Tours/Viator
Viator · group up to 20 pax

Skip-The-Line Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour

4.5(993)1 hour
VIATOR4.3(432)TRIPADVISOR4.6(561)

Description

Are you searching for a Vatican tour that lets you bypass the queue, but struggling to find one that fits your schedule? Fear not, as we have the perfect solution! Our Small Group Vatican tour offers multiple start times throughout the day, at a fantastic price point. In addition to accommodating your schedule, this small-group tour promises an unforgettable experience with a highly knowledgeable guide. Alongside an expert guide, you'll journey through the Vatican Museums, marvel at the breath-taking Sistine Chapel, explore the stunning Raphael Rooms, and visit the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica, guaranteeing an all-in-one experience!

Tour Options

Small Group Tour (max 12)
  • Maximum 12 participants Includes: English Guided Tour & Admission to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica with English-Speaking Guide. Duration: 3 hours
Group Tour (max 20)
  • Maximum 20 participants Includes: Tour and Admission to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica with an English-Speaking Guide. Duration: 3 hours
Ticket Only (No Guide)
  • Includes: Host on ground to provide your Admission ticket to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (No Tour) Excludes: Tour Guide (admission ticket only) & Entry to St. Peter's Basilica This option allows for: independent discovery of the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Itinerary

5 min

Meet your guide at a selected location in Vatican city, from where your guided tour will start!

Admission included15 min

Before entering the museums, join our guide on a brisk walk through the Pinecone Courtyard. Here you'll see the famous ''Sphere within a Sphere'' sculpture.

Admission included100 min

Experience the best of the Vatican City with our Highlights of the Vatican Museums tour. Skip the line and delve into the treasures of this holy place, guided by an expert who will reveal the secrets behind the stunning artworks and artifacts. Follow your guide through the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps, marvelling at the ancient Greek and Roman statues, Flemish tapestries, and detailed maps of Italy. In the Pio-Clementino Museum, home to some of the world's most famous sculptures, you'll see Laocoön and His Sons, the Belvedere Torso, and the magnificent sarcophagus of St. Helen, mother of Constantine. Next, enter the Raphael Rooms and immerse yourself in the Renaissance era of amazing art and literature. See the rooms frescoed by Raphael and admire his most famous work, The School of Athens, as your guide shares insights into the artist's life and influences.

Admission included15 min

Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel One of the most iconic experiences in Vatican City is visiting the Sistine Chapel, and once you step inside, you'll understand why. It's no wonder that this masterpiece is revered as one of the greatest works of art in Western civilization. Since the chapel is a sacred place of worship, speaking is not allowed inside, and your guide won't be able to provide commentary while you're there. But fear not, they'll provide commentary before entering ensuring that you're fully prepared to take in all the wonders of the Sistine Chapel. To gain entry into the Sistine Chapel, both men and women must ensure that their knees and shoulders are covered. Failure to comply might result in the Vatican denying entry to religious sites. We understand that the Roman summers can be scorching, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl, scarf, or sweater with you. Get ready to be spellbound by the sheer grandeur of the Sistine Chapel!

20 min

(Except on Wednesdays) Your tour will wrap up at the breathtaking St. Peter’s Basilica. You’ll skip the long lines in the square by entering through the Scala Regia, a special group-only corridor—quick and easy. Step inside one of the most iconic churches in the world, believed to be the final resting place of St. Peter. Take your time soaking in the beauty of—Michelangelo’s La Pietà, Bernini’s Baldacchino, and the powerful calm of this sacred space. Please note: St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesdays for the Papal Audience and may occasionally close without warning. If that happens, your guide will adjust the tour to make the most of your time elsewhere in the Vatican.

Highlights

Limited Group Size for a More Intimate Experience - Headsets (from group tours of 6+ people)
Skip the Line through the Scala Regia (Holy Staircase) to St. Peter's Basilica (guided tour only))
Skip-the-line tickets and guided Tour to the Vatican Museums
Change to Marvel at The Last Judgement
Passionate English-Speaking Guide
Guided visit of St. Peter's Basilica (except Wednesday)
Including Visit to the Raphael Rooms, Borgia Apartments and into Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel

What's included

Included
Limited Group Size for a More Intimate Experience - Headsets (from group tours of 6+ people)
Skip the Line through the Scala Regia (Holy Staircase) to St. Peter's Basilica (guided tour only))
Skip-the-line tickets and guided Tour to the Vatican Museums
Change to Marvel at The Last Judgement
Passionate English-Speaking Guide
Guided visit of St. Peter's Basilica (except Wednesday)
Including Visit to the Raphael Rooms, Borgia Apartments and into Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel
Not included
Hotel Pick Up / Drop Off
Important: The ''Ticket Only'' option covers admission fees only and does not include a guided tour.

Traveller Ratings

4.5
993 reviews
5
752
4
110
3
52
2
26
1
53

Important Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
  • You are advised to be ready at the meeting point up to 15 minutes ahead of the start time to ensure a prompt start. After leaving the meeting point, your guide will bring you inside the Vatican Museums. Since we have a strict entrance time, in case of delays and late arrivals, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to add you to the group.
  • Important: The 'Ticket Only' option covers admission fees only and does not include a guided tour nor access to the St. Peter's Basilica
  • Depending on the size of your group, headphones may be used for some tours. In that case, headphones will be provided. However you may use your own earbuds if you wish.
  • We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages.

Reviews(993)

4.5
Based on 993 verified reviews
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