J
It takes almost 3 hours...
It takes almost 3 hours and you should not have any walking difficulties, then you can enjoy this unique museum despite the massive crowds
Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Basilica Guided Tour
+10 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2h 30min
- Price from
- $86 / person
- Location
- Rome, Italy
- Rating
- 4.6 / 5 · 4,338 reviews
- Languages
- DE, EN, IT, FR
- Group
- Small group, up to 20
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Maya Tours
- Meeting point
- VIA GERMANICO 16PLEASE ARRIVE TO CHECK-IN 15 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED ENTRY TIME!We organize everything and your guide will meet you with your ticket to skip the line and enter the Vatican.
Description
Skip the line, avoid the long queues and explore the Vatican's exceptional collections and the magnificent Sistine Chapel with an expert guide in an intimate group. This extensive and exclusive tour is designed for those eager to experience everything the Vatican has to offer. The Vatican Museums are home to an expansive array of art, featuring stunning sculptures, frescoes, and architectural masterpieces that together form an unparalleled collection found nowhere else in the world. Admire the incredible sculptures, tapestries, paintings, and architectural works of Renaissance masters such as Bramante, Bernini, Perugino, Botticelli, D’Antonio, Rosselli, Signorelli, Della Gatta, Ghirlandaio, Raphael, and of course Michelangelo. Please note that St Peters Basilica is subject to last minute closures and for the papal audience on some Wednesday mornings, entrance can not always be included. In this case there will be an extended tour of the Vatican museums.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, and Sat
- Start times
- 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:30 PM
- Next available
- Mon, Oct 12
- Adult (ages 17+)
- $86
- Child (ages 6–16)
- $86
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 10.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Vatican Museums
Explore the Vatican Museums with an Expert Guide, visit the highlights of the incredible collections comprised of a colossal 20,000 works on display, over 4 miles of Art, Sculptures, Tapestries, Paintings and Architecture. Belvedere Courtyard Pinecone Courtyard Pio Clementino Museum Octagonal Courtyard Sala Degli Animali Sala Delle Muse Sala Rotonda Sala A Croce Greca Gallery of the Candelabra Gallery of Tapestries Gallery of Maps
Sistine Chapel
Marvel at the incredible Sistine Chapel, an impressive sanctuary that boasts works of art by master painters like Perugino, Pinturicchio, Ghirlandaio, Rosselli, Botticelli, Signorelli, della Gatta and, of course, Michelangelo. See the world famous frescoes stretch magnificently across the ceiling with the renowned Creation of Adam as the central focus and the majestic Last Judgement upon the rear wall, offering a visual spectacle that encapsulates the divine. Sistine Chapel Frescoes Cosmati Floor Mosaic Forseen conception of Jesus Christ Pagan Sibyls / Icons Prophet depictions Creation of Adam The Last Judgement Sacrifice of Jesus Christ Greek Mythology Styx
St. Peter's Basilica
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican City, or simply Saint Peter's Basilica, is a church of the Italian High Renaissance and the heart of the catholic faith located in Vatican City, an independent microstate enclaved within the city of Rome, Italy.
St. Peter's Square
St. Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro), located in Vatican City in front of St. Peter's Basilica, is a massive, iconic Baroque plaza designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1656 and 1667. Featuring an elliptical design with massive colonnades representing the "embrace" of the Church, it holds over 300,000 people and features a central Egyptian obelisk.
What's included
Included
Headsets to hear the guide clearly in crowded areas
Small Group Tour Experience with Expert Official Licensed Vatican Guide
Skip The Line Priority Access Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets
St. Peter's Basilica if open on the day of your tour
Not included
Location Pick Up & Drop Off
Scavi / Necropolis
Please note that the Basilica is subject to last minute closures and can not always be included
St.Peter's Dome (Cupola) Access
Not wheelchair accessible
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.6
4,338 reviews
How it compares in Rome
- No. 21 by number of reviews among 8,074 tours in Rome
- Starting price $86 is 24% below the typical $113 for tours of similar length in Rome
Excurgo comparison of 8,074 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not suitable for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
- If you arrive late for the meeting time, it will not be possible to join the group or reschedule, unless you pay for the activity again. As per "No Show" rules you will not be entitled to a refund.
