Tour difficulty

  • Easy
  • Medium
  • Hard

Duration

10 hours

Rome in a Day for First Timers

Discover the Eternal City

Description

Your guide will pick you up at your accommodations for this signature Your Own Italy tour of The Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. The art of The Vatican is among the most recognizable in the world. In leading you through the museums, your guide will convey the tantalizing background of the masterpieces, the geniuses who created them, and the powers who commissioned them. In the Sistine Chapel, below the largest and most renowned fresco in the world, your tour guide will explain the intriguing history of this work and the hidden messages Michelangelo painted into it. After the museum, you’ll visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Catholic church in the world, where you can see Michelangelo’s magnificent Pietà, Bernini’s acclaimed altar canopy, and the tombs of the Popes, including that of John Paul II.

What's Included

  • Expert, licensed English-speaking guide
  • One-way transportation to the site is provided
  • Private tour of The Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square
  • Skip-the-line tickets
U

Other Info

  • This is a private tour – your party only
  • This tour is not available on Sundays
  • You do NOT need a passport to enter the Vatican.
  • Groups of 6 or more are required to rent headsets for 3€ per person. This will be included in your price.
  • Photos and videos are permitted, except in the Sistine Chapel.
  • Modest attire is required in churches and basilicas; knees and shoulders must be covered.
  • Large bags and umbrellas are not allowed in the museum and retrieving checked items could affect your ability to cover the entire suggested itinerary.
  • Please wear comfortable shoes as this tour requires a fair amount of walking.
  • This tour is not fully accessible for wheelchair users or people with walking disabilities. However, please contact us directly and we will take you on alternative routes suitable for you.

Faq

Is there a dress code I should know about?
There is a dress code for churches and basilicas. Shoulders and knees must be covered; shorts, miniskirts, and sleeveless shirts are not permitted. It is also recommended that you not take large bags or backpacks on tours that include churches as you may not be permitted to enter and storage accommodations are not usually available.
What if there is bad weather?
Our tours operate rain or shine!
Is tipping customary in Italy?
Tipping is indeed customary in Italy ! It is considered a kind gesture and proper etiquette to leave “a little something extra” depending on the level of service you receive. For a private guide it is suggested to leave 15 – 25 euros for a typical 3-hour tour.
What happens after I’ve requested a booking through your website?
Your Own Italy will send a confirmation email within 24 hours of your booking. You will then be invited to make your payment using a link that will be provided.
Can wheelchair users go on this walking tour?
Not all walking tours are fully accessible for wheelchair users or those with walking disabilities. However, if anyone in your group requires special accommodation, please let us know when completing the booking and we will work out suitable alternative routes.
Can tours be modified?
Yes, we will do our best to adjust any tour to accommodate special requests.
How far in advance should I book my walking tour?
Tours should be booked 48 hours in advance. While we cannot guarantee availability if booking occurs in less than 48 hours, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
What are Your Own Italy’s payment terms?
Full payment is due when the tour confirmation email is sent, within 24 hours of your booking. You will be provided with a link to our payment page. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
What is your cancellation policy?
Tours must be canceled by email 24 hours prior to the start of the tour. If cancellation is made in less than this time, Your Own Italy cannot guarantee a full refund.
How do I amend a reservation?
Any changes to existing reservations must be requested by email. All efforts will be made to accommodate changes, but they cannot be guaranteed.
Is your site secure?
Our internet site uses the SSL encryption protocol to guarantee secure transactions and complete confidentiality. We use a security certificate issued by the Security Management Company, Control Scan.
What should I do if I have a larger group than the size suggested on the website?
Your Own Italy is delighted to accommodate large groups. Please specify the number in your party when booking, and every effort will be made to organize a tour within the time limits provided.
J

Cancellation Policy

Your Own Italy boasts a flexible cancellation policy. Full refunds are given when cancellations are made up to 24 hours of the tour departure time and whenever possible afterwards. The cost of museum tickets is always refunded when the museums are unexpectedly closed. See the details of our Cancellation Policy here.

Meeting Point

Please specify when booking whether you would prefer to meet your private guide at your accommodations or at a designated point near the highlights of the tour.

Important Note

  • This is a private tour
  • Group size availability: 1-8 people
  • TYPE OF VEHICLE:
    CAR: Up to 2 participants
    VAN: 3-8 participants
  • For larger groups, contact us to arrange a suitable vehicle
  • Booking needs to made 48 hours prior to excursion
  • BOOKING INCLUDES:
    Transportation, Driver, Private Licensed Guide for the entire Tour and all Tickets.

Excursion Brochure