Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Skip Line Private Tour
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Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Skip Line Private Tour

Active
(36 reviews)
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Museums are housed in the Historical Papal Palace, where such artists as Michelangelo and Raphael lived and worked, inspired by the classical art collection.
We have the chance to visit the Gallery of Statues and Cabinet of Masks exclusively for you with a special ticket, far from the crowd. Along the awesome Upper Galleries we see: grand tapestries woven in the Renaissance for the Sistine Chapel; maps of the regions of Italy masterfully painted on the walls in the 16 th century. We see the Raphael Rooms, the halls frescoed by the artist and his workshop in the private apartment of Pope Giulius II. We reach The Sistine Chapel, inside is the masterpiece of Michelangelo: the Last Judgment.
From here we will go to Saint Peter Basilica, built above the tomb of Saint Peter first Pope in history. The most important artists in history worked in the largest church in the world. The skip the line tickets will be paied in cash at the guide. Let's go!

Available options

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Skip Line Private Tour

What's included

Private Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Itinerary point by point:
Vatican Museums:
Pinecone Courtyard
Chiaramonti Gallery
Pio Clementino Museum
Courtyard Ottagono
Rooms of Animals
Gallery of Statues
Cabinet of Masks (exclusive entrance)
Room of Muses
Rotonda Room
Greek Cross Room
Gallery of the Candelabra
Gallery of Tapestries
Gallery of Maps
Raffaello Rooms
Sistine Chapel
St. Peter Basilica (inside)
St Peter Square

2
Stop 2

Courtyard or Belvedere Court
The Cortile del Belvedere (Belvedere Courtyard or Belvedere Court) was a major architectural work of the High Renaissance at the Vatican Palace in Rome. Designed by Donato Bramante from 1505 onward, its concept and details reverberated in courtyard design, formalized piazzas and garden plans throughout Western Europe for centuries.[citation needed] Conceived as a single enclosed space, the long Belvedere court connected the Vatican Palace with the Villa Belvedere in a series of terraces connected by stairs, and was contained on its sides by narrow wings.

Bramante did not see the work completed, and before the end of the sixteenth century it had been irretrievably altered by a building across the court, dividing it into two separate courtyards.

3
Stop 3

Pio Clementino, Room of Animals, Gallery of Muses, Gallery Rotonda, Candelabra Gallery, Tapestry Gallery, Maps Gallery.
The Vatican Museums (Italian: Musei Vaticani; Latin: Musea Vaticana) are the public museums of the Vatican City. They display works from the immense collection amassed by the Catholic Church and the papacy throughout the centuries, including several of the most renowned Roman sculptures and most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world. The museums contain roughly 70,000 works, of which 20,000 are on display,[1] and currently employ 640 people who work in 40 different administrative, scholarly, and restoration departments.

4
Stop 4

Raphael's Rooms
The four Raphael Rooms form a suite of reception rooms in the Apostolic Palace, now part of the Vatican Museums, in Vatican City. They are famous for their frescoes, painted by Raphael and his workshop. Together with Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes, they are the grand fresco sequences that mark the High Renaissance in Rome.

5
Stop 5

The Sistine Chapel
Originally known as the Great Chapel, the chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV, who had it built between 1473 and 1481. 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.

6
Stop 6

We will have the chance to visit the Cabinet of Masks exclusively, that you will be able to admire far from the crowd, to give you a taste of what it was like when they were admitted only few and highly selected guests

7
Stop 7

The Tour includes the St. Peter's Square
Saint Peter's Square is a large plaza located directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, the papal enclave inside Rome, directly west of the neighborhood (rione) of Borgo. Both the square and the basilica are named after Saint Peter, an apostle of Jesus considered by Catholics to be the first Pope.

At the centre of the square is an ancient Egyptian obelisk, erected at the current site in 1586. Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed the square almost 100 years later, including the massive Doric colonnades, four columns deep, which embrace visitors in "the maternal arms of Mother Church". A granite fountain constructed by Bernini in 1675 matches another fountain designed by Carlo Maderno in 1613.

8
Stop 8

The Tour includes the St. Peter's Basilica from the inside with precious works of art such as the Piety by Michelangelo and the Baldacchino by GianLorenzo Bernini
Peter's Basilica is one of the largest buildings in the world and is the largest of the papal basilicas. At the moment the St. Peter's Basilica is a building that measures 218 meters of length and 136 meters of height including its dome. It has an area of 23,000 square meters.

What's not included

Personal Expenses
Souvenirs
Public Transportation Tickets
Food, Drinks & Snacks

Available languages

Guide guide
DE EN IT FR NL ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
5 reviews
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Tripadvisor 5.0
31 reviews
5★
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Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

at the exit of TMark Hotel

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
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 7-99
1
Childs
Age 0-6
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 8
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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