Skip the Line: Small Group Vatican & Sistine + Basilica Option
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience the Vatican like never before on this 2.5-hour tour, led by an expert guide who brings history to life with fascinating stories you won’t hear elsewhere.
Join a small, exclusive group of 10 or fewer for an immersive journey through the Vatican Museums, skipping long lines with priority no-wait access—the fastest way in.
Marvel at the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s frescoes—including The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment—adorn the ceiling and walls in a breathtaking display of Renaissance art.
Explore Raphael’s Rooms, featuring the iconic School of Athens, a masterpiece of High Renaissance art and philosophy.
Your tour also includes the Gallery of Maps, Tapestries, and Candelabra, showcasing treasures from the Vatican’s rich artistic legacy.
Want to visit St. Peter’s Basilica too? Choose an option that includes access to the Basilica to benefit from exclusive skip-the-line entry directly from the Vatican Museums.
Available options
Guided Tour: 10max
10 guests max<br/>Guided Tour: 10max: Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. NO access to St. Peter's Basilica.
Express First Access: 12max
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes<br/>Express First Access: 12max: Express Tour in English of the Vatican Museums to the Sistine Chapel, NO access to St. Peter's Basilica.
First Access: 10max
10 people max<br/>First Access: 10max: First access. Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. NO access to St. Peter's Basilica.
Guided Tour + Basilica: 10max
10 guests max<br/>Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes<br/>Guided Tour + Basilica: 10max: Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. Includes Skip the Line St. Peter’s Basilica (access only – no tour).
First Access + Basilica: 10max
10 guests max<br/>Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes<br/>First Access + Basilica: 10max: First access. Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. Includes Skip the Line St. Peter’s Basilica (access only – no tour).
What's included
Skip the Line access to the Vatican Museums
Vatican Insider Guide
Skip the Line Access to St. Peter's Basilica (only when option selected)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
A typical itinerary inside the Vatican Museums includes the Pavilion of the Carriages, home to everything from centuries old horse-drawn carriages to vintage and modern cars really used by Popes past and present. You'll visit the Pinecone Courtyard, the Hall of the Maps (the "Oval Office" of the Pope centuries ago), the Gallery of the Tapestries, the Pinacoteca, Belvedere Courtyard, Room of the Muses, the Round Room and Candelabra Gallery.
2
This courtyard gets its name from the enormous bronze Pinecone sculpture that dominates it.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
The Vatican Museums contains some modern art as well, including this famous sculpture: Sphere within a Sphere. Variations of this sculpture can be found in many settings around the world.
4
The most famous wing of the Vatican Museums, the Pio Clementino museum contains much of the Museum's most important highlights. Your guide will take you through the Room of the Animals, where you can spot the life-like statues of fauna from around the world. Head to the Octagonal Courtyard where a small fountain trickles in the background of famous statues like the Laocoonte and Apollo Belvedere. Don't forget to look at the Candelabra Gallery -- master painters decorated these ceilings to create the illusion of a 3D effect centuries ago!
5
Head with your guide to the Gallery of the Maps -- and get a perspective of the world how it was five centuries ago. These exquisitely detailed, hand-painted giant maps are a favorite of the Vatican Museums. See if you can find the Italian cities you have visited, or spot the nod to Christopher Columbus' journey to the Americas.
6
Stop 6
Raphael painted these rooms with incredible frescoes, originally meant for the private rooms of Pope Julius II.
7
Stop 7
No guides are able to speak inside the Sistine Chapel. However, your guide will prepare you in advance for your free time inside so you'll know what to look for.
8
Your visit ends close to where it began, after the spiral staircase at the entrance to the Vatican Museums.
9
Stop 9
Pass by
Visit to Vatican Museums - Vatican City
10
Stop 10
Only for bookings where access to St. Peter's Basilica is selected, tour will include Skip the Line Access to St. Peter's Basilica directly from the Vatican Museums.
11
Stop 11
Pass by
Tours that do not end in St. Peter's Basilica will end in St. Peter's Square when available.
What's not included
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
83 reviews
5★
69
4★
8
3★
2
2★
1
1★
3
Tripadvisor
4.9
621 reviews
5★
577
4★
31
3★
7
2★
4
1★
2
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children 6 and under are entitled to free access to the Vatican Museums (with proof of age)
Children aged 7-18 are entitled to a reduced entry fee (see tour and ticket pricing) and must provide proof of age.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
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.
Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the booked start time. Tickets are time sensitive and we cannot accomodate late arrivals.
Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.
Guests with a certified disability of over 75% are entitled to free entrance to the Vatican and do not require a ticket. For guests who are not self-sufficient, free entry is extended to a companion.
Important: St. Peter's Basilica is not included in all tour options. If you wish to visit the Basilica as part of your experience, please ensure you select a tour where it is explicitly listed as included.
Please include all names as they appear on your passports when booking. Tickets are non-transferable and if the names on your booking do not match your ID you may be denied access and will not be due a refund. Any name changes must be communicated at least 72 hours in advance.
Please bring an ID or a photo/copy of ID.
Meeting point
Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Meet us on the steps at Via Tunisi, located at the corner with Via Sebastiano Veniero. We will be holding a sign with the green EcoArt logo.
Important notes
Plan on arriving to our meeting point at least 15 minutes in advance of your selected departure time. All Vatican Tours meet our representative on the steps at Via Tunisi, located at the corner with Via Sebastiano Veniero. They will be holding a sign with the green EcoArt logo.
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
