Custom Rome Italy Vatican City Tours

The Vatican Gardens cover about 50 acres of the Vatican City, they are closed to the general public and can only be visited by reserving a Vatican tour with privileged VIP entrance and it is highly recommend for guests who want to tour the lovely corners of the Vatican away from the usual crowds or for anyone who is particularly interested in horticulture, there is an olive tree donated by the government of Israel and the Papal Vatican Gardens contain every plant mentioned in the Bible. For decades, this serene netherworld of topiary, pathways, fountains, and sculptures was reserved for the Pope’s private meditation and it has only opened up on a regular basis to visitors since 2003.
This private guided Vatican City tour provides an enchanting journey through natural settings, historic monuments and works of art that span its 2000 year history. Conducted by one of our art historian official Vatican tour guides it features the rare opportunity to tour the outstanding Sistine Chapel which has been completely restored in the last 20 years with its magnificent frescoes by Michelangelo one of the most famous pieces of art in the world by entering through a privileged entrance; the Vatican Museums remarkable Popes collection of artworks and the overwhelming St. Peter Basilica world largest Christian church and beautiful example of Baroque style where you encounter the magnificent Pieta awe-inspiring and emotional sculpture by Michelangelo. Your private guided Vatican City tour continues on with a walking tour of the Vatican through the slope of the Vatican Gardens where the Pope walks, which are beautifully landscaped and are surrounding the buildings towards the Southern and Eastern part of the Vatican City.
The history of the Vatican Gardens can be traced back on the times when it was then a large orchard and vineyard part of the Apostolic Palace. It used to be surrounded by walls until it was torn down and the Pigna and the Belvedere courtyards emerged. There are two reasons why the gardens were created, first because pope Nicholas V wanted to have a venue for their papal court ceremonies and also because he liked something that would give him some form of entertainment. Today the highly-manicured Vatican Gardens are one of the greatest garden realms of the world adorned with charming fountains, sculptures and the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes a replica of the famous grotto in France, where among masterpieces and natural jewels you enjoy a spectacular view of Michelangelo majestic dome crowning St. Peter Basilica. In 2011 Pope Benedict XVI held a ceremony to inaugurate the 100th fountain, the Saint Joseph Fountain. Your personable tour guide will go over the Garden’s history and tell many anecdotes of previous popes and their habits in the Gardens.
Your private guided Vatican tour will conclude in St. Peter’s Square as you will admire Michelangelo's majestic Dome and feel spiritual embraced by the two symmetrical colonnades of Bernini.
This private art history walking tour of the Vatican can be further customized to focus on specific periods of art, architecture or culture. We recommend that you request a booking as far in advance as possible as this exclusive private guided Vatican tour is highly requested.
Contact us to discover and appreciate the treasures of this incredible world landmark and get a glimpse of lush greenery in the Vatican City!
Please Note: The Vatican Gardens area open all mornings except on Wednesday, on Sunday and on certain Holy days throughout the year with advance reservation. The Vatican reserves the right to cancel reservations without previous warning.
Please Note: On rare occasions St. Peter's Basilica closes without notice. If this happens, you will be offered an extended itinerary within the Vatican Museums. The unforeseen closure of St. Peter's Basilica is beyond our control for which we cannot be held responsible therefore no refunds will be issued.
Please Note: The Sistine Chapel is not available separately but is only able to be visited as part of the tour of the Vatican Museums.
Please Note: The Vatican has a dress code. No bare shoulders, no shorts, no dresses above the knee, and no bare feet or exposed midriffs are allowed.

* Private guided walking tour
* Multilingual licensed professional tour guide

* Private guided VIP tour
* Vatican Gardens tour
*Skip the line Vatican City tour

* Suitable for Children & Seniors
* Suitable for Cruise Passengers

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Private Roundtrip Hotel Transfers (Optional Upgrade)