Vatican Museum Sistine Chapel Skip the Line Exclusive Group Tour
Active
2h - 3h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Exclusive Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel Guided Tour | Skip-the-Line
Take in the magnificence of the artworks held at the Vatican with an art historian guiding you through its history and significance.
On this tour, you'll discover the treasures hosted by one of the world's largest and most visited museums, admiring the significant representatives of the Italian art such as Leonardo, Perugino, Beato Angelico, Raffaello, and incredible masterpieces like the "Last Judgment" by Michelangelo. Art history tour of the splendid Vatican Museums See highlights of the sprawling collection with a knowledgeable guide. Learn about the artists and their patrons through live audio headset commentary; walk beneath the sacred ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and Beat the crowds with skip-the-line access.
Available options
Vatican Group Tour
Duration: 2 hours<br/>Vatican Museum Tour: Take in the magnificence of the artworks held at the Vatican Museum
What's included
Detailed Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel explanation from a licensed guide
Entrance Ticket
Guaranteed to skip the long lines
Skip the Line Entrance
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
While entering the Museum. As a 50-hectare enclave of Rome, Vatican City is near the Tiber River on the north of the Janiculum Hill and extends over part of the Montes Vaticani. It was constructed on the burial site of Saint Peter the Apostle.
While walls enclose most of the territory occupied by Vatican City, the axis of the Basilica is open to the exterior. The spatial organisation of the ensemble includes long perspective views and a regular layout of buildings, squares and gardens.
Religious and civic monuments, including masterpieces of the Renaissance and Baroque art, make up the small site. Two of these buildings, charged with symbols of history, are particularly prominent. Vatican Palace, the papal residence since the return from Avignon, was improved, in terms of its defence features, by Pope Nicholas V. Saint Peter’s Basilica was constructed, on the site of the basilica built by Constantine, as a result of the initiative of Pope Julius II.
2
Stop 2
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 cartographers 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.
3
Stop 3
Be astonished by the elegant Tapestry gallery, wallpapered by the finest tapestry worldwide, realized by Raphael's disciples.
4
Stop 4
Pass along the Chandelier Gallery, named by the several marble chandelier decorating this section.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Vatican Garden
and much more ...
6
Stop 6
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.
7
Stop 7
The four rooms known as the Stanze of Raphael formed part of the apartment situated on the second floor of the Pontifical Palace that was chosen by Julius II Della Rovere (pontiff from 1503 to 1513) as his own residence and used also by his successors. The pictorial decoration was executed by Raphael and his school between 1508 and 1524.
Hall of Constantine - Room of Heliodorus - Room of the Segnatura - Room of the Fire in the Borgo
What's not included
Food & Drinks
Pick-up and Drop off
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
St. Peter's Basilica visit
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
5★
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
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.
The activity departure time 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 will 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
Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
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
Valid ID is mandatory
Children must be accompanied by an adult
without notice the chapel can be closed for unforeseeable events. In this case, no type of refund can be requested.
For any communication, the staff has no responsibility in case of wrong or inactive phone number. Any change (date and/or time) must be notified and confirmed to have insurance coverage
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
Meeting time 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The meeting point is inside the 'Check&Go' agency.
Important notes
Meeting point: Via Sebastiano Veniero 21
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.
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 actual departure time can differ up to 30 minutes from the one selected.
PLEASE NOTE:
Knees and shoulders MUST BE COVERED for both men & women to enter! You may risk refusing entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
The Basilica visit is not included in your itinerary.
We kindly inform you that any kind of disability or anything that might prevent you from regularly joining the tour MUST BE COMMUNICATED in advance to our staff.
We inform you that the management of the Museums or Archaeological sites, or the Ministry of Cultural Heritage may at any time decide to close some sites totally or partially. If the communication reaches us in a timely manner, and it is possible, we will provide alternatives. If the closure is sudden and it is out of our control, we will not be able to give other alternatives and no refund will be possible. For any communication, the staff has no responsibility in case of a wrong or inactive phone number. Any change (date and/or time) must be notified and confirmed to have insurance coverage.
All sales are final for this tour, we do not accept refund requests, as the Vatican admission fees are not refundable.
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
