Skip-The-Line Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour
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Skip-The-Line Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour

Active
(804 reviews)
3h
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

Are you searching for a Vatican tour that lets you bypass the queue, but struggling to find one that fits your schedule? Fear not, as we have the perfect solution! Our Small Group Vatican tour offers multiple start times throughout the day, at a fantastic price point.

In addition to accommodating your schedule, this small-group tour promises an unforgettable experience with a highly knowledgeable guide.

Alongside an expert guide, you'll journey through the Vatican Museums, marvel at the breath-taking Sistine Chapel, explore the stunning Raphael Rooms, and visit the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica, guaranteeing an all-in-one experience!

Available options

Small Group Tour (max 10)

Maximum 10 participants<br/>Includes: English Guided Tour & Admission to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica with English-Speaking Guide.<br/>Duration: 3 hours

Basilica Only Express Tour

Group Tour (max 20)

Maximum 20 participants<br/>Includes: Tour and Admission to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica with an English-Speaking Guide.<br/>Duration: 3 hours

Ticket Only (No Guide)

Includes: Host on ground to provide your Admission ticket to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (No Tour)<br/>Excludes: Tour Guide (admission ticket only) & Entry to St. Peter's Basilica<br/>This option allows for: independent discovery of the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

What's included

Limited Group Size for a More Intimate Experience - Headsets (from group tours of 6+ people)
Skip the Line through the Scala Regia (Holy Staircase) to St. Peter's Basilica (guided tour only))
Skip-the-line tickets and guided Tour to the Vatican Museums
Change to Marvel at The Last Judgement
Passionate English-Speaking Guide
Guided visit of St. Peter's Basilica (except Wednesday)
Including Visit to the Raphael Rooms, Borgia Apartments and into Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Meet your guide at a selected location in Vatican city, from where your guided tour will start!

2
Stop 2

Before entering the museums, join our guide on a brisk walk through the Pinecone Courtyard. Here you'll see the famous ''Sphere within a Sphere'' sculpture.

3
Stop 3

Experience the best of the Vatican City with our Highlights of the Vatican Museums tour. Skip the line and delve into the treasures of this holy place, guided by an expert who will reveal the secrets behind the stunning artworks and artifacts.

Follow your guide through the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps, marvelling at the ancient Greek and Roman statues, Flemish tapestries, and detailed maps of Italy.

In the Pio-Clementino Museum, home to some of the world's most famous sculptures, you'll see Laocoön and His Sons, the Belvedere Torso, and the magnificent sarcophagus of St. Helen, mother of Constantine.

Next, enter the Raphael Rooms and immerse yourself in the Renaissance era of amazing art and literature. See the rooms frescoed by Raphael and admire his most famous work, The School of Athens, as your guide shares insights into the artist's life and influences.

4
Stop 4

Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel
One of the most iconic experiences in Vatican City is visiting the Sistine Chapel, and once you step inside, you'll understand why. It's no wonder that this masterpiece is revered as one of the greatest works of art in Western civilization. Since the chapel is a sacred place of worship, speaking is not allowed inside, and your guide won't be able to provide commentary while you're there. But fear not, they'll provide commentary before entering ensuring that you're fully prepared to take in all the wonders of the Sistine Chapel.

To gain entry into the Sistine Chapel, both men and women must ensure that their knees and shoulders are covered. Failure to comply might result in the Vatican denying entry to religious sites. We understand that the Roman summers can be scorching, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl, scarf, or sweater with you. Get ready to be spellbound by the sheer grandeur of the Sistine Chapel!

5
Stop 5

(Except on Wednesdays) Your tour will wrap up at the breathtaking St. Peter’s Basilica. You’ll skip the long lines in the square by entering through the Scala Regia, a special group-only corridor—quick and easy.

Step inside one of the most iconic churches in the world, believed to be the final resting place of St. Peter. Take your time soaking in the beauty of—Michelangelo’s La Pietà, Bernini’s Baldacchino, and the powerful calm of this sacred space.

Please note: St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesdays for the Papal Audience and may occasionally close without warning. If that happens, your guide will adjust the tour to make the most of your time elsewhere in the Vatican.

What's not included

Hotel Pick Up / Drop Off
Important: The ''Ticket Only'' option covers admission fees only and does not include a guided tour.

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3
369 reviews
5★
241
4★
56
3★
26
2★
18
1★
28
Tripadvisor 4.5
435 reviews
5★
340
4★
41
3★
21
2★
7
1★
26

Important information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected 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
You are advised to be ready at the meeting point up to 15 minutes ahead of the start time to ensure a prompt start. After leaving the meeting point, your guide will bring you inside the Vatican Museums. Since we have a strict entrance time, in case of delays and late arrivals, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to add you to the group.
Important: The 'Ticket Only' option covers admission fees only and does not include a guided tour nor access to the St. Peter's Basilica
Depending on the size of your group, headphones may be used for some tours. In that case, headphones will be provided. However you may use your own earbuds if you wish.
We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages.

Meeting point

Please arrive 10 minute early. Your friendly guide will meet you at the top of the big staircase between Tmark Hotel Vaticano and Caffé Vaticano, (Viale Vaticano, 100). A representative will be there holding a sign with "The Tour Guy" written on it.

Important notes

DRESS CODE: Entrance into any religious site requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. The Roman Guy will not be held responsible for refused entry due to unsuitable dress.

• Please read our meeting point directions thoroughly in advance. It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 10 - 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, & missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded.
IMPORTANT: During State visits or special religious events, there may be unexpected closings of different parts of the Vatican. We will do our best to inform you on time of possible closings, but often the Vatican does not announce them in advance. In the event that an area normally covered on a tour is closed, our guide will still provide the explanation and will show you an extra site or gallery to compensate for the closure.
• Large bags, backpacks, luggage, and tripods cannot be brought into the Vatican Museums. There is a coat check at the entrance, however, the tour ends far away. If you choose to leave anything at the Vatican Museums coat check, you will be responsible to retrieve it on your own after the tour. We encourage you to leave such items and anything similar at your accommodations.

• Mandatory: All participants are required to carry a valid government-issued picture ID on them.
• Depending on the size of your group, headphones may be used for some tours. In this case, headphones will be provided. You may use your own earphones if you wish.
• We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group tours.
• We will be subject to a security check at the entrance. Depending on the volume of visitors, we may have a short wait in the security line.
• The ''ticket only'' option does not include a guided tour.

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 18-99
1
Childs
Age 0-6
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
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Free cancellation available
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