Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour + Optional Basilica

Rome , Italy

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour + Optional Basilica

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(4 reviews)

2h - 3h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore one of Christianity’s holiest sites on this guided walking tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Begin by visiting iconic spaces such as the Pine Courtyard, Belvedere Courtyard, Gallery of Maps, Candelabra Gallery, Pio-Clementino Rooms, Tapestry Gallery, and the Sistine Chapel. Your expert guide will lead you through both famous attractions and hidden gems often missed by other visitors, including various galleries within the Vatican corridors. The tour concludes with a visit to Michelangelo’s Pietà inside St. Peter’s Basilica before returning to the Sistine Chapel.

✔ Fast-track access to Vatican top attractions
✔ Visit Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
✔ See masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael
✔ Explore Pio Clementine Museum and Belvedere Courtyard

Available options

Tour with St. Peter's Basilica

Duration: 3 hours<br/>This option includes: skip-the-line access to the Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica

Reduced Price

Reduce price

Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: This option does not include St. Peter's Basilica.

What's included

Charging stations for your devices & Access to restrooms

All entrance fees

Headsets for clear audio

Optional entry to St. Peter’s Basilica

Professional tour guide

Free Wi-Fi at the meeting point

Skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Meet your guide at Via Germanico 8 for check-in and a brief tour introduction before entering the Vatican Museums.

Stop 2

Start your journey through one of the world’s greatest art collections, exploring halls filled with masterpieces from centuries of history.

See iconic sculptures such as Laocoön and His Sons and Apollo Belvedere, highlights of classical art and Renaissance rediscovery.

Stop 4

Enjoy Bramante’s elegant Renaissance courtyard linking the Vatican Palace to ancient sculpture spaces with beautiful open-air views.

Stop 5

Walk through this richly decorated gallery of ancient statues, marble columns, and ornate candelabra showcasing papal grandeur.

Stop 6

Admire detailed Flemish tapestries created from Raphael’s designs, illustrating biblical scenes with extraordinary craftsmanship.

Stop 7

Stroll along 16th-century frescoed maps of Italy, celebrated for their artistic detail and historical significance.

Stop 8

Experience Michelangelo’s masterpieces — The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment — inside this sacred, world-famous chapel.

Stop 9

Explore the basilica (if this option is selected) and admire its stunning interior, with the option to climb the Dome (extra cost) for breathtaking panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome.

Stop 10 Pass by

Your tour concludes near Basilica di San Pietro.

What's not included

Transportation

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

4 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Pets, shorts, weapons or sharp objects, short skirts, and sleeveless shirts are not allowed.

St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 AM to 12 PM. During these times, the tour will visit other parts of the Vatican Museums.

St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel may close without prior notice; if this occurs, your guide will adjust the itinerary to explore other areas of the museums.

Tour meeting times are subject to change. If any adjustments occur, guests will be notified in advance by phone call or message from the activity provider.

Meeting times may change—if so, you will be notified by phone or message.

Late arrivals are not refundable.

Please inform us of any disabilities or special health needs when booking.

Compulsory Vatican dress code: Visitors must wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.

Please wear comfortable shoes as this experience involves a lot of walking.

All visitors are required to pass through airport-style security, and during the high season, wait times may be up to 30 minutes.

Normally, travellers receive the final voucher 3–5 days before the tour date. It includes the exact meeting point and important instructions.

Meeting point

Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.

Important notes

Tour voucher(s) with all the necessary informations will be e-mailed to you very soon (based on your travel date)

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