Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Fast-Track Tour

Active

(1624 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

* Dive into Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel with your guide
* Enjoy immediate access with our priority entrance feature
* Discover the splendors of the Gallery of Tapestries and Geographical Maps
* Revel in the artistic masterpieces inside the Sistine Chapel
* Experience an exclusive tour with limited group size, with no more than 20 participants
* Opt for a convenient hotel pick-up, or reach the meeting point on your own
* Audio headsets provided, ensuring clear commentary

Available options

English Small-Group

Small-group without pick-up: 10 people group, Meet at location
Does not include hotel pick-up

Spanish pick-up small-group

Spanish Small Group : 10 people group, Hotel pick-up included<br/>Pickup included

English with Transport

English regular Group Tour: 20 people group, Hotel pick-up included<br/>Pickup included

Spanish Regular

Regular without pick-up: 20 people group, Meet at location
Does not include hotel pick-up

Spanish with Transport

Spanish regular Group Tour: 20 people group, Hotel pick-up included

Portuguese with Transport

Portuguese regular Group Tour: 20 people group, Hotel pick-up included<br/>Pickup included

English Small Group Pick-Up

English Small Group w/Pick-Up: 10 people group, Hotel pick-up included<br/>Pickup included

Portuguese Regular

Regular without pick-up: 20 people group, Meet at location
Does not include hotel pick-up

Spanish Small-Group

Small-Group without pick-up: 10 people group, Meet at location
Does not include hotel pick-up

English Regular

Regular without pick-up: 20 people group, Meet at location
Does not include hotel pick-up

What's included

Expert-guided tour of the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel with Priority skip-the-line access

A moment to marvel at the Sistine Chapel's renowned artworks

Quality headsets, ensuring you won't miss a detail from the guide's explanations amidst the crowd

Engaging insights into the Gallery of Tapestries and Geographical Maps

Optional hotel pick-up service, available if the option is selected during booking

Detailed itinerary

Welcome & Briefing
Begin with a warm greeting from our specialized guide, who will overview the tour and make sure that all guests have checked in

Stop 2

Priority Entrance
Skip the lines and start your immersive guided tour through art and history!

Cortile della Pigna: Marvel at the expansive 300 sq.m. courtyard named after its central pine cone-shaped statue.
Museo Pio Clementino: Navigate through 12 rooms filled with mesmerizing Roman and Greek artworks.
Gallery of Tapestries & Maps: Appreciate the intricate tapestries and historic map displays showcasing Italy's geographical evolution.
Borgia Apartment: Step into six rooms highlighting the powerful Borgia family's insignia, commissioned by Pope Alexander VI.
Raphael Rooms: Stand in awe before the breathtaking frescoes by Raphael and his students, including the iconic "School of Athens.

Stop 3

Sistine Chapel Admiration
Immerse yourself in Michelangelo's renowned masterpiece. Relish the vibrant colors and unparalleled artistry overhead.

Stop 4 Pass by

Tour Conclusion

Your tour will end at Piazza San Pietro after approximately 3.5 hours.

What's not included

Food and drinks, unless specified

Gratuities

Transportation (i.e. this applies to the meeting point options)

Entrance to S. Peter's Basilica

Available languages

Guide guide

DE PT EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

824 reviews

5★

459

4★

118

3★

116

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.5

800 reviews

5★

611

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

A dress code is required to enter places of worship. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements

If you choose pick-up option, contact us no later than 24 hours, in order to reconfirm your pick-up schedule be ready in the lobby

By purchasing this tour, the customer agrees to follow only the guide assigned to him/her. It is not permitted to add external guides to the group after the tour has been purchased. We inform our customers that, in such circumstances, access to the Vatican Museums will be granted only if escorted by the assigned guide and respective group. If one chooses to opt out, they will forfeit all rights to the tour and ticket, with no possibility of a refund.

For the issuance of Vatican Museums tickets, providing a first name and surname is mandatory. Without this information, the ticket cannot be issued. Once the Vatican Museums ticket is issued, it is non-refundable. It is also mandatory to bring your passport on the day of the tour

Please note that the Vatican Museums is an active place of worship. Therefore, some areas may be subject to sudden closures without prior notice. We will not be held responsible for such closures.

Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas of the Vatican Museums may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies. These circumstances are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.

Please note that if the Sistine Chapel is not accessible for reasons beyond our control, no partial refund will be provided

Meeting point

Meet our staff in Piazza del Risorgimento, central to the square, adjacent to Bar l' Ottagono, 15 minutes before the tour begins. Our team wear the 'I love Rome' logo in pink. Nearest metro: A-Line, Ottaviano stop.

Important notes

• Pickup starts one hour before departure, please contact us 24 hours in advance, in order to reconfirm your pick-up schedule be ready in the lobby. Pickup is guaranteed only for hotels not BB and apartaments
• Tour without pickup, please be at the meeting point no later than 15 minutes before the tour starts. Meet in the middle of the square Piazza del Risorgimento at the Bar "Bar Caffetteria L'Ottagono"
Emergency phone number:
+39 06 474 2501 (6:30 AM – 8:00 PM 365 days)
+39 348 8112027 (Whatsapp only)

• A dress code is required to enter places of worship. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

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