Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel + Optional Basilica

4.7
(6,046 reviews)

2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Save time and energy at the Vatican Museums with skip-the-line, timed entry that lets you bypass long queues and head straight inside. Explore the highlights with your guide, including the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms, and the Gallery of Maps, while learning the rich history, art, and architecture behind these masterpieces. With expert commentary, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the Vatican’s treasures and enjoy a more meaningful visit. Upgrade to a small-group tour for a more personalized experience, or extend your visit with priority entry to St. Peter’s Basilica. Prefer to focus only on St. Peter’s? Select the Basilica-only option for a guided visit inside.
Short on time? Opt for the 1.5-hour tour to breeze through the Vatican Museums and be among the first to enter the Sistine Chapel.

What's Included

Skip the Line Access to Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (except when Basilica Only option selected)
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Guided Tour
Direct Access to St. Peter's Basilica (only when option selected)
Food and drinks
Tips
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.
End point
This activity ends in a different location. You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.

Ticket Redemption Point

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Vatican Museums

    Visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel on your own or with a guide (if option selected). Tickets provide skip the line access.

    10 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 2

    Explore one of the Vatican's many open air courtyards. This one is decorated with a giant bronze pinecone sculpture, giving the courtyard its name.

    15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • (Pass by)

    Access Vatican Museums and discover the famous "Sphere within a Sphere" sculpture.

    Admission ticket free
  • 3

    The Vatican Museums are divided into many smaller, unique museums. Among them, the Museo Pio Clementino is likely the most important, and the many highlights it contains cannot be missed! Stop at the Octagonal Courtyard for the Laocoonte and the Apollo Belvedere -- or the Round Room for the giant marble bathtub patrolled by an enormous bronze statue of Heracles. Spot a sculpture of your favorite fauna at the Room of the Animals, or just marvel at the 3D painted vaults of the Gallery of the Candelabra.

    45 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4

    One of the most popular galleries of the Museums, make a stop here and try to spot the Italian cities you have travelled to, or your ancestor's hometown. These hand-painted maps, dating to the late 1500's, can also be admired for the exquisite attention to detail and embellishments. See if you can spot the nod to Christopher Columbus' voyage across the Atlantic...

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5

    Admire Raphael's Rooms -- painted by the master himself and his pupils around the same time as the Sistine Chapel -- and inspired and challenged by Michelangelo's greatest masterpiece.

    5 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 6
    Sistine Chapel

    Michelangelo's masterpiece, take time to admire the vaults.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 7
    St. Peter's Basilica

    Only for tours where the option to access St. Peter's Basilica is selected in the booking process, access directly from the Sistine Chapel to the Basilica, skipping the outside security lines, will be provided. Your tour will end at the entrance to the Basilica and, after an introduction, you will be free to explore on your own inside.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • St. Peter's Square (Pass by)

    An introduction to the Square of St. Peter's will be provided for tours where access to St. Peter's Basilica is included.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children 6 and under are entitled to free access to the Vatican Museums (with proof of age)
  • Children aged 7-18 are entitled to a reduced entry fee (see tour and ticket pricing) and must provide proof of age.
  • Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
Supplied by EcoArt Travel

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Tags

Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Art Tours
Walking Tours
Religious Tours
Excellent Quality
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Curated Catalog
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

4.7 Based on 6046 6046 reviews
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1 star
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