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The Phantom of the Opera
This masterpiece has been enchanting audiences since 1986 with its iconic score & set design.
The Phantom of the Opera
This masterpiece has been enchanting audiences since 1986 with its iconic score & set design.
The Phantom of the Opera
This masterpiece has been enchanting audiences since 1986 with its iconic score & set design.
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Gain deeper insight into the museums' treasures and Michelangelo’s frescoes with an expert guide.
- Everything you get: Skip the long ticketing lines—saving 1–2 hours—and explore the Vatican Museums with your expert guide. Visit iconic galleries like the Gallery of Maps and the Raphael Rooms, then step into the Sistine Chapel with the context that brings Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment to life.
- Why choose this: The Vatican collection is so extensive it could take 48 days to see it all. In a group of just 20 people, this tour helps you discover the most important works in just a few hours, with expert insights that make them unforgettable.
- Upgrades: Prefer a more personal, engaging experience? Choose a small-group tour with fewer than 15 guests. You can also add an open-bus tour of the Vatican Gardens for exclusive access to the sprawling green spaces hidden behind the museums.
Gain deeper insight into the museums' treasures and Michelangelo’s frescoes with an expert guide.
- Everything you get: Skip the long ticketing lines—saving 1–2 hours—and explore the Vatican Museums with your expert guide. Visit iconic galleries like the Gallery of Maps and the Raphael Rooms, then step into the Sistine Chapel with the context that brings Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment to life.
- Why choose this: The Vatican collection is so extensive it could take 48 days to see it all. In a group of just 20 people, this tour helps you discover the most important works in just a few hours, with expert insights that make them unforgettable.
- Upgrades: Prefer a more personal, engaging experience? Choose a small-group tour with fewer than 15 guests. You can also add an open-bus tour of the Vatican Gardens for exclusive access to the sprawling green spaces hidden behind the museums.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
- Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
- Explore with a group of up to 20 people
- Guided tour of Vatican Gardens (as per option selected)
- Small group tour (as per option selected)
- Nighttime tour (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Entry to St. Peter's Basilica and/or guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
- Names on tickets must match a valid photo ID. Double-check the details at checkout for a smooth entry.
- Your ticket includes a specific entry time and delays might lead to denied entry. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your chosen slot.
- Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
- While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
- When in Sistine Chapel, silence is mandatory and photography is prohibited. Guides will provide all necessary and interesting details before entry.
- If you've chosen the tour with Vatican Gardens, note that it includes access to only select Museum galleries (Gallery of Candelabras, Gallery of Maps, and Gallery of Tapestries).
- Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas of the Vatican Museums may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies. Additionally, entrance to St. Peter's Basilica may also experience unannounced closures.
- The Vatican Museums reserve the right to close any section, including the Sistine Chapel, due to unforeseen circumstances. The closure of any museum section does not entitle visitors to any refund.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
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4.3
16,398 ratings
9.7K
3.9K
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Guests from United States, United Kingdom, France and over 91 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Timothy
May 2025Verified booking
Maurizio was an amazing tour guide. His knowledge about every piece of art was sensational. 100% would do this tour again! Very seamless pickup at meeting location and walking us into Vatican City, guiding us through security. Only feedback is not on tour guide but the headsets used. The system is a bit finicky. The headphones are a bit uncomfortable. I'd say the vox or similar wired headphone systems are superior.
Julie
May 2025Verified booking
I am glad that I bought tickets ahead of time to avoid the long lines. It was very crowded, but we made it through. To see the Vatican museum in person was breathtaking!
Andrea
May 2025Verified booking
The guide was knowledgeable and personable. I loved it! However, I think it should have been written somewhere anyway since the ticket bought also covered the Sistine Chapel, which would be closed as of April 28.This was not indicated anywhere.
View original review in Italian
Agostino
Apr 2025Verified booking
Due to indisposition of the guide for the Vatican Museums, we had our booked visit varied to include the Vatican gardens. Still, it was a good experience, expertly illustrated by the lady who guided us. The presence of a very large audience somewhat marred our expectations so we will repeat the experience in quieter times. Thank you.
View original review in Italian
Lynn
Apr 2025Verified booking
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly! She taught us so much about the Vatican and explained the most important aspects of what we were seeing. We were able to skip the long lines. It was easy to find our meeting point. I would highly recommend booking with them. Worth every penny!!
Paul
Apr 2025Verified booking
Absolutely amazing seeing all of those incredible works of art. It would take a lifetime to see and hear the history behind all of the priceless works.
Judith
Mar 2025Verified booking
The service was exceptional. We arrived late, quite upset as our plans had not worked out as we hoped, expecting to be told that we'd missed our tour. Alex (or Alec?) quickly took us to the Vatican entrance where he was able to locate our guide and your group. We couldn't be more thankful for him for that. Lucia, our guide, was informative and helpful, offering to take photos of group members at different points on the tour. We will use this company again and highly recommend them to other tourists.
Doriano
Mar 2025Verified booking
Acceptance and entrance to museums very fast,assistants very professional and kind,guide very good and engaging;I highly recommend this experience.
View original review in Italian
DERLY
Mar 2025Verified booking
Carmelo, our guide was exceptional! He explained everything very well and in a very pleasant way! Please note that this tour is only VATICAN MUSEUMS and SIXTINE CHAPEL, it does not include entrance to St. Peter's Basilica. We loved everything we saw and heard!
View original review in Spanish
MARCO
May 2025Verified booking
Punctuality, clear detailed explanation of the guide, mastery of the topics related to the tour, good treatment to people. Faster and direct access to the different museums. Well organized.
View original review in Spanish
Kishor
May 2025Verified booking
We attended the guided tour as a family and had a wonderful experience exploring the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The guide was knowledgeable , bringing the rich history and incredible art to life. The collection is vast and truly awe-inspiring — a must-see in Rome
Myrna
May 2025Verified booking
We did actually "Skip-the-line". The process was easy and communication from the tour company was great! Our tour guide, Mauricio, was very knowledgeable and gave detailed information. He was even funny.:) Worth every euro I paid!
Jane
May 2025Verified booking
The Guide was excellent. After the tour, he offered to bring us to St. Peter's Square. It just so happened we were there when the Pope Leo was elected. It was brilliant.
Ingrid
May 2025Verified booking
It just said the place and being it was a lot of groups, the information wasn´t clear who to look for. We did other tours and for those they had a meeting point and- kind of "look for yellow tshirt - saying xxxxxx "
Sueli
May 2025Verified booking
Everything went smoothly. Punctuality and ease. The guide Valentina was great, giving us all the information and answering all our questions and curiosities. The visit is a must for anyone going to the Vatican.
View original review in Portuguese
PAOLA
May 2025Verified booking
excellent experience, the people who met us at the meeting point and then escorted us to the museum were very kind and efficient, quick entrance and no lines. The visit, despite a crazy crowd of people, went very well and the guide was very good, I really liked the initial moment where he introduced us via videos placed at the entrance of the museum to the Sistine Chapel, pointing out details that we would not have noticed on our own and then researched during the visit.
View original review in Italian
James
May 2025Verified booking
Loved the tour of the Vatican museum. The tour guide was very informative and the museum was amazing. Had a little trouble finding my tickets and the meeting place. Unfortunately the Sistine Chapel was closed due the Popes passing.
Ana
May 2025Verified booking
The address of the meeting point with the guide was wrong. Although I asked by email a few days before, I was given the wrong address. There were too many people in the Vatican Museums!
View original review in Spanish
Lourdes
May 2025Verified booking
I didn't expect that the Sistine Chapel wasn't part of the tour. If there has been changes, we could have been informed beforehand for transparency. We were just surprised when the tour guide told us that the Sistine Chapel was closed in preparation for the Conclave and we won't see it. If we were refunded partially for the ticket then we would be pleased. The tour was prolonged in the Vatican Museum to compensate for the booked 2 hour tour guide. We mainly booked the tour because of the Sistine Chapel. Tough the tour guide was very knowlegeable.
GUEUGNEAU
May 2025Verified booking
We were well looked after and the visit went well. Our guide was superb. Nevertheless, given the price of the tickets, even if the Sistine Chapel is closed for good reasons, a commercial gesture would have been welcome rather than a visit to a museum wing...
View original review in French
Astrid
May 2025Verified booking
Our guide was super friendly and kind, but because both the sixtine chappel and the St Peter where closed we spend a lot of time in the museum. After 2,5h it's just not that interesting anymore. In the end he was able to get us into the st Peter, but the time was up so inside we did not get any tour/explanation. It's not his fault of course, he made the best of the situation - but for us it was a disapointment
Wilber
May 2025Verified booking
Guide Martin Silva was fantastic, he knows everything and everyone!!! It was an incredible experience where he paid a lot of attention to everyone. Including my 7-year-old daughter. I recommend it!!!
View original review in Portuguese
Mary
May 2025Verified booking
Excellent tour guide - very knowledgeable , really lovely person - although very busy not too long to wait. Ticket system worked smoothly too
Eugenia
Apr 2025Verified booking
Julia our guide was exceptional. She answered all our questions and was very patient with us since English is not our first language.
View original review in Spanish
Karan
Apr 2025Verified booking
Very knowledgeable and friendly tour guide. She ensured everyone had a chance to ask questions and was ok during the tour. I'd highly recommend going on a tour. It wouldn't have been the same if we had viewed the Vatican by ourselves because we would miss out on a lot of detail and significance/purpose behind certain artwork.
