Spend more time inside when you skip the ticket line at the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel through an official, priority entrance. On this comprehensive guided tour, you’ll experience the best of the Vatican in just 3 hours.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Small group available
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 2.5 - 3 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Skip the line through a separate entrance
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, Spanish, French, German, Italian
Experience
Highlights
- Enjoy faster than skip-the-line access through the official Vatican Partner Entrance
- Skip the ticket line for St Peter’s Basilica
- See the Sistine Chapel, Vatican, Raphael Rooms, the Papal collections, the famous Gallery of Maps and more
- Hear in-depth stories behind the art from your expert English-speaking guide
- Make the most of exclusive access, with a maximum group of 20 people
Full description
COVID-19 Update
Due to health and safety regulations, this itinerary may change. See Know before you go for the latest updates.
Your 3-hour journey begins when with skipping the ticket line and being whisked straight into the Vatican through the Official Partner entrance. Once inside, your expert guide will show you the best of the Pinecone Courtyard, Gallery of Tapestries, and the highlights of the Papal art collection in the Raphael Rooms.
These are just a few of the rooms you will discover as we take you deeper into the Vatican. You’ll then spend time with Michelangelo’s most famous masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel, where your guide will highlight the key details for you not to miss. Next your guide will then take you to St Peter’s Basilica, which is larger than the Statue of Liberty, so you can gaze up into its massive dome and see its iconic sculptures, mosaics and hidden details.
The tour then ends in St. Peter’s Square, where the faithful gather to listen when the Pope appears. By the end, you’ll have heard about the key facts, history of the Vatican and understand how it has helped shaped the world we are in today. You will also see the important aspects of Vatican architecture, demanding politics, and the artistic secrets it contains. This is a truly memorable experience not to be missed!
Includes
- Exclusive skip-the-ticket-line partner access to the Vatican Museums
- Access to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's
- Tour guide
- Audio headsets
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- St Peter's Dome ticket
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
COVID-19 precautions
Customers must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed
Safety measures in place
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Meeting point varies depending on option booked.
Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Face mask or protective covering
Not allowed
- Shorts
- Baby strollers
- Short skirts
- Sleeveless shirts
Know before you go
- The Basilica is currently not accessible
- All visitors must pass through airport-style security. During high season the wait at security may be up to 30 minutes.
- Comfortable shoes are recommended.
- The local tour provider is unable to accommodate visitors with wheelchairs or with walking disabilities
- Entrance to the Vatican is subject to a strict dress code. Shoulders and knees must be covered. No low-cut/ sleeveless tops or shorts. Clients who do not adhere to the dress code will not be permitted entry.
- Access to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Square may be closed in the morning due to the Papal Audience.
- From April - Oct, the tour will include a shorter guided tour of the Basilica.
- From Nov - March, there will be no guided tour inside the Basilica, due to restrictions. Your guide will offer an explanation from outside, and you can still enter the Basilica independently.
- In both cases, tour duration is not affected.
