• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

A quick visit to the Vatican City is not enough. There are other spots worth checking out outside this attraction, and your local host knows exactly where. Combine your visit to the Vatican City with a touch of hidden gems and an easy access to this famous attraction, and you are set for a good time!

Destination

Rome, Italy

Category

Art Culture Tours

Duration

3 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English, Italiano, Español, Français, Deutsch

Included

• Private Guide
• All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral

Excluded

• Entrance tickets are not included and need to be paid to host in cash
• Note: Tickets will be purchased by your host in advance
• and a list of all participants with full names and ages is required at the time of booking.

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 11 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at At the Vatican Museums down the steps under the gate surmounted by the statues of Rafael and Michelangelo - Rome to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Beautiful Surroundings

   To better understand what you’ll see inside the Vatican City, your local host will start by showing you other hidden gems around the attraction. That way, you can get to know more about Rome and the Vatican City for a perfect introduction to your tour

4. How It Works

   Before entering the Vatican City, meet your host and get an introduction to your tour.

5. Ahead of the Crowds

   On this tour, follow your local host’s lead and spend time inside the attraction discovering its highlights and hidden gems

6. Inside the Vatican City

   Once you are inside, follow your local host’s insights as you check out the must-sees, as well as the hidden gems that not many know about. Be part of an enriching tour that will satisfy your curiosity and answer all of your questions!

7. Keep Exploring

   After the time with your host is over, you can either stay inside the attraction and keep exploring by yourself or say goodbye outside the attraction where your host will point out other spots to explore in Rome

8. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Ruth🇸🇬 Singapore

(About local Carlo)

7 March 2025

We had a fabulous tour with Carlo at the Vatican. He is knowledgeable, friendly, very attentive and engaging. Thank you Carlo so much. Carlo is wonderful

Marius

(About local Federico)

27 February 2025

We had a very interesting and informative time with Federico in Rome. It was a very special experience to see Rome and its wonderful corners with a real Roman. We can recommend everyone to take a tour with Federico. If we are in Rome again we will contact Federico. Thank youAmazing Rome

Clare

(About local Federico)

20 February 2025

We had a great time with Federico. He was incredibly knowledgable and understood our needs for the time he spent with us. He is also a really lovely person to spend time with and we would highly recommend him.Fantastic tour guide

David🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Cecilia)

26 January 2025

Cecilia was a wonderful tour guide with expert art history knowledge who brought everything to life for us. We were able to beat the crowds and see all the artwork and sculptures and more in this very enjoyable and informative tour. Cecilia was amazing and we highly recommend her tour. Fantastic Vatican and Sistene Chapel Tour

Sandra

(About local Federico)

13 January 2025

Thankx to Federico, our visit to the Vatican couldn't be better! His knowledge about the Vatican, the Catholic religion, and his views are exceptional. The choices he made to show us en tell us about during the tour were phenomenal! We learned a lot of things for certain, and he made history alive for us, also to see things from another perspective! He made this experience Rome's best memory! Magnificent!

Corinne🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Lia Beatrice)

1 January 2025

Lia was a very nice and pleasant guide. She is definitely very knowledgeable about the history and culture in Rome. We can certainly recommend her to other tourists. We spent a very nice morning with her in the Vatican museum and the St. Peter’s church.

Brenda🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Francesca Romana)

24 December 2024

Very knowledgeable. Extremely pleasant, warm and considerate guide. Francesca went above and beyond -- and so we highly recommend her.Outstanding guide

Tiffany🇺🇸 United States

(About local Valentina)

19 December 2024

We loved our afternoon with Valentina. She kept my two college-aged boys engaged and interested. We had a great time learning everything about the Vatican City and really enjoyed her energy and vibe. Would book with Valentina again for sure! Perfect tour guide!

Rosalie🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Valentina)

5 December 2024

I had a very nice tour at the Vatican with Valentina! It was absolutely a plus value to this visit it with all the informations she gave me! An other big plus is that she was able to give me all the informations in french! She is very kind and generous! The Vatican is a must to visit if you are in Rome and I strongly recommend Valentina for this visit!Great visit of Vatican

moritz🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Carlo)

20 November 2024

Carlo gave us a great customized tour of the Vatican City to fit our interests and also the special needs we had with our 5 month old daughter. We visited the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peters Basilica together. He took care of all our needs, knew quicker passages and his transfer of knowledge was very well structured. It made us better understand overall layouts, historical phases and trends and also special humorous details we enjoyed a lot. Thank you for the great time, Carlo!Knowledgable guide with custom tour

Brian🇺🇸 United States

(About local Valentina)

18 November 2024

Valentina was exceptional. Knowledge of Vatican was awesome. Involved our whole party. Everyone totally enjoyed our time with her!! Enjoyable Tour