Explore all three Vatican highlights with skip-the-line access to the Museums and exclusive entry to the basilica via a hidden passage.
- Everything you get: Skip the ticketing queues and follow your expert guide through the Vatican Museums, including the Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms, and more. Get all the context you need before stepping into the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces. Enter St. Peter’s Basilica directly—skipping the 2-hour queue—through a special passageway from the Chapel.
- Why choose this: This shortcut takes you straight from the Sistine Chapel into St. Peter’s Basilica, saving you hours of waiting. With over a millennium of history, St. Peter’s is packed with must-see treasures, and your guide ensures you don’t miss the iconic rooms and hidden stories you'd likely miss on your own.
- Upgrade: Go for a fully guided tour inside St. Peter’s Basilica for a deeper, more immersive experience. Explore with an expert who brings its history to life and gain deeper context inside one of the world’s most important churches.
Explore all three Vatican highlights with skip-the-line access to the Museums and exclusive entry to the basilica via a hidden passage.
- Everything you get: Skip the ticketing queues and follow your expert guide through the Vatican Museums, including the Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms, and more. Get all the context you need before stepping into the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces. Enter St. Peter’s Basilica directly—skipping the 2-hour queue—through a special passageway from the Chapel.
- Why choose this: This shortcut takes you straight from the Sistine Chapel into St. Peter’s Basilica, saving you hours of waiting. With over a millennium of history, St. Peter’s is packed with must-see treasures, and your guide ensures you don’t miss the iconic rooms and hidden stories you'd likely miss on your own.
- Upgrade: Go for a fully guided tour inside St. Peter’s Basilica for a deeper, more immersive experience. Explore with an expert who brings its history to life and gain deeper context inside one of the world’s most important churches.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
- Reserved entry to St. Peter's Basilica
- Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)
- Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
- Semi private tour with a max group of 10 (as per option selected)
- Early morning tour with St. Peter's Basilica and Dome climb (as per option selected)
- Headphones
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Entry to St. Peter's Basilica Dome
- Names on tickets must match a valid photo ID. Double-check the details at checkout for a smooth entry.
- Your ticket includes a specific entry time. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your chosen slot.
- Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
- While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
- When in Sistine Chapel, silence is mandatory and photography is prohibited. Guides will provide all necessary and interesting details before entry.
- Expect a considerable wait at the security line, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour!
- Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies or unforeseen circumstances. St. Peter's Basilica may also experience unannounced closures. The closure of any museum section does not entitle visitors to any refund.
- St. Peter’s Basilica may be closed on Wednesday mornings and afternoons due to the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square. If you’d like to attend, book an exclusive invitation with guaranteed seating.
- With the Jubilee underway, all entrances to St. Peter's Basilica are restricted. Therefore, in order to secure access, it will be necessary to complete the reservation no later than 5 days before the experience.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
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4.4
19,297 ratings
12.8K
3.7K
1.2K
652
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Guests from United States, France, United Kingdom and over 99 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Sandra
May 2025Verified booking
Carmelo was our guide, besides telling us a lot of history he made the tour a lot of fun. It was worth paying what we paid because we skipped endless lines and he gave us tips once the visits were over. I highly recommend him.
View original review in Spanish
Stephen
May 2025Verified booking
Everything that was mentioned in the tour we saw. Our guide Olga explained so much to the in-depth knowledge & history of The Vatican & sacred places. The crowds were overwhelming but Olga was able to guide us safely to the best vantage points
Laura
May 2025Verified booking
The tour was amazing. The tour guide we had (a lady with short brown hair and glasses whose name I didn't catch) was so nice and knowledgeable. We had 2 members of our group with mobility issues and she did her best to accommodate. Loved the details of the art and history. Very very enjoyable and would highly recommend.
Felipe
May 2025Verified booking
Very complete visit, the meeting point very easy to locate. I would have liked to have been able to enjoy a little more of the Sistine Chapel, but there were many people and we passed quickly. Otherwise everything was great !!!!
View original review in Spanish
Jurgita
May 2025Verified booking
First time in Rome for us. Booked a tour with Once Upon a Time tours to learn more about the Vatican museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's basilica. Our group consisted of people from Switzerland, Netherlands, America, Canada. Our guide was Marta and she managed to take us through all the beauty that these impressive buildings have to offer in a fun and interesting way. Thanks to Marta we now know that the locals here do not know cheese but mozerella ;-) It was an experience never to forget. And will definitely come back for this again. Grazie mille Rome, grazie mille Marta it was fantastic!!! Jurgita & Edwin from Holland
Tiffany
May 2025Verified booking
Absolutely loved our guide, Antonio that also speaks Japanese. He was knowledgeable and passionate about his tours. He knew the end and outs making it unforgettable.
Chloé
May 2025Verified booking
Very good guide bravo! However, we didn't have time to go to St Peter's Basilica, even though it was included in the ticket.
View original review in French
Anna
May 2025Verified booking
We visited the Vatican Museums with an exceptional guide named Marco and we were really thrilled with the experience. Marco was very well prepared, clear in his explanations and very passionate: he was able to convey to us the importance and beauty of the works of art in an engaging and never boring way. Thanks to him we were able to better appreciate the richness of the Vatican Museums, and the whole tour. We highly recommend this guided tour, especially with Marco: he made our day unforgettable!
View original review in Italian
Lori
May 2025Verified booking
Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about both the history of all sites but also about how to effectively navigate the journey through the spaces during such an extremely crowded time. Due to the jubilee crowds we had some delays, and our tour ran long. She did not rush through the museums, nd gave us the complete tour anyway. Seeing that some on the group were getting tired, she sought out places to sit and rest, and was more concerned with everyone's health and happiness than ending on time. A native Roman, the depth of her knowledge, her personal perspectives, and her passion were amazing! Since the sistene chapel was closed, she spent 20 minutes using picture handouts to talk through the meaning of the art inside. The climb to the dome was my favorite part - to be inside seeing the mosaics and the perspective of such a grand church from above were incredible!
Vanessa
Apr 2025Verified booking
Our guide Theresa was simply great! She told and explained everything so well. The whole tour was super nice and absolutely recommendable.
View original review in German
Harriet
Apr 2025Verified booking
Fantastic tour! It's worth it to skip the queues and have a guided tour with a small group. Wonderful experience which I would reccomend to anyone and will absolutely do it again.
Helen
Apr 2025Verified booking
Our guide, Francesca, was funny and easy to listen to. She brought the history to life with her stories and kept us all interested at what was a very busy time in the Vatican. The Vatican museums and gardens were stunning, the Sistine Chapel was breathtaking and St Peter's Basilicia was beautiful. Francesca's stories about the art in the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo's antics were the highlight for me.
Erin
Apr 2025Verified booking
Our tour of the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's basilica was amazing. The crowds were crazy but our tour guide kept us together and helped us get where we wanted to go. Her information was great and she was entertaining.
Harry
Apr 2025Verified booking
The guide was phenomenal !!! So knowledgeable, so invested in the history, and importing that to the group. Her timing, for ingress and egress to specific areas was so beneficial to the whole experience.
Leone
Apr 2025Verified booking
What an amazing tour. Natalia our guide was so well spoken and had such a vast knowledge of so much of the roman history, art ,culture and religion. I had my 85 and 86yr old Aunts with me and she was so considerate and kind to them and didn't rush them. It was a fabulous tour. From the book in to the end it was well run and operated very smoothly. Well worth it . It was longer than we thought and a lot of walking so bring small snacks and water!! Thank you crown tours for a wonderful experience .
Montejo
Apr 2025Verified booking
The guide revealed a wealth of interesting information about Vatican City, the museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. It was an unforgettable experience.
View original review in French
Anthony
Mar 2025Verified booking
I love the entire surreal experience with Vatican Museum,Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica self guided tour. She was an excellent tour guide on everything she talks about. I would highly recommend her and tour company. It was very easy to meet up and how organize it was. Thank you for the wonderful experience. #firsttimeinItaly!!!!
Yulia
Mar 2025Verified booking
Great visit with guide Paola, we didn't have to hear to get into the museums and we learned so much!
View original review in French
LUIS
Mar 2025Verified booking
Excellent tour. Crown tours an excellent company sent me reminders days before to confirm and the same day. This is important if you have different tours or activities. Marco the guide gave us an excellent explanation of everything, which reveals his extensive knowledge of art history. I recommend him 100%.
View original review in Spanish
stacie
Mar 2025Verified booking
Fred was amazing. Our group was small which was even better. He was super informative without being boring or too lengthy. He moved us through swiftly without rushing and was super joyful.
Rafael
Mar 2025Verified booking
It was a great success to have booked the guided tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica with Headout. I did not know you but I trusted the comments and I was right. Alessandro (our guide) was very experienced in getting around the Vatican and very knowledgeable in explaining each part of the Vatican. It is definitely worth your guided tour and I have to say that it is perfect value for money. Thank you.
View original review in Spanish
Yasmin
Mar 2025Verified booking
The highlight of our visit to th Vatican was going through the holy door, the crowd was not as bad as I thought they would be. Our host was great she took her time explaining and giving us the history behind the painting/structures/rooms. We spent most of our time in St. Peter basilica, we where able to go underground to see the tomb of the pope's. The we did some shopping in the Vatican store, it was a great experience.
Ramiro
Mar 2025Verified booking
The Vatican museums are simply stunning! They are truly worth visiting. We got along very well with Pietro, our guide, who guided us step by step through these wonderful rooms full of masterpieces.
