Skip-The-Line:Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Optional

Rome , Italy

Skip-The-Line:Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Optional

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About this experience

Skip the long lines and immerse yourself in the rich history and art of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. This guided tour, lasting approximately 2.5 hours, allows you to explore stunning galleries, including the Raphael Rooms, while gaining insightful commentary from knowledgeable guides. Optional entry to St. Peter's Basilica is available, enhancing your Vatican experience. Perfect for art history enthusiasts and cultural travelers, this tour ensures you enjoy a smaller group setting for a more personalized visit.

- Bypass crowds with skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums
- Explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Raphael Rooms
- Optional upgrade for entry to St. Peter's Basilica
- Small group sizes for a more intimate experience

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

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What's included

Basilica access is optional

Professional Tour Guide

Skip-the-line access to Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel

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

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The city is well-known for the Vatican Museums, a vast network of museums that includes some of the most remarkable and artistically significant rooms in the Apostolic Palace in addition to an extensive collection of art, archaeology, and ethno-anthropology that the Popes have amassed over the centuries.

Stop 2

Michelangelo's frescoes are the most well-known feature of the Sistine Chapel. Inside the chapel, though, are other equally stunning pieces of art. For example, before Michelangelo, Botticelli was working at the Sistine Chapel. He painted two eye-catching murals depicting the life of Christ and Moses on the walls.

Situated in Vatican City, Rome, Italy, the Fontana della Pigna, sometimes known as just Pigna, is a former Roman fountain that now adorns a sizable niche in the wall facing the Cortile della Pigna.

Stop 4

Access from the Sistine Chapel to the Basilica, avoiding the outside security lines, will only be offered for excursions where the option to enter St. Peter's Basilica is chosen during the reservation process. Following an introduction, you will be allowed to explore the Basilica on your own after your tour concludes at the entrance.

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

Stop 5

The Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, which is now a component of the Vatican Museums, has a series of reception rooms known as the four Raphael Rooms (Italian: Stanze di Raffaello). They are well-known for the frescoes that Raphael and his studio produced. They are the magnificent fresco sequences that define Rome's High Renaissance, together with Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.

Originally, Pope Julius was supposed to live in a series of apartments known as the Stanze.

Part of the Vatican collections in Rome is the ancient Roman sculpture known as the Hermes of the Museo Pio-Clementino. Because of its conspicuous location in the Cortile del Belvedere, it was long admired as the Belvedere Antinous. At the Museo Pio-Clementino, it is currently inventory number 907.

Stop by here, one of the Museum's most visited exhibits, 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.

What's not included

Food and Drink

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 access is optional

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

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.

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

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