Skip the line Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour + Optional Colosseum
Active
3h - 7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Ready to unlock the secrets of the Vatican? Join us for an unforgettable 3-hour guided tour through jaw-dropping halls, legendary art, and stories that shaped history. Skip the lines and dive into the Vatican Museums with your expert guide—exploring the Pinecone Courtyard, epic sculptures, and the stunning Galleries of Candelabra, Tapestries, and Maps. If the timing’s right, you might even catch the Raphael Rooms. Then comes the showstopper: the Sistine Chapel. Stand beneath Michelangelo’s masterpiece and feel the awe. With small groups and headsets (for 5+), you won’t miss a moment.
WANT TO LEVEL UP YOUR DAY IN ROME?
At checkout, be sure to select and purchase the “Rome Highlights” option to add a guided afternoon tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. It’s the ultimate Rome-in-a-day experience—iconic, seamless, and unforgettable from start to finish.
Available options
Standard Tour
Vatican Museum &Sistine Chapel: Explore the Vatican in a 3-hour guided experience. An unforgettable journey through art, beauty, and history.
Rome Highlights Option
COMBO: Vatican + Colosseum: Make the most of Rome in 7HRS with 2 guided tours, early start & 2 meeting points to reach on your own for a 1Day Experience!
What's included
ONLY IF ROME HIGHLIGHTS OPTION PURCHASED AT CHECKOUT: Guided visit of the Roman Fora & Palatine Hill
Professional, licensed English-speaking tour guide
Guided tour of the Vatican Museums
Skip-the-line admission to the Vatican Museums
ONLY IF ROME HIGHLIGHTS OPTION PURCHASED AT CHECKOUT: Guided afternoon tour of the Colosseum
ONLY IF ROME HIGHLIGHTS OPTION PURCHASED AT CHECKOUT: Entry to the Colosseum - Arena Floor excluded
Access to the Sistine Chapel
Headsets to hear the guide clearly (for groups of 5+ participants)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Being the burial place of St Peter Rome, the Vatican has always been considered a holy city – a second Jerusalem, but besides that its museum is a chest of countless masterpieces: the astonishing gallery of statues, the fascinating gallery of maps, the gallery of tapestries and the Raphaels rooms. During your visit to the Vatican Museums you will have the opportunity to learn about the great artists who helped embellish one of the most fascinating sovereign states in the world.
2
Stop 2
Than prepare yourselves for a Stendhal syndrome effect as you enter the Sistine Chapel and lift your head up to the the most-probably most-famous and most-admired ceiling in the world and immerse yourselves into the “last judgment”, the seemingly never-ending fresco magnificently adorned by Michelangelo’s life-like, potent figures of Adam, God and Saints, and try to spot the artist’s self portrait on St. Bartholomew!
Here the conclaves of cardinals have come together periodically, throughout the centuries, to elect a new pope, and Pope John Paul II called it the “Holy Spirit’s place of action”.
3
Stop 3
ONLY IF ROME HIGHLIGHTS OPTION SELECTED AND PURCHASED AT CHECKOUT:
After your morning visit to the Vatican, make your way to the SECOND MEETING POINT for the afternoon tour. Check-in takes place at 2:45 PM at the Towns of Italy Tourist Hub & Cooking School, Via Quattro Novembre 139, Rome. Tour departs at 3:00 PM.
Continue your Roman journey with a guided walk through the city’s ancient wonders. Begin at Trajan’s Column, where your guide will introduce the history of the Imperial Fora. Then step into the Roman Forum, once the beating heart of Roman public life. Explore temples, arches, and ruins filled with stories of emperors and citizens. The experience ends on the Palatine Hill with a stop at the scenic Farnese Terrace, offering unforgettable views over the ancient cityscape—a perfect finale to your full Roman adventure.
4
Stop 4
ONLY IF ROME HIGHLIGHTS OPTION SELECTED AND PURCHASED AT CHECKOUT:
Your afternoon adventure continues with a guided visit to the iconic Colosseum. Step inside this monumental amphitheatre and discover the secrets of its epic past—from gladiatorial combat to grand public spectacles. Your expert guide will share fascinating stories and reveal details of the Colosseum’s impressive architecture and cultural significance.
Take time to capture unforgettable photos of this powerful symbol of ancient Rome and imagine the roar of the crowd that once filled its stands. Entry to the Colosseum is included, though it does not include access to the Arena Floor.
What's not included
Access to St Peter's Basilica
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.0
57 reviews
5★
31
4★
9
3★
7
2★
4
1★
6
Tripadvisor
4.3
125 reviews
5★
90
4★
9
3★
8
2★
5
1★
13
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Big bags and liquid bottles will not be allowed inside the museums
This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchair or with impaired mobility
Due to exceptional religious events, St. Peter's Basilica might be closed without any notice
Entry to the Vatican Museums is based on strictly timed tickets. For this reason, late arrivals cannot be guaranteed access
Kindly take note: St. Peter's Basilica will not be accessible for visits on Wednesday. The tour will solely encompass the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
Please note that the tour includes the guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. 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
Even with the skip-the-line entrance, there is still a compulsory security check which may cause some delays in entering the museum •
Meeting point
Meet at Viale Vaticano 100, by the stairs next to Caffè Vaticano (look for the “Towns of Italy” sign). Be there 15 min early.
ONLY IF you booked the ROME HIGHLIGHTS OPTION: second tour at 3:00 PM, Via Quattro Novembre 139. Be there 15 min early. Reach each MP at your own pace.
Important notes
Starting in 2025, there will no longer be a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica, but entry will still be included in the ticket price
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
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