View original review in Italian
Davide
Mar 2025Verified booking
Fantastic experience, the guide Susanna immersed us in a fascinating journey through works of art and fantastic places , the excellent explanations of the historical periods and the artists who made them, created a wonderful atmosphere of involvement and attention that we can rarely find in other guided tour experiences . We highly recommend a visit to the Vatican museums , Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's if you find yourself passing through Rome with this agency and if you then have the opportunity to have Susanna as your guide you will certainly have a wonderful experience as well .
View original review in Italian
Marie
Mar 2025Verified booking
Our guide was great! The explanations were very clear, and we appreciated the anecdotes. We'll always remember this visit!
View original review in French
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Tour at a relaxed pace with fewer than 15 guests—for more personal guidance and deeper engagement.
- Everything you get: Skip long ticketing lines and explore the Vatican Museums in a small group for a smoother, crowd-free experience. With your expert guide, navigate iconic rooms like the Raphael Rooms and Gallery of Maps, then step into the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment—with time and space to truly take it in.
- Why choose this: A smaller group means fewer distractions, more personal attention, and time to engage deeply with the art and your guide.
Tour at a relaxed pace with fewer than 15 guests—for more personal guidance and deeper engagement.
- Everything you get: Skip long ticketing lines and explore the Vatican Museums in a small group for a smoother, crowd-free experience. With your expert guide, navigate iconic rooms like the Raphael Rooms and Gallery of Maps, then step into the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment—with time and space to truly take it in.
- Why choose this: A smaller group means fewer distractions, more personal attention, and time to engage deeply with the art and your guide.
Inclusions
- Small group of up to 15 guests
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
- Escorted entrance to St. Peter's Basilica via an exclusive passage
- Expert English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, or German-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- Headsets
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Names on tickets must match a valid photo ID. Double-check the details at checkout for a smooth entry.
- Your ticket includes a specific entry time as delays can lead to denied entry. Arrive punctually to maximize your experience.
- While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
- When in Sistine Chapel, silence is mandatory and photography is prohibited. Guides will provide all necessary and interesting details before entry.
- Expect a considerable wait at the security line, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour.
- After exiting the Sistine Chapel, you will have an expedited escort through the Sistine Chapel directly to the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica.
- For reservations made less than 72 hours in advance, access to the Basilica cannot be guaranteed due to ticketing restrictions.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.4
2,361 ratings
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Guests from United States, United Kingdom, France and over 40 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Desiree
May 2025Verified booking
Paula was an excellent guide through the Vatican - there were extremely many visitors and she made the best of it, told us lots of interesting things and didn't dwell on the little things (e.g. vases). We knew that the Sistine Chapel was closed, but it would have been good to have been informed in advance that St. Peter's Basilica was also only partially open to visitors!
View original review in German
Astrid
May 2025Verified booking
Our guide was super friendly and kind, but because both the sixtine chappel and the St Peter where closed we spend a lot of time in the museum. After 2,5h it's just not that interesting anymore. In the end he was able to get us into the st Peter, but the time was up so inside we did not get any tour/explanation. It's not his fault of course, he made the best of the situation - but for us it was a disapointment
Eugenia
Apr 2025Verified booking
Julia our guide was exceptional. She answered all our questions and was very patient with us since English is not our first language.
View original review in Spanish
Karan
Apr 2025Verified booking
Very knowledgeable and friendly tour guide. She ensured everyone had a chance to ask questions and was ok during the tour. I'd highly recommend going on a tour. It wouldn't have been the same if we had viewed the Vatican by ourselves because we would miss out on a lot of detail and significance/purpose behind certain artwork.
Felisbela
Apr 2025Verified booking
Excellent. Our guide was very knowledgeable and pleasant, making a very stressful and congested experience into an unforgettable one. Thank you.
Shawn
Apr 2025Verified booking
Sarah was amazing...made a very crowded and stressful tour very manageable and interesting in a personal way - so glad we booked this!
Adriana
Apr 2025Verified booking
We managed to get in without queues, and the guide was very attentive to the group, which was not that big. We received explanations of the Vatican museums all the time.
View original review in Spanish
Brian
Apr 2025Verified booking
Despite the large number of guests, everything was well organized. Our tour guide was very friendly and knew a lot, but her English was sometimes difficult to understand.
View original review in German
Betty
Mar 2025Verified booking
Sylvia was such a delightful tour guide. Her pleasant personality and vivaciousness kept us interested in her presentation. She's very knowledgeable and really took great care of us. We had our 10 year-old granddaughter with us and she took special moments to include her and make sure that she was happy as well.
DELEERSNYDER
Mar 2025Verified booking
A really interesting and comprehensive tour. Our guide, Marc, had a perfect command of French and an encyclopedic knowledge of the subject.
View original review in French
Heather
Mar 2025Verified booking
The tour was great. Our guide Christina was amazing, so knowledgable and engaging, and helped us to make the most out of our visit. The pace of the tour was great as well, and the group a good size.
Regula
Mar 2025Verified booking
We had a very nice Roman lady Paula as a guide, was great, very lively, just far too many people😇grazie
View original review in German
Charles
May 2025Verified booking
The Aussie guide knew her stuff ; the entire tour was educational as well as looking at history .
Caroline
May 2025Verified booking
Natalia was an excellent, informative and helpful guide. A lovely tour that made the most of a very busy place.
Paul
May 2025Verified booking
Our tour guide was fantastic and very kind
William
May 2025Verified booking
Our guide was amazing. Very knowledgeable, friendly and open to questions. Added so much to our experience.
Joanna
May 2025Verified booking
well informed guide lots of interesting exhibits in the museum
GIBAULT
Apr 2025Verified booking
Very good guide, very interesting and very nice. Of course, it was beautiful, fantastic.
View original review in French
Michelle
Mar 2025Verified booking
Very informative and the small group size was perfect. Our guide Koen was the best!
Henry
Mar 2025Verified booking
The guide, Maggie. Very knowledgeable and engaging.
Tanja
Mar 2025Verified booking
Great knowledge from Paula! It was very exciting and impressive
View original review in German
Julie
Mar 2025Verified booking
We really enjoyed our tour. Our guide, Fabiona, was excellent! Thank you so much!
Diana
Mar 2025Verified booking
Crowds were bad but Maya was great. She is a walking encyclopedia.
NIKKI
May 2025Verified booking
Darryl
May 2025Verified booking
Save 1–2 hours by skipping ticketing lines and explore the Vatican’s treasures on your schedule.
- Everything you get: Enter the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel at your selected time—no waiting at ticket counters. Stroll through iconic galleries, from ancient Roman sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces in the Gallery of Maps, before arriving at the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes.
- Why choose this: Most visitors spend hours in line—this ticket gets you inside fast, so you can spend that time with the art. Once inside, explore at your own pace with no fixed route or guide schedule.
- Upgrades: Skip all logistics with hosted entry—a local rep meets you, validates your ticket, and walks you in. Once inside, explore freely or add an audio guide with expert commentary in 12 languages for deeper insights without joining a tour. Want to elevate your visit? Include a scenic open-bus tour of the Vatican Gardens—normally off-limits to the public.
Save 1–2 hours by skipping ticketing lines and explore the Vatican’s treasures on your schedule.
- Everything you get: Enter the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel at your selected time—no waiting at ticket counters. Stroll through iconic galleries, from ancient Roman sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces in the Gallery of Maps, before arriving at the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes.
- Why choose this: Most visitors spend hours in line—this ticket gets you inside fast, so you can spend that time with the art. Once inside, explore at your own pace with no fixed route or guide schedule.
- Upgrades: Skip all logistics with hosted entry—a local rep meets you, validates your ticket, and walks you in. Once inside, explore freely or add an audio guide with expert commentary in 12 languages for deeper insights without joining a tour. Want to elevate your visit? Include a scenic open-bus tour of the Vatican Gardens—normally off-limits to the public.
Inclusions
- Entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Hosted entry to Vatican Museums with ticket redemption (as per option selected)
- Vatican Garden open bus tour (as per option selected)
- Booking and service charges
Exclusions
- Live guide
- Entry to St. Peter's Basilica
- Gratuities
- Names on tickets must match a valid photo ID. Double-check the details at checkout for a smooth entry.
- Your ticket includes a specific entry time. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your chosen slot as delays might lead to denied entry.
- If you've chosen the Vatican Gardens open-bus tour, your visit will begin with the garden tour starting at the museum entrance, followed by entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
- The Vatican Museums has free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required. Click here for the accessible route.
- Cover your shoulders, knees, and backs—this applies to all visitors.
- When in Sistine Chapel, silence is mandatory and photography is prohibited.
- Expect a considerable wait at the security line, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour.
- The Sistine Chapel is located at the end of the Vatican Museums tour, so expect to pass through the iconic galleries before reaching it.
- Please note that the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are separate sites from St. Peter’s Basilica.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
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Guests from France, United States, Spain and over 110 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
José
May 2025Verified booking
Buying through the agency was very important. It avoided a huge queue to get in! Not to mention the professionalism and cordiality we received. Visiting the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel was like living a dream! It's worth it and I recommend it!
View original review in Portuguese
Leonor
May 2025Verified booking
At the beginning of the street at the entrance to the Vatican Museum, signs should be put up saying : A sign: "Visits without a ticket" A sign: "Visits with a ticket" It's the best museum I've ever visited I find this museum very rich in works of art, clean and well organized. The Vatican gardens are beautiful. CONGRATULATIONS!