Robin

(About local Federico)

18 November 2024

We had a great time with Federico. He was knowledgeable and fun and we were able to see the highlights and skip the less important areas of the Vatican. We thought the price was a bit high, however, it was a private tour with just myself and my boyfriend, which meant we received all of Federico’s attention. Vatican Tour

Nas🇺🇸 United States

(About local Carlo)

15 November 2024

Wow, wow, wow, wow! I am very happy we decided to book with Carlo. I will admit in the beginning I was a bit hesitant (price wise) but I kept going back to the amazing reviews and decided we need to book with Carlo.. and we loved it. Carlo was very informative, attentive, & overall the best guide we've had so far. (We had 3) If it's your first time in Rome please consider guided tours. My fiancé and I both agree there's no way we would have gotten all of the information or the details if they had not been pointed out to us. Carlo also gave us amazing recommendations after the tour which we definitely appreciated. Grazie mille Carlo!! You NEED to book with Carlo!!!

Mary🇺🇸 United States

(About local Federico)

14 November 2024

We loved our tour with Federico! He is incredibly knowledgeable on all things Vatican, historically to current times. He understands the art and knows why the galleries are set up the way they are. He is able to break down the vastness of the Vatican treasures into manageable sections. He is funny and engaging and we will schedule with him on our next visit. This is how you should visit the Vatican

Anthony🇺🇸 United States

(About local Federico)

8 November 2024

We scheduled our tour of the Vatican with Frederico several months ago. He was very responsive when we had questions leading up to our visit to Rome. On the day of the tour he ushered us through the entrance process and took us on a fact filled journey through the museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Vatican tour with Frederico

Viviana🇺🇸 United States

(About local Carlo)

4 November 2024

Carlo was very nice and extremely knowledgeable, the passion and excitement in which he explained things to us was so amazing that it left us wanting to learn more. I would highly recommend hiring him.Vatican with Carlo

Michele🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lia Beatrice)

3 November 2024

Lia was not only knowledgeable, but so personable and fun. We had the best tour of the Vatican and Saint Peter‘s basilica. She was able to get us into the Sistine Chapel, which was amazing. So worth the money. Such a wonderful experience.Lia is amazing!

Jane🇺🇸 United States

(About local Valentina)

26 October 2024

Wow! Wow! Wow! We are so grateful we discovered our amazing guide Valentina. We had the pleasure of touring with Valentina for two days for our Collesium/Ancient Rome And Vatican Tours. Valentina was remarkable and made our trip to Rome so insightful, memorable, and fun. She is extremely educated, knowledgable, and energetic!!! Valentina is flexible and adaptable as we had rainy weather and she managed to make the most of our experience. We departed feeling as if we made a new friend! We give Valentina the highest recommendation and endorsement. Beyond amazimg Roman tour guide

Pedro Juan🇵🇷 Puerto Rico

(About local Carlo)

22 October 2024

Our tour of the Vatican with Carlo was great. My wife and I greatly appreciated Carlo’s deep knowledge, attention to historical facts and ability to transport us to the historical moment we were discussing. We highly recommend this private tour with Carlo. Great Tour of the Vatican

Deirdre🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Valentina)

19 October 2024

Valentina was an absolute star guiding us through the Vatican. Fun, funny, and full of passion, she gave us just the right amount of information to keep it interesting without overwhelming us. Her enthusiasm really made the tour come alive. We’d definitely use her again – highly recommend!Fantastic, fun Vatican tour with Valentina

Martha🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lia Beatrice)

12 October 2024

Lia was very knowledgeable about the Vatican. We enjoyed her sense of humor and enthusiasmKnowledge Guide

Joe

(About local Valentina)

12 October 2024

Valentina was great and very knowledgeable. She was also vey helpful helping my wife, who uses a cane, navigate the very crowded Vatican! Definitely recommend.VAtican Tour wit Valentina

chan.anastacia🇺🇸 United States

(About local Yanira)

2 October 2024

We had an amazing tour of the Vatican with Yanira! She was exceptional in her knowledge and made the history come to life in such a fun and engaging way. Yanira was incredibly friendly and approachable, making it easy to ask questions and learn more about the sites. It was the perfect way to experience the Vatican, and we highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting!Exceptional Tour!

