Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Tour
Active
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Enjoy a group guided tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Benefit from skip-the-line entry and explore the vast collections of the Museums and admire the magnificent murals by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.
Meet your tour guide and skip the long ticket lines at the Vatican Museums. Discover the highlights of the vast interior of the museums, including the Pine Courtyard, Belvedere Courtyard, the Gallery of the Maps, Candelabra Gallery, Pio Clementino's Rooms, and the Tapestry Gallery.
Learn more about the fascinating artifacts and stunning artwork on display with your guide. Make your way to the breathtaking Sistine Chapel and admire the stunning frescoes of Michelangelo which adorn its walls and ceiling.
Conclude the tour with priority and line-free access to St. Peter's Basilica, which you can explore at your own pace.
Available options
English Group Guided Tour
English Evening Group Tour
Priority Access: Skip the line access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.<br/>Evening Group Tour: A unique way to visit the Vatican Museums in the evening when most of the crowds have left.<br/>Duration: 2 hours<br/>Small Group: A group of maximum 18 participants.
English Private Tour
Taylored and Designed: for persons with disabilities, wheelchair users, slow walkers and families with numerous children.<br/>A Private Guided Tour: for you and your party only that means there is no other participant and the guide is at your service only.<br/>Duration: 3 hours: Guided tour of the highlights of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.<br/>Access to the Basilica: A priority access to the St. Peter’s Basilica from inside of the Sistine Chapel at the end of the tour.
What's included
Skip-the-Line Entrance of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
English Language Guided Tour of a highlights of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
All Fees and Taxes
Priority Access of the St. Peter's Basilica (subject of availability)
Use of headsets
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The tour start at our meeting point. Please come 15 minutes before starting time to the point for to avoid confusion and ensure smooth check-in. Once at the meeting point please come inside and check-in with the front desk.
2
Stop 2
With 20,000 works are on display, the Vatican Museums display works from the immense collection amassed by the Catholic Church and the papacy throughout the centuries, including several of the most well-known Roman sculptures and most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world.
3
Stop 3
Commissioned in 1580 by Pope Gregory XIII, Gallery of the Maps contains a series of painted topographical maps of Italy based on drawings by friar and geographer Ignazio Danti.
4
Founded in 1771 Clement XIV and enlarged by his successor Pius VI, Pio-Clementino Museum houses works of Greek and Roman sculpture.
5
Stop 5
Built between 1473 and 1481, the Sistine Chapel it is the site of the papal conclave, the process by which a new pope is selected. The fame of the Sistine Chapel lies mainly in the frescoes that decorate the interior, most particularly the Sistine Chapel ceiling and The Last Judgment, both by Michelangelo.
At the end of the tour if the passage to the St. Peter’s Basilica is open the guide will lead the group to the Basilica.
What's not included
Access to the St. Peter's Basilica is excluded from English Evening Group Tour Option
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.3
684 reviews
5★
458
4★
86
3★
55
2★
35
1★
50
Tripadvisor
4.7
101 reviews
5★
86
4★
9
3★
3
2★
1
1★
2
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Dress Code; knees and shoulders must be covered
Valid ID: Travelers are required to carry a valid identity document
Due to the Pope's audience access to the St. peter's square in excluded from Wednesday morning tours
Due to numerous number of stairs and uneven terrains wheelchair/walker users and slow walkers can not be accommodate
Due to the Vatican Museums regulations persons with any sort of disabilities can not be accommodated
Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.
Due to the Jubliee the St. Peter's Basilica maybe subject of last minute and unannounced closure and access to the Basilica is not guaranteed
The Vatican Museums reserve the right to close any section, including the Sistine Chapel, due to unforeseen circumstances. In such occasions, no refund is guaranteed to customers
"English Group Guided Tour" and "English Evening Group Tour" options require a minimum number of participants and if the minimum number is not met, Capitolium Tours, has the right to cancel bookings at any time, even 1 minute before starting time.
