The Complete Vatican Tour With Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
3.5 hours
Max 18 people
Commentary: Guide · en
Rome, Italy
About this activity
Skip the line on a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica for a unique understanding of the history and world-class art collection of the Vatican.
Highlights
- Save time with skip-the-line access to Vatican Museums
- Enjoy free time to explore the Sistine Chapel
- Carefully planned tour of Vatican Museums highlights
- Visit St. Peter's Basilica (Vatican Express option excluded)
- Small group tour with max 18 people for an intimate experience
Full description
Our Complete Vatican Tour gives you the best of the museum's collections and an in-depth understanding of the art, architecture, and history contained within the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. The specially curated itinerary ensures that you see the most famous attractions as well as lesser-known gems in just over 3 hours. With skip-the-line tickets to both the Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica there is no quicker or more accessible way to see the best of the Vatican. Walks Tours is proud to be an Accredited Tour Operator with an official ticketing agreement with the Vatican Museums.
Short on time? Book the Vatican Express Tour option to see highlights of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel in just 3 hours (St. Peter's Basilica not included). Want to avoid the daytime crowds? Select the First Entrance Complete Vatican Tour option at time of booking to enter the Vatican Museums as its doors open for the day (St. Peter's Basilica included).
Short on time? Book the Vatican Express Tour option to see highlights of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel in just 3 hours (St. Peter's Basilica not included). Want to avoid the daytime crowds? Select the First Entrance Complete Vatican Tour option at time of booking to enter the Vatican Museums as its doors open for the day (St. Peter's Basilica included).
Start your tour by skipping the (always long) ticket lines to get into the museum and diving right into the galleries holding some of the most famous works of art in the world. This specially-designed route encompasses all the can’t-miss pieces while also including some of the lesser-known works that will really dazzle you.
Your expert, English-speaking guide will give you eye-opening insight and context (along with some great stories) as you explore the Raphael Rooms, the Belvedere courtyard with ‘Apollo Belvedere’ & the Laocoön group, the Pinecone Courtyard, the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of the Maps, and the Gallery of the Tapestries.
The piéce-de-resistance is, of course, the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will prep you for your time here by telling you the stories behind the creation of the iconic frescoes as well as what they mean. When you enter, you will then be able to appreciate the full majesty of the room, spotting little details like Michelangelo’s self-portrait and the rather painful revenge he plotted for the Pope’s aide (he wasn’t his biggest fan…)
From the Sistine Chapel, you'll follow your guide through a special, groups-only door taking you right into St. Peter's Basilica—skipping the long line outside (note: Basilica not included if Vatican Express option selected). Once in St. Peter's, your guide will point out the precious art and treasures inside and share the story behind the church's 120-year construction.
The Vatican is more than just a museum. It's home to the Pope and Catholicism and is one of the world's smallest yet powerful states. On this intimate tour, your guide will ensure that you get an overview of it all—from papal scandal to Renaissance masters and the day-to-day operation of Vatican City.
Note: The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesday mornings. It is subject to other closures during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. On such days we will instead explore more of the Vatican Museums' galleries.
Important Note: All participants must provide their name and surname at the time of booking. The information must exactly match what is listed on the ID or passport. Name changes are not allowed. Failure to supply this information will lead to the cancellation of your booking.
Sites Visited: • Vatican Museums • Sistine Chapel • Raphael Rooms • Apollo Belvedere & Laocoön & His Sons • Pinecone Courtyard • Gallery of the Candelabra • Gallery of the Maps • Gallery of the Tapestries • St. Peter's Basilica (Vatican Express option excluded)
Your expert, English-speaking guide will give you eye-opening insight and context (along with some great stories) as you explore the Raphael Rooms, the Belvedere courtyard with ‘Apollo Belvedere’ & the Laocoön group, the Pinecone Courtyard, the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of the Maps, and the Gallery of the Tapestries.
The piéce-de-resistance is, of course, the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will prep you for your time here by telling you the stories behind the creation of the iconic frescoes as well as what they mean. When you enter, you will then be able to appreciate the full majesty of the room, spotting little details like Michelangelo’s self-portrait and the rather painful revenge he plotted for the Pope’s aide (he wasn’t his biggest fan…)
From the Sistine Chapel, you'll follow your guide through a special, groups-only door taking you right into St. Peter's Basilica—skipping the long line outside (note: Basilica not included if Vatican Express option selected). Once in St. Peter's, your guide will point out the precious art and treasures inside and share the story behind the church's 120-year construction.
The Vatican is more than just a museum. It's home to the Pope and Catholicism and is one of the world's smallest yet powerful states. On this intimate tour, your guide will ensure that you get an overview of it all—from papal scandal to Renaissance masters and the day-to-day operation of Vatican City.
Note: The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesday mornings. It is subject to other closures during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. On such days we will instead explore more of the Vatican Museums' galleries.
Important Note: All participants must provide their name and surname at the time of booking. The information must exactly match what is listed on the ID or passport. Name changes are not allowed. Failure to supply this information will lead to the cancellation of your booking.
Sites Visited: • Vatican Museums • Sistine Chapel • Raphael Rooms • Apollo Belvedere & Laocoön & His Sons • Pinecone Courtyard • Gallery of the Candelabra • Gallery of the Maps • Gallery of the Tapestries • St. Peter's Basilica (Vatican Express option excluded)
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica
- Local English-speaking guide
- Skip-the-line ticket for Vatican Museums
- Skip-the-line ticket for St. Peter's Basilica (Vatican Express option excluded)
- Headset
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
- Lunch
Meeting point
Start Location
153 Via Candia, Antico Caffè Candia, Roma, IT
Antico Caffè Candia, Via Candia, 153, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Antico Café Candia, Via Candia, 153, 00192 Roma RM.
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and is subject to other unexpected closures during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. On such days we will offer a more in-depth tour of the Museums. We are unable to provide refunds or discounts.
- The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.
- All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
- Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
- Please note: starting December 2024, access to St. Peter's Basilica may be limited due to the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025, which includes special events and ceremonies. These closures are determined by the Vatican and are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.
- Walks Tours is an Accredited Tour Operator with an official ticketing agreement with the Vatican Museums.
Know before you go
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.
- All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
- All guests must pass through security. For useful information/restrictions about your tour in the Vatican Museum, visit https://m.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani-mobile/en/visita-i-musei/consigli-utili.html
- Only small backpacks and handbags are allowed inside the Vatican Museums. Storage is available but please note you must return (about a 20-minute walk) to the entrance to pick up your items at the end of the tour.
- Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
- No photography or filming is permitted in the Sistine Chapel.
- The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and is subject to other unexpected closures during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. On such days we will offer a more in-depth tour of the Museums. We are unable to provide refunds or discounts.
- Please note: starting December 2024, access to St. Peter's Basilica may be limited due to the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025, which includes special events and ceremonies. These closures are determined by the Vatican and are beyond our control.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 7 days before the activity starts
Cancellations received greater than 7 days prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 7 days of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Additional information
Ticket age ranges:
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)