Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel and St Peter Basilica Tour

Vatican City , Italy

Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel and St Peter Basilica Tour

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About this experience

Experience the Vatican Like Never Before!
Join our expert-led tours of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica — with skip-the-line access, insider stories, and groups for a truly unforgettable experience. See the masterpieces, feel the history, and avoid the crowds.

Available options

Spanish Group Tour

Spanish Group Tour: Discover the artistic and historical treasures of the Vatican with our Spanish-language guided group tour.

Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel and St Peter Basilica Tour

Tour without the Basilica

Vatican Tour & Sistine Chapel

What's included

Fast track entry to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Tour guide

Entry/Admission - St. Peter's Basilica (only if the passage is open)

Recharging station for your devices

Headsets for groups more than 5 people

Entry/Admission - Vatican Museums

All Fees and Taxes

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Vatican Museums are one of the most famous and visited museum complexes in the world, located within Vatican City. Highlights include works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio.

Stop 2

The Sistine Chapel is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring landmarks in the world. What makes the Sistine Chapel globally famous, however, is its extraordinary artwork—especially the ceiling and altar frescoes painted by Michelangelo. It is both a sacred space and a cultural monument, representing the height of Renaissance art and the enduring power of human creativity inspired by faith.

Stop 3

St. Peter's Basilica is one of the largest and most important churches in the world, located in Vatican City, at the heart of the Catholic Church. It is a masterpiece of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and one of the most visited religious and historical sites on the planet. St. Peter’s Basilica is not only a major pilgrimage site but also an architectural and artistic treasure, symbolizing the grandeur and spiritual authority of the Catholic faith.

What's not included

St. Peter is closed on Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 01:00 PM and on December 24 and 31.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 2.5

2 reviews

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments

Dress code: Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees

The Vatican can be very crowded all year round all visitors must pass through an airport-style security check. During summer season, the wait at security may be up to 30 minutes.

St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel can close without notice on rare occasions, If this happens, your guide will take you to tour the Vatican Museums and/or the Sistine Chapel/St. Peter's Basilica instead

Travelers with disability are eligible for free tickets

Important notes

Please meet us at the CROWN TOURS office, located at Via Mocenigo 15A. Look for the purple flag outside to help you find us.

About Vatican City

Vatican City, the world's smallest independent state, is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Nestled within Rome, Italy, it's home to iconic landmarks like St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house some of the world's most renowned art collections, including the Sistine Chapel.

Top Attractions

St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most renowned churches in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. It is a significant pilgrimage site and a must-visit for its stunning interior, including Michelangelo's Pietà and the dome offering panoramic views of Rome.

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours Free entry (€8 for dome climb)

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of art and artifacts amassed by the Catholic Church over the centuries. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and the Gallery of Maps. It's a treasure trove for art lovers and history enthusiasts.

Museum/Art 3-4 hours €17 (includes entry to St. Peter's Basilica)

Castel Sant'Angelo

Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant'Angelo is now a museum and fortress. It offers fascinating exhibits and panoramic views of Rome from its terrace. The passage leading to the Vatican, known as the Passetto di Borgo, is a historical highlight.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €15

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cacio e Pepe

A classic Roman dish made with pecorino cheese and black pepper, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.

Pasta Vegetarian

Supplì

Fried rice balls filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella, similar to Sicilian arancini.

Appetizer Vegetarian (some versions contain meat)

Tiramisu

A popular Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby parks Biking tours Strolling through historic neighborhoods Visiting parks and gardens Museum visits Art tours Historical site exploration Boat tours on the Tiber River

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are manageable. These months offer the best conditions for sightseeing and exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian, Latin
Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Vatican City is generally safe, with a strong police presence and low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas, so it's important to stay vigilant.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.

Getting there

By air

Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport • 30 km from Vatican City

By train

Roma San Pietro Station

By bus

Roma Termini Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system in Rome is efficient and connects to Vatican City via the Ottaviano Station, which is a short walk from St. Peter's Basilica.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow, MyTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Borgo Prati

Day trips

Rome

0 km (Vatican City is an enclave within Rome) • Full day or more

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a treasure trove of ancient history, art, and culture. It offers iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain, as well as world-class museums and vibrant neighborhoods.

Ostia Antica

30 km from Vatican City • Half day

Ostia Antica is an ancient Roman port city that offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman life. The well-preserved ruins include homes, shops, and public buildings, providing a unique historical experience.

Festivals

Easter Celebrations • March or April (dates vary) Christmas Celebrations • December 24-25

Pro tips

Book tickets for major attractions like the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica in advance to skip the lines.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites to show respect and avoid being turned away.
Use public transportation or walk to get around Vatican City and Rome, as driving can be challenging and parking is limited.
Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.