All in one Vatican Guided Tour of Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Complete Guided Group tour of the Vatican City

Vatican Museums, Viale Vaticano, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy

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5/5
3 hours
24

This complete guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel allows you to explore the exclusive marble at Vatican City. Vatican Guided tour skip-the-line is included in the Vatican Museum highlights. Head straight to the museum with your expert tour guide to bring these masterpieces to life.

In the case of St. Peter’s Basilica, it can be visited independently by travelers free of charge. However, for those who opt for a guided tour, there is a possibility to access St. Peter’s Basilica from the Sistine Chapel if it is open. Please note that this access is not included as part of our tour. It is a place of worship. This place can be closed on any day for religious activities without warning. So keep this information in mind while booking our All in one Vatican Tour.

Tour Itinerary

Tour Availability:

Every day, except Sunday

Tour Duration:

3:00 hr

Meeting Point:

Via Germanico, 40, 00192 Roma RM

Meeting time:

25 minutes before the tour start time

Group Size:

24 participate

Starting Time:

Travelers can start the tour at their own convenient time

Start Your Guided Tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Our Complete Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour goes beyond your expectations. Get real insights into Vatican tours and beyond with this complete guided tour for individuals – Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Here you can see such sculptures that you have never heard of.

Our route to Vatican Museums includes all the sights you ever wanted to see. After Vatican Museums guided tour ends, your guided tour Sistine Chapel will start.

From the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms to stunning old sculptures, you may have never heard of, our tour of the Vatican Museums takes you to all the places you want to see, as well as a few surprises.

Your guide will have revealed the history and secrets behind the paintings, as well as what they symbolize and why they’re so famous, by the time you get to the Chapel.

St. Peter’s Basilica (Free Pass):

Located near the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica has its own separate entry and regulations. As the final stop of our guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, our knowledgeable tour guide will provide you with valuable insights about this sacred site. While our guide will showcase the exterior beauty of one of Rome’s most stunning landmarks, please note that entering the Basilica is not included in the tour.

Travelers are welcome to visit St. Peter’s Basilica independently, free of charge. However, for those who opt for a tour, there is a possibility to pass from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica if it is open. This access from the inside is not part of our tour.

It’s important to be aware that St. Peter’s Basilica may be closed for religious events without prior notice. Additionally, please note that the Basilica is closed on Easter, December 24th and 31st, and other religious holidays. In such cases, if the Basilica is inaccessible.

Rest assured, after our Complete Vatican guided tour with skip-the-line access if you visit St. Peter’s Basilica you can witness the iconic works of art such as Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s baldachin, and St. Peter’s throne.

Tour Overview

Vatican City, the smallest state in the world, houses the world’s largest collection of outstanding Renaissance paintings. And this guided Vatican tour with an expert guide will guarantee that you gain a thorough understanding of the masterpieces’ history and context, so just uncover the wonders of Vatican City with expert guides. Skip the huge lines and save hours of waiting time to visit the Vatican’s major attractions and be fascinated by the treasures housed within those historical buildings.



Explore the timeless works of legendary artists such as Michelangelo, Bernini, Raphael, and others to create some lasting memories. And learn how these artists contributed to a massive collection of artwork in the world’s tiniest nation. This skip-the-line Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour is the best way to get a sense of the state’s history and architecture.

An Exclusive Skip-the-line Vatican Guided Tour Designed for You

We’ve spent years assembling a team of dedicated experts who are eager to share their knowledge of the Vatican with you. When you combine them with a small party, you’ve got a recipe for sightseeing success! During peak season, we also use privileged entrances to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, skipping general access lineups that sometimes stretch for hours.

You can also visit St. Peter’s Basilica on your own after this Guided tours Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. But one thing you should know is that as the Basilica is a religious place, it can be closed during any religious activity without prior warning. If your tour day falls on a religious holiday at the Vatican, your access to the Basilica may be restricted.

Faster Access that no tours can provide

You can now go straight inside and explore without wasting time with our Reserved Entrance; you’ll also learn about the characters who trod these corridors before you as painters and Popes.

With added security measures and social distancing, you can enjoy a safe and exciting journey to the Vatican. Although crowds are common here. It is the best time now to plan your guided visit of the Vatican Museums because you will be among the few people admitted to the museums. Without having to compete for space with other visitors, get up close and personal with the amazing artwork throughout the Vatican, and create once-in-a-lifetime memories of this incredible setting.

