Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
Gallery image 2
Gallery image 3
Gallery image 4
Gallery image 5

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

Active
(38809 reviews)
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

Spend more time inside with no-wait access to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica through an official Vatican partner entrance. On this comprehensive guided tour, you'll experience the best of the Vatican in just three hours, including the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and more. Navigate the vast complex of artwork and history with an expert, who will bring this ancient collection to life. Choose from several departure times and languages.

Available options

Vatican Express Small Group

Express Small Group Tour: 2-hour Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Small Group Tour [15 people max]. St Peter's Basilica is NOT included.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Vatican Small Group - English

Experience the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica with a small group of up to 15 participants.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Vatican Private - English

Tailor your Vatican experience to perfectly suit your needs on this private tour, with an expert, English-speaking guide<br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Vatican Group - Italian

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica tour with Italian-speaking guide & small group of 20 people or less.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Vatican Group - Spanish

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica tour with Spanish-speaking guide & small group of 20 people or less.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Vatican Express Group Tour

Express Group Tour: 2-hour tour of the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel in a group of 20 people. Access to St Peter's Basilica is NOT included<br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Vatican Semi Private - English

Experience the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica with an intimate group of up to 10 participants.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Vatican Group - English

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica tour with English-speaking guide & small group of 20 people or less.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Vatican Evening Tour

Skip-the-Line Access: Enjoy a Skip-the-Line access to both the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel to maximize your time inside.<br/>Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes<br/>Early Evening Departure: This early evening tour finishes at a perfect time for dinner.<br/>Ends at Sistine Chapel: This option ends at Sistine Chapel. Please note St. Peter's Basilica is not accessible in the evening tour<br/>Vatican Special Evening Group: Escape the crowds and visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel at sunset on this small-group tour of max. 22 participants. <br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Private Tour up to 2 guests

Private Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica for up to 2 people.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Private Tour up to 4 guests

Private Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica for up to 4 people.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

St Peter Tour Only- no Vatican

St. Peter's Basilica Express: Experience St. Peter’s Basilica on this express guided tour with reserved entrance [Vatican & Sistine Chapel Excluded]<br/>Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes<br/>Not included: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel access is not included in this option<br/>Starting point:<br/>Piazza della Città Leonina, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

Vatican Express Semi Private

Express Semi Private: 2-hour Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour [10 people maximum]. St Peter's Basilica Access is NOT included.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Vatican Museums only

2 hours highlights tour of the Vatican Museums (does not include St. Peter's Basilica).This tour ends at the Sistine Chapel.<br/>Duration: 2 hours<br/>Starting point:<br/>Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

What's included

Audio headsets so you can always hear your guide
Guided visit of St. Peter’s Basilica (except: Wednesday morning & if Express option selected)
Reserved Priority Access to the Vatican Museums (except St Peter's Tour Only option)
Group of 20 people or less (except St Peter's Tour Only option, 25)
Access to the Sistine Chapel (except St Peter's Tour Only option)
Leaflet for the visits of Sistine Chapel & St Peter's Basilica (except St Peter's Tour Only option)

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Vatican Museums tours with skip-the-line access are popular, yet even fast-track lines can be lengthy. This exclusive experience provides admission through a dedicated entrance, ensuring a queue-free visit.

2
Stop 2

Embark on an exclusive journey into the treasure trove of the Vatican Museums. Explore the intriguing Gallery of the Maps and Tapestries, immersed in tales of Vatican secrets. Marvel at captivating Italian maps, and be awe-inspired by the sculptures in the Gallery of Candelabras. Capture memories with a photo stop at the Pigna statue in the Pinecone Courtyard, crafted by the renowned Donato Bramante.
Join our English speaking expert guide for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Vatican City!

3

The Pineyard Courtyard at the Vatican Museums is a serene haven, blending classic architecture with lush greenery. Donato Bramante's Pigna statue stands as a bronze centerpiece, creating a peaceful retreat. Amidst this cultural richness, the courtyard invites reflection and appreciation for its timeless elegance.

4
Stop 4

In the heart of the Vatican's Cortile della Pigna stands a notable bronze sculpture: Sfera con sfera (Sphere Within a Sphere) by Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro. This captivating artwork depicts two fractured orbs resembling intricate machine gears, symbolizing the intricate and fragile nature of the modern world. Pomodoro began creating similar sculptures in the early 1960s, exploring the theme of complexity.