View original review in Portuguese
Anne
May 2025Verified booking
It was great to get in fairly quickly and explore at our own speed. We found the group tour guides annoying as they kept stopping g in the middle of the passage ways blocking everyone else!!
Mehmet
May 2025Verified booking
Visiting Vatikan Museums was one of best my experiences. I expected more crowds . But Maybe it was about time . I visited there at 4 pm and when I was out, it was 8 pm. I had researched paintings, fresks, statues in museum. So I got happy when I saw them. Best museum in the World!
Gerrit
May 2025Verified booking
Skipping the long lines was great. Everything neatly arranged. The Sistine Chapel was unfortunately closed because of the conclave but things like that cannot be planned.
View original review in Dutch
Aleksei
Apr 2025Verified booking
The exciting sightseeing. So many beautiful works of art. If you are interested in the history of Rome, this trip tells you something new or explain you something what you knew before.
GOLISANO
Apr 2025Verified booking
Coming to Rome without visiting the Vatican Museums is just not possible!!! The spiral staircase, a true wonder! Raphael's rooms not to be missed! The Gallery of Maps is also without a doubt a must see. Excellent organization through online booking of tickets.
View original review in Italian
LALANDE
Apr 2025Verified booking
Antonio was great, with clear and precise explanations of the history of the monuments. Lots of humor, which made the visit very enjoyable!
View original review in French
Jason
Apr 2025Verified booking
It was an exceptional experience! The super friendly and efficient guide at the entrance to the Vatican! He was right at the meeting point and I called him in 2 minutes and he returned my call quickly! I recommend it! We loved the experience!
View original review in Portuguese
Gianfranco
Apr 2025Verified booking
Dario the guide who took us inside the Vatican museums was very kind as well as knowledgeable in giving information let's say the Top
View original review in Italian
MARCHE
Mar 2025Verified booking
I came in 2017 ans now 2025 but still the same surprise. Everything was so beautiful, museums, paints, monuments... I was with my mother 79 years old and I would to congragulate the Vatican organization, specially for the people with reduce mobility. We appreciate Grazie Mille !!!!
Antonella
Mar 2025Verified booking
Everything. I didn't believe in the power of culture. I didn't believe in the majesty and depth of the message. Now I am different. Aware and deeply grateful.
View original review in Italian
Fudencia
Mar 2025Verified booking
Everything was fantastic, a little less people would have been nicer but I loved it, I don't think I got to see everything but it was incredible.
View original review in Portuguese
FIGUCCIO
Mar 2025Verified booking
The works you can admire are unique in the world. The only thing that can be improved is the management of lines to enter.
View original review in Italian
Rhonda
Mar 2025Verified booking
So glad we bought the skip the line tickets! We would have been waiting in line for hours without it! With Headout we were inside and through all the right checks in a few minutes The Vatican Museums are fantastic, with many beautiful paintings and decorative ceilings. The Sistine Chapel is especially impressive. The crowds did not really hold us up while walking around inside. There's so much to see you really need about 3 hours to see it all.
Nelly
Mar 2025Verified booking
The visit to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel is a must do if you want to visit .... we loved everything wonderful, spectacular !!!!
View original review in Spanish
CHEN
Mar 2025Verified booking
Not on time. I thought this was from official web but turns out there's a "host" so they charged extra fee. The vatican itself 10/10 I would recommend to hire a tour guide to explain better about the history behind it
Cécile
Mar 2025Verified booking
Pleasant visit with a very correct queue and on time thanks to the queue-cutting ticket, the place is magnificent and the visit pleasant despite the crowd, in 1h30 max the circuit is done and the audioguide is very useful.
View original review in French
Tetiana
Mar 2025Verified booking
This is my second time in the meze, and this time it made a very strong impression on me. Maybe because I looked at everything calmly, without rushing anywhere. A pleasant surprise were the benches for rest. Thank you for your concern! In general, there is not much to say here. Because this is a truly fascinating journey through the world of art.
Martiradonna
Mar 2025Verified booking
Despite the line it was all smooth, an unforgettable experience. Buying from the site is all faster and safer.
View original review in Italian
Lucia
Mar 2025Verified booking
I had never entered the Vatican museums before, and I was amazed by the quantity and beauty of the works contained especially the frescoes on the walls or ceilings, it was a beautiful experience, I also loved the marble staircases, everything made me feel the flavor of the greatness of our history and culture.
View original review in Italian
Zoi
Mar 2025Verified booking
I was very happy purchasing my tickets thru headout. My son said it was the only site he trusted. I was under the impression that we would be walked over to the line but we rcvd extremely clear instructions and turned out to be around the block to get in. It made purchasing the tickets and knowing where to go so much easier. We visited the vatican museum and sistine chapel with no headphones guide (we prefered without) and walked along the path and read up on a few items of interest and spent most of the time being wowed and taking photos. Stress free option I will use again! Thank u!
Natia
Mar 2025Verified booking
Vatican City is unbelievable ❤️🤗 Its very important to visit Vatican City in the morning 🙏🏻, it's not crowded.
Alessandro
May 2025Verified booking
All. Four hours of full artistic immersion. Which I had done before.
View original review in Italian
Colin
May 2025Verified booking
Amazing history and artworks.
- Head to Rome's renowned spots Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on this expertly crafted tour.
- Admire masterpieces by Renaissance maestros at the Vatican Museums followed by a visit to the Sistine Chapel and time to explore St. Peter's Basilica.
- Head to the top of Palatine Hill for spectacular views of this ancient city.
- At the Colosseum, your tour guide will offer intuitive commentary on the ancient amphitheater and the larger-than-life shows hosted here in the past.
- Finish your full-day tour with a walk down the ancient path of the Roman Forum along the Via Sacra.
- Head to Rome's renowned spots Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on this expertly crafted tour.
- Admire masterpieces by Renaissance maestros at the Vatican Museums followed by a visit to the Sistine Chapel and time to explore St. Peter's Basilica.
- Head to the top of Palatine Hill for spectacular views of this ancient city.
- At the Colosseum, your tour guide will offer intuitive commentary on the ancient amphitheater and the larger-than-life shows hosted here in the past.
- Finish your full-day tour with a walk down the ancient path of the Roman Forum along the Via Sacra.
Inclusions
- Full-day guided tour of Rome
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Access to the Colosseum floors 1 & 2
- Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Access to Vatican Museums
- Access to Sistine Chapel
- Access to St. Peter’s Basilica
- Audio headsets
Exclusions
- Transport
- Tip: Don't miss checking out Pietà by Michelangelo in St. Peter's Basilica, one of the most famous sculptures to exist in the world.
- All visitors must carry a photo ID for security checks.
- Please note that in case of unexpected closures of some of the areas inside the Museums, the guide may have to modify the itinerary slightly.
- Please note that you will be able to visit St. Peter’s Basilica on your own. Your guide will not take you inside, since direct access from Vatican Museum is not possible.
- St Peter’s Basilica is an active place of worship and may be closed without prior notice for religious events: in this case, the visit will be substituted by a visit to the Vatican Library.
- Due to heightened security measures, you may experience delays in clearing security checks when entering venues. Guests with a pacemaker will need to show a certificate to bypass security screening
- Facilities: Cloakroom at Vatican Museums
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, people with mobility issues.
- Strict Dress Code: In order to enter St.Peter's Basilica and Vatican Museums, one must abide by a dress code. Sleeveless blouses, miniskirts, shorts, and hats are not permitted. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.
- Note that the following are not allowed inside Colosseum: large backpacks or pieces of luggage.
- Note that the following are not allowed inside Vatican Museums: suitcases, backpacks, containers, umbrellas, walking sticks (except those required by disabled visitors), tripods for cameras and video cameras, signage of any kind.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
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4.4
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Guests from United States, Canada, Chile and over 7 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Yenna
Apr 2025Verified booking
Janie
Dec 2024Verified booking
It was amazing. Learned so much. Monica was simply fantastic, so knowledgeable, friendly and funny, made the experience wonderful. Highly recommend. Thank you for an unforgettable experience
Lars
Dec 2024Verified booking
Roberta our guide had really good knowledge of the subjects. Sometimes little hard to hear the information due to traffic, poor technical quality of mic and headset
Erika
Feb 2025Verified booking
Christopher
Dec 2024Verified booking
Fiona
Sep 2024Verified booking
We had an incredible experience on the Rome in a Day: Vatican Museums & Colosseum Guided Tour! The guides for both the Vatican and the Colosseum were extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and approachable, making the tours informative and enjoyable. They shared fascinating details and historical insights that added so much depth to the visit, and they were more than happy to answer all our questions. It was a perfect way to explore two of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, and we truly had a great time. I highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to make the most of their time in Rome!
Shehrazaan
Oct 2024Verified booking
Our guide Maria was fantastic. She gave us a great overview. We got to see everything in time. There were clear signs at the meeting point .
Taylor
Oct 2024Verified booking
The tours were very efficient and the guides were extremely knowledgeable! All places we visited were extremely busy with long lines and both guides did a good job of navigating the crowds all while still pointing out important/interesting pieces of art. Doing the all day tour does make for a long day but it was nice getting it all done. Obviously both locations are at different parts of the city but they did give us time to have lunch and get to the other end of the city for the other half of our tour.
John
Nov 2024Verified booking
Our guide, Cristiana, was very knowledgeable and she did a great job bringing Rome alive.
