Rome , Italy

Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & Optional Basilica

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(1482 reviews)

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Skip the long lines and make the most of your visit to the Vatican Museums with timed, priority entry. Step straight inside and explore the must-see highlights with your expert guide, including the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, the iconic Raphael Rooms, and the stunning Gallery of Maps. Learn the fascinating history, art, and architecture behind each masterpiece for a richer, more memorable experience.
For a more personal touch, upgrade to a small-group tour, or extend your day with priority access to the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica. Prefer to focus exclusively on the Basilica? Select the dedicated guided option and discover its history, art, and grand architecture in detail.

Pressed for time? Choose the 1.5-hour express tour to breeze through the Vatican Museums and be among the first to admire the Sistine Chapel.

Important: St. Peter’s Basilica is not included in all tours. When included, the guided visit is followed by free time to explore on your own.

Available options

First Access: 10max

10 guests max Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes First Access: 10max: First access. Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. NO access to St. Peter's Basilica. Starting point: Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Guided Tour: 10max

10 guests max Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes Guided Tour: 10max: Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. NO access to St. Peter's Basilica. Starting point: Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

First Access + Basilica: 20max

20 guests max Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes First Access + Basilica: 20max: First access. Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. Includes Skip the Line St. Peter’s Basilica (access only – no tour). Starting point: Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Hosted Ticket Only (No guide)

Hosted access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, no guided tour. NO access to St. Peter's Basilica. Starting point: Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Private Tour

Exclusive Private tour: Private guided Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. Include Skip the Line (no icluded St. Peter’s Basilica). Starting point: Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Guided Tour + Basilica: 10max

10 guests max Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes Guided Tour + Basilica: 10max: Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. Includes Skip the Line St. Peter’s Basilica (access only – no tour). Starting point: Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Express: 12max

12 guests max Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Express: 12max: Express Tour in English of the Vatican Museums to the Sistine Chapel, NO access to St. Peter's Basilica. Starting point: Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

First Access + Basilica: 10max

10 guests max Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes 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). Starting point: Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Guided Tour: 20max

20 guests max Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes Guided Tour: 20max: Tour in English of the Vatican Museums, NO access to St. Peter's Basilica. Starting point: Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Guided Tour + Basilica: 20max

20 guests max Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes Guided Tour + Basilica: 20max: Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. Includes Skip the Line St. Peter’s Basilica (access only – no tour). Starting point: Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Basilica Only

Guided 1 hour tour in English with skip the line access, 20 people or less. (Cupola and Vatican Museums not included). Starting point: Borgo Santo Spirito, 17, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

What's included

Skip the Line Access & Entrance Ticket to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Skip the Line Access to St. Peter's Basilica (only when option is selected during booking)

Headsets to hear your guide clearly (if guided option selected)

Insider Guide (if guided option selected)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Together with your guide, set foot inside the smallest country in the world via the fastest possible entrance!

One of the first stops inside the Vatican Museums is the Pinecone Courtyard where you will find the Sphere within a Sphere sculpture as well as the Roman fountain, an enormous bronze pinecone, that lends the courtyard its name.

Stop 3 Pass by

The bronze Sphere within a Sphere sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro marries this historic setting with a touch of modern art.

The Vatican Museums are made up of multiple Museums forming many "wings". The wing containing the highest concentration of highlights is the Pio Clementino Museum. Follow your guide from the Octagonal open-air courtyard where you will encounter the Laocoonte and Apollo Belvedere, to the eerily life-like statues in the Room of the Animals. Check out the masterfully painted vaults creating a 3D effect in the Gallery of the Candelabra.

In this Gallery of hand-painted maps, you can admire the world how it was seen nearly 5 centuries ago. With the help of your guide, pick out the towns in Italy you have visited, or just enjoy the incredible hand-painted details that make these maps unique.

Stop 6

"Raphael's Rooms" inside the Vatican Museums are a spectacular testament to the talent of the painter Raphael, as well the inspiration of the master Michelangelo. Explore them with your guide.

Stop 7

Your guide will prepare you to take in the Sistine Chapel ahead of time, as no speaking is allowed in this sacred place. Admire this monumental work by Michelangelo.

Your visit ends at the entrance of the Vatican Museums. From here, you are free to continue to explore on your own within official opening hours.

Stop 9

If you choose an option including a tour of St. Peter's Basilica, access is provided, skipping the lines. You will be free to explore on your own inside.

Stop 10 Pass by

Only when specific guided tour option including the Basilica is chosen, Skip the Line access to St. Peter's Basilica via a special exit from the Sistine Chapel. You will then be free to explore on your own inside.

Stop 11 Pass by

Vatican City, Vatican City, Lazio

What's not included

Food & Beverages

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

498 reviews

5★

410

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

984 reviews

5★

857

4★

3★

2★

1★

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.

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.

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.

Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.

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 official ID with you (or a photo/photocopy).

Important: The ‘Basilica Only’ option it does NOT include access to the Vatican Museums.

Meeting point

In front of 'Al San Michele Bar Caffetteria' - Borgo Santo Spirito n.17.
Your guide will be waiting for you holding a flag with the "EcoArt" logo.
The nearest metro stop is Line A ‘Ottaviano'.

Important notes

Plan on arriving to our meeting point at least 15 minutes in advance of your selected departure time. Meet our representative on the steps at Via Tunisi, located at the corner with Via Sebastiano Veniero. They will be holding a flag 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