5

The Gallery of the Maps is a mesmerizing display of intricate cartography, spanning centuries. Immerse yourself in history through vividly detailed maps, capturing the beauty of geography and artistry.

6
Stop 6

Explore the Museums rooms and then enter the incredible Sistine Chapel— the Pope's own sanctuary and a must-see on any Vatican visit. Stand beneath Michelangelo's iconic The Creation of Adam on the ceiling, and marvel at The Last Judgement, his vibrant mural gracing the wall.

7
Stop 7

After marveling at the Sistine Chapel, your guide leads you to St. Peter's Basilica, the symbolic heart of the Catholic Church. Dive into its rich history, exploring Vatican art like Michelangelo's La Pietà, crafted when he was just 24. Admire Bernini's baldachin and bid farewell to your guide in St. Peter's Square.
Note: On Wednesdays, due to the Papal Audience, St. Peter's Basilica and Square may be unavailable. Fear not, as an extended Vatican Museums itinerary awaits you as a perfect alternative.

8
Stop 8

St. Peter's Square is an iconic masterpiece in Rome. It embraces visitors with its grandeur. Designed by Bernini, the vast elliptical space is encircled by a majestic colonnade, symbolizing the Church's embrace. The central obelisk and fountains add splendor, while the stunning façade of St. Peter's Basilica stands as a beacon of architectural brilliance, inviting pilgrims and tourists alike to marvel at the heart of Vatican City.

What's not included

Gratuities
If you book “St. Peter's Basilica Tour Only,” access to the Vatican & Sistine Chapel is NOT included

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5
33,721 reviews
5★
23856
4★
5681
3★
1921
2★
1008
1★
1255
Tripadvisor 4.5
5,088 reviews
5★
3787
4★
620
3★
258
2★
162
1★
261

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group tours.
At times, despite our priority access tickets, we may experience delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues
St Peter’s Basilica & Sistine Chapel are subject to last-minute closures for religious ceremonies. When this occurs, we're happy to offer customers an extended tour of the Vatican Museums. While we endeavour to tell tour groups ahead of time if there are any planned disruptions to the Basilica's opening hours, this is not always possible and in these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts.
On Wednesday mornings, access to St. Peter’s Basilica is not included due to the Papal Audience. Entry is only possible after 1:00 PM.
St Peter's Basilica is not accessible on the express tours options
Please be advised that access to St. Peter's Basilica will not be guaranteed unless the names of all participants in the booking are provided in advance. This requirement is essential for security and the Venue organizational purposes. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Please note that if you choose the “St. Peter's Basilica Tour Only” option, access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel will not be included.

Meeting point

** St. Peter's Basilica Tour ONLY **
Meet at Piazza della Città Leonina, near the arches, where the square meets via di Porta Angelica. Facing the Arches, our meeting point is located at the corner of the square, on the left-hand side, next to the kiosk.

Important notes

• If you select one "St Peter's Basilica ONLY" option, the tour includes reserved access and guided tour of St Peter's Basilica but Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel or not included.
• If you select one "Vatican Express" option, the tour finishes at the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica access is not included.

• Please provide the full names of all participants at the time of booking. Failure to submit this information will result in customers being unable to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, and no refunds will be issued.
• We kindly ask our guests to be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated & missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded. Our City Wonders team, dressed in blue and carrying flags, will be easily recognisable at the meeting point.

• St Peter’s Basilica & Sistine Chapel are subject to last-minute closures for religious ceremonies. When this occurs, we're happy to offer customers an extended tour of the Vatican Museums.
• Please note that in case of unexpected closures of some of the areas inside the Museums, the guide may have to modify the itinerary slightly.
• On Wednesdays, due to the Papal Audiences, access to St Peter's Basilica is not possible until 1pm.

• While we endeavour to tell tour groups ahead of time if there are any planned disruptions to the Basilica's opening hours, this is not always possible and in these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts.

• Due to heightened security measures, you may experience delays in clearing security checks when entering the venue. Only small bags are allowed.
• You must wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees for visiting sacred or holy places.
• Gratuities for your guide that provided excellent service are appreciated!

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 19-99
1
Childs
Age 7-18
0
Infants
Age 0-6
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

Similar Experiences

Similar on Klook