Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel with Guided Tour Options

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(125 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Avoid the crowd by joining the must do experience in Rome with a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

Queue lines at the Vatican will blow you away, so when you see them you will have no doubt in your mind that a guided tour is the only way to do it – Crown Tours offers a skip-the-line guided tour group that ensures you won’t spend all day waiting in line to see the glories that await you.

We've made it our mission at Crown Tours to give you the most insightful tour. So let our expert guides lead you though the museums, commenting all the while on the artworks that line the hallways. Picture perfect moments aren't to be missed as you stroll through Bramante’s Pinecone Courtyard. Up next, the Sistine Chapel, marvel at Michelangelo's Creation of Adam.

After your visit venture inside the home of the Catholic Church, St Peter's Basilica to be visited at your own peace

Available options

Spanish Small Group

Small Group up to 10 pax

Italian Group Tour

German Small Group Tour

Small group Tour

French Group Tour

Italian Small Group Tour

Small group of 10 or Less!

French Small Group Tour

Small Group of 10 or less!

English Small Group Tour

Small Group of 10 or less

English Group Tour

German Group Tour

Spanish Group Tour

What's included

Assistance from the Office

Official Professional Guide and Passionate Storytelling

Entrance to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Fast Track entrance to Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel

Audio Equipment to hear the guide clearly

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Once inside the Vatican Museums, you will be in a Semi-private group. Our expert English-speaking guides will share their knowledge of the Vatican’s 4,000 year-old history, share secrets and stories of days gone by whilst taking you round the Gallery of Tapestries, the Gallery of Maps - what seems like a never-ending room decorated with beautifully detailed Italian maps, the Gallery of Candelabras - where you can be in awe at the ancient sculptures and extravagant candelabras from the Imperial villas. You will finish off with a stroll in Bramante’s Pinecone Courtyard where you can wander, bathing in the sunshine and the delights of the garden or getting your souvenir holiday snap by the bronze Pigna statue.

Throughout your tour, you can ask questions and listen to the streams of knowledge your guide will fill you with, as each tour is designed to ensure that you have the maximum amount of time to complete at your own pace and fully appreciate and enjoy your experience.

Stop 2

Your next stop will be the best part of your trip to Rome, the Sistine Chapel – an experience you will never forget! Stare in delight at Michelangelo’s famous The Creation of Adam, see The Last Judgement and spend time taking in the enchantment of the Pope’s private chapel.

Stop 3

The last visit and the end of your tour will be to the beautiful St Peter’s Basilica. Venture inside and feel yourself immersed into the home of the Catholic Church, take time to admire La Pietà, a stunning Michelangelo sculpture created by the artist when he was just 24, and Bernini’s Baldacchino – the ornate bronze canopy that sits above St Peter’s high altar. Explore the Basilica at your own pace, your tour guide will give you directions in order to go inside this masterpiece.

What's not included

Transfer

Gratuities

Skip the Line entrance to St. Peter's Basilica

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.6

34 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.5

91 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Comfortable shoes are recommended

Mandatory Dress Code: knees and shoulder must be covered to get inside Vatican Museum and Sistine. You might be refused at the entrance unfulfilling the dress code

The Basilica and/or sistine Chapel may be subject to last-minute closures. In the event that it is closed, the tour will be extended inside the museums(the activity is not partially refunded in this case).

Baby strollers are not permitted inside, even if they are foldable. Please plan accordingly.

Meeting point

The exact address of the meeting point is Via Mocenigo, 15, 00192 Rome RM Italy.
Our office is located about 200 meters northwest from the entrance of the Vatican Museums, going down the steps, take first left onto Via Sebastiano Veniero keep walking straight until the end of the street.

Important notes

Please be aware this is only a confirmation voucher and not an entry ticket !
Showing this voucher at the entrance of the museum you won't be allowed to enter.

You'll meet our coordinators at Via Mocenigo, 15, 00192 Rome, outside the souvenir shop.
Our coordinators will be easy to spot wearing a purple shirt with the company logo and holding a purple 'Crown Tours' flag.
To join this tour you will need to show up 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

Please note that the meeting time is mandatory. Late arrivals cannot be guaranteed entrance.
Under those circumstancies as per standard policy no refund will be issued.

In order to best serve you we kindly remind you that:
Comfortable shoes are recommended
Mandatory Dress Code: knees and shoulder must be covered to get inside Vatican Museum and Sistine. You might be refused at the entrance unfulfilling the dress code
ID may be required for entrance (especially for guests under the age of 18). Guests who show up without ID cannot be guaranteed entrance.

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