Rome , Italy

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

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(6120 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

Save time and energy at the Vatican Museums with skip-the-line, timed entry that lets you bypass long queues and head straight inside. Explore the highlights with your guide, including the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms, and the Gallery of Maps, while learning the rich history, art, and architecture behind these masterpieces. With expert commentary, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the Vatican’s treasures and enjoy a more meaningful visit. Upgrade to a small-group tour for a more personalized experience, or extend your visit with priority entry to St. Peter’s Basilica. Prefer to focus only on St. Peter’s? Select the Basilica-only option for a guided visit inside.
Short on time? Opt for the 1.5-hour tour to breeze through the Vatican Museums and be among the first to enter the Sistine Chapel.

Available options

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

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

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

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

Hosted Tickets Only (No guide)

Hosted Tickets 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

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

Private Tour

Exclusive Private Tour : Private Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. Includes Skip the Line (no included St. Peter’s Basilica) 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

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

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

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

What's included

Skip the Line Access to Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (except when Basilica Only option selected)

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Guided Tour

Direct Access to St. Peter's Basilica (only when option selected)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel on your own or with a guide (if option selected). Tickets provide skip the line access.

Explore one of the Vatican's many open air courtyards. This one is decorated with a giant bronze pinecone sculpture, giving the courtyard its name.

Stop 3 Pass by

Access Vatican Museums and discover the famous "Sphere within a Sphere" sculpture.

The Vatican Museums are divided into many smaller, unique museums. Among them, the Museo Pio Clementino is likely the most important, and the many highlights it contains cannot be missed! Stop at the Octagonal Courtyard for the Laocoonte and the Apollo Belvedere -- or the Round Room for the giant marble bathtub patrolled by an enormous bronze statue of Heracles. Spot a sculpture of your favorite fauna at the Room of the Animals, or just marvel at the 3D painted vaults of the Gallery of the Candelabra.

One of the most popular galleries of the Museums, make a stop here and try to spot the Italian cities you have travelled to, or your ancestor's hometown. These hand-painted maps, dating to the late 1500's, can also be admired for the exquisite attention to detail and embellishments. See if you can spot the nod to Christopher Columbus' voyage across the Atlantic...

Stop 6

Admire Raphael's Rooms -- painted by the master himself and his pupils around the same time as the Sistine Chapel -- and inspired and challenged by Michelangelo's greatest masterpiece.

Stop 7

Michelangelo's masterpiece, take time to admire the vaults.

Stop 8

Only for tours where the option to access St. Peter's Basilica is selected in the booking process, access directly from the Sistine Chapel to the Basilica, skipping the outside security lines, will be provided. Your tour will end at the entrance to the Basilica and, after an introduction, you will be free to explore on your own inside.

Stop 9 Pass by

An introduction to the Square of St. Peter's will be provided for tours where access to St. Peter's Basilica is included.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Tips

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

2,895 reviews

5★

2342

4★

284

3★

115

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

3,225 reviews

5★

2797

4★

255

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.

At least 4 people are required for the guided tour options to take place.

Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the booked start time. Tickets are time sensitive and we cannot accomodate late arrivals.

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.

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.

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

*IMPORTANT* There is no need to come to our redemption point before the actual date and time of the service you booked. Plan on arriving to our meeting point on your selected travel date at least 15 minutes in advance of your selected departure time. Meet our representative on the steps in front of Via Tunisi 4, at the corner with Viale Vaticano. They will be holding a flag with the green EcoArt logo. Please note the redemption point is an outdoor location, not an office. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the Vatican.

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