Private tour in Rome Simona M

Vatican and Sistine Chapel: Private Tour with Skip the Line Tickets

5.0

(33) reviews

-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Simona M.

4.9

Guide rating

272

Reviews

Tours delivered

3 hrs

Avg. response time

Hi there! I'm Simona, I was born in Rome and I also graduated in Rome in Archaeology. Since a was a child I thought I could be an archaeologist and so I did. I always enjoyed this job I had for 30 years, also because in Rome really there are plenty opportunities to find new impressing witnesses of the ancient time. Since 2017 I decided to share my knowledge with other people who come from abroad and are interested to learn more about this amazing Eternal City. Rome is like a "lasagna", layers above layers and they are still there, ready to be discovered! Outside of archaeology and being a tour guide, my other passions are cooking and gardening. My grandmother was french, my mother is an incredible italian cook and so I inherited from them love for being in the kitchen all time I can. I lived twenty years in the country, close to Rome, where I had a huge garden I was taking care of every week end. Now I'm living in Rome in a cottage where I also have two small gardens and a big terrace full of plants and flowers. Even if I have and I always had passion for research and excavations, I began this new job after I had the licence for doing it. With big surprise I understood I love also this new job because I am able to passionately share my knowledge with other people, which I really like. Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill have been my favorite area for long time because I have been doing archaeological digs in that area for many years. Over time I discovered it's a pleasure for me to guide turists also in other places, all around this incredible city, full of history and art. Because I like studying and I'm very curious I learnt quickly to love all aspects of this new profession. Life for me has to be lived intensely and with passion and this is also the only way I know to work. In most of feedbacks I had from turists it's said my passion for Rome is contagious and enthralling. Also they say I'm enthusiastic and my explanations are very easy and clear for everybody, adults and children. All that is giving to me every day new energies because if people are satisfied also I am and I also like feeling usefull for other people. Rome is a fantastic and unique city with almost 3000 years of history: legend says that Rome was founded in 753 b. C. and archaeology proved this is true! I like to offer custom services, according with your expectations. Just let me know. . . . . I hope to see you soon! Ciao! Simona Graduated in Archaeology in Rome, Sapienza University PhD in Roman Pottery, Rome, Sapienza University; Official licenced guide for Rome and Vatican City; Official licenced guide for all Italy. I'm not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car and driver. I can take tours only in English and Italian.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Simona M.

Overview of your Rome tour

You will enjoy some of the most important ancient sculptures and masterpieces of Italy's Renaissance art, along with the Sistine Chapel frescoed by Michelangelo or the papal apartments frescoed by Raphael. From the Sistine Chapel, I will lead you directly to St. Peter's Basilica, built on top of the tomb of Saint Peter. You will have plenty of time to absorb all of this Catholic shrine's religious and historical atmosphere as there will be no lines to distract you. We will end the tour in St. Peter's Square. The tickets are nominal: please send me name, surnames and date of birth of all the participants. Remember also to bring with you a copy of an identity document; your identities will be checked

Recent Reviews

John W.United States
2 days ago

Simona was wonderful. She helped us get through the mobs in a very efficient way and was a lot of fun. Great insights. She even walked with us to a restaurant that she was friendly with so we could get in for lunch. 100% worth it.

Robert W.United States
September 2026

Our guide, Simona was very personable and knowledgeable. She was very good with our grandchildren integrating the history of the early Roman periods and how they influenced the beginning of the Renaissance and the development of the Vatican City and its various buildings and architecture. While other tour guides passed quickly through the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, she took the time to explain the various art work and the artists who produced them. In particular Michelangelo and the Pieta and how he came to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. As Someone with a background in Renaissance art history I appreciated how she stayed on task, yet kept it at level that my grandchildren could appreciate and understand. I recommend her most highly.

Eva G.United States
August 2026

Simona was absolutely spectacular. We spent two days with her in Rome, and without question she was one of the very best guides we have ever had. From the months leading up to our trip, she was incredibly responsive and proactive. She made sure we understood just how difficult it is to obtain tickets for the Colosseum Underground, explaining that getting them is almost like winning a lottery. Thanks to one small adjustment in our schedule, she was able to secure the Underground tour for us, and we are so grateful she did. As an archaeologist, Simona brought the Colosseum and the Roman Forum to life in a way that no ordinary guide could. She explained the history, architecture, and archaeology with such knowledge and enthusiasm that every member of our family, from teenagers to senior citizens, was completely engaged. Our second day with her at the Vatican was equally unforgettable. This was my third visit to the Sistine Chapel, yet it felt like I was really seeing it for the very first time. Simona explained Michelangelo's work, the symbolism, and the history in a way I had never heard before. She transformed what could have been simply viewing beautiful art into a deeply meaningful experience. Throughout both days, Simona was engaging, entertaining, organized, and genuinely passionate about sharing Rome with us. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and her ability to connect with every age group made the experience special for our entire family. If you're looking for a guide who combines extraordinary knowledge with warmth, humor, and exceptional storytelling, Simona is the one to book. She earned our highest recommendation and a well-deserved five stars. We would not hesitate to tour with her again.

Brenda H.United States
June 2026

Would recommend Simona- she is very knowledgeable and takes the time to be sure you get a full understanding of the art and history. I was a little late in scheduling the tour and she made sure we got to see the things we wanted to. We would not of been able to do what we did without her help.

Shawn G.United States
May 2026

Simona was an absolutely wonderful tour guide for our Vatican tour in Rome. She was incredibly knowledgeable and provided detailed explanations that brought the history and art to life. Her passion really showed throughout the entire experience. She was very friendly, engaging, and made the tour easy to follow without ever feeling rushed. We walked away with a much deeper appreciation for the Vatican and all of its beauty and history, all thanks to Simona. We highly recommend her to anyone looking for an informative and memorable tour experience in Rome.

Bud L.United States
May 2026

Simona was fantastic. So knowledgeable and personable. We did 3 tours with her. Great English. Detailed history. Loved it!

Your Rome tour itinerary

St. Peter's Basilica St. Peter's Square Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel St. Peter's Basilica often closes for celebrations , therefore we can not guarantee that such attraction can be regularly included in the vatican tour. There is also a new ticket to be made to tour the Basilica without any line. Dress Code: knees and shoulders must be covered.

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Transport details
Type: Walking

Walking tour

What's included
Private Guide
Tickets: Museums Skip the line tickets
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses
Food Drinks Snacks
Private Transportation
Meeting location

Vatican City, 00120, Vatican City

Front of the Vatican Museums, Viale Vaticano 100

Other details
Tour categories
Religious Sites
Art And Culture
City Highlights
Museums
Architecture
Tour reference number
758497
Languages
English
Italian
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Rome best suited for?

This private tour in Rome is perfect for travellers who want to explore the Vatican and Sistine Chapel with a knowledgeable guide. It's ideal for those interested in ancient sculptures, Renaissance art, and the rich religious history of St. Peter's Basilica and Square. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly and involves light walking.

What should I bring or wear?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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