Natallia
Nov 2024Verified booking
John
Oct 2024Verified booking
Brenda
Nov 2024Verified booking
To much info went on from devotion to section so much I missed the 2part of our tour to the colosseum it took so long in the church we had to leave even we told the guide we had another part of the tour I booked it as one tour did not relishe we had to get across town and we where 10 late tour had already started we where so disappointed with with the tour I would not recommend to take a guided tour go on your own
Anna
Jun 2024Verified booking
Everything about our "Rome in a day" experience was fantastic! If you only have one day to see as much as possible, you've gotta use a guide to navigate through all the main attractions and the crowds/massive lines. Thank goodness we booked this tour and didn't try to do it all ourselves in one day. Our guide Erturk was absolutely phenomenal, vastly knowledgeable and thorough. I don't know how he could remember everything he told us at each location- he was like an encyclopedia that you were able to ask questions! Can't say enough positive things about Erturk and the way the tour was structured! Thank you so much for this incredible experience!
Francisco
Aug 2024Verified booking
Ricardo
Aug 2024Verified booking
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- Get priority access by skipping the line to the Vatican's top attractions and firsthand experiencing its renowned wonders such as central panels and the Last Supper.
- Make your way to the historical Sistine Chapel and marvel at the staggering collection of artworks by Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Ghirlandaio.
- Upgrade your stay with a delectable American breakfast in the Pinecone Courtyard. Upgrade and opt for a night tour of the museum as an alternative option.
- Choose between an early morning guided tour, ideal for a walk, or an after-hours guided tour where you enjoy the soft evening light and count on much smaller crowds than usual.
- Get priority access by skipping the line to the Vatican's top attractions and firsthand experiencing its renowned wonders such as central panels and the Last Supper.
- Make your way to the historical Sistine Chapel and marvel at the staggering collection of artworks by Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Ghirlandaio.
- Upgrade your stay with a delectable American breakfast in the Pinecone Courtyard. Upgrade and opt for a night tour of the museum as an alternative option.
- Choose between an early morning guided tour, ideal for a walk, or an after-hours guided tour where you enjoy the soft evening light and count on much smaller crowds than usual.
Inclusions
- Entry to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
- After-hours guided tour of Vatican Museums (optional)
- Early morning guided tour of Vatican Museums (optional)
- 30-min breakfast in the Vatican's Courtyard (optional)
- Group of 20 people or less
- Reservation fees
- Tip: Located in the Vatican Museums' exit area, this unique double-helix staircase was designed by Donato Bramante. Its innovative design allows you to ascend and descend without intersecting each other, creating a visually captivating architectural marvel.
- It's recommended to wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
- Note that tripod and flash photography are not allowed in this experience.
- Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas of the Vatican Museums may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies. Additionally, entrance to St. Peter's Basilica may also experience unannounced closures. These circumstances are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.
- The Vatican Museums reserve the right to close any section, including the Sistine Chapel, due to unforeseen circumstances. The closure of any museum section does not entitle visitors to any refund.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
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3.8
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Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Australia and over 22 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Sergiu
May 2025Verified booking
Guys, 4:15 PM is the best time to visit the museum. The guide is awesome, skip-the-line is a life saver and you'll see pretty much all the gems you have to! If you're not into Roman Empire and Renaissance just save the money for the aperitivo and the pasta!
Grit
May 2025Verified booking
Debbie
May 2025Verified booking
Cris
Apr 2025Verified booking
CARLA
May 2025Verified booking
I complained but never got an answer about the problem. The meeting point was wrong and I never found the guide. I didn't get my money back and I missed out on the tour I was most looking forward to on my trip to Rome.
View original review in Spanish
Diego
Apr 2025Verified booking
Nothing positive except for the entrance which was quick. Entering after closing is a lie, we didn't even have space to see anything it was packed with people a vomitorium. The guide good, but the organization wasted our time waiting for latecomers and I find it unfair to those who were on time. Worst money spent in my life don't believe the story about the entrance after closing is a mountain of lies!!!
View original review in Italian
Lada
Feb 2025Verified booking
The visit was enjoyable, our guide knew a lot and despite everything we saw, she kept our attention throughout the visit. We were left wanting to go back to the museum, there is so much to see and obviously on a general tour like that there was not time for everything. Skipping the lines at the Sistine Chapel and the cathedral is a plus.
View original review in Spanish
María
Dec 2024Verified booking
Phenomenal! Guido did an impeccable and commendable job. Not only his treatment and kindness, but also his complete and detailed explanations made the 2 hours seem like minutes.
View original review in Spanish
Frank
Sep 2024Verified booking
The experience was GREAT! I enjoyed the frescoes and the history of the Vatican! I was amazed at the Sistine Chapel!
Bruce
Sep 2024Verified booking
The guide was knowledgeable, focus and engaging.
Robert
Sep 2024Verified booking
Very knowledgeable guide, she was wonderfully telling us plenty of interesting stories about artists and exhibitions.
Laiqa
Nov 2024Verified booking
The tour guide Jessica was incredible!! Super enthusiastic, such a nice person and you can tell she is so knowledgeable on the subject. She's excellent!
María
Nov 2024Verified booking
Positive: to make the visit with less people around. Negative: the guide didn't show much interest in explaining the wonders we were going to see: on the explanations panel you couldn't see it and she didn't bother to turn on the flashlight.
View original review in Spanish
Gary
Nov 2024Verified booking
Our tour guide knew a ton about the Vatican and it made it an enjoyable experience. It was easy to locate the guide and they took great steps to get our entire group through the ticketing and security. It should be noted, this is a WALKING tour - no problem for me but there were some folks in my group (had cane/mobility issues) who seemed surprised by that and weren't able to complete the tour. The walking was about 1.5-2 hours total.
David
Oct 2024Verified booking
Stefano was engaging, knowledgable, passionate and I found his dry sense of humour funny. It was amazing to be literally the last people on n the chapel. I can only imagine what it must be like to be in the middle of a daytime crowd.
Roshini
Sep 2024Verified booking
my tour guide was AMAZING (i cant remember the spelling, but it was yazmina?). she was so knowledgable, super energetic, had great interesting stories and facts to share. It was a very rainy day, but that didnt stop us from having an amazing time. She made sure all members of the group were accounted for, enjoying themselves and had plenty of time to experience, ask questions and enjoy the amazing vatican!
Kathleen
Sep 2024Verified booking
The guide was very knowledgeable but there were issues getting started. Not sure if it was because of the crowds. I don't know that it was anything within the guides control but the tour ended up being very riushed and she had tot all really fast to get us through so that we had 5 minutes in the sistene chapel before it closed.
Gary
Sep 2024Verified booking
I think everything was rushed and the guide lost track of me twice and finally completely and I was on my own I was expecting more original statues not fake things over all the best was RYAN and the Saint Petersburg Basilica that was awesome answering the pope which I did do the following day. I thought my ticket was supposed to include a guided tour that was not a big deal. The guide was very friendly. and knowledgeable. I would not take that away from her, except for she lost me within the first five minutes I heard her speaking, the German speaking man on the radio and then it cut out later on in the visit she found me and lo and behold she lost me again, and I finished the tour on my own, but I did turn in my headphones and speaker device with my hand so I'm sure you received it back so please do not charge me for it. I did honorable thing and did return it.
Kim
Nov 2024Verified booking
Ticketing was good and our guide made the experience as he was very knowledgable
Sandy
Nov 2024Verified booking
It was too long and I was hoping to see St Peter's Basillica.
Paul
Nov 2024Verified booking
Tour guide was superb and very knowledgeable.
Donna
Oct 2024Verified booking
The Vatican museum was amazing along with the Sistine Chapel.
DEROEF
Oct 2024Verified booking
Very sweet, passionate and educated guide. And the Vatican is a "must see"
View original review in Dutch
Samantha
Oct 2024Verified booking
Our guide was fantastic , very knowledgeable It was fantastic Thank you
Julia
Oct 2024Verified booking
Realy smart guide and the varikan is amazing
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Reserved Entry Tickets with Vatican Gardens Open Bus Tour
A scenic Vatican Gardens tour by open bus, followed by fast-track access to the museums.
- Experience the Vatican City in two parts—an open-top bus tour of its lush gardens, followed by a self-guided visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
- Glide through the Vatican Gardens, where Italian, French, and English-style landscapes cover nearly half of Vatican City, all with a multilingual audio guide.
- Skip lengthy ticket lines at the Vatican Museums and see its vast collection, from the Raphael Rooms to classical sculptures and Renaissance masterpieces.
- End at the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s breathtaking Last Judgment and Creation of Adam await.
A scenic Vatican Gardens tour by open bus, followed by fast-track access to the museums.
- Experience the Vatican City in two parts—an open-top bus tour of its lush gardens, followed by a self-guided visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
- Glide through the Vatican Gardens, where Italian, French, and English-style landscapes cover nearly half of Vatican City, all with a multilingual audio guide.
- Skip lengthy ticket lines at the Vatican Museums and see its vast collection, from the Raphael Rooms to classical sculptures and Renaissance masterpieces.
- End at the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s breathtaking Last Judgment and Creation of Adam await.
Inclusions
- Vatican Gardens tour by open bus with a multilingual audio guide
- Entry tickets to the Vatican Museums
- Entry tickets to the Sistine Chapel
Exclusions
- Audio guide for Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Live guide
- Hotel transfers
- Food & drinks
- Arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled time at the Vatican Museums entrance on Viale Vaticano.
- Please note the chosen time must be respected and latecomers will not be accommodated.
- The onboard audio guide is available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Portuguese.
- There are no stops during the open bus tour of the Vatican Gardens.