Tour Highlights

  • Exclusive fast entrance at Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

  • Professional tour guide throughout the journey

  • Explore Raphael’s Rooms, Gallery of the Maps, and Bramante’s Pinecone Courtyard at your own pace

  • Using the Free Pass, explore the famous masterpieces at St. Peter’s Basilica, such as the La Pieta sculpture.

  • See Michelangelo, Raphael, and many other masterpieces at Sistine Chapel

What is included

  • Guided tour of Vatican Museums

  • Guided tour of Sistine Chapel

  • Skip-the-line entry to all sites

  • Professional Tour Guide

What is not included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

  • Gratuities

  • Food and drinks

  • Guided tour inside St. Peter’s Basilica

See what people are saying

123 total reviews

Trip Advisor - Tours Rating and Reviews

Average customer rating

5/5 Based on 123 Reviews

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rebeccasmith

10/15/2019

The chapel caught my eyes

Vatican museums are known as a storage of outstanding artifacts which is one of the most beautiful and richest art museums in today's time. It’s hard to tell about the remarkable zones as it depends on the visitor's interest. In my mind, the sistine chapel will remain for years maybe. A holy place like St. peters made me more religious and respectful. Had a good trip to Rome.

corybottiglier

10/07/2019

Art Talks!

Vatican Museums is a place where art really amazes! One should visit these ten best places in the Vatican museums area to enjoy it to the fullest. Sistine chapel, Bramante Staircase, Niccoline Chapel, Laocoön, Apollo Belvedere, The Maps Hall, Egyptian Museums, Raphael Rooms – The School of Athens, The Pinecone Courtyard, Rotunda Room and Porphyry Basin are the must-see place in Vatican. If you are an art lover, the Vatican Museums is a recommended place for you. Don’t forget to book a guided tour because our tour guide from Rome Tour Tickets helped us a lot to cover most of the places. A happy day in the Vatican!

Lara PEREZ

10/05/2019

Rome Tour Tickets provided standout service

I booked this tour online and received the confirmation within a short time. When I entered the Vatican's entrance, long queues were a common scene and I felt really lucky by thinking that I didn’t have to wait in long lines. Within a short time, I entered into the world’s largest art museums. Rome tour tickets provided a guided tour that took my expectation to a whole new level. It was a great guided tour to remember for a long time.

Andrew Laird

09/20/2019

Wonderful Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's!

St. Peters is designed by many masterpieces of Renaissance and Baroque art. The Vatican's La Pieta’s sculpture by Michelangelo is one of my favorites. However, Sistine Chapel’s center attraction is the fresco of The Creation of Adam. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of a great tour that will surely teach you many things about Roman history.

Edwina

09/16/2019

Visiting the pope's area

Being a christian, I was always interested in visiting the Pope’s home. We all know that St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the holiest temples for Christendom and largest churches in the world where the Pope presides over many liturgies all year around. I booked this tour from this agency just before the tour day. It was an amazing tour with my friend, Lira. No more queuing, no more waiting, we entered within just 5 minutes into vatican museums. This guided tour helped me a lot to learn the enriched Roman history. It was really a peaceful tour to me.

alainrioux

09/03/2019

It’s speechless

Beautiful royal palace of the Vatican museums are built with concrete but tell thousand years old ancient roman stories. It’s the richest art galleries around the world where artists and art lovers meet. My tour was absolutely amazing. Got skip-the-line entry and our professional guide was so perfect for the whole group. I lost myself several times in the beauty of great creations and felt speechless by hearing the stories of the remarkable masterpieces throughout the tour. It was like 3 hours gone in a blink of an eye. My mind still remains rich with the sweetest memories of this tour.

Jacob Weidley

08/28/2019

Priceless tour

In front of the vatican museums, I was a little bit worried to see the long waiting lines and large groups. At that time, my tour guide met me and within a short time we reached the museum area. Choosing this guided tour helped me to understand the extraordinary beauties of the magnificent masterpieces of artworks, sculptors, history and religious beliefs of more than 3000 years old romans. I got a dramatic priceless experience on this tour. A+ experience!

Miriam78

08/22/2019

Guide was extraordinary

As it was my first trip in Rome, I was a bit worried to book the perfect tour to visit the most precious museums in the world. After having a conversation with the company agency I felt positive and booked this guided tour for visiting museums properly. We didn’t have to wait anywhere but the security check ups which was also for only 10 minutes. As it was a guided tour it helped us a lot to know the story behind each and every masterpieces inside the richest art galleries. Without a guide perhaps we might have seen all but the interesting histories would have remained unknown. So, it’s recommended to book a guided tour from this perfect tour provider.

