Guided Tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Rome , Italy

Guided Tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

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(111 reviews)

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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About this experience

This Vatican tour (MAX 20 PEOPLE) to the Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel will allow you to avoid the long lines with the advantage of a priority entry.

Vatican Tour – Four Centuries of papal patronage have resulted in one of the world’s significant collections of Classical and Renaissance art. we can offer a complete highlight guided tour through the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. Experience the ancient Roman and Greek statuary collection from Renaissance popes, the Belvedere Courtyard, the Hall of the Muses, the circular room with a colossal statue of Hercules, the Greek cross room with Constantine’s sarcophagus, the gallery of maps overlooking the Vatican Gardens, and Michelangelo’s breathtaking “Last Judgment” in the Sistine Chapel. You will journey through history, and hear the secrets enveloping the Catholic Church, and fascinating stories of rivalries from Renaissance artists.

Available options

English Vatican Tour

English Guided Tour

What's included

Vatican Museum Small group guided tour

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Starting time may vary depending on unpredictable events, it will be communicated before the tour

Headsets to hear your guide clearly

Professional, art historian, English speaking guide

Assistance on site and from our office near the Vatican

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Given the Vatican’s importance as a religious and historical destination, it’s no surprise that it is consistently brimming with tourists. Attractions like the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel regularly have long lines for entrance, and papal addresses are heard by thousands of people beneath the window of the Apostolic Palace.

Throughout history, wealthy and famous visitors have presented the Popes with some of the most important works of art in Western history. These include multiple sculpture museums with special galleries dedicated to statues, busts, and masks. Even more impressive is the collection of paintings with works by Da Vinci, Bellini, Titian, and a suite of rooms dedicated to the frescoes of Raphael.

Stop 2

The Sistine Chapel has drawn admirers from around the world for over five hundred years, ever since the completion of Michelangelo’s great Sistine Chapel ceiling. The magnificent frescoes that make up Michelangelo’s famous ceiling include The Creation of Adam, an iconic depiction of a Biblical scene; only Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa matches its artistic significance. To be admired in silence, the Sistine Chapel provokes awe amongst its visitors with breath-taking art and architecture in all directions. In order to prepare you for the grandeur of the Chapel’s interior, our guides will offer a helpful history of the art inside and provide orientation to better direct your exploration.

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Food and drinks, unless specified

Saint Peter Basilica guided tour

Available languages

Guide guide

DE RU PT EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.1

18 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.3

93 reviews

5★

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Customers have a mandatory meeting time stated 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time due to managing and organizational reasons.If you arrive late for the meeting time, it will not be possible to join the group or reschedule, unless you pay for the activity again. As per "No Show" rules you will not be entitled to a refund.

A dress code is required to enter places of worship and Vatican Museum. 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

To get inside the monuments it is used group ticket and not individual one. It cannot be asked just the ticket entrance.

Children must be accompanied by an adult

The activity can suffer 20/30 min variation due to organizational resons

Please be advised capacity regulations and security may delay the tour departure This could also influence the smooth running of the tour especially on national holidays and events.

Cancellations, changes or issues due to weather, security and events held by the monument are beyond our control and are directly decided by their administration team. These issues will be reviewed by us and dealt with on an individual basis but are the responsibility of the monument.

You must have a valid photo ID to enter the monuments (student's ID, Driver License, Passport or State ID all work.) You will be asked to also provide your name, last name and date of birth (at the beginning of the tour, if not provided beforehand.) Security may prevent you from entering the site if the information provided is not accurate and/or don't match the one on your ID.

Child discount is applied only with a valid ID card

Note: tour will not operate on religious holidays

Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.

All visitors must pass through the monument/attraction security check please allow at least 20 minutes to clear security.

Please be aware that large bags/backpacks/suitcases are not permitted in the monument/ attraction. Only very small bags are allowed. Please do not bring these items with you on the day of your tour as there are no cloakrooms at the monument.