- There's a strict dress code for the museums. Guests must wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- No children under 7 years old are allowed.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
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3.9
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Guests from United States, France, Spain and over 44 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Leonor
May 2025Verified booking
At the beginning of the street at the entrance to the Vatican Museum, signs should be put up saying : A sign: "Visits without a ticket" A sign: "Visits with a ticket" It's the best museum I've ever visited I find this museum very rich in works of art, clean and well organized. The Vatican gardens are beautiful. CONGRATULATIONS!
View original review in Portuguese
Sonnard
Apr 2025Verified booking
Magnificent experience. Visit to the sublime gardens. The museum is a sight to behold, paintings, sculptures waoooo. And the Sistine Chapel 🤩😍 What happiness. ROME IS A MAGNIFICENT CITY 🌟💖
View original review in French
Fudencia
Mar 2025Verified booking
Everything was fantastic, a little less people would have been nicer but I loved it, I don't think I got to see everything but it was incredible.
View original review in Portuguese
Bruno
May 2025Verified booking
Visit to the gardens and direct entrance to the museum
View original review in French
Donna
May 2025Verified booking
They would not let us enter in time to meet our 1.00 time so we missed our guide, luckily we could join the 1.30 tour. Really difficult to get inside to join the tour we were turned back to the end of the queue 3 times as they told us we were too early. So much for beating the queues
LERMA
May 2025Verified booking
Everything went smoothly, as per directions received we arrived over 30 minutes early because we feared bedlam, once inside we went to the Vatican gardens desk, at the appointed time we were escorted to the bus then museums and finally Sistine chapel. Everything was perfect
View original review in Italian
Sharon
May 2025Verified booking
We were queuing like everyone else,got to the end & was told to go somewhere else pointing with her finger. Ran around like stupid people trying to find where to go. Eventually after asking at least 5 people a lovely lady showed us where we should of been with about 1 min to spare before the guide left! Phew never ever again!!
Mary
May 2025Verified booking
An excellent and unforgettable experience was the visit to the Vatican Gardens. Beautiful. VERY COMFORTABLE VISIT IN AN OPEN BUS AND EVERYTHING VERY WELL EXPLAINED. WITH THE TICKETS FROM THE HEADOUT WEBSITE WE SKIPPED THE LONG QUEUES. THE SISTINE CHAPEL WAS ALSO BEAUTIFUL.
View original review in Portuguese
MARIA
May 2025Verified booking
Impossible, rainy day. Too many people inside. They sent me to 3 different entrances, I walked back and forth. I managed to get in, thanks to the lady at the reception who took me to the group.
View original review in Spanish
Monica
May 2025Verified booking
It was a spectacular experience, the tour of the Vatican gardens was a great addition to the museums. Highly recommended!
View original review in Spanish
Samuel
May 2025Verified booking
General lack of directions on where to go next. The guide on the bus ride said nothing. Well he talked to the bus driver the entire time.
Cyril
May 2025Verified booking
The perfect welcome from the person at the guided tour reception who was able to direct us to the next bus, as the meeting point was almost inaccessible, with a 30-minute delay to get there in view of the crowds and unclear information. Many thanks to her. Then a superb walk in the gardens with a good audio guide. For the visit to the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel, in book mode, very nice but the groups go past, not paying attention to the people taking pictures. The restaurant is rather expensive, considering the items on offer.
View original review in French
Sandras
Apr 2025Verified booking
Some of the exhibition rooms were very crowded. A very fine array of works of art from all civilizations.
View original review in French
Kerry
Mar 2025Verified booking
Visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel was my favourite part of our holiday to Rome, it was a must see and so much to look around. Doing the bus tour around the gardens was a perfect relaxed way to see the area.
Berne
May 2025Verified booking
Avoid the queues. The Sistine Chapel
View original review in French
Syreeta
May 2025Verified booking
The highlight of my visit was everything
Francesco
May 2025Verified booking
Excellent organization. Trained , friendly and helpful staff. Good organization of exhibition spaces.
View original review in Italian
Phyllis
May 2025Verified booking
The garden bus tour was great. Then visited the Sistine Chapel on my own.
SALIU
May 2025Verified booking
Very beautiful gardens, but wonderful museums. It would take more time to see everything.
View original review in Italian
Perla
Apr 2025Verified booking
We loved the organization and order, the tour of the Vatican gardens was very nice.
View original review in Spanish
Pawas
Apr 2025Verified booking
Good tour. Open garden bus tour really takes you to every corner of Vatican.
Dimitrina
Mar 2025Verified booking
I like the your, everything organised well 😁
Evelien
May 2025Verified booking
Diogo
May 2025Verified booking
Lucas
May 2025Verified booking
Tour the Vatican on your terms with a private, customizable experience and exclusive Basilica access.
- Everything you get: Skip ticketing lines and explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with just your group and a dedicated guide. Your guide tailors the visit to your interests—whether that's the Borgia Apartments, Braccio Nuovo, or hidden corners most tours miss. After the Chapel, use a special passage to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, where you can explore on your own at your own pace.
- Why choose this: It’s just you, your group, and an expert guide—no crowds, no distractions. Go deeper into the art and history that interest you most, and move at a pace that’s fully yours.
- Upgrades: Add a fully guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica to uncover the stories behind its most iconic features—like Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s altar, and the dome’s breathtaking interior.
Tour the Vatican on your terms with a private, customizable experience and exclusive Basilica access.
- Everything you get: Skip ticketing lines and explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with just your group and a dedicated guide. Your guide tailors the visit to your interests—whether that's the Borgia Apartments, Braccio Nuovo, or hidden corners most tours miss. After the Chapel, use a special passage to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, where you can explore on your own at your own pace.
- Why choose this: It’s just you, your group, and an expert guide—no crowds, no distractions. Go deeper into the art and history that interest you most, and move at a pace that’s fully yours.
- Upgrades: Add a fully guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica to uncover the stories behind its most iconic features—like Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s altar, and the dome’s breathtaking interior.
Inclusions
- Private guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line access
- Reserved entry and private guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)
- Expert English/Spanish/French/German/Italian-speaking guide
- Headsets
- The price displayed is for two people and increases as you add more participants.
- Names on tickets must match a valid photo ID. Double-check the details at checkout for a smooth entry.
- Your tour includes a specific entry time and delays entry might result in denied entry. Arrive punctually to maximize your experience.
- Cover your shoulders, knees, and backs—this applies to all visitors.
- While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
- When in Sistine Chapel, silence is mandatory and photography is prohibited. Guides will provide all necessary and interesting details before entry.
- Security checks are mandatory for all visitors and may result in wait times, especially during peak season they might stretch to an hour.
- The Vatican Museums reserve the right to close any section, including the Sistine Chapel, due to unforeseen circumstances. The closure of any museum section does not entitle visitors to any refund.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
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4.3
24 ratings
17
3
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Guests from United States, France, Mexico and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Patricia
May 2025Verified booking
This experience is perfect for our guide Laura was knowledgeable and pleasant.. She made the tour so interesting. We are so grateful for Laura!!
Dirk
May 2025Verified booking
Nunzia had incredible knowledge and an extremely pleasant feeling for us. In addition to the tour, she gave us lots of tips for the days and evenings. We would be happy to book with you again; I can only recommend you.
View original review in German
sarah
Apr 2025Verified booking
AnnaMaria was an absolutely brilliant tour guide. Very knowledgeable and a true Roman. Thank you for the great experience
Tobias
May 2025Verified booking
Good guide and good highlights on the tour.
View original review in German
Randi
Apr 2025Verified booking
Valentina is fantastic! Reccomend 100%
Donna
May 2025Verified booking
MARTHA
Apr 2025Verified booking
Ruth
Apr 2025Verified booking
Mariel
Apr 2025Verified booking
Stefania
May 2025Verified booking
Gregory
Jan 2025Verified booking
Great Italian guide who speaks French fluently and knows all the guards. We passed through Vatican security in few minutes and the tour was really interesting. We have a great memory of this morning. Thank you very much.
MARIO
Feb 2025Verified booking
Noelle Exceptional, very happy with our guide and the knowledge she has of all the details during the tour, very attentive and respectful with all my family. Visit, very attentive and respectful with all my family, super recommended!
View original review in Spanish
Dolores
Dec 2024Verified booking
Our guide Alexandra led us through the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel with such naturalness that we felt like we were in Roman times and enjoyed our visit ! Grazzie mile
View original review in Spanish
Pamela
Jan 2025Verified booking
Very knowledgeable and very accommodation to my husnads use of a cane. We had a great time
THEILLAUD
Feb 2025Verified booking
ANTONIO
Feb 2025Verified booking
Martin
Feb 2025Verified booking
Jutta
Jan 2025Verified booking
Franck
Jan 2025Verified booking
Mayet
Oct 2024Verified booking
cassandra
Oct 2024Verified booking
Saúl
Oct 2024Verified booking
Lisbeth
Oct 2024Verified booking
There was FAR too many people - you should reduce the number of people entering. The greatness dissapear I was there 40 years ago with a totally different experience
Melissa
Nov 2024Verified booking
The café I was supposed to go to was close, and my tour guide never showed up. When I called the number on my confirmation, it was for a agency that was not assigned this tour. They knew nothing about it. And so I didn't have a tour so I was just out $600 so it was a complete scam and a rip off.
Jubilee Bronze Pass: Vatican Museums + Catacombs of St. Callixtus
from €118
€108.56
8% off
The perfect combo: Explore the Vatican’s masterpieces and the ancient Christian catacombs
- Take advantage of this super-saver combo with a guided tour of the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel and the Roman Catacombs.