Frank Corica

08/19/2019

Great tour indeed!

I booked this tour from the Rome Tour Tickets. Actually we were waiting in a long line to enter into the vatican museums. Suddenly a man came and started talking about vatican’s ancient roman history. We felt interested and asked so many questions. He said that we could skip this long line and his company can make it happen with proper guidelines. My friend and I were in a rush at that time and visited his company website. After that, we booked this tour for the next available slot and we were included in a small group. We entered the Vatican museums without waiting in the long queue! It was really surprising for us. We have visited vatican museums, sistine chapel and st. Peter's basilica on this tour. Our guide briefed well about the notable sculptures and arts. I was amazed by the beauty of roman ancient history. Great sudden tour indeed!

mariesaxon

08/15/2019

My first vatican tour

Although I am not an art lover, I am surrounded by some of my art and history students. I booked this tour while I was in Rome. Actually hearing a lot about the arts and paintings from my friends influenced me to book this tour. I felt it’s a place for artists and art lovers. But to my greatest surprise, a lot of regular people who are more likely not art students are also visiting this place. Long waiting lines didn’t bother them while I got a skipping line voucher. Our professional guide served us well in the whole 3 hours long Vatican, sistine chapel basilica tour. I explored the tour with great enthusiasm and kept precious memories in my heart. I would love to visit this place again if I am in Rome.
Showing 31 - 40 of 117 in total

Frequently Asked Questions

The disabled visitors who have verified invalidity of more than 74% are given free admission to the Vatican Museums. Additionally, free entry is offered to a companion for those tourists who are not self-sufficient.


We don’t offer free tickets for disabled visitors. These free entry tickets for the disabled and accompanying persons are distributed directly at the special permissions and/or reception desks in the museum hall upon presentation of an invalidity certificate. When necessary, a companion of a visitor with a disability is given priority skip-the-line entry.


If you need a wheelchair, you can obtain one from the Museum cloakroom for free with a valid ID and a deposit.


It's not always simple for persons with disabilities to enter sites or museums, and many might not even be aware that they are entitled to free admission. The staff of the Vatican Museums is always sensitive to the needs of visitors with disabilities. The Vatican has made accessible to Blind and Deaf visitors by designing appropriate free tours that are offered upon request. Visitors with disabilities cannot tour the Vatican Gardens.

No, the guided tour is not available at St. Peter’s Basilica. However, you will get a free pass to enter the St. Peter’s Basilica on your own after this guided tours for individuals - Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel ended.


It is important to be aware that access to St. Peter's Basilica may occasionally be restricted for various reasons beyond our control. Please note that this access is not included as part of our tour.

One group consists of a member of 24 people (maximum)

Yes, children ages under 6 can enter the Vatican Museum free of charge. And young tourists ages 6 to 18 can enjoy discounts on the total price. They must show a valid passport proving their age.


Students under 25 years old also can avail themselves of the discounts but need to come with a valid Student ID and legal documents such as a passport, driving license, etc for proof of eligibility.

Yes, getting a guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel can be worth it for many visitors. Here are a few reasons why:


Expert Knowledge:

A knowledgeable tour guide can provide you with in-depth information about the history, art, and architecture of the Vatican. They can offer insights, anecdotes, and stories that you might not discover on your own.


Vatican Guided tour can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the Vatican's rich cultural and historical significance.


Skip-the-line Access:

Many guided tours offer skip-the-line access, allowing you to bypass the long queues and save time. This is especially beneficial during peak tourist seasons when the Vatican Museums can be crowded.


With a Vatican Guided Tour skip-the-line, you can make the most of your time by maximizing your exploration rather than waiting in line.


Efficient Itinerary:

Vatican guided tour or not, often follows a well-planned itinerary that covers the main highlights of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. This can help ensure that you don't miss any significant artworks or landmarks.


Guided tours can provide a structured and efficient way to explore the Vatican, especially if you have limited time or if it's your first visit.


Cultural Context:

A guide can provide cultural and historical context to the artwork and religious significance within the Vatican. They can help you understand the symbolism, the stories behind the masterpieces, and the importance of the Vatican within the Catholic Church. This deeper understanding can enhance your overall experience.

The wait time at the Vatican can vary depending on several factors. Including the time of year, day of the week, and time of day. During peak tourist seasons, such as spring and summer, the Vatican Museums can experience high visitor numbers. Resulting in longer wait times. On the other hand, during the low season or weekdays, the wait times can be shorter.


