Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour

4.6 / 5

65 reviews

Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour

4.6

65 reviews

From $167.74 per person

Discover one of the world’s finest art collections on a 3-hour semi-private tour of the Vatican City in Rome. Skip the long ticket lines to the Vatican Museums. Then, marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. End in St. Peter’s Basilica.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Mobile ticketing
Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Instant confirmation
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Journey through the art and architecture of the Vatican City
  • Wander the vast galleries of the Vatican Museums
  • Enter Michelangelo's sublime Sistine Chapel
  • See the rare Raphael Rooms and popes' private chambers
  • Marvel at Michelangelo's "La Pieta"
  • Discover statues and sculpture from the days of Ancient Rome
  • Explore St. Peter's Basilica to experience the majesty of one of the world's largest churches
Full description

COVID-19 Update

Due to health and safety regulations, this itinerary may change. See Know before you go for the latest updates.

Journey through history on a 3-hour, small group tour of the Vatican City, and discover masterpieces of art and architecture in the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Start at the Vatican Museums to see Roman art from 3 artistic styles: The Baroque, Renaissance, and Medieval. Marvel at statues and sculptures from Ancient Rome, and see mosaics and crafts from imperial times. Along the way, learn more than 2,000 years of history from an art historian guide. Go to the Raphael Rooms, a suite of 4 reception rooms that are rarely appreciated publicly. See the frescoes and mural paintings of the popes’ private chambers. Next, enter the miraculous Sistine Chapel for an explanation of Michelangelo’s chapel to Pope Julius II. Look up at the famous ceiling painting before you enter St. Peter’s Basilica. Enter one of the largest and most important churches in the world. Admire the Renaissance architecture and art by Donato Bramante, Carlo Maderno, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and Michelangelo. Look at Michelangelo’s sublime “Pietà” sculpture, along with other sacred works of art.
Includes
  • Skip-the-ticket-line entrance tickets
  • English-speaking historian guide
  • Earphone system
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off
Not suitable for
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Prepare for the activity

Meeting point

Walk following the walls of the Vatican city until you reach the entrance to the museums. There are two gates, one of them is situated on top of few steps, on top of the gate there are two statues, under the statues the inscription: MUSEI VATICANI. The group will meet in front of this gate. The guide will hold a sign: ONCE IN ROME.

Open in Google Maps ⟶
Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card

Not allowed

  • Shorts
  • Short skirts
  • Sleeveless shirts

Know before you go

  • The Basilica is not accessible until further notice
  • Please note the dress code to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women at all times. You risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
  • All visitors must pass through airport-style security. During high season the wait at security may be up to 30 minutes.
  •  Minimum numbers apply for this tour. Your tour may be cancelled after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet the requirements. In the event of a cancellation, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
  •  Please note that you should not carry large bags on the tour, as these items won't be admitted inside the attractions.
  • Areas around the museums or basilica are sometimes closed. In the event of a partial closure of some attractions, no refund is admitted. Your guide will take you to other areas of the museums
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 65 reviews

Review summary

  • Value for money
    3.9/5
  • Service
    4.4/5
  • Organization
    4.1/5
Sort by

Opulence - decor, art and information

We met our tour guide Luigi next to cafe vaticano at the top of some steps, opposite the entrance to Vatican museum. Having been introduced to our fellow tourists, we were guided in, skipping out the awful line of people qued around the Vatican walls. Our movement into the Vatican walls were quick and soon we were being regaled with stories of the Vaticans history, the stories behind many of the sculptures and art work. Every question we had was answered with an exciting story and Luigi could even name the statues, the characters painted and artists behind the multiple works. I would highly recommend joining one of these tours even if you have been before. We have learnt a lot from our trip and are keen to study some more and come back again next year!

Read more

July 5, 2017

J
Reviewed by Jessica – United Kingdom

Helpful?

I really enjoyed the Sistine Chapel and I learned a lot of history.

Amazing! I learnt so much about the Vatican and is history thanks to our friendly and enthusiastic guide,however, he was a little difficult to follow at certain points as he spoke very fast. I loved everything but my highlight was the Sistine Chapel, it was Very Beautiful! I could have spent hours gazing in awe at the images and colours there. St Peters, wow, the sheer size and atmosphere is incredible! Walking in and being surrounded by the architecture and walking up to the dome (after the tour) and seeing the mosaics up close was truly breathtaking. And to top it all seeing the view from the top of the Basillica was the perfect End.

Read more

June 2, 2017

F
Reviewed by Fenella – United Kingdom

Helpful?

Very Informative, Passionate TourGuide. Great Experience!

Worth every penny. We skipped the lines, were in within 25 minutes and learned a TON from our very passionate and experienced tour guide. I do think I would have preferred to avoid some of the outside chat and head straight into the museums, as we were eager to get to Sistine and St. Peter's but all in all it was incredible! A MUST!

May 12, 2017

M
Reviewed by Meaghan – United States

Helpful?

Organized by
Once in Rome Authentic Experiences

Product ID: 57674