Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & 4 Papal Basilicas Full Day Tour

4.6
(1,067 reviews)

8 hours 45 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Experience Rome’s Sacred Treasures in a Day!

Begin with priority access to the Vatican Museums, guided by an expert who brings its world-famous art collection to life. Explore galleries of classical sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, and intricate tapestries before reaching the breathtaking Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes, including The Last Judgment.

Next, visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church, where your guide reveals its architectural marvels, artistic treasures, and spiritual significance.

After a mid-day break, discover Rome’s Papal Basilicas. Admire Saint Paul Outside the Walls, built over St. Paul’s tomb and rich in history, Saint John Lateran, the Pope’s seat, and the Holy Stairs and conclude at Saint Mary Major’s gold ceilings.

This full-day tour combines Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and all four Papal Basilicas into one unforgettable experience.

What's Included

Expert, English-speaking tour guides
Group of 20 people or less
All transfers in luxury, air-conditioned minivan
Audio headsets, so you can always hear your guide
Priority Access to the Vatican Museums
Guided tour of St Peter's Basilica & 3 other Papal Basilicas
Gratuities
Transfer between tours
Lunch

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The meeting point is at the bottom of the steps which are located right next to Caffè Vaticano on the corner of Viale Vaticano and Via Tunisi. The closest Metro stop is Line A (Ottaviano – Musei Vaticani). The meeting points are the same for the morning and afternoon tours.

End point

Itinerary

Duration: 8 hours 45 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Vatican Museums

    The Vatican Museums are a must-visit for art and history lovers, featuring one of the world’s most impressive collections spanning ancient Roman artifacts, Renaissance masterpieces, and beyond. Highlights include Michelangelo’s breathtaking Sistine Chapel ceiling and the stunning frescoes of Raphael’s Rooms. Wander through ornate galleries filled with sculptures, tapestries, and maps, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Vatican City. This unparalleled experience offers a journey through centuries of creativity and religious significance.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Sistine Chapel

    The Sistine Chapel is a masterpiece of art and spirituality, renowned for Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling frescoes, including The Creation of Adam, and his powerful Last Judgment on the altar wall. Located within Vatican City, the chapel serves as a sacred space for papal ceremonies and the election of new popes. Visitors are awestruck by the intricate details, vivid colors, and profound symbolism that make it one of the greatest achievements in Western art. A visit to the Sistine Chapel is a journey into the heart of Renaissance brilliance and religious devotion.

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3
    St. Peter's Basilica

    St. Peter's Basilica is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and one of the holiest sites in Christianity. Designed by greats like Michelangelo and Bernini, its grandeur includes the iconic dome, Michelangelo’s Pietà, and Bernini’s stunning Baldachin. As the heart of the Catholic Church, it attracts pilgrims and visitors from around the world. Explore its sacred interiors filled with history, art, and devotion with your guide. A visit to St. Peter’s Basilica is an unforgettable experience of faith and architectural splendor.

    40 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    St. Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura) is one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas and a significant pilgrimage site. Built over the burial site of St. Paul, it features stunning early Christian mosaics and an awe-inspiring nave supported by towering columns. Its golden apse mosaic and portraits of every pope highlight its rich history and spiritual importance. Located just outside the ancient Aurelian Walls, this basilica is a serene and breathtaking testament to Rome’s religious and artistic heritage.

    35 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5

    St. John Lateran (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano) is the oldest and highest-ranking of Rome’s four major basilicas, serving as the cathedral of the Pope in his role as Bishop of Rome. Renowned for its stunning Baroque facade and grand interior, it features impressive sculptures of the Apostles, intricate mosaics, and the Holy Stairs, believed to have been climbed by Jesus during his trial. As the "Mother of all Churches," St. John Lateran is both a spiritual and historical landmark, offering visitors a profound connection to Rome’s religious and architectural legacy.

    45 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 6

    Your tour will end at St. Mary Major Basilica, one of the city’s most significant and beautiful churches. As a major papal basilica, it’s celebrated for its stunning mosaics that date back to the 5th century, depicting biblical scenes in vibrant detail. The basilica combines architectural styles from early Christianity to the Baroque, featuring treasures like the gold-encrusted ceiling and Bernini’s tomb. A symbol of devotion to the Virgin Mary, it’s a spiritual and artistic gem that offers visitors a glimpse into Rome’s rich religious and cultural heritage.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • All four basilicas are subject to last-minute closures for religious ceremonies during the Papal Jubilee. Furthermore, access through the holy doors is not possible, as the site is expected to be busy
Supplied by City Wonders Ltd

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Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Religious Tours
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Excellent Quality
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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