The Apostolic Palace: Papal residence in Vatican City

Explore the chapels, altars, and crypts of St. Peter's Basilica with an expert guide.

• An expert guide will lead you through the best of St. Peter's Basilica, from its chapels and altars to the sacred Papal Crypts.
• Dive into art and architecture by Renaissance greats such as Donato Bramante and Carlo Maderno in your preferred language.
• As you walk through the mosaic floors that tell the stories of saints and martyrs, keep an eye out for the awe-inspiring Baldachin by Bernini.
• You can opt for a guide in your preferred language, with tours available in English, French, Spanish, and Italian.
• After the tour, you can descend to the Vatican Grottoes and explore the Papal Tombs, learn about the legacy of the Clementine Chapel, and more.

Inclusions

• Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica with skip-the-line entry

• Expert English, French, Italian or Spanish-speaking guide

• Assistance at meeting point

See all three Vatican must-sees: tour the Museums and Chapel, then enter the Basilica directly via a hidden passage, skipping hours of wait.

• Everything you get: Jump past the ticketing queues and explore the Vatican Museums with a local expert guide through highlights like the Gallery of Maps, Gallery of Tapestries, and more. Step into the Sistine Chapel with fresh context on Michelangelo’s frescoes, then walk directly into St. Peter’s Basilica via a special passageway, bypassing the 2-hour public queue.
• Why choose this: Normally, visiting the Basilica after the Museums means exiting and rejoining a long security line in St. Peter’s Square. This tour’s secret passage saves you that hassle, giving you seamless access and more time inside one of the world’s most important churches.
• Upgrades: Go semi-private (max 10 guests) for a calmer, more personal experience.
• Choose early access to beat the crowds, with the option to climb the Dome for sweeping views over Vatican City.

Inclusions

• Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry

• St. Peter's Basilica Access

• Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, or Japanese-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

Learn about the world’s largest basilica and its history as St. Peter’s burial site with an expert guide and priority entry.

• Everything you get: Enjoy a guided tour of the glorious St. Peter’s Basilica with reserved entry, led by a licensed guide in your chosen language. From Michelangelo’s Pietà to the Papal Tombs, uncover the art, rituals, and stories that shaped Catholic history.
• Why choose this: Go beyond what meets the eye—this isn’t just entry, it’s a guided deep dive into centuries of faith, the making of a major pilgrimage site, and hidden spaces most visitors miss. Plus, you skip the long entry lines.
• Upgrades: Add Dome access by elevator to reach St. Peter’s terrace—the easiest way to see Rome from its highest point.

Inclusions

• Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica & Papal Tombs

• Expert English, Spanish, French, German or Italian-speaking guide

• Dome access via elevator (as per option selected)

Exclusions

• Food and drinks

What to bring

• Bring a valid passport or photo ID for security checks.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking and climbing stairs.
• Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered; avoid sleeveless tops, shorts, or skirts above the knee.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, backpacks, suitcases, and luggage are not allowed inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Glass objects, weapons, or sharp items are prohibited.
• Flash photography is not permitted inside the Basilica.
• Shorts, short skirts, sleeveless shirts, and low-cut garments are not allowed due to the dress code.
• Strollers are not permitted inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Food and drinks are not allowed.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
• The activity is not suitable for children under 6 years of age.
• The Dome climb involves over 300 narrow steps in an enclosed space and may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia or limited mobility.

Additional information

• All visitors must pass through airport-style security checks; allow extra time, especially during peak hours when wait times can be up to 2 hours.
• Meeting point and time may vary depending on the option booked; please check your confirmation details and arrive at least 15–30 minutes before your scheduled start time. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated or refunded.
• Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Dome may be subject to closure without prior notice due to religious ceremonies or Vatican events. If the underground or Dome is closed, alternative arrangements will be made.
• The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and during major celebrations like Easter. On such days, your guide will take you to the Pinacoteca Gallery instead.
• The elevator for the Dome only goes to the first balcony; the remaining ascent (320 steps) must be done on foot.
• The tour does not include access to the Vatican Museums or Sistine Chapel.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now & pay later options are available.
• Headsets are provided for clear audio during the tour.
• Please ensure you select the correct tour option (Regular Guided Tour or Dome Climb Tour) before booking.
• Photography without flash is permitted in most areas.
• Moderate physical fitness is recommended due to walking and stairs involved.

Save up to 3 hours by bypassing the infamous Vatican ticket lines. Get guaranteed entry to explore the Vatican's treasures on your schedule.