By booking a skip-the-line guided visit of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel you can easily bypass the regular ticket queues and save time.

The duration of a Vatican guided tour can vary depending on the specific tour you choose. However, most guided tours of Sistine Chapel including Vatican Museums, typically last around 3 hours.


During the guided Vatican tour, you can expect to explore the Vatican Museum highlights, which house an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts. The tour usually includes visits to notable galleries, such as the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the Raphael Rooms, before culminating in the magnificent Sistine Chapel. You can also continue your visit til St. Peter's Basilica, but keep in mind that the guided tour is not applicable there.

A Vatican Guided tour typically includes a visit to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Here are some of the main highlights and inclusions you can expect during a Vatican tour:


Vatican Museums:

The Vatican Museums guided tour will take you through the vast collection of the Vatican Museums, which house a wide range of art and historical artifacts. You can explore various galleries, such as the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, the Raphael Rooms, and the Egyptian Museum.


Sistine Chapel:

The guided tour of Sistine Chapel will culminate in a visit to the world-famous Sistine Chapel, known for its breathtaking frescoes, including Michelangelo's masterpiece on the ceiling. You will have the opportunity to admire the intricate details and learn about the significance of the artwork in this iconic space.


St. Peter's Basilica:

Many Vatican tours also include a visit to St. Peter's Basilica, the largest Catholic church in the world. Inside the basilica, you can marvel at its impressive architecture, sculptures, and religious artworks. Note that St. Peter's Basilica can also be visited separately from the Vatican Museums, as it does not require a ticket. And in this tour, the expert-guided tour is not applicable there. You will get a free pass to enter the St. Peter's Basilica.


Skip-the-Line Access:

Most tours provide Vatican guided tour skip the line, allowing you to bypass the long queues and enter the attractions more efficiently. This helps you save time and make the most of your visit.


Expert Guide Commentary:

With a guided tour, you'll benefit from the expertise of a knowledgeable guide who will provide commentary, historical information, and interesting anecdotes about the Vatican's art, history, and culture. They will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the exhibits and answer any questions you may have.

There are reduced-price tickets for being an EU citizen. The citizens aged between 18 to 25 years will enjoy reduced admission tickets. And there are EU complimentary tickets that can be available by EU citizens age between 6 to 18. But please keep in mind, certain places require full entry price.

No, photography is restricted inside the chapel, although you can take pictures outside the museum.

If you have any issue with mobility, you have to contact us for private access. But one thing should be noted, the sites are not wheelchair accessible. So if you use one unfortunately you can’t visit this place.

Before taking a Guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, you should know the Vatican bag policy. You can bring a small bag with you that has the necessary items. During the visit, do not bring any large bags or luggage, as it is not permissible to enter the attraction with large bags.

To get to St. Peter's Basilica from the Vatican Museums, you can follow these steps:


Exit the Sistine Chapel

As you exit the Sistine Chapel, you will find yourself in a corridor where you can take the existing route directly to St. Peter's Basilica. This route is reserved only for tour groups.


Follow the Passage:

Proceed along the passage, which will take you through a series of hallways and corridors. There are usually signs indicating the way to St. Peter's Basilica, and you can also ask the museum staff for directions if needed.


Enter St. Peter's Basilica:

The passage will lead you directly into St. Peter's Basilica, allowing you to bypass the line outside. You can enter the basilica through the main doors.


Please note that while the entrance to St. Peter's Basilica is free, security checks are still in place, and bags and belongings may be subject to inspection.


It's important to keep in mind that the availability of this passage may vary and is subject to the Vatican's discretion. Therefore, it's recommended to check with the Vatican Museums or their official website for any updates or changes regarding access from the museums to St. Peter's Basilica.


A guided tour inside St. Peter's Basilica is not included.

Yes, you can visit the Sistine Chapel on Sundays. The Sistine Chapel is open to the public on the last Sunday of each month, along with the rest of the Vatican Museums. However, it's important to note that St. Peter's Basilica has different visiting hours on Sundays, as it is a place of worship and holds religious services.

The best time of day to do a Sistine Chapel guided tour can vary depending on personal preferences and the time of year. However, here are a few general tips:


Early Morning:

Visiting the Sistine Chapel early in the morning when the Vatican Museums open can be a good option.