Monique🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Sara)

1 October 2024

We booked Sara for our tour of the Vatican and she was definitely worth it. Not only did she take a lot of the stress of getting into and touring that massive, yet breathtaking area but she is beyond knowledgeable. She is such a lovely person and we had a lot of fun with her even though it’s very busy. If you are going and want a personal tour, go with Sara hands down. Grazie Sara 💕Amazing!

hariolf🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Lia Beatrice)

3 September 2024

perfect time with lia she is very sympathic and she has enormous knowledge about rome . thank you lialovely lia

Gabriel🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sara)

25 August 2024

We had a wonderful day with Sara at the Vatican. Sara was so knowledgeable about all things Vatican especially the artwork. She was also ver accommodating from the beginning. She understood exactly what we wanted to achieve while touring as well as understanding when we were finished looking at certain things and wanted to move on. Furthermore, it was a very hot day and touring with teens can be challenging. Sara accommodated the tour to make it interesting for them but also knew when to speed things up to keep their interest. Finally, she also arranged a wonderful dinner reservation for us at one of our most favorite meals while in Rome. Tour of Vatican

Beena🇸🇬 Singapore

(About local Federico)

12 August 2024

Our group of seven - including 3 teenagers - agreed that having Federico show us around the Vatican, sharing his extensive knowledge of its history whilst expertly navigating us through the entry queues and around the crowds, on a hot July afternoon, was a godsend! He helped make what could have been a disastrous experience into a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Our teenagers especially enjoyed his ability to make the history relatable. We highly recommend Federico as a guide.Great experience!

Robin

(About local Valentina)

28 July 2024

I am so very thankful that we found With Locals and more importantly, your guide, Valentina. Our trip to the Vatican was amazing. Valentina exceeded all of our expectations. We learned so much about the history of the Vatican, the creation of the museum and its collections, and the stories behind Michelangelo's many works of art. The level of detail and interesting stories provided throughut the tour made the experience exceptional! Hiring Valentina was money well spent. I will be recommending both your company, and Valentina to everyone I know who is traveling to Rome! Best Guide Ever!!!

Damien🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Sara)

25 June 2024

The Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica have always been iconic attractions that my family and I have always wanted to experience. Sara was a wonderful host who was able to share so much of her passion and knowledge as our guide. Sara’s detailed insight into all aspects was outstanding. She was able to focus on specific details which larger group tours would certainly overlook. The small group tour with Sara made the experience so much more personal. Sara was good natured and courteous and was always willing to answer any questions. If you would like to spend time with an a guide with real passion and insight, I couldn’t recommend Sara highly enough. Thanks for memories.Outstanding

Sadiann

(About local Valentina)

25 June 2024

Valentina was so informative and knew how to move us through the crowds to get to visit all the most important sites. She included us in the discussion and answered our many questions quickly and thoroughly. She was delightful to be with.Outstanding

Anne-Marie🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Federico)

17 June 2024

Federico was a wonderful guide for the Vatican. It is a busy place but he knew all the ways to get around and helped with my elderly parents. He customised the tour for us and spent extra time. He is calm and so knowledgeable. He made the history easy to understand and answered all our questions. By the end of it, we felt like old friends. Don’t hesitate to book Federico. Wonderful

Alana🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Valentina)

12 June 2024

We had a lovely time with Valentina and enjoyed her informative overviews of the works of art in the Vatican museum and of The Last Judgement. Excellent experience

russ🇺🇸 United States

(About local Federico)

1 June 2024

Federico’s knowledge of the museum and the related history was impressive. He is a great tour guide and very passionate.The Vatican

Mark🇺🇸 United States

(About local Federico)

21 May 2024

I highly recommend using Withlocals for the Vatican Museum personalized tour. Federico was able to get us early morning tickets beforehand and saved us hours of waiting time as lines were enormous. Once inside he explained so much on the middle age transition into the renaissance that helped us understand the underlying artworks and their history and meanings. He also gave us information to get free tickets today St. Peter’s evening prayer service (vespers) and we had opportunity to see Pope Francis! He also shared a restaurant recommendation for after the tour which turned out great. My adult son is going to recreate his sandwich back home as it was one of his favorite restaurant meals while we were in Italy. I highly recommend Federico for you museum visit.I highly recommend Federico

Mark🇺🇸 United States

(About local Barbara)

17 May 2024

We enjoyed a wonderful day with Barbara (Barbi) as we discovered the beauty, history and symbolism throughout the Vactican museums, Sistine chapel, and St Peters Basilica! Her quick whit, enduring smiling and stories had us laughing and smiling the full day, with a stop for gellato at her favorite neighborhood gellato shop and a quick bite to eat, before returning to the train station. Batbi's deep understanding, emotional ties to Rome, and fantastic personality made our time together enjoyable. If you are looking to have a fun filled day, while being provided knowledge, we highly recommend booking a private custom tour with Barbara (Barbi), you won't be disappointed!Fantasitc day at the Vactican

Johanna🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Valeria)

17 May 2024

Valeria was absolutely the right choice for our Vatican Experience plus St Peter’s Basilica. She was the right mix of religion, building, history and amusing facts to keep the four of us entertained during our visit. She skilfully manoeuvred us into areas to talk to us and point out information and show/explain everything. I’d been to the Vatican 10 years prior but got so much more out of this visit. The only difficulty was the explanation in where to actually meet from the Get Your Guide instructions. It did not explain clearly. It should have just said, meet your guide in front of the ticket office under the two statues. Wonderful Vstican Visit