- Marvel at Renaissance masterpieces like Raphael's School of Athens, and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel with your expert guide.
- Interpret the symbolism within the iconic sculptures and murals at the Museum with 5 languages to choose from.
- Explore the labyrinthine Catacombs, adorned with flickering torches where early Christians lay their dead underground.
- View the winding tunnels full of faded frescoes of biblical scenes and cryptic symbols with your expert guide.
The perfect combo: Explore the Vatican’s masterpieces and the ancient Christian catacombs
- Take advantage of this super-saver combo with a guided tour of the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel and the Roman Catacombs.
- Marvel at Renaissance masterpieces like Raphael's School of Athens, and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel with your expert guide.
- Interpret the symbolism within the iconic sculptures and murals at the Museum with 5 languages to choose from.
- Explore the labyrinthine Catacombs, adorned with flickering torches where early Christians lay their dead underground.
- View the winding tunnels full of faded frescoes of biblical scenes and cryptic symbols with your expert guide.
Inclusions
Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Expert English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German-speaking guide
Roman Catacombs
- Guided tour of the Catacombs
- Roundtrip city transfers
Exclusions
Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
- Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
Roman Catacombs
- Hotel transfers
Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
- Tip: Stop for a coffee in the Belvedere Courtyard, or extend your visit to the Carriage Pavillion at the end of the tour.
- Strict dress code: knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
- The tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, but the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments and a companion.
Roman Catacombs - Tip: Spend time at the museum located inside the catacombs of Saint Callixtus, which features artifacts and exhibits related to early Christianity.
- Entry to the catacombs of Saint Callixtus is replaced by Domitilla
as the former remains closed every Wednesday. - The experience is not accessible for people who are claustrophobic due to the small spaces.
- Large bags are not allowed.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Alcohol and aerosols are not allowed.
- Strict Dress Code: Guests should cover their shoulders and knees.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
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4.2
15,494 ratings
9.0K
3.9K
1.0K
569
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Guests from United States, Spain, France and over 87 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Timothy
May 2025Verified booking
Maurizio was an amazing tour guide. His knowledge about every piece of art was sensational. 100% would do this tour again! Very seamless pickup at meeting location and walking us into Vatican City, guiding us through security. Only feedback is not on tour guide but the headsets used. The system is a bit finicky. The headphones are a bit uncomfortable. I'd say the vox or similar wired headphone systems are superior.
Julie
May 2025Verified booking
I am glad that I bought tickets ahead of time to avoid the long lines. It was very crowded, but we made it through. To see the Vatican museum in person was breathtaking!
Andrea
May 2025Verified booking
The guide was knowledgeable and personable. I loved it! However, I think it should have been written somewhere anyway since the ticket bought also covered the Sistine Chapel, which would be closed as of April 28.This was not indicated anywhere.
View original review in Italian
Agostino
Apr 2025Verified booking
Due to indisposition of the guide for the Vatican Museums, we had our booked visit varied to include the Vatican gardens. Still, it was a good experience, expertly illustrated by the lady who guided us. The presence of a very large audience somewhat marred our expectations so we will repeat the experience in quieter times. Thank you.
View original review in Italian
Lynn
Apr 2025Verified booking
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly! She taught us so much about the Vatican and explained the most important aspects of what we were seeing. We were able to skip the long lines. It was easy to find our meeting point. I would highly recommend booking with them. Worth every penny!!
Paul
Apr 2025Verified booking
Absolutely amazing seeing all of those incredible works of art. It would take a lifetime to see and hear the history behind all of the priceless works.
Judith
Mar 2025Verified booking
The service was exceptional. We arrived late, quite upset as our plans had not worked out as we hoped, expecting to be told that we'd missed our tour. Alex (or Alec?) quickly took us to the Vatican entrance where he was able to locate our guide and your group. We couldn't be more thankful for him for that. Lucia, our guide, was informative and helpful, offering to take photos of group members at different points on the tour. We will use this company again and highly recommend them to other tourists.
Doriano
Mar 2025Verified booking
Acceptance and entrance to museums very fast,assistants very professional and kind,guide very good and engaging;I highly recommend this experience.
View original review in Italian
DERLY
Mar 2025Verified booking
Carmelo, our guide was exceptional! He explained everything very well and in a very pleasant way! Please note that this tour is only VATICAN MUSEUMS and SIXTINE CHAPEL, it does not include entrance to St. Peter's Basilica. We loved everything we saw and heard!
View original review in Spanish
MARCO
May 2025Verified booking
Punctuality, clear detailed explanation of the guide, mastery of the topics related to the tour, good treatment to people. Faster and direct access to the different museums. Well organized.
View original review in Spanish
Kishor
May 2025Verified booking
We attended the guided tour as a family and had a wonderful experience exploring the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. The guide was knowledgeable , bringing the rich history and incredible art to life. The collection is vast and truly awe-inspiring — a must-see in Rome
Myrna
May 2025Verified booking
We did actually "Skip-the-line". The process was easy and communication from the tour company was great! Our tour guide, Mauricio, was very knowledgeable and gave detailed information. He was even funny.:) Worth every euro I paid!
Jane
May 2025Verified booking
The Guide was excellent. After the tour, he offered to bring us to St. Peter's Square. It just so happened we were there when the Pope Leo was elected. It was brilliant.
Ingrid
May 2025Verified booking
It just said the place and being it was a lot of groups, the information wasn´t clear who to look for. We did other tours and for those they had a meeting point and- kind of "look for yellow tshirt - saying xxxxxx "
PAOLA
May 2025Verified booking
excellent experience, the people who met us at the meeting point and then escorted us to the museum were very kind and efficient, quick entrance and no lines. The visit, despite a crazy crowd of people, went very well and the guide was very good, I really liked the initial moment where he introduced us via videos placed at the entrance of the museum to the Sistine Chapel, pointing out details that we would not have noticed on our own and then researched during the visit.
View original review in Italian
James
May 2025Verified booking
Loved the tour of the Vatican museum. The tour guide was very informative and the museum was amazing. Had a little trouble finding my tickets and the meeting place. Unfortunately the Sistine Chapel was closed due the Popes passing.
Julia
May 2025Verified booking
The tour in German was good and the transfer also went smoothly. However, we had booked a different catacomb tour. After our complaint, we were told that this could no longer be changed. I didn't even receive a reply to my email afterwards. What a shame!
View original review in German
Ana
May 2025Verified booking
The address of the meeting point with the guide was wrong. Although I asked by email a few days before, I was given the wrong address. There were too many people in the Vatican Museums!
View original review in Spanish
Lourdes
May 2025Verified booking
I didn't expect that the Sistine Chapel wasn't part of the tour. If there has been changes, we could have been informed beforehand for transparency. We were just surprised when the tour guide told us that the Sistine Chapel was closed in preparation for the Conclave and we won't see it. If we were refunded partially for the ticket then we would be pleased. The tour was prolonged in the Vatican Museum to compensate for the booked 2 hour tour guide. We mainly booked the tour because of the Sistine Chapel. Tough the tour guide was very knowlegeable.
GUEUGNEAU
May 2025Verified booking
We were well looked after and the visit went well. Our guide was superb. Nevertheless, given the price of the tickets, even if the Sistine Chapel is closed for good reasons, a commercial gesture would have been welcome rather than a visit to a museum wing...
View original review in French
Wilber
May 2025Verified booking
Guide Martin Silva was fantastic, he knows everything and everyone!!! It was an incredible experience where he paid a lot of attention to everyone. Including my 7-year-old daughter. I recommend it!!!
View original review in Portuguese
Mary
May 2025Verified booking
Excellent tour guide - very knowledgeable , really lovely person - although very busy not too long to wait. Ticket system worked smoothly too
HELENE
Apr 2025Verified booking
We loved the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel Unfortunately, our guide was in English we had booked a tour in French. The audio guide does not replace a guide. Especially considering the pay /5*89 € price. that's not honest!
View original review in French
Jonna
Apr 2025Verified booking
I think we used a lot of time standing in one place and the guide talked a lot about the same things. We got tired I would loved to have seen more, it is a very interesting place that we have to visit again
Tiziana
Apr 2025Verified booking
Good our guide and sufficient time devoted (So many things to see, it would take a day ....) Useful service to avoid queues although I think the price paid of 95 euros per person on a day when admission would have been free anyway ( April 25) is excessive
View original review in Italian
Sistine Chapel in a nutshell
Highlights: Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment and The Creation of Adam, Botticelli's frescoes depicting the story of Christ and Moses, the chapel's architectural design.
Current use: The Sistine Chapel serves as the Pope's personal chapel and the site of the papal conclave.
Entrance: No separate entrance; accessible through the Vatican Museums.
Unique facts:
- Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes, a globally famous artwork, covers about 12,000 sqft.
- In the 1560s, Pope Pius IV ordered fig leaves and loincloths to cover the nudes in Michelangelo’s paintings
- The chapel, initially for worship, had thick walls for Vatican defense
Skip-the-line tickets
Guided tours
After hours access
Combo deals
Is Sistine Chapel access included?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Why go for it?
Save time. Hosted entry ensures a relaxed experience. Explore the chapel's beautiful and symbolic frescoes without feeling rushed.
Includes skip-the-line entry for an efficient visit. Active engagement with complimentary audio equipment.
Crowd-free setting for a deeper connection with art. Enjoy 30-minute breakfast in the Vatican's Courtyard.
