Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and Optional Basilica tour

Rome , Italy

Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and Optional Basilica tour

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About this experience

Explore the rich art and history of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel without the hassle of long queues. This guided tour allows you to bypass the crowds and gain insights into the masterpieces of Michelangelo and Raphael, all while enjoying a small group experience for a more intimate visit. If desired, upgrade your tour to include access to St. Peter's Basilica. With knowledgeable guides, you'll learn fascinating stories that bring the art to life, making this a must-do for anyone interested in culture and history.

- Skip-the-line access to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Small group format ensures personalized attention
- Optional upgrade for entry to St. Peter's Basilica
- Guided commentary available with headsets for clarity

Available options

Passes to St. Peters Basilica

Tickets to St. Peters Basilica: If you purchase your tour three day before your adventure start then you can enter the Basilica.

Special Discount

Offer

What's included

if you buy your ticket three days before to the start of your trip, you can enter the basilica.

professional Tour Guide

Skip-The-Line access to Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel

Basilica access is optional

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Vatican Museums showcase 20,000 items from the extensive collection gathered by the Catholic Church and the papacy throughout the centuries, include numerous renowned Roman sculptures and significant masterpieces of Renaissance art.

Stop 2

The Chapel of Sistine It hosts the papal conclave, which is the procedure used to choose a new pope. Its internal frescoes, especially the Sistine Chapel ceiling and Michelangelo's The Last Judgment, are the principal source of the Sistine Chapel's fame.

Discover one of the many outdoor courtyards in the Vatican. The courtyard gets its name from the enormous bronze pinecone sculpture that adorns this one.

Stop by here, one of the Museum's most visited galleries, and try to identify the Italian cities you visited or the place where your ancestors lived. These hand-painted maps from the late 1500s are also remarkable for their superb decorations and attention to detail. Try to identify the reference to Christopher Columbus' transatlantic journey.

Stop 5

Admire the rooms painted by Raphael and his students around the same time as the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo's finest work of art inspired and pushed Raphael.

There are other smaller, distinct museums within the Vatican. The most significant of these is perhaps the Museo Pio Clementino, and it is impossible to miss any of its numerous highlights! Visit the Round Room to see the gigantic marble bathtub guarded by a massive bronze statue of Heracles, or the Octagonal Courtyard to see the Apollo Belvedere and the Laocoonte. Visit the Room of the Animals to see a sculpture of your favourite animal, or simply take in the breathtaking views of the Gallery of the Candelabra's 3D-painted vaults.

Stop 7

The vastness of the Vatican Museums is enormously impressive, but St. Peter's Basilica is even more of a "wow factor." Words cannot adequately convey the interiors' immense capability, leaving any visitor speechless. It took an astounding 120 years to construct, beginning in 1506, and was 613 feet long by 85 feet wide by 147 feet high. Walk into the canter-right nave to see Bernini's 30-foot-tall bronze Baldachin, which is situated directly on top of the location of St. Peter's grave, and marvel at Michelangelo's unmatched Pieta.

Basilica access is optional; if you buy your ticket three days before to the start of your trip, you can enter the Basilica.

What's not included

Hotel pickup & drop-off

Tips

Alcoholic Beverages

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Basilica is optional

Meeting point

Go directly to the Via Germanico 36, and look for a office called ROYAL.
Traveler's can easily go to the meeting point through Google Maps or by hiring a taxi. If traveler's prefer metro then they may choose Ottaviano metro line A or they can easily arrive choosing bus stop 23.

Important notes

Go directly to the meeting point Via Germanico 36, and look for a office called ROYAL.

Visitors should arrive at the meeting location, Via Germanico 36, 00192 Roma, RM at least 20-30 minutes before the adventure starts.

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