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Rome: Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Tour

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$110.72 /person
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About the activity

Skip the ticket lines on a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Acquire a deep understanding of the history and world-class art collection of Vatican City.

  • Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
  • Instant confirmation & Mobile tickets
    Receive your ticket right away. Use your phone or print your voucher.
  • Skip the line
    Get priority entry.
  • Private tour
    Avoid crowds with an exclusive experience. (depends on selected option)
  • Live guiding
    English
  • Duration
    3-3.5 hours
  • Includes
    • Tour guide
    • Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel skip-the-line ticket
    • St. Peter's Basilica skip-the-line ticket (not included in tours starting at 4 PM or 4:15 PM)
    • Headset
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Tips
Highlights & Description

Highlights

  • Marvel at the majestic architecture of Vatican City and visit its main landmarks
  • Receive skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica
  • Browse through the vast collection of breathtaking art at the museums
  • Gaze up at Michelangelo's awe-striking fresco in the beautiful Sistine Chapel
  • Learn unique facts about each location visited from your certified guide

Description

Start your tour by skipping the (always long) ticket lines to get into the museum and diving right into the galleries holding some of the most famous works of art in the world. This specially-designed route encompasses all the can’t-miss pieces while also including some of the lesser-known works that will really dazzle you.

Your expert, English-speaking guide will give you eye-opening insight and context (along with some great stories) as you explore the Raphael Rooms, the Belvedere courtyard with ‘Apollo Belvedere’ & the Laocoön group, the Pinecone Courtyard, the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of the Maps, and the Gallery of the Tapestries.

The piéce-de-resistance is, of course, the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will prep you for your time here by telling you the stories behind the creation of the iconic frescoes as well as what they mean. When you enter, you will then be able to appreciate the full majesty of the room, spotting little details like Michelangelo’s self-portrait and the rather painful revenge he plotted for the Pope’s aide (he wasn’t his biggest fan…)

From the Sistine Chapel, you'll follow your guide through a special, groups-only door taking you right into St. Peter's Basilica—skipping the long line outside (note: Basilica not included on 4 pm and 4:15 pm tours). Once in St. Peter's, your guide will point out the precious art and treasures inside and share the story behind the church's 120-year construction.

The Vatican is more than just a museum. It's home to the Pope and Catholicism and is one of the world's smallest yet powerful states. On this intimate tour, your guide will ensure that you get an overview of it all—from papal scandal to Renaissance masters and the day-to-day operation of Vatican City.

Sites Visited:
Vatican Museums
Sistine Chapel
Raphael Rooms
Apollo Belvedere & Laocoön & His Sons
Pinecone Courtyard
Gallery of the Candelabra
Gallery of the Maps
Gallery of the Tapestries
St. Peter's Basilica (not included in tours starting at 4 pm or 4:15 pm)

Good to know before you go
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and is subject to other unexpected closures. On such days we will instead explore the Pinacoteca Gallery.
  • All participants must provide full names, at the time of booking. The information must match the ID or passport. Name changes are not allowed, and failure to provide this will result in booking cancellation.
  • Starting Dec. 24, access to St. Peter's Basilica may be limited due to the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025 determined by the Vatican.
Meeting point

Afternoon Vatican Museums Tour with Sistine Chapel

Private: Vatican Museums & St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour

Reviews & Ratings

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cancellation policy for this activity?
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
2. When will I receive the confirmation of my booking?
You will receive an email notification right after your successful payment. If you don't see it in your inbox, check your spam or junk mail folder. When the payment is completed you have the option to download your ticket directly.
3. What does the 'skip the line' ticket mean?
'Skip the line' tickets provide the fastest possible entry with no or very little queuing.
4. What is a private tour?
Private tours offer more advantages and benefits than regular tours. You will have your own private guide for the duration of the tour. You can also customize the itinerary to your specific interests and needs.
5. Are mobile tickets enough or do I have to print them?
Tickets don't need to be printed. You can show your ticket from your smartphone as a PDF.
  • Adults
    15-99 years
  • Children
    2-14 years
  • Infants
    0-1 years
May 2025
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