One package for complete experience, no separate tickets or multiple bookings. Great for those with time constraints or tourists wanting essential highlights.
Starting price
€42
€68
€94
€178
Recommended tickets
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Tickets
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour
• Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel Premium Small Group Guided Tour
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Early Morning or After-Hours Skip-the-Line Tour
• Rome in a Day: Vatican Museums & Colosseum Guided Tour
What's inside the Sistine Chapel?
Entrance wall
The entrance wall of the Chapel is decorated with the following frescoes that depict the final episodes in the lives of Christ and Moses:
• Resurrection of Christ
• Discussion over the body of Moses
The original frescos created by Ghirlandaio and Signorelli respectively were destroyed in 1522 when the architrave of the door collapsed. They were replaced in 1522 by the works of Hendrik van den Broeck and Matteo da Lecce.
Chapel’s ceiling
The frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, include:
• Nine scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the iconic The Creation of Adam
• Ancestors of Jesus
• Twelve Prophets
• Sibyls
• Four corner paintings representing the salvation of the Jewish people
Michelangelo painted over 300 figures on the curved ceiling, initially commissioned for the 12 Apostles. His innovative scaffolding system facilitated the work, inspiring artists.
The northern wall
The northern wall of the Sistine Chapel is decorated with the Stories of Jesus, painted in 1481-1482:
• Baptism of Christ
• Temptation of Christ
• Cleansing of the Leper
• Vocation of the Apostles
• The Sermon on the Mount
• The Delivery of the Keys
• The Last Supper
Beyond the windows, you will also find three episodes of the Passion: the Agony in the garden, the Arrest of Jesus, and the Crucifixion. The cycle ends with the Resurrection of Christ on the entrance wall.
The southern wall
The southern wall of the Sistine Chapel is decorated with the Stories of Moses. Painted in 1481-1482, some of the famous frescoes on the southern wall are:
• Moses Leaving to Egypt
• The Trials of Moses
• The Crossing of the Red Sea
• Handing over the Tablets of Law
• Descent from Mount Sinai
• Punishment of the Rebels
• Testament and Death of Moses
The cycle ends on the entrance wall with the Dispute over the body of Moses.
The altar wall
The entire altar wall of the Sistine Chapel features Michelangelo's masterpiece, The Last Judgment, painted between 1534 and 1541. This monumental fresco depicts the Second Coming of Christ and the final judgment of humanity, based on the 20th chapter of the Revelation of John. Highlights are:
• Heroic central image of Jesus Christ surrounded by saints and prophets.
• Figures of the blessed ascending to heaven on Christ's right, pulled by angels.
• Figures of the damned being dragged to hell on Christ's left by demons.
• Michelangelo's self-portrait as St. Bartholomew holding his flayed skin.
• Intentionally distorted and exaggerated human proportions.
It's a climactic conclusion to the biblical narrative depicted in the chapel's ceiling and walls.
Architectural highlights of Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel, built 1473-1481 under the Florentine architect Baccio Pontelli, epitomizes Renaissance design, where form and function come together to set a stunning stage for the renowned art it houses. The rectangular plan, a Renaissance hallmark, maximizes the visibility of the works, while the barrel-vaulted ceiling, a nod to Roman engineering, creates a unified space.
The six arched windows allow natural light to enter illuminating the famous frescoes by Michelangelo that accessorize the vaulted ceiling. The intricate geometric floor complements the artwork on the walls and ceiling. The marble chancel screen by Mino da Fiesole acts as a decorative barrier separating the altar area from the rest of the chapel.
See what else is inside the Vatican MuseumsNotable figures of Sistine Chapel
Know before you go
General information
Visitor tips
Timings
- Opening hours: 9am – 4pm (Mon to Sat)
- Closed: Sundays (except the last Sunday of the month), and on specific dates throughout the year, like Jan 1 and Dec 25.
Location
- Address: 00120 Vatican City
- Find on Google maps
Rules
- Remember to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, as a sign of respect for the sacred nature of the Sistine Chapel.
- Photography and filming are strictly prohibited inside the Sistine Chapel.
- Observe silence inside the Sistine Chapel, as speaking above a whisper is prohibited to preserve the contemplative atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions about Sistine Chapel tickets
Do I need to purchase separate tickets for the Sistine Chapel?
No, a ticket to the Vatican Museums includes entry to the Sistine Chapel. The chapel is located within the Vatican Museums complex. You can buy these tickets online. You can also join a guided tour with priority access.
Is skip-the-line access needed for Sistine Chapel tickets?
The Sistine Chapel can be very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Skip-the-line access is highly recommended to avoid long wait times and make the most of your visit to one of the world’s most significant chapels. You can buy these tickets online. You can also join a guided tour with priority access.
Does the Vatican guided tour cover Sistine Chapel as well?
Yes, Vatican guided tours do include the Sistine Chapel. In fact, it's one of the key highlights. You can explore and admire the iconic frescoes by Michelangelo and other Renaissance artists with a professional guide, enriching your experience with exciting stories and lesser-known facts.
What is the ideal time frame to explore Sistine Chapel?
Most visitors spend 30-45 minutes inside the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo's frescoes. Of course, this can vary depending on the crowds and your personal pace. However, it is recommended to allocate a couple of hours for your visit, as you will start your journey at the Vatican Museums and explore several rooms before reaching the chapel. The Sistine Chapel is a place where you don't want to rush, so taking the time to appreciate each detail in the frescoes is essential for a fulfilling experience.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, or can I purchase them on the day of my visit?
You can book the tickets on-site, but both the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are famous landmarks and availability might run out, especially in the peak season. Therefore, to secure better deals and ensure access, it is recommended to book Sistine Chapel tickets in advance rather than waiting to purchase them on the day of your visit.
Can I take photos inside the Sistine Chapel?
No, photography and filming are strictly prohibited inside the Sistine Chapel. This is to protect the delicate frescoes from the damage caused by camera flashes.
Is there any dress code for visiting the Sistine Chapel?
The Sistine Chapel has a strict dress code that requires visitors to have their shoulders and knees covered. Sleeveless tops, shorts, and miniskirts are not allowed. Proper attire is required for entry.
Is the Sistine Chapel accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, the Sistine Chapel is accessible for visitors with disabilities. Wheelchairs and strollers are permitted, and there are elevators available to reach the chapel. Visitors should inform their tour operator or the Vatican staff of any special needs.
Is the Sistine Chapel suitable for children?
The Sistine Chapel is generally considered appropriate for children, as it is a significant cultural and religious site. However, the long lines, strict dress code, and need for quiet contemplation may make it challenging for very young children. Parents should use their discretion based on their child's age and attention span.
From the happy customers
Dominique
FranceMay, 2025
easily accessible ticket office, very easy airport/landing transfer with conveyor belt, very pleasant and attentive staff despite the language barrier. punctuality, and arrival station in Venice ( fondamente dove) with easy access on foot from our accommodation. Highly recommended for airport transfers.
View original review in French
Water Bus Transfers: Marco Polo Airport to/from Venice City
Markos
Apr, 2025
It was my first visit to Venice, and I truly appreciated that my first impression of the city came from the sea. Traveling with Alilaguna allowed me to admire the beauty of Venice right from the water — a unique and unforgettable way to arrive.
The service was punctual and reliable, respecting the time schedule both on my arrival and my departure. That made the whole transfer to and from the airport smooth and stress-free.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants a scenic and efficient connection between Marco Polo Airport and the city of Ven
Water Bus Transfers: Marco Polo Airport to/from Venice City
Stephen
May, 2025
+ 2 more
Perfect way to see Venice . Use it as you would a hop on hop off. From circumnavigating on the 4+5 routes to enjoying the inner mini cruises on the 1+2 no better way to see this exceptional unique city. Also the added bonus of being able to access the islands of Murano and Burano on the same ticket it really is value for money and more.. I would highly recommend 👌it.
Vaporetto ACTV Water Bus & Mainland Bus Pass: 1 to 7 Days
Ulf
May, 2025
The Vaporettos are simply fantastic. They are punctual, reliable, run frequently and have a very dense network. The app makes it easy to find suitable connections. For strangers, it is sometimes a little confusing to know which pontoon to take.
View original review in German
Vaporetto ACTV Water Bus & Mainland Bus Pass: 1 to 7 Days
Dr.
Apr, 2025
Great tour to the hotel past many of Venice's sights!
No waiting time & very friendly service. Absolutely recommendable!
View original review in German
Shared Water Taxi Transfers: Venice Marco Polo Airport to/from Venice City
Carolina
ArgentinaMay, 2025
Everything was ok. The only thing that was a bit complicated was finding the right spot where the bus stops and the which was the exact bus to take. Also, it is very important to remark the importance of a reminder of priting the tickets as I did not know it and one of the drivers did not allow me to get in the bus.
ACTV Aerobus Bus Transfer: Venice Marco Polo Airport to/from Venice Piazzale Roma
Jürgen
Mar, 2025
Everything worked great at the ticket machine, but not on the bus when it came to scanning, but the bus driver let us go anyway
View original review in German
ACTV Aerobus Bus Transfer: Venice Marco Polo Airport to/from Venice Piazzale Roma
Joanne
United StatesApr, 2025
Very easy procedure and the boat driver was right there in the dock number as specified. Much easier than about 10 years ago when you had to walk outside (in all kinds of weather) to get to the boat at the dock. This is a huge improvement!
Private Water Taxi Transfers: Marco Polo Airport to/from Venice City