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ExclusivePrivate Tour

Best of Vatican Private Walking Tour

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Vatican Private Walking Tour
User icon15 Guests Max
Clock icon2 hrs
Info iconFlexible Travel

What's included?

Check iconA thorough walking tour of the Vatican led by a knowledgeable local guide
Check iconAccess into the Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola and Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
Check iconHistory of the Jubilee, along with tips for exploring Rome during the Holy Year

Excluded

Cross iconTransportation to and from the meeting point.​
Cross iconEntry tickets to additional sites not specified.​
Cross iconFood and beverages.​

Embark on journey where spirituality and culture collide


Experience the Vatican like never before with an exclusive private tour, designed for those who want a deeper, more intimate journey through history, faith, and art. With a personal guide, explore the Vatican’s most breathtaking landmarks at your own pace, without the distractions of a larger group.


2025 marks the Holy Year of Jubilee, a once-in-50-years event that makes this the perfect time to visit. Your expert guide will tailor the experience to your interests as you follow in the footsteps of pilgrims who have come to Rome seeking spiritual enlightenment for centuries.


Marvel at the grandeur of Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, stroll through the iconic Piazza Navona, and uncover the secrets of Castel Sant’Angelo, once a fortress, papal refuge, and prison. Throughout the tour, you’ll gain a profound understanding of how faith and power have shaped Rome’s history.


Your journey concludes at Piazza Pia, offering a stunning view of Saint Peter’s Basilica and its Holy Door, a sacred gateway opened only during the Jubilee. From here, you decide what comes next—step through the Holy Door, explore St. Peter’s Basilica, or take a moment to reflect on the timeless legacy of Catholicism.


Whether you seek a spiritual experience or simply a deeper dive into the Vatican’s incredible past, this private tour offers an unparalleled way to witness the Eternal City.


Tour Highlights

  • Check iconExplore the Vatican’s most iconic sites during the Holy Year
  • Check iconStep into the shoes of pilgrims who journeyed to Rome to uncover its rich history, faith, and culture
  • Check iconWitness the wonders of the Vatican during one of the oldest and most meaningful traditions in the Catholic Church
  • Check icon Enjoy captivating stories from a passionate, expert guide

Your Steps

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Meet at Piazza di Pietra

We begin our journey in this quaint square, where you’ll be greeted by your guide holding a yellow “Carpe Diem Tours” sign. You’ll also be treated to a stunning view of the Temple of Hadrian, with ancient columns that stand as a testament to the grandeur of Roman architecture and its lasting legacy.

Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola (Interior)

We’ll step inside this Baroque masterpiece, renowned for its breathtaking ceiling and intricate interior. Here, you’ll learn about the splendour of 17th-century religious art and what it represents.

Piazza della Minerva + Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (Interior)

We’ll take in the calm beauty of this square, home to the impressive Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, which we’ll enter. Once inside, we’ll discover masterpieces like Michelangelo’s “Christ the Redeemer” and the tomb of Saint Catherine of Siena.

Pantheon (Exterior View)

We’ll admire the Pantheon’s majestic dome from the outside. Its grand portico is a testament to the wonders of ancient Roman engineering and as the world’s best-preserved Roman structure it’s a must-see for any visitor!

Piazza Navona (Exterior View at Sant’Agnese in Agone)

We’ll stroll through the elegant Piazza Navona, once a Roman stadium, now a vibrant square surrounded by Baroque fountains. Here we’ll admire the stunning Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, designed by the great Borromini and Bernini.

Via dei Coronari (Exterior View)

As we wander down the narrow cobbled street of Via dei Coronari, we’ll be immersed in the lives of the pilgrims who passed through on their way to Saint Peter’s Basilica. Here we’ll learn about the lively, sometimes less-than-holy, establishments that once filled this historic route.

Ponte Sant’Angelo (Exterior View)

As we cross the picturesque Ponte Sant’Angelo, adorned with beautiful angel statues, we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Tiber River and Castel Sant’Angelo. This bridge, once the entrance to Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum, later became the main passage for pilgrims heading to St. Peter’s Basilica.

Castel Sant’Angelo (Exterior View)

While admiring the impressive Castel Sant’Angelo your guide will tell you about its history as a fortress, papal residence, and even a prison!

Piazza Pia

Feel the spirit of the pilgrims as you stand in Piazza Pia, a key stop for those making their way to Saint Peter’s Basilica. This square marks the final leg of the spiritual journey, a moment of reflection before arriving at the heart of the Catholic faith.

Saint Peter’s Square (Exterior View)

We’ll conclude the tour near Saint Peter’s Square, where Bernini’s grand colonnades embrace visitors, leading up to the magnificent façade of St. Peter’s Basilica. This sacred site, built over the tomb of Saint Peter, is the spiritual center of Catholicism. After the tour, feel free to explore at your own pace.

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Key Info

When?

17:00

Where?

Piazza di Pietra

Tick, tock, Carpe Diem o'clock!

The Carpe Diem Tour experience begins in...

12
Hours
45
Minutes
20
Seconds

Know Before You Go

Entry into sites like the Pantheon or Saint Peter’s Basilica is not included but we will observe them from outside. If you plan to visit sites like Saint Peter’s Basilica or the Sistine Chapel before or after the tour you should dress modestly, with knees and shoulders covered.

Important

This 2-hour tour offers a personalized journey through the Vatican's rich history and art.​

Recent Reviews

Best Of Vatican Private Walking Tour | Carpe Diem Tours | Carpe Diem Tours