For security reasons all visitors and their luggage shall be screened. To facilitate the security checks please insert any object (including mobile phone) in the bag/backpack or in the tray to be included in the X-ray

No change on a booking can be accepted after 24hrs to the starting time of the tour. In that instance, no refund will be issued.

For the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.

Pets are not allowed

Tour is not accessible to people with motor disabilities. Any kind of disabilities must be communicated at time of booking, otherwise it is impossile to have access to the Musuem

Not recommended for traveler with motor difficulties and walker users

We kindly inform you that any kind of disability (visual impairment, hearing impairment,... ) or anything that might prevent you to regularly join the tour, MUST BE communicate in advance to our staff.

Meeting point

The meeting time is 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
The Green Kiosk Bar L'Ottagono.

Important notes

IMPORTANT

The meeting point is at Piazza Risorgimento at the kiosk Bar Ottagono.
The mandatory meeting time is 15 minutes before the tour's starting time. Just to let you know, late arrivals cannot join the tour and won't be entitled to a refund according to the standard procedure.
All visitors MUST have a photo ID. Security may prevent you from entering the monument.
The capacity regulations and security may delay the tour departure, especially on national holidays and events. Please expect to wait 20-30 minutes to clear security.

PLEASE NOTE:
The starting time may vary depending on unpredictable events, and this will be communicated before the tour.
Vatican Dress Code: shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women!
St. Peter's Basilica guided tour is not included in your itinerary. You will have privileged access to the Basilica (only if direct access from the Sistine Chapel is available).
It is not possible to visit St. Peter's Basilica during Religious Holidays and Ceremonies (Audiences, Beatifications, Masses of the POPE). The Basilica is often subject to sudden closures.
We kindly inform you that any disability or anything that might prevent you from regularly joining the tour MUST BE communicated in advance to our staff. The tour is not accessible to people with motor disabilities. Any kind of disabilities must be communicated at the time of booking, otherwise, it is impossible to have access to the Museum.

About Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city of ancient ruins, artistic masterpieces, and vibrant culture. Known as the Eternal City, it is a living museum where every corner tells a story of its rich history spanning over 2,500 years.

Top Attractions

Colosseum

The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most famous ancient amphitheaters in the world. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)

Vatican City

Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.

Religious Half day €17 (Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel), Free (St. Peter's Basilica)

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and legal hub of the Roman Republic and Empire. It is a sprawling ruin of temples, basilicas, and arches.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Colosseum and Palatine Hill)

Pantheon

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, known for its large dome and oculus. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome. It is a popular spot for visitors to throw coins and make wishes.

Architecture 15-30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cacio e Pepe

A simple yet delicious pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

Pasta Vegetarian

Carbonara

A rich pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper.

Pasta Contains pork and eggs

Supplì

Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.

Snack Vegetarian (some variations may contain meat)

Carciofi alla Romana

Artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil.

Vegetable Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Appian Way Regional Park Biking along the Tiber River Rock climbing in the nearby mountains Picnicking in Villa Borghese Gardens Boating on Lake Albano Enjoying a spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting the Vatican Museums Attending an opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rome is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and scams can be a problem in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or bracelets

Getting there

By air

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport • 35 km from city center
Ciampino Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina

By bus

Tiburtina Bus Station, Roma Termini

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and covers major tourist areas. It operates from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Trastevere Monti Prancipio Testaccio

Day trips

Ostia Antica

30 km from Rome • Half day

An ancient Roman port city with well-preserved ruins, including a theater, baths, and mosaics. It offers a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome.

Tivoli

30 km from Rome • Full day

A picturesque town known for its stunning villas and gardens, including the famous Villa d'Este with its elaborate fountains and gardens.

Orvieto

120 km from Rome • Full day

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning cathedral, underground caves, and local wine. It offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.

Festivals

Natale di Roma • April 21 Festa de' Noantri • July Rome Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use public transport or walk instead of taking taxis to save money and experience the city like a local
Try local specialties and ask for recommendations from locals and restaurant staff
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs and traditions
Be aware of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots