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $150
up to 12 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).