This is typically the least crowded time, and you may have a better chance of experiencing the chapel with fewer people around. The before hours Vatican Museums with Sistine chapel and St Peter can provide a more serene and immersive atmosphere for appreciating the artwork.


Late Afternoon:

Another less crowded time to visit the Sistine Chapel is during the late afternoon, closer to the closing time of the Vatican Museums. As the day progresses, some visitors may have already left, resulting in slightly smaller crowds. At that time Vatican city walking tours at Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel offer more extensive experience. However, it's important to check the closing time of the museums, as you'll want to make sure you have enough time to fully explore the exhibits before they close.

Yes, it is possible to do a self-guided tour of the Vatican. While guided tours can provide informative commentary and a structured itinerary, some visitors prefer the flexibility and independence of exploring the Vatican at their own pace.


While a Sistine Chapel self-guided tour offers more freedom, it's worth noting that you may miss out on detailed explanations and historical context that a knowledgeable guide can provide. However, with careful planning and research, you can still have a fulfilling and enjoyable experience exploring the Vatican independently.

Whether or not to do a guided tour of Sistine Chapel is a matter of personal preference. A guided tour can provide you with in-depth knowledge and context about the artwork and history of the Sistine Chapel. A knowledgeable guide can point out details, explain the significance of the frescoes, and share interesting stories and interpretations that you might not discover on your own.


Ultimately, it depends on your preferences, prior knowledge, and the level of insight you desire. If you are particularly interested in the art and history of the Sistine Chapel and want a more immersive experience, a guided tour Sistine Chapel can be a great choice. However, if you prefer a more flexible and Sistine Chapel self-guided tour approach, you can still appreciate the beauty and significance of the Sistine Chapel on your own.

No, you cannot visit the Vatican City without tickets. The Vatican City is a popular tourist destination and home to attractions such as the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. These attractions require tickets for entry.

To visit the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, you must purchase a ticket in advance.

It is best to be at the tour meeting spot 25 minutes early. It is the customer's duty to arrive on time. If you arrive late or don’t show up, we are sorry but we cannot accommodate you because we are already at the tour destination with other participants. Furthermore, the Vatican tour ticket price is non-refundable. A refund or cancellation of the Vatican ticket is not possible. As a result, if you miss it, you will not be refunded your ticket money.

The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are open to visitors every day from 9 am to 4 pm, except on Sundays.


Please be aware that the Basilica, being a place of worship, may occasionally close for religious activities without prior notice. It is important to note that St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Easter, December 24 and 31, and other religious holidays.


If, during your guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, the Basilica happens to be closed, we regret to inform you that it won't be possible to visit it on that particular day.


Normally, St. Peter's Basilica has another door that allows visitors to walk straight from the Sistine Chapel to the Basilica. However, please note that this door might occasionally be closed due to various reasons beyond our control. It is important to mention that access to the Basilica is not included in this tour.


While the guided tour does not include a visit to St. Peter's Basilica, you are welcome to explore the grandeur of the Basilica at your own pace using the Free Pass. Please keep in mind that there won't be a guided tour available for the Basilica itself.

Yes, hotel pick-up option is available but it is optional and comes with extra fees. Please select the Hotel transportation option at the time of tour booking. We will arrange it for you.

This tour falls under ‘All Sales Final’ status. That means the tour reservation is non-refundable and cannot be canceled once you confirm the booking.

Call us at +39 06 2757630 to cancel any trip; we're available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm. Please review other cancellation-related FAQ of this tour and the Cancellation & Refund Policy of Rome Tour Tickets before canceling this tour.

At Rome Tour Tickets, we are acutely aware of the current circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic. We are solely responsible for keeping you up to date with the most correct information.


After the post-COVID-19, reserving your ticket online is required in order to avoid unnecessary gathering in the ticket office.


There is no longer a requirement for a Green Pass, vaccination certificate, or test certificate to access the Vatican. Furthermore, there is no certificate needed to enter restaurants, museums, historical sites, etc. When traveling to Vatican City, there is no need for quarantine.


You need to take the following measures while on the tour:

  • You are required to wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose the entire time you are here. Wearing a mask is still required in some locations.
  • Maintain a social distance while on the tour.
  • While entering the venues, the visitor's temperature could be checked. A body temperature of 37.5° C or above may prevent entry to the location.
  • Due to social distance, guided tours now only allow a certain number of participants, including the guides.

Visit Covid-19 Travel Notice for the most up-to-date travel information during this epidemic.

3 hours
24
Vatican Tours
Price:

from €49.00

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