Exclusive Vatican Museum Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Group Tour

Vatican City , Italy

Exclusive Vatican Museum Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Group Tour

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About this experience

Exclusive Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Small Group Guided Tour and Tickets
Take in the magnificent artworks held at the Vatican with an art historian guiding you through its history and significance. Enjoy an exceptional journey with a tiny group to be assured of a more personalized experience versus the big group tours, and take advantage of the exclusive Skip-the-Line entrance!
On this tour, you'll discover the treasures hosted by one of the largest and most-visited museums of the world, admiring the significant representatives of the Italian art such as Leonardo, Perugino, Beato Angelico, and incredible masterpieces like the "Last Judgment" by Michelangelo.

Available options

Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Tour

Vatican ENGLISH

What's included

Small Group Guided Tour

Professional art historian guide

All Fees and Taxes

Skip the Line entrance Tickets Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Discover the treasures hosted by one of the largest and most-visited museums of the world enriched by a huge number of masterpieces collected through time.

A spectacular big spiral staircase will introduce you to the impressive greatness of the Vatican Museum.

Admire the best of the ancient world visiting the Greek and Roman sculpture section. A collection of classical art masterpieces where admire the beauty of several sculpture groups, as for example the statue of Laocoön and His Sons that is one of the most famous ancient sculptures.

Visit the Maps Gallery, a complete exhibition of maps representing Italy as it was seen by cartographer in 1581.

You will be guided through the history and secrets of the Catholic Church and you will hear about the rivalry between the Renaissance artists.

Stop 2

Be astonished by the elegant Tapestry gallery, wallpapered by the finest tapestry worldwide, realized by Raphael's disciples.

Stop 3 Pass by

Pass along the Chandelier Gallery, named by the several marble chandelier decorating this section.

Stop 4 Pass by

Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Vatican Garden

and much more ...

Stop 5

Admire the major representatives of Italian art such as Leonardo, Perugino, Beato Angelico, and many more

Towards the end of this tour you will visit the beautiful Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece: The Last Judgement.

What's not included

Food & Drinks

Pick-up and drop off

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Customers have a mandatory meeting time stated 30 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.

Privileged access from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter's Basilica may be closed without notice. In this case, it will not be possible to visit the basilica, and the tour will end at the exit of the Vatican Museums, and no refund will be given.

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

WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE TO VISIT THE BASILICA DURING RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS AND CEREMONIES (Audiences, Beatifications, Masses of the POPE). The Basilica is often subject to sudden closures. In these cases it is not possible to guarantee access to the Basilica.

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

All the refund requests must be done within and not later than 48 hours from the day of the tour

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 obligatory is 20 minutes before tour departure time.

Important notes

Due to a strict entrance time, the mandatory meeting time is 20 minutes before the tour starts. Be aware that late arrivals cannot join the tour and won't be entitled to a refund as per 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. The departure time can differ up to 30 minutes from the selected one.

PLEASE NOTE:
Knees & Shoulders MUST be covered for both men & women to enter! You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.

We kindly inform you that any disability (visual impairment, hearing impairment, etc.) or anything that might prevent you from regularly joining the tour, MUST BE communicated in advance to our staff.

All refund requests must be made within and not later than 48 hours from the day of the tour.

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.