Vatican Museums Tour: Early Morning Access

Experience exclusive early access to the Vatican Museums and avoid the crowds. Explore the masterpieces with a small group or in a private tour, led by an expert local guide.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Vatican Museums - Enjoy the luxury of an intimate group size of up to 6 people, or the exclusive feel of a private group, ensuring you make the most of your Vatican visit. Navigate the vast array of masterpieces with ease alongside an expert guide, ask any questions you have, and enjoy a truly personalized experience. This approach truly enhances…
What's Included
  • Skip the long ticket lines
  • Private Option of this tour is Available!
  • Tour in a Safe and Semi Private Group of 6 people
  • Learn from a Professional Local Expert Guide
  • Enjoy Early Morning Entrance to the Vatican Museums for a quieter experience
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities (optional)
Additional Information

Get early morning access into the Vatican Museums to admire countless works, and beautiful courtyards! Together with a truly small group of only 6 participants max, or in your very own private group, you will be able to avoid the big crowds and quietly enjoy these wonderful masterpieces. The Vatican Museums is on everyone’s Rome itinerary so you can…

Location
Viale Vaticano, 100
Viale Vaticano
In front of Cafè Vaticano, right across the street from the Vatican Museum's Entrance. Your guide will be holding a LivTours sign. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(3474 Ratings)
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Tinawv7877yr
Jul 14, 2025
Fabulous tour of the Vatican - Put tour was fabulous- we were a family group of 6 and had a private tour. Our tour guise was very informative and answered all our questions. I personally have done a few tours through LivTours and will continue to do so.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sexybake14
Jul 13, 2025
Just wow - Massimo was the single greatest tour guide I’ve had the pleasure of engaging with. He only asked the group of six people our names once, never forgot them and used them often. He went out of his way to curate a personalized experience for every individual within the group. He is incredibly passionate, hilarious, knowledgeable and efficient. While he may consider it an insult, I mean this with the utmost respect, it seems like he’s never worked a day in the last 30 years because it’s so obvious that he loves what he does. And yes he’s been doing this for over 30 years. It truly felt like our tour was the only one in The Vatican despite the fact that it was busy. The context he provided with his tablet in advance of specific things to see built on the experience. I regret now not having a video of this to better explain to anyone that reads this review. He expertly navigated the space and crowds highlighting the most intricate details. It was apparent through his intensely deep knowledge that a Massimo led tour would be something we’d never forget. An example of this was a reflection in a window that he took the time to call out when every other tour in our vicinity blew right by it. This tour in particular requires an intricate approach because there is so much to see and to do it on your own would be a disservice. My wife booked the tour so I’m unsure if you have the ability to request a guide by name but if there is an option to choose I’d recommend Massimo 1000%.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leanne_r
Jul 13, 2025
A great tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica - We had a fantastic time on this tour of the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica. Our tour guide was Sabrina and I don’t think we could ask for a better guide. Sabrina was friendly and so knowledgeable of all aspects of the Vatican museums and St Peter’s Basilica. She pointed out so many things that we would have missed without a guide and explained everything in great detail. She allowed us as much time as we needed in each area and we saw everything on our list that we hoped to see. We never felt rushed. She guided us past busy areas with ease and knew how to find the best parts of the Vatican and Basilica. We also skipped long lines and exited via areas that were only possible with a guide. It saved us a lot of time. I would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Qingqing_m
Jul 13, 2025
Great Experience - Big Mamma, our guide was so lovely and knew so much about the subject. We had a wonderful time and by doing it in the morning, we avoided the crowd:
Review provided by Viator
Amy_t
Jul 12, 2025
Wonderful and educational! - We had a great tour. Our funny and engaging guide, Valentina, was very knowledgeable and pointed out historical facts about artwork that would definitely be missed on a self guided tour. I highly recommend this tour if you want to experience the fullness of the Vatican.
Review provided by Viator
Jessica_d
Jul 12, 2025
Must do in Rome! - One of the best tours we did in Rome! Met our tour guide, Giovanna, by 7:15am and were inside the Vatican museum by 8am. Very personalized based on interests and questions. Giovanna (Big Moma) made our experience very special and she was extremely knowledgeable about Vatican history. We learned so much, and being able to experience the museum, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica was incredible! Highly recommended!!
Review provided by Viator
James_j
Jul 12, 2025
Excellent experience with... - Excellent experience with a knowledgeable and informative guide. Martina. I would definitely recommend this experience.
Review provided by Viator
Don_s
Jul 11, 2025
The Ultimate Private Tour of the Vatican - When you’re greeted early in the morning with: “It’s your lucky day, you’ve won the lottery to have me for a guide” believe him. We did win the lottery. As an extended family of six ages 18-90- he made the tour exciting, informative , and fun. He’s a classically handsome Roman with a beautiful voice and wild sense of humor. He’s knowledgeable in art history, religion,history architecture, and popular culture. He’s an encyclopedia of knowledge about the Vatican museum and the Sistine chapel plus St Peter’s Basilica. He’s made time fly and we all feel we had a master class in everything Vatican. Thanks from the Miller- Sheridan family from California.
Review provided by Viator
Amber_w
Jul 11, 2025
Bring your appetite ! - We loved every bite! Such an amazing tour! The walk wasn’t strenuous. The food was yummy! Definitely worth it! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Ramona
Jul 11, 2025
Vatican and Sistine Chapel with Giovanni - Giovanni is the best tour guide! He is knowledgeable, kind, funny and knows the best way to beat the crowd. He is the best!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $232
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).