Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Guided Group Tour and tickets
Active
3h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant_then_manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
See the magnificent highlights of Vatican City during this guided tour. The skip-the-line entrace to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel and our official professional guides will make your experience great and unique. Explore the Vatican Museums, one of the most extraordinary collections of art in the world. Pause in the Sistine Chapel for a marvelous view of Michelangelo's masterpiece.
Available options
English Vatican tour
This tour will be in English
SPANISH VATICAN MUSEUMS
SPANISH VATICAN MUSEUMS
FRENCH VATICAN MUSEUMS
FRENCH VATICAN MUSEUMS
ITALIAN VATICAN MUSEUMS
ITALIAN VATICAN MUSEUMS
What's included
Professional art historian guide
Guaranteed to skip the long lines
Local taxes
Detailed itinerary
1
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.
Taking a spectacular big spiral staircase you will be introduced 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.
Pass by the Chandelier Gallery, named by the several marble chandelier decorating this section.
Be astonished by the elegant Tapestry gallery, wallpapered by the finest tapestry worldwide, realized by Raphael's disciples.
Visit the Maps Gallery, a complete exhibition of maps representing Italy as it was seen by cartographer in 1581.
Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Vatican Garden
and much more ...
2
Stop 2
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.
3
Stop 3
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.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Transportation to/from attractions
Saint Peter basilica visit
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
RU
PT
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
2.5
15 reviews
5★
1
4★
3
3★
4
2★
2
1★
5
Tripadvisor
4.3
12 reviews
5★
9
4★
1
3★
0
2★
1
1★
1
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Departure time may differ from 20/30 minutes that the indicated starting time
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and the Vatican Museums. 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
Student discount is only applied under 26 years old with International Student Card ISIC, to be shown on site
Children discount is applied with a valid ID card to be shown on site
Children age 0-5 years entre free of charge
Not wheelchair accessible due to some difficulties in Sistine Chapel.
Note: tour will not operate on religious holidays
IT IS NOT 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.
Estimated time entrance in the museum is 45 minutes after tour departure, because you will have to pass the security check.
Not recommended for participants with mobility problems or other serious medical conditions
PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED
There is no refund on reservation fees and tickets of monuments that are closed due to event that is out of our control.
In that instance we’ll try our best to re-accommodate the tour when the information from the office responsible of the sites visited is given in a timely manner for us to rearrange and inform all clients.
If this is not possible, we will operate the tour and will include other sites to compensate for the site/s being closed. No refund is given on unused tickets due to events that are out of our control.
Every refund request MUST be done within and not later than 48 hours from the day of the tour
Meeting point
The meeting point is at Via Sebastiano Veniero 21, at Check&Go Office.
Important notes
Meeting Point, ticket redemption point, and starting point are all at Via dei Gracchi, 17.
Sometimes the meeting point can change, in that case, the new meeting point will be promptly communicated.
Due to a strict entrance time, there is a mandatory meeting time 20 minutes before the tour starting time. Be aware that late arrivals cannot join the tour and will not 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 & 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 visit is not included in your itinerary.
Face masks are not obligatory but recommended
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