- If you purchase a reduced ticket and you are not under 16 years old or a student under 26 years old with a valid STUDENT PHOTO ID, the Vatican will deny your entry and you will not be able to visit the Vatican or join the tour.
- All visitors must pass through the monument/attraction security check please allow at least 20 minutes to clear security.
- Knees & Shoulders MUST be covered for both men & women.
- Some monuments or areas may be under restoration and subject to last minute closures. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- It is not possible to contact guides when they are inside the Vatican museums, it is the clients responsibility to stay with the guided tour group, if you lose your guide inside the Vatican, there is nothing we can do in this case.
- Please be aware that large bags/backpacks/suitcases are not permitted in the monument/ attraction. Only very small bags are allowed. Please do not bring these items with you on the day of your tour as there are no cloakrooms at the monument.
- St. Peter's Basilica is subject to last minute closures for religous events, and the Papal audience on some Wednesday and Saturday mornings. In the event that it is closed if you have selected the option to visit St. Peter's Basilica you will have an extended tour of the Vatican museums. The Basilica is free to enter and we do not have any control in the event of these closures it is not possible to provide a refund under these circumstances.
- Please note that it is mandatory to provide the full name of each participant. Failure to do this could result in refused entry to the monument.
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not suitable for those with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Basilica Guided Tour lasts about 2h 30min. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $86 per person for this Rome experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 5 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, starting at 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:30 PM.
How much does this tour cost for children?
Children aged 6–16 pay from $86, adults from $86.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is VIA GERMANICO 16. PLEASE ARRIVE TO CHECK-IN 15 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED ENTRY TIME! We organize everything and your guide will meet you with your ticket to skip the line and enter the Vatican. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in DE, EN, IT, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 20 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not suitable for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not suitable for those with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(4,338)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
M
Wonderful tour. Well...
Wonderful tour. Well worth the cost to not spend hours on line! You can spend as much time as you like in the Basilica.
J
Debra was very...
Debra was very informative and made she pointed out key things so we didn't waste time when better things and views existed. There was a lot to see. Almost sensory overload. Definitely a good move skipping the line
A
Best tour guide ever!
Maggie was an excellent tour guide and had a true love for the Vatican, St. Peter’s and its historical significance. She was kind enough to answer questions and still keep us moving and on time. She is a gem! And we are so lucky to have met her.
P
Informative & memorable
Only go in the spring or fall. Oppressive summer heat will make your visit less memorable. Skip the Line is worth the money
D
Amazing Experience
Was an amazing experience, with a fantastic guide. Highly recommend booking with them. The skip the line makes a difference and worth the price.
A
Wow trip to the Vatican and Basilica.
Very little waiting to get in. Guide was very informative.
W
Skip the line Vatican and St Peters Basilica
The guide was excellent and very knowledgeable. The museum part was ridiculously busy and he did a good job of navigating through as best he could. St Peters Basilica was absolutely amazing and not as crowded as the rest of the tour. My only critique would be the crowds in the museum and Sistine Chapel, not recommended for people who not like being in enclosed spaces.
M
Tour Guide Maggie was PHENOMENAL
Meeting place was Maya Tours in Rome. Tour office was ok. Opened a few minutes late but was efficient once they opened. Our tour guide, MAGGIE was absolutely PHENOMENAL. The best tour guide I have ever had, and I have gone on a lot of tours. One wouldn't expect a tour of the Vatican to actually be fun, but she made it that way. And her knowledge and ability to share it in a captivating way was amazing. Maggie, if you are reading this, "Michigan" thanks you from the bottom of my heart. I was incredibly lucky to have randomly been assigned to your group and recommend anyone to request you. You made this tour experience a 20 on a scale of 1 to 10.
P
This tour was prompt....
This tour was prompt. After the tour you are free to continue to explore on your own. Our guