Rome , Italy

Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel Tour and Opt Basilica Entry

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(171 reviews)

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Skip the lines and step into the Vatican Museums with a licensed guide, ready to unveil the wonders of ancient art and mythology. Admire the stunning Gallery of Maps and other highlights as your guide shares fascinating insights.

The tour culminates in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s masterpieces, including The Creation of Adam, will leave you in awe. With an audio headset, you won’t miss a word of the expert commentary.

Perfect for art and history lovers, this tour offers a seamless and enriching way to experience the Vatican’s treasures.

Upgrade Option: Enhance your experience with access to St. Peter’s Basilica, where you can marvel at its grandeur and iconic artworks.

Available options

Spanish tour With Basilica

Accesso Basilica S.Pietro<br/>Spanish Tour with Basilica: Choose this option for a tour in Spanish of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The entrance to the Basilica is included.

Vatican ONLY tickets with Host

Included: ONLY SKIP THE LINE ENTRY.
No guided tour or access to St. Peter Basilica

Italian without Basilica

Italian Tour without Basilica: Choose this option for a tour in Italian of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The Basilica is not included in this tour

English without Basilica

English Tour without Basilica: Choose this option for a tour in English of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The Basilica is not included in this tour

French without Basilica

French Tour without Basilica: Choose this option for a tour in French of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The Basilica is not included in this tour

Spanish without Basilica

Spanish Tour without Basilica: Choose this option for a tour in Spanish of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The Basilica is not included in this tour

German without Basilica

German Tour without Basilica: Choose this option for a tour in German of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The Basilica is not included in this tour

Japanese Tour with Basilica

Choose this option for a tour in Japanese of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The entrance to the Basilica is included

Portuguese Without Basilica

Portuguese Tour w/o Basilica: Choose this option for a tour in Portuguese of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The Basilica is not included.

French tour with Basilica

Accesso Basilica S.Pietro<br/>French Tour with Basilica: Choose this option for a tour in French of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The entrance to the Basilica is included.

Chinese Tour with Basilica

Choose this option for a tour in Chinese of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The entrance to the Basilica is included

English Tour with Basilica

Accesso Basilica S.Pietro<br/>English Tour with Basilica: Choose this option for a tour in English of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The entrance to the Basilica is included.

What's included

St. Peter's Basilica Access (if option selected)

Free Wifi available at the meeting point

Staff available to assist you at the meeting point

Skip the line ticket to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Professional guide with headsets to hear guide clearly

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Visit the Vatican Museums and Upper Galleries, including the one of the Maps, Tapestries and Candelabra.
Explore the Stanze of Raffaello, part of the apartment of Pope Julius II, where the young Raphael spent many hours decorating the walls of the rooms with beautiful frescoes.

Stop 2

Visit the Borgia rooms, part of the papal apartments painted by Pinturicchio and his scholars.
The Modern art and contemporary galleries were put together as an homage to Pope Paul VI who, during a homely in the Sistine Chapel underlined the importance of the link between the Church and Art.

Stop 3

Get lost admiring the unique frescoes that decorate the interiors of the Sistine Chapel. Painted by some of the greatest masters of the Renaissance period, the decorative frescoes depict Biblical episodes, such as the Creation of Adam and Eve, and many more.

Stop 4 Pass by

The Vatican City State, also known simply as the Vatican, became independent from Italy with the Lateran Treaty (1929), and it is a distinct territory under "full ownership, exclusive dominion, and sovereign authority and jurisdiction" of the Holy See, itself a sovereign entity of international law, which maintains the city state's temporal, diplomatic, and spiritual independence. With an area of 49 hectares and a population of about 825,it is the smallest state in the world by both area and population.

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Food and drinks

Basilica guided tour

Available languages

Guide guide

DE PT JA EN ZH-CN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

118 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.5

53 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please note that St. Peter’s Basilica remains closed on Wednesdays and during religious holidays.

A valid photo ID is required for the mandatory security screening

Be aware that the Vatican Museums adhere strictly to scheduled entry times. Late arrivals may be denied entry, and no refunds will be issued for missed tours.

A strict dress code is in place at the Vatican Museums: both shoulders and knees must be covered.

Access to St. Peter’s Basilica may be limited at short notice due to religious events held during the Jubilee Year.

Visitors with disabilities are entitled to complimentary entry to the Vatican Museums. To ensure proper arrangements, please inform us at the time of booking.

Tour times are subject to change. Please provide an accurate phone number with the correct country code so we can reach you if necessary.

Please note: tours beginning after 2:00 PM do not include entrance to the Basilica.

Please note that by purchasing this tour, you accept our Terms and Conditions and are aware that no refund will be given in case you do not attend the tour or arrive late for the tour. Please note that in the afternoon and on Wednesday, the door connecting the Basilica and the Vatican Museum is closed, and you are aware that by purchasing this tour, you will not have the skip-the-line passage for St. Peter’s Basilica. You can go to the Basilica on your own, entering from the main square

In peak season, due to the high number of visitors, it might take extra time to go through the security check and to collect the Vatican headsets which are compulsory.

Access to St. Peter’s Basilica may be limited or suspended without prior notice due to religious ceremonies, particularly throughout the Jubilee Year.

Meeting point

Get off at "Ottaviano" Stop on Metro A line.From the station, walk on Via Ottaviano following the indication to St. Peter square.When you arrive across at Via Germanico, go to the right follow the street.After 100 mtr,Via Vespasiano will be on your left. At the number 28, you will find our office.

Important notes

The Vatican Museums enforce a mandatory dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered
All guests must bring a current ID for the security check.
If you arrive late you might lose the entrance at the Vatican Museums
This tour is not wheelchair accessible but may be adapted to an accessible itinerary if you contact us.
Please note that, for disabled visitors with certified invalidity of more than 74%, the Vatican Museums offers free entry that is extended to a companion for visitors who are not self-sufficient. To benefit from this, make sure you mention it at the time of booking so that our staff may handle your request.
Please note that the tour time may change. Ensure you provide your correct phone number, including country code, so we can contact you if needed.
St. Peter's Basilica may close unexpectedly due to religious events, with no prior notice.

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