Private & personalized tours - just for you!
The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of The Vatican with a private, personalized experience led by a local.
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
Make your stay in Rome complete with these things to do
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"Fantastic tour of what would otherwise be a very difficult place to navigate. Francesca took the time to explain the background to what we were seeing, as well as linking it in to the current Conclave preparations. Communication was excellent, particularly around the changes required as a result of the passing of the current pope. She was also very flexible, ensuring that we got great value for money despite some of the Vatican imposed restrictions. Francesca was very friendly and approachable, making sure we were happy to ask questions and understood what we were seeing. She also made a great effort to accommodate the reduced mobility of my elderly mum, which was really appreciated. Highly recommended."
"Francesca took us on an intense but very enjoyable tour of the Vatican museums. It would have been impossible to figure it out on our own in only a few hours time. Her expert guidance and her kind personality was very much worth the investment. Pleasant and insightful at the same time!"
"Lia is a wonderful guide, very kind and flexible - combining my needs and those of my 11 y.o. son in her stories and explanations."
"Valentina was a wonderful guide for our experience at the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. She knew all the ways in and out, making sure we did not have to wait long in any line, and she was able to answer all of our questions and give us a complete background on everything we saw. We would highly recommend her."
"We had the best time with Sara and ate so much delicious food! We tried things we never would have and went to places we never would have found on our own. She was so accommodating of my 7 year old. Definitely don’t pass up on this tour with Sara!! "
"Eleonora was fantastic! She was so knowledgable and very accommodating to my 7 year old answering all his questions and making it fun for him. We never could have made it through everything with her. Highly recommend! "
"Cecilia was informative, considerate, and a pleasure to explore the vast area of the Vatican City with, we certainly benefited from her considerable knowledge."
"I got a guide to the Vatican for my dad, brother & sister in law and Elenora was fantastic from the start. She reached out to me immediately so I could give her the details of the booking and most importantly, that I would not be apart of it. This tour was originally booked for a week after the pope passed away, and as soon as the news released that the pope had passed, she reached out to me to start figuring out a solve & seeing if the tour was still a possibility. Elenora was focused on still making this experience all it could be and we ultimately were able to change the day of the tour so they would have full access to the Vatican. They had an excellent time and I couldn’t be more grateful to Elenora for being proactive and committed to making this tour happen. The tour was ultimately a highlight of their trip! "
"I originally engaged Lia for a tour of the Vatican. With the death of the Pope, the Vatican was closed for the date we were supposed to visit. With ease, Lia was able to create a new itinerary which ended up being an amazing tour of many of Rome's best sites, while working around a funeral procession going on around us. Possibly my favorite was stopping at a cafe where she taught me about the Italian way to enjoy an espresso! Thank you for an amazing experience! Highly recommended guide."
"Francesca was a godsend! She is extremely knowledgeable! Beyond her knowledge, she is a wonderful person. She patiently answered all of my questions in the months leading up to my trip. She helped us secure a fantastic driver. She was extremely patient with us and our elderly mother. She even helped me secure tickets to Easter Mass to be blessed by Pope Francis. There are not enough kind words nor enough stars in the sky to give her! She is the perfect guide."
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Rome with locals
Our locals will give you the best experiences that Rome has to offer
There's more to the Vatican than meets the eye. Our local hosts have uncovered the hidden stories, smart shortcuts, and surprising details that make your visit unforgettable. From secret staircases to the best time to see the Sistine Chapel, these quick reads are packed with insider tips to help you experience the Vatican like a local.
Want to see the Sistine Chapel before it's packed wall-to-wall? Some private tours offer early access—meaning Michelangelo's ceiling without the crowds. Your local guide can get you in early and share all the juicy backstories you'd miss in a group shuffle.
Ever heard of the Bramante Staircase? It's not on the standard Vatican Museums route, but locals know how to include it. A private guide can show you this architectural gem, and tell you how popes once rode down it on horseback.
Want to send a postcard from the smallest country in the world? Your local guide will lead you to the Vatican's own postal system. It's efficient, iconic, and a quirky souvenir for friends back home.
Inside St. Peter's Basilica, your guide can point out the exact spot where Michelangelo designed the dome, or where Bernini left his sculptural signature. A private tour helps you slow down, soak it in, and see what others rush past.
No photos, no talking, no lingering. The Sistine Chapel can feel rushed—unless your guide preps you. With a private tour, you'll get the full story before entering, so you know exactly what to look for and why it matters.
The Vatican Museums are massive, over 7 kilometers of art! A local guide knows how to navigate straight to the good stuff, tailor it to your interests, and make sure you don't miss iconic works hidden in plain sight.
Fun fact: the Vatican is the smallest country in the world. But it's easy to miss that when you're focused on the art. Your local host will sprinkle in stories about Vatican citizenship, Swiss Guards, and the Pope's daily routine to bring it all to life.
Want to climb the dome without the full 551 steps? Ask your local guide about the elevator shortcut and the best time of day to avoid queues and catch that perfect Vatican City panorama.
Between the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, and guided entrances, it's easy to end up in the wrong line. A private guide ensures you skip the confusion (and often the lines), so your time goes into exploring, not waiting.
With over 20,000 works on display, the Vatican Museums can be overwhelming. But a great guide brings it down to earth, connecting artworks to your interests, whether you're into ancient sculptures, Renaissance drama, or quirky papal history.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica with a private Vatican tour. Skip the line and discover hidden highlights with a knowledgeable local guide, tailored to your pace and interests.