• Everything you get: Entry to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel at your chosen time slot and the ability to bypass the ticket counters and head straight to security. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, from ancient Roman sculptures to the Gallery of Maps and the Sistine Chapel.
• Why choose this: Vatican lines can stretch 1–2 km and last up to 3 hours, especially in summer heat.This ticket secures your entry time in advance, so you can spend your vacation exploring, not waiting.
• Upgrades: Choose a hosted entry to be escorted inside by a local rep who validates your ticket and walks you past the lines, with same-day slots often available. For deeper context, opt for a guided tour led by an expert in your preferred language, covering the Vatican’s most famous masterpieces. Or elevate your visit with the Vatican Gardens tour, offering rare access to the Pope’s private gardens on a panoramic open-bus ride, normally closed to the public.

Inclusions

• Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

• Hosted skip-the-line entry to Vatican Museums with ticket redemption (as per option selected)

• Vatican Garden open bus tour (as per option selected)

• Guided tour of Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel (as per option selected)

• Booking and service charges

Skip the long lines and uncover 500 years of Vatican history in just 2–3 hours with an expert guide through its legendary halls and the Sistine Chapel.

• Everything you get: Priority entry to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel and an expert-led tour through highlights like the Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms, and more. Gain fresh context before stepping into the Sistine Chapel so Michelangelo’s ceiling and The Last Judgment come alive.Headsets included so you don’t miss a word, even in crowded galleries
• Why choose this: The Vatican collection is so vast it would take 48 days to see everything. A guided tour helps you focus on the most iconic works in just a few hours, while gaining insider context and hidden details only a local expert can share.
• Upgrades: Choose a small-group tour (under 15 guests) for a deeper, more interactive experience. Or 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

Enter before opening hours for a quieter, crowd-free Vatican experience.

• Everything you get: Start your day early and skip the ticketing lines to enter the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel before 8am—well before the crowds arrive. Tour iconic rooms like the Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms with your expert guide, then admire Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes in rare peace. From there, continue into St. Peter’s Basilica, taking in masterpieces like Bernini’s Baldachin and Michelangelo’s Pietà.
• Why choose this: This tour gets you inside before the doors open to the public—giving you space, silence, and time to absorb the Vatican’s most famous sights without the usual chaos.
• Upgrades: Add a dome climb to your tour for access to the top of St. Peter’s—climb the stairs for unforgettable panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome.

Inclusions

• Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry

• Entry to St Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)

• Semi-private group of 6 (as per option selected)

• Entry to St Peter's Dome (as per option selected)

• Breakfast at Vatican Courtyard (as per option selected)

• Expert English-speaking guide

• Headsets

Exclusions

• Gratuities

One ticket, two icons—skip the hassle of multiple bookings and experience the best of Ancient Rome and the Vatican with expert guides.

• Everything you get: Step into ancient Roman history at the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill with your expert guide, who brings gladiator tales and imperial power to life. Then, on a separate tour, explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel—home to the Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms, and Michelangelo’s ceiling. Timed entry ensures a smooth experience, and you can schedule both tours on the same day or across different days to fit your itinerary.
• Why choose this: This combo gives you two sides of Rome in one seamless experience—stand in the Colosseum where gladiators once fought, then marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. You’ll walk away with the history and the highlights, all without the stress of piecing it together yourself.

Inclusions Colosseum

• Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

• Expert local English, Italian, Spanish, French or German-speaking guide

• Timed entry to Colosseum

Vatican Museums

• Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry

• Expert & charismatic local guide

Exclusions Colosseum

• Access to the Colosseum underground, arena floor, or upper floors

Vatican Museums

• Access to St. Peter's Basilica

• Plan your day smartly. Book tours on different days or keep at least 3–4 hours between them.
• If visiting both tours on the same day, leave at least 1 hour between slots. It takes 30-40 minutes for commjute between the two sites.
• Each guided tour lasts 2–3 hours—plan for extra time to explore on your own.
• Bookings require accurate full names, so double-check at checkout to avoid issues. Bring a valid photo ID—it must match your ticket for entry!

Colosseum

• Save some time to visit ancient Rome's largest temple, located right at the eastern edge of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum – the Temple of Venus and Roma.
• This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Vatican Museums

• Strict dress code: knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
• While the guided tour is not accessible by wheelchair, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.

A scenic open-bus Vatican Gardens tour before timed entry to the Museums and Chapel.

• Everything you get: Begin at the Vatican Museums entrance, check in for your reserved Gardens bus tour, and explore a rarely seen side of Vatican City. Ride past lush landscapes, fountains, and the Papal Heliport with an audio guide in 7 languages. Afterward, enjoy direct entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, skipping long ticket lines.
• Why choose this: A peaceful panoramic ride through the Vatican Gardens, followed by a self-paced museum visit—no re-entry required.

Inclusions

• Vatican Gardens tour by open bus with a multilingual audio guide

• Entry tickets to the Vatican Museums

• Access to Sistine Chapel

Exclusions

• Audio guide for Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

• Live 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

• Expert English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, or German-speaking guide (as per option selected)

• Headsets

Exclusions

• Gratuities

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