Skip-the-Line Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour
Vatican City, Rome
Explore the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica on an expertly guided tour with pre-reserved entry tickets included. Admire famous art in the Pio Clementino and Raphael Rooms.
This guided tour in Vatican City offers timed entry to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica, ideal for art and history enthusiasts.
Highlights
- Enter the Vatican Museums with timed entry tickets
- Explore the main galleries of the Vatican Museums with an expert guide
- Admire Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel
- Enter St. Peter's Basilica through the reserved Scala Regia entrance
- Discover hidden artworks with an expert guide and included audio headsets
Description
Skip the general admission lines with timed entry tickets and explore the Vatican Museums' vast galleries. Your expert guide will lead you through the Gallery of the Candelabra, Gallery of Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps, which features painted topographical maps of Italy by Ignazio Danti.
Visit the Raphael Rooms, where frescoes depict classical themes and ancient history, including Raphael’s masterpiece, The School of Athens. Continue to the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgement in silence.
Conclude the tour with privileged access to St. Peter’s Basilica through the Scala Regia entrance, avoiding long lines. Inside, see Michelangelo's La Pieta and Bernini's Il Baldacchino altarpiece.
Includes
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Timed entry Vatican Museums tickets
- Vatican Museums guided tour
- Visit to the Raphael Rooms and Pinecone Courtyard
- Entry to the Sistine Chapel
- Privileged access to Scala Regia (except Wednesday mornings)
- Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica (except Wednesday mornings)
- Audio headsets (for groups of 6 or more)
Excludes
- Guide tips
Important: St. Peter’s Basilica is closed Wednesday mornings until 1:30pm for the Papal Audience, so basilica entry is not included during this time. Tours starting after 3:30pm any day are not guaranteed entry to the basilica. Parts of the Vatican or St. Peter's Basilica may close unexpectedly during state visits or special events.
Important Information
- On Wednesdays, St. Peter’s Basilica is not visited due to mass; guides will add visits inside the Vatican Museums instead.
- All visitors must pass airport-style security, which can take up to 30 minutes during high season.
- The Sistine Chapel may close unexpectedly for religious or political events.
- The tour involves walking, stairs, and uneven terrain; it is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. A soft baby carrier is recommended.
- Knees and shoulders must be covered to enter the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Hats and flip-flops are not allowed. Non-compliance may result in denied entry.
- Silence is required inside the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will explain what you will see before entering.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, book your tickets in advance and dress appropriately to meet the Vatican's dress code.
