Guided Tours of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Follow a Vatican expert along an insider route, from the Museums to the Chapel and straight into Basilica, with zero wait.

• Everything you get: Skip the Vatican ticket lines and explore the Museums with a local expert, covering key galleries and masterpieces. Learn the legends and context behind Michelangelo’s frescoes before entering the Sistine Chapel, then continue straight into St. Peter’s Basilica through a direct internal passage, bypassing the 2-hour public queue.
• Why choose this: A professional guide streamlines your visit with clear context, making this the smartest way for first-timers to see the Vatican’s highlights, while saving hours and avoiding the hassle of re-queuing for the Basilica.
• 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 (as per option selected)

• 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

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

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

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

• 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.

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

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.

A once-in-a-lifetime Vatican moment—witness the Pope in person with guidance and context from an expert.

• Everything you get: Experience one of the Vatican’s most powerful traditions as Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims from around the world. Join hymns, prayers, and reflections in St. Peter’s Square. Your guide will provide rich insight into the significance of the event, the Pope’s message, and centuries of papal tradition—before and during the audience.
• Why choose this: Seeing the Pope live is on many travelers' bucket lists—but navigating the logistics can be tricky. This tour takes the stress out of it by securing your official Vatican entry and guiding you to a good viewing spot in the Square early.
• Upgrades: After the gathering, explore the Basilica’s chapels, tombs, and masterpieces with a guided tour that adds meaning to your morning.

Inclusions #

• Guided tour of the Papal Audience experience

• Pre-arranged Papal Audience ticket

• Guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica (as per option selected)

• Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)

• Headsets

What to bring

• Papal Audience voucher or booking confirmation (digital or printed)
• Valid photo ID matching the name on your reservation

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, backpacks, suitcases, or bulky items (no storage facilities onsite)
• Animals, glass objects
• Flash photography or video recording during the audience

Accessibility

• Stroller and wheelchair-accessible routes available
• Ramp access provided on the right semicircle of St. Peter’s Square
• Seating is unassigned and first-come, first-served

Additional information

• Mandatory airport-style security screening is required; allow 30–60 minutes for entry, especially in peak season
• Dress code: Knees and shoulders must be covered for all attendees
• Aisle seats offer the best chance of a close-up view of the Pope as he moves through the audience
• Audience tickets are free but must be reserved in advance—we handle that for you
• The event is subject to the Pope’s schedule and may change; check the Vatican’s official calendar for updates
• Held only on Wednesdays; your guide will accompany you early to help secure a better viewing spot

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

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

What's not allowed

• Strict dress code: Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
• Note that tripod and flash photography are not allowed in this experience.

Additional information

• It's recommended to wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
• The Sistine Chapel is often subject to last-minute closures for religious ceremonies.
• Photography allowed.
• 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.
• Note: From January 12–March 31, 2026, Michelangelo’s Last Judgment will be temporarily out of view due to restoration works. However, the Sistine Chapel remains open during this time.