How to Plan Your Vatican City & Surroundings Private Tour With Locals in Rome

If you’re planning a visit to Rome, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore one of the world’s most popular attractions, Vatican City. Vatican City is home to stunning collections of Italian masterworks, including the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s Basilica. With a skip-the-line private tour, you can avoid waiting for hours and instead spend your time admiring the beauty of Vatican City with a professional guide. In this guide, we’ll show you how to plan your Vatican City & Surroundings Private Tour with Locals in Rome.

Step 1: Booking Your Tour

There are different tour providers to book your Vatican City & Surroundings Private Tour with Locals, but we recommend booking through Viator. Viator offers a Skip-the-Line Private Tour of Vatican City and Secrets, which includes skipping the notoriously-long lines and exploring the Vatican with a professional guide. You can book in advance to ensure skip-the-line access, and the tour is private, exclusively for your travel party and guide.

Step 2: Meeting Point

The meeting point for your tour is at Vatican City, under the gate surmounted by the statues of Ra, at the Vatican Museums. Make sure to arrive on time for your tour and dress appropriately, as there is a dress code for visiting Vatican City. Should you have any special needs or requirements, Viator’s team will be happy to make necessary arrangements, just inform them in advance.

Step 3: The Tour Itself

Your private tour of Vatican City with a professional guide will cover the galleries of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter’s Basilica. You will learn about the history and significance of some of the most remarkable works of art in the world. During the tour, you’ll discover the best kept secrets of Vatican City with the guidance of a local expert.

The Galleries of the Vatican Museums

The galleries of the Vatican Museums hold unparalleled collections of Italian masterworks. During your guided tour, you’ll discover the Gallery of Maps, where you’ll see maps of Italy created in the 16th century; the Gallery of Candelabras, with its intricate carvings made from marble and bronze; and the Gallery of Tapestries, where you’ll find ornate tapestries woven in the 16th century.

The Sistine Chapel

Situated in the Apostolic Palace, the Sistine Chapel is famous for its magnificent ceiling painted by Michelangelo. The frescoes depict various stories from the Bible, and you will have the opportunity to gaze up at this remarkable work of art while learning about its history and impact on art history.

Saint Peter’s Basilica

The tour will conclude at Saint Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world. Your guide will explain the religious, artistic and cultural significance of the art works that you’ll see. You’ll see the current St. Peter’s Chair, where the cardinals vote for a new pope, and climb up to Bernini’s Baldachin which is the most massive bronze sculpture ever cast.

Step 4: What’s Included?

With the Viator tour package, you have a private tour and all local tips and recommendations from your expert local guide. You can make on-the-spot changes to the tour if necessary, and hotel pick-up and drop-off is included. It’s important to note that entrance tickets for Vatican City are not included and must be paid to the host in cash (17 Euro per person).

Step 5: Book Your Tour

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the beauty of Vatican City with a skip-the-line private tour. To book your Vatican City & Surroundings Private Tour With Locals in Rome, click on the following link: book the tour here.

In conclusion, a private tour of Vatican City with a professional guide is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed. Make sure to book your tour in advance, arrive at the meeting point on time, and enjoy the beauty of Vatican City with your expert local guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rome

If you are planning a trip to Rome, you may have several questions in mind. Rome is a popular tourist destination, and it is natural to have questions before visiting the city. In this blog post, we will answer the most commonly asked questions about Rome to help you plan your trip quickly.

1. Where is Rome located?

Rome is the capital city of Italy and is located in the central-western part of the country. It is situated on the banks of the Tiber River and covers an area of 1,285 square kilometers.

2. What language do the Romans speak?

The official language of Rome is Italian, and you can expect most people to speak Italian in the city. However, you will also find English widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to communicate.

3. What is the best time to visit Rome?

The best time to visit Rome is between April and June or September and October when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are less. During these months, the temperature is mild, and you can enjoy sightseeing without the extreme heat or cold.

4. What is the currency used in Rome?

The currency used in Rome and throughout Italy is the Euro. Most shops and restaurants accept credit/debit cards, but it’s always recommended to carry some cash with you, especially for small transactions.

5. What are the must-visit tourist attractions in Rome?

Rome is home to several iconic landmarks and attractions, such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain, to name a few. It’s recommended to prioritize the top attractions and plan your visit accordingly.

6. How do I get around Rome?

Rome has an extensive public transport system, including buses, trams, and a metro network. You can buy tickets at metro stations or tabaccherie shops. Alternatively, you can also use a taxi or a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft, but note that taxis can be quite expensive.

7. What is the food like in Rome?

Italian cuisine is famous worldwide, and Rome is no exception. You will find a variety of delicious dishes, including pasta, pizza, gelato, and tiramisu. Also, don’t forget to try some local specialties such as Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, and Amatriciana, which are exclusive to Rome.

8. Is Rome safe for tourists?

Rome is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, it’s recommended to take usual precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night, not carrying valuables, and being aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.

9. Do I need a visa to visit Rome?

If you are from the EU, the EEA, or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to visit Rome, as Italy is part of the Schengen Agreement. However, if you are from outside this area, you may need to apply for a visa before traveling to Italy.

10. What is the dress code in Rome?

There is no strict dress code in Rome, but it’s recommended to dress modestly when visiting religious sites such as churches and the Vatican. Shorts and sleeveless tops are generally accepted, but it’s recommended to cover your shoulders and legs for respect.

Conclusion

Rome is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture, and it’s natural to have questions before visiting it. We hope this blog post has answered some of the most commonly asked questions about Rome and helped you plan your trip better. Remember, Rome has a lot to offer, so plan your visit thoroughly and enjoy your time in the Eternal City!