4kfs4h82vq

(About local Federico)

13 May 2024

The Vatican itself is amazing. What made it come to life was our guide Federico. He was wonderful. Kept our kids engaged and taught us history of the popes, Vatican City, the amazing art and how it got to be where we viewed it. Recommend him with highest compliment! Fun Federico

Acacia🇺🇸 United States

(About local Valeria)

12 May 2024

Valeria was fantastic. She was very communicative before the tour and made sure we were prepared with tickets and dress code. Early in the tour, she spent a little time giving us a briefing and history of what we were about to see. When she took us around to the different highlights, she tied it into the same story and answered our questions. She was also flexible with how/where we wanted to end the tour and gave us some recommendations.Amazing guide

Guadalupe🇺🇸 United States

(About local Federico)

1 May 2024

I was having a hard time getting a private tour for me and my mother for the Vatican Museum two weeks becfore our trip. Fedrico was super helpful and I felt relieved. The private tour was very relaxed and Federico was patient with my mother. She walks very slow and that was the main reason I booked the private tour. Federico was very professional and and knowledgeable. He showed us all the important things one should see during the tour and things I missed during the group tour I took years ago. The experience was stress free and relaxing. GRATZIE to Federico and WithLocals!You will not regret the experience.

Yuri🇺🇸 United States

(About local Federico)

20 April 2024

Federico delivered an outstanding private tour of the Vatican City. His deep knowledge of art, history, and architecture brought the Vatican's treasures to life in an excellent way. Federico's enthusiasm and clear explanations made the experience both educational and enjoyable for both myself and my wife along with our two kids. I highly recommend Federico for anyone seeking a personalized and enlightening Vatican tour.Fantastic experience in the Vatican City

Anna

(About local Federico)

12 April 2024

Federico is an amazing guide and wonderful person! Very knowledgeable, attentive, fun and passionate about history and art! We had the best time in Vatican and felt comfortable despite all the crowds.The best guide!

James🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Sara)

29 March 2024

If With Locals needed an advert for guides in Rome then I would fully support Sara who was brilliant with me and the family. Very informative and patient (needs to be with each of us trying to run in different directions! :) ) Our sincere thanks Sara. perfect example of why i use this site

Gary🇺🇸 United States

(About local Carlo)

26 March 2024

Carlo Viti is an excellent guide with a deep knowledge of Ancient Rome. I do feel the Vatican tour should be at least 3 hours rather than 2.5 hours. EXCELLENT GUIDE

Hiram🇺🇸 United States

(About local Yanira)

10 March 2024

Highly recommend! Yanira is awesome. She provides clear explanations and is also funny while doing it. The tour went by quick even though it’s three hours. Learned a lot. Best tour guide ever!

Ian🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Cecilia)

8 February 2024

Clearly one visit to the Vatican, never mind Rome, will ever be enough to understand its history (we've been many times now) but spending time with highly knowledgable people makes the experience SO much more valuable. Cecilia clearly knows her stuff and was great company. I didn't want it to end!So much to learn!

Andrey🇺🇸 United States

(About local Yanira)

4 February 2024

Yanira had exceeded all of my expectations! Italy and Rome made an incredible impression as well Ferinze. My guide was was very attentive and knowledgeable. I feel that understanding the history of the Eternal City is important for me to better feel the energy of this wonderful place. My trip was super short, 5 days is nothing. I am definitely coming back and hope my guide is around to continue on this amazing exploration tour! Im coming back!

Taylor🇺🇸 United States

(About local Valentina)

17 January 2024

Valentina is very knowledgeable, personable, and friendly. We used information she taught us later on during our vacation when looking at different pieces of artVery Informative Tour

Carlos🇧🇷 Brazil

(About local Federico)

13 January 2024

Federico was great! He accompanied us to the Vatican and explained a lot of the history without overwhelming our minds. I truly recommend the tour with him! Excellent experience!

Leann🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Cecilia)

10 January 2024

We visited the Vatican Museums and St Peters Basilica with Cecilia in December. Old buildings and iconic art is fascinating to my husband and me, but no so much to our 3 children (age 12, 11, and 8). Cecilia tried to make things interesting for the kids as well, which is not an easy feat. She was knowledgeable and friendly, and adjusted the tour based on our needs. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone!Great tour with the family

micahel🇺🇸 United States

(About local Matteo)

24 December 2023

We had a great time. Very easy-going, but informative. Able to accommodate the varying pace that we were interested in. We really appreciated the flexibility and friendliness of our tour guide.Excellent tour