Meeting point
The meeting point is Via Sebastiano Veniero, 15, Vatican Hill travel agency. Once at the meeting point, please come inside the office and simply check-in, thank you.
Important notes
1- The meeting point is in Via Sebastiano Veniero, 15, 00192 Roma RM, Italy (Vatican Hill Tours agency). In front of the Grand Vatican Museum Entrance (where it is written MVSEI VATICANI on the top of the big door) there is a street. Cross that street and you will find yourself at the top of steps leading down. Walk down those stairs and immediately turn right and look for number 15. When you are at the meeting point please come inside and check in with the front desk.
2- Meeting time: 15 minutes in advance of your start time. Please note it is extremely important that you are present at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before starting time. Please notice tickets are with a strict time entrance and so kindly be on time!:). Due to a severe shortage of tickets we are not able to accommodate later comers and the tickets are non refundable after starting time and if there is availability for later entrances you may have to pay full price again.
3- The Vatican Museums' tickets are nominal and it is mandatory to carry a valid ID, even a photo or copy of valid ID, thank you.
4- Vatican Museums and specially the Sistine Chapel have dress code and knees and shoulders must be cover, please keep this in mind.
About Vatican City
Vatican City, the world's smallest independent state, is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Nestled within Rome, Italy, it's home to iconic landmarks like St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house some of the world's most renowned art collections, including the Sistine Chapel.
Top Attractions
St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most renowned churches in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. It is a significant pilgrimage site and a must-visit for its stunning interior, including Michelangelo's Pietà and the dome offering panoramic views of Rome.
Religious/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free entry (€8 for dome climb)
Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of art and artifacts amassed by the Catholic Church over the centuries. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and the Gallery of Maps. It's a treasure trove for art lovers and history enthusiasts.
Museum/Art
3-4 hours
€17 (includes entry to St. Peter's Basilica)
Castel Sant'Angelo
Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant'Angelo is now a museum and fortress. It offers fascinating exhibits and panoramic views of Rome from its terrace. The passage leading to the Vatican, known as the Passetto di Borgo, is a historical highlight.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
€15
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cacio e Pepe
A classic Roman dish made with pecorino cheese and black pepper, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.
Pasta
Vegetarian
Supplì
Fried rice balls filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella, similar to Sicilian arancini.
Appetizer
Vegetarian (some versions contain meat)
Tiramisu
A popular Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in nearby parks
Biking tours
Strolling through historic neighborhoods
Visiting parks and gardens
Museum visits
Art tours
Historical site exploration
Boat tours on the Tiber River
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are manageable. These months offer the best conditions for sightseeing and exploring the city's outdoor attractions.
15-30°C
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian, Latin
- Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Vatican City is generally safe, with a strong police presence and low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas, so it's important to stay vigilant.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.
Getting there
By air
- Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport • 30 km from Vatican City
By train
Roma San Pietro Station
By bus
Roma Termini Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The metro system in Rome is efficient and connects to Vatican City via the Ottaviano Station, which is a short walk from St. Peter's Basilica.
Taxis
Available • Apps: FreeNow, MyTaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Borgo
Prati
Day trips
Rome
0 km (Vatican City is an enclave within Rome) • Full day or more
Rome, the capital of Italy, is a treasure trove of ancient history, art, and culture. It offers iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain, as well as world-class museums and vibrant neighborhoods.
Ostia Antica
30 km from Vatican City • Half day
Ostia Antica is an ancient Roman port city that offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman life. The well-preserved ruins include homes, shops, and public buildings, providing a unique historical experience.
Festivals
Easter Celebrations • March or April (dates vary)
Christmas Celebrations • December 24-25
Pro tips
- Book tickets for major attractions like the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica in advance to skip the lines.
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites to show respect and avoid being turned away.
- Use public transportation or walk to get around Vatican City and Rome, as driving can be challenging and parking is limited.
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
