Vatican Gardens by Open bus & Sistine Chapel | Private

Our Vatican Gardens Tour takes you on a journey through 2000 years of history, art, nature and faith combined in a uniquely breathtaking composition. Unveil the hidden beauty of the Vatican on this unique journey through its most peaceful and picturesque outdoor sanctuary, followed by an exclusive private tour through the artistic treasures of the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.

Begin at the Gates of the Vatican

Your tour begins at the entrance to the Vatican Museums, where you will meet your expert guide who will assist you with check-in and provide context for what lies ahead. From here, board a comfortable open-top minibus for a panoramic group tour through the Vatican Gardens, accompanied by an engaging multilingual audio guide. This serene ride offers the perfect introduction to the spiritual and aesthetic heart of the world’s smallest state.

A Journey Through the Vatican Gardens by Open Bus

This leisurely ecological bus tour winds through the three distinct styles of the Vatican Gardens—Italian, French, and English—each representing centuries of evolving landscaping and symbolic meaning. Gaze out over meticulously sculpted hedges, rare botanical species, and decorative fountains as the gentle commentary weaves together nature, architecture, and papal history.

Pass the Fountain of the Eagle, nestled within lush foliage, and catch a glimpse of the papal orchard, a quiet space where tomatoes, peas, and lettuce still grow in seasonal rotation. Admire the Lourdes Grotto, a beloved replica of the miraculous shrine in Massabielle, and marvel at the solemn beauty of the Tower of St. John, once part of the Vatican’s medieval walls and later transformed into a tranquil retreat by Pope John XXIII.

From the Casina Pio IV, home to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, to the Vatican Radio tower founded by Guglielmo Marconi, every landmark in the gardens offers a story—culminating in panoramic views of the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica rising majestically above the trees.

Explore the Vatican Museums with Your Private Guide

After the gardens, your guide will take you on an unforgettable private tour of the Vatican Museums. Bypass the crowds with priority entrance and step into one of the greatest collections of art and history on Earth. Traverse through highlights such as the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of Maps, and the Gallery of Tapestries. Your guide will tailor the visit to your interests while revealing the deeper meaning and context behind each masterpiece.

Witness Michelangelo’s Divine Vision in the Sistine Chapel

No Vatican experience is complete without standing beneath the breathtaking ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. As you gaze up at Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes, your guide will illuminate the biblical stories, human drama, and divine inspiration behind this unparalleled work of Renaissance genius—from the Creation of Adam to the Last Judgment.

Important Notes for Visitors

Please note that this tour includes an open-bus group visit to the Vatican Gardens with an audio guide and a separate private guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The bus portion is not guided by your private tour guide, but your guide will join you immediately afterward for the museum portion.

Due to the sacred nature of the Vatican, shoulders and knees must be covered. St. Peter’s Basilica is not included in this tour, and while you may visit independently afterward, please be aware that access is subject to the Basilica’s liturgical schedule and may close without notice.