Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What makes a private early morning Vatican tour different from the small group Pristine Sistine?

Accepted Answer

Both tours enter the Vatican as it opens to the public. On this private Vatican tour, your group is the only group with your guide. You set the pace, choose where to linger, and can ask questions without waiting. It's the same early morning access with the flexibility of a tour shaped entirely around you.

Question 2

What happens to our St. Peter's Basilica private tour access on Wednesdays?

Accepted Answer

The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesday mornings. It is subject to other closures during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. On such days we will instead explore more of the Vatican Museums' galleries.

Question 3

Is there a dress code for the Vatican?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both men and women need to cover shoulders and knees to enter the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. No exceptions, even in August. A light scarf or shawl works well and takes up no room in your bag.

Question 4

Can you take pictures in the Sistine Chapel?

Accepted Answer

No, non, ne, nee, absolutely not. The Sistine Chapel guards are serious about this, so we don't recommend trying. You can take photos (without a flash) elsewhere in the Vatican Museums, but no selfie sticks are allowed inside.

Question 5

Is this Vatican private tour accessible for guests with mobility needs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with advanced notice. If you or someone in your group has mobility concerns, please contact our Guest Experience team so we can arrange your visit.

Question 6

Can I bring a bag or backpack into the Vatican Museums?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as it's no larger than 40cm x 35cm x 25cm. Larger items can be checked into the free cloakroom at the entrance. Keep in mind the cloakroom closes at 5pm and is about a 20-minute walk from where the tour ends near St. Peter's Basilica.

Question 7

Is this private Vatican tour suitable for children?

Accepted Answer

Families are some of our favorite groups for this tour. Children respond well to the early morning pace because the galleries aren't overwhelming when they're quiet. Your guide tailors the stories to hold younger attention spans, and because the tour is private, you can pause at the Pinecone Courtyard fountain or take five whenever the mood strikes.

Question 8

Do I need to bring an ID the day of my tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes. And all guests must provide their full name at booking, matching their ID or passport exactly, and bring valid photo identification on the day. Name changes cannot be made after booking. This is a Vatican Museums entry requirement.

Question 9

What makes WalksDevour an accredited Vatican tour operator?

Accepted Answer

WalksDevour holds an official ticketing agreement with the Vatican Museums as an Accredited Tour Operator. This means guaranteed ticket access, privileged entry points, and a long-standing operational partnership built over years of running tours at the Vatican.

Private Pristine Sistine

Overview

What's included

You will visit

Select a start time

Select tickets & quantity

Total price

What to expect

The Vatican Museums: discover four miles of art

The Sistine Chapel: gaze up at Michelangelo's ceiling

Postcards from Vatican

Recent reviews & recommendations