Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour

Vatican City , Italy

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour

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(764 reviews)

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

See all of the major sites inside the Vatican Museums. Get an up-close look at Michelangelo’s famed artwork in the Sistine Chapel, home to some of history’s greatest masterpieces, including The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment.
Our skip the line tickets will save you time and you'll be guided by one of our top-rated guides. They're ready to answer your questions and share with you their knowledge of art history, Catholic traditions, and Vatican culture.

Available options

Tour in English

Tour in Spanish

Tour in Portuguese

Tour in Russian

What's included

Skip the Line Access & Entrance Tickets to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Wi-fi at the meeting point

Headsets provided exclusively by the Vatican to hear the guide better

Guided tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Enjoy with your tour guide one of the most important museums of the world. Admire some masterpieces like the Lacoonte. Enter into the smallest country in the world.

Discover one of the Vatican's numerous outdoor courtyards, distinguished by a massive bronze pinecone sculpture that lends the courtyard its name.

The Vatican Museums consist of several smaller, distinct museums, each offering a unique experience. Among these, the Museo Pio Clementino stands out as one of the most significant, with unmissable highlights. Be sure to visit the Octagonal Courtyard to see the Laocoonte and the Apollo Belvedere, or the Round Room, where a colossal marble bathtub is guarded by a towering bronze statue of Heracles. In the Room of the Animals, you can find sculptures of various creatures, while the Gallery of the Candelabra will leave you in awe with its intricately painted 3D vaults.

One of the most visited galleries in the Museums, this stop invites you to find the Italian cities you've visited or perhaps your ancestor's hometown. These hand-painted maps, created in the late 1500s, are also worth admiring for their remarkable detail and intricate decorations.

Stop 5

Arrive at the final and most famous room of the Vatican Museums: the Sistine Chapel. Home to Michelangelo's frescoes, see first-hand the artwork that earned Michelangelo his global legacy as one of the best artists of all time.

What's not included

Tip

Guided Tour of the Basilica

Private transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

DE RU PT EN IT FR RO ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.1

534 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.7

230 reviews

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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

Please arrive at the meeting point, Via Sebastiano Veniero 21, at least 15 minutes before the scheduled tour time

Please arrive on time. Latecomers will neither be accommodated nor refunded

This activity is not suitable for individuals with reduced mobility or wheelchair / electric stroller users

Don't forget to bring a valid photo ID as proof of age for children 18 years and under

Be aware that there might be delays in your visit due to capacity regulations and security checks.

Remember that the Vatican Museums have a year-round dress code requiring visitors to cover their shoulders and have their pants/skirts reach their knees. This rule applies to both men and women

Even if you have a Skip the Line ticket, expect a minor delay of 20-30 minutes due to mandatory security checks conducted by the museum's security team

This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

This tour is not wheelchair nor mobility scooter accessible

This tour is not recommended for those with mobility impairments

The Vatican Museums provide free entry for visitors who are (according to the requirements stated by the Vatican City) at least 74% disabled with the appropriate certification and provides free entry to caretakers: please inform the local partner when booking if you fit into these requirements

Meeting point

We are in via Sebastiano Veniero 21. The nearest metro stop is "Ottaviano" (line A).We're close to the supermarket 'Todis' and next to an auto shop with a blue 'Michelin' sign.
Please plan to be at the meeting point at least 20 minutes in advance to check-in with a member of our team.

Important notes

Please plan to to show up at the CheckandGo Tours office in via Sebastiano Veniero 21 to check-in at the desk at lesat 20 minutes before the tour starts.

Tour reservations have strict timing.

If you arrive late, it will not be possible to join the group, redeem the tickets or reschedule and you will not be entitled to a refund.

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.