Small Group Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour

Rome , Italy

Small Group Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour

Active

(7 reviews)

2h - 4h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the wonders of the Vatican with a small group on this guided tour that includes skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. With an expert guide, delve into the rich art and history of the Papal Galleries and Raphael Rooms without the hassle of long queues. This 3-hour tour ensures you make the most of your time, allowing you to appreciate the masterpieces of the Vatican while enjoying clear audio through provided headsets. Perfect for travelers looking to maximize their experience in Rome.

- Small group Guided tour for a more personalized experience
- Fast-track entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Guided exploration of St. Peter's Basilica included
- Headsets provided for clear communication with your guide

Available options

Spanish Guided Tour

English Guided Tour

What's included

Skip the Line Access & Entrance Tickets to the Sistine Chapel

Wi-fi at the meeting point

Headsets provided exclusively by the Vatican to hear the guide better

Skip the Line Access & Entrance Tickets to the Vatican Museums

Guided tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Enjoy with your tour guide one of the most important museums of the world. Admire some masterpieces like the Laocoön. Enter into the smallest country in the world. Begin your journey through one of the most important museums in the world. Admire renowned masterpieces like the Laocoön and get your first taste of the Vatican’s rich artistic heritage.

Wander through one of the Vatican’s stunning outdoor spaces. This courtyard features the iconic bronze pinecone sculpture, an ancient Roman piece that lends the area its name.

Explore one of the Vatican Museums’ most celebrated sections:

Octagonal Courtyard – Home to Laocoön and Apollo Belvedere

Round Room – Featuring a giant marble bathtub and the bronze Heracles

Room of the Animals – With detailed sculptures of various creatures

Gallery of the Candelabra – Admire its painted 3D-style vaulted ceilings

One of the most visited galleries in the Museums, this stop invites you to find the Italian cities you've visited or perhaps your ancestor's hometown. These hand-painted maps, created in the late 1500s, are also worth admiring for their remarkable detail and intricate decorations.

Stop 5

We are pleased to inform you that the Sistine Chapel has officially reopened to the public following the Vatican’s mourning period for the late Pope Francis.

With the recent and historic election of His Holiness Pope, the Vatican has now resumed full visitor access, and the Sistine Chapel is once again included in your Vatican Museums visit.

Step into the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, the final stop of your Vatican Museums experience, and witness one of the greatest masterpieces of the Renaissance. Marvel at Michelangelo's iconic frescoes, including the awe-inspiring ceiling and The Last Judgment behind the altar—works that have inspired visitors for centuries.

The Sistine Chapel is not only a work of art but also a sacred space of immense historical significance—it's where the Papal Conclave was recently held to elect the new Pope. Visiting now offers a rare opportunity to experience this extraordinary site just after a key moment in Church history.

What's not included

Tips

Food

Transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.8

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 3.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Please arrive 30 mins before your tour at Via Vespasiano 65, Rome (near the Vatican Museums). Look for the "Xplore Rome" signboard. Our staff will be there to assist you. If you need help finding us, feel free to contact us directly.

Important notes

If arriving by metro:

Get off at Ottaviano Metro Station (Line A).
Use the exit towards Viale Giulio Cesare.
Walk approximately 70 meters west, then turn left onto Via Vespasiano.
The ticket booth is located at Via Vespasiano 65, 00192 Roma RM.

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