Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel Tour and Basilica Access

4.4
(3,524 reviews)
Rome, Italy

3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: German and 6 more

Explore the Vatican with an expert guide and skip the long lines to uncover the stories behind its most famous masterpieces.

Step inside the Vatican Museums and journey through centuries of art and history. Walk the Gallery of Maps and Gallery of Tapestries, and come face to face with sculptures that inspired Michelangelo, including the Apollo Belvedere and Laocoön.

Then, enter the Sistine Chapel, where your guide reveals the secrets behind Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes. Marvel at the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgment like never before.

Upgrade your tour to continue directly into St. Peter’s Basilica and admire Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin, no extra lines, just pure wonder.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want more than just a visit, experience the Vatican through the eyes of an expert who brings art, faith, and history to life.

What's Included

Access to St. Peter's Basilica (if option selected)
Professional Licensed Guide
Headsets so you can hear the guide clearly
Skip-the-ticket-line entry to the Sistine Chapel.
Team assistance at the meeting point for a smooth start
Skip-the-ticket-line entry to the Vatican Museums
Free Wi-Fi at the meeting point
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Via Vespasiano, 26

The meeting point is at the local partner's office.By metro (Line A), get off at Ottaviano. The Ottaviano metro stop is only a 10-minute walk to the office. Please note that St. Peter's Square is not the meeting point.

End point
Sistine Chapel

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Vatican City

    The Vatican City State, also known simply as the Vatican, became independent from Italy with the Lateran Treaty (1929), and it is a distinct territory under "full ownership, exclusive dominion, and sovereign authority and jurisdiction" of the Holy See, itself a sovereign entity of international law, which maintains the city state's temporal, diplomatic, and spiritual independence.With an area of 49 hectares and a population of about 825,it is the smallest state in the world by both area and population.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Vatican Museums

    Vatican Galleries including the one of the Maps, Tapestries and Candelabra. Pine Court courtyard, Pio Clementine Museum, Apollo of Belvedere, Laocoon, Nero's bathtub, Room of Muses.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Cortile della Pigna

    The Pineyard Courtyard at the Vatican Museums is a peaceful spot where classic architecture meets greenery, with Bramante’s bronze Pigna statue at its center.

    10 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Galleria dei Candelabri

    Step into the Galleria dei Candelabri, where massive marble candelabras line a magnificent corridor of ancient sculpture and sarcophagi, beautifully framed by painted vaulted ceilings and classical columns.

    15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5
    Galleria Delle Carte Geografiche

    The Gallery of Maps showcases stunning, hand-painted maps from across Italy, blending history and artistry in a breathtaking visual journey.

    15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 6
    Sistine Chapel

    Frescoes of Michelangelo

    10 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • -The Basilica of Saint Peter is closed on Wednesdays and during religious holidays.
  • -All guests must bring a photo ID for the security check.
  • -Strict timed entry: The Vatican Museums enforce strict entry times. Late arrivals or no-shows may not be admitted, and no refunds will be provided.
Supplied by Journey Tours

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Half-day Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Art Tours
Walking Tours
Religious Tours
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Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

4.4 Based on 3524 3524 reviews
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