Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Guided Tour | Group Tour

Vatican City , Italy

Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Guided Tour | Group Tour

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About this experience

Take in the magnificence of the artworks held at the Vatican with an art historian guiding you through its history and significance. This excursion keeps the group size limited to ensure you receive a more personalized experience versus the big group tours. This tour includes skip-the-line access to the Vatican museums, a guided visit to the Sistine Chapel, and access to St. Peter’s Basilica to explore on your own (a visit is not possible when direct access from the Museum is closed). Marvel at the masterpieces in the Vatican with an art historian. Choose the tour time best suited to you. Tours last approx three hours.

Available options

Portuguese Vatican Tour

Vatican Group Tour Portuguese

German Vatican Tour

Vatican Group Tour in German

Spanish Vatican Tour

Vatican Group Tour in Spanish

English Vatican Tour

Vatican Group Tour in English

Russian Vatican Tour

Vatican Group Tour in Russian

What's included

Professional art historian guide

Guaranteed to skip the long lines

Local taxes

Small group guaranteed

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Introduction on the Vatican City and Vatican History while entering into the Museum.

Stop 2

Let's get into the history and secrets of the Catholic Church and hear about the rivalry between the Renaissance artists.

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.
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.

Stop 3 Pass by

Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Vatican Garden

and much more ...

Stop 4

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

Stop 5

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

Stop 6

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

Stop 7

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 and drinks

Gratuities

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Transportation to/from attractions

Saint Peter Basilica's visit

Available languages

Guide guide

DE RU PT EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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 Vatican Museum, we will use one group ticket. The Vatican Museum management does not distribute individual tickets to groups. For this reason we cannot give tickets to late arrivals or people who only want admission and visit the museum on their own.

Children must be accompanied by an adult

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

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

Every refund request MUST be done within and not later than 48 hours from the day of the tour

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. Meet your guide inside the Check&Go Office.

Important notes

Due to a strict entrance time, there is a mandatory meeting time 20 min before the tour starting time. Be aware that late arrivals cannot join the tour and won't be entitled to get a refund as per the standard procedure.
The activity can suffer 20/30 min variation due to organizational reasons.
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:
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.
Basilica guided tour is not included in your itinerary.

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 communicated in advance to our staff.

Every refund request MUST be done 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.