Unveil Vatican Secrets: Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour

3.6
(5 reviews)
Rome, Italy

3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Take a 3-hour guided walking tour of one of the holiest sites in Christendom — the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. This exceptional tour includes, among other galleries of the Vatican corridors, a tour of the Pine Courtyard, Belvedere Courtyard, the Gallery of Maps, Candelabra Gallery, Pio Clementino's Rooms, the Tapestry Gallery, and a comprehensive visit of the Sistine Chapel. Your expert guide will lead you to some of the major attractions, as well as to lesser-known spots that many visitors miss. Next, visit Michelangelo's Pietà at St. Peter's Basilica and other highlights, guided by your expert throughout this part of the tour as well.

✔ Explore the vast galleries of the Vatican Museums with a guide in your chosen language
✔ Discover Michelangelo's masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel
✔ Skip-the-ticket-line access to the Vatican Museums
✔ Skip-the-ticket-line access to the Sistine Chapel
✔ Skip the ticket lines to enter St. Peter's Basilica
✔ Tour guide

What's Included

Charging stations for your devices & Bathroom access
Expert tour guide
Headphones
Free Wi-Fi at the meeting point
Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica
Skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Transportation
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Via Germanico, 8

Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions. -Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • Via Germanico, 8 (Pass by)

    Meet your expert guide at Via Germanico, 8, near the Vatican Museums entrance. Your guide will assist with check-in and provide an overview of the tour before entry.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1
    Vatican Museums

    Begin your exploration of the Vatican Museums — home to one of the world’s greatest art collections. Walk through grand corridors filled with masterpieces that span centuries of art, culture, and history.

    40 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Museo Pio Clementino

    Discover world-famous sculptures like Laocoön and His Sons and Apollo Belvedere. Learn how these works embody the rediscovery of classical beauty during the Renaissance.

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3

    Admire Bramante’s architectural vision connecting the Vatican Palace to ancient sculpture gardens, offering beautiful open-air views and artistic harmony.

    10 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Galleria dei Candelabri

    Walk through this marble-adorned gallery filled with ancient Roman statues, rich columns, and ornate candelabra that showcase the grandeur of papal decoration.

    10 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5
    Gallery of Tapestries

    Marvel at exquisite Flemish tapestries based on Raphael’s designs, illustrating biblical stories with breathtaking craftsmanship and color.

    10 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 6
    Gallery of Maps

    Travel through time and geography as you view detailed frescoed maps of Italy painted in the 16th century, highlighting the artistry and influence of the papacy.

    10 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 7
    Sistine Chapel

    Enter the Sistine Chapel and witness Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes — The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment. Experience a sacred silence while absorbing one of humanity’s greatest artistic achievements. (Note: Guiding is not permitted inside; explanations are provided before entry.)

    35 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 8
    St. Peter's Basilica

    Climb to the Dome for panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome.

    45 minutes Admission ticket included
  • Saint Peter’s Basilica (Pass by)

    Your tour concludes near Basilica di San Pietro where you can continue exploring or enjoy a relaxing break nearby.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Fast-track entry is included for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. However, access to St. Peter’s Basilica may still require a wait due to mandatory security checks.
  • Please note: Pets, weapons or sharp objects, shorts, and short skirts are not allowed during the tour.
  • St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 AM to 12 PM. During these times, the tour will visit other parts of the Vatican Museums.
  • St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel may close without prior notice; if this occurs, your guide will adjust the itinerary to explore other areas of the museums.
Supplied by Chao Rome Tour

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Tags

Half-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Art Tours
Walking Tours
Religious Tours
DSA non-compliant
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

3.6 Based on 5 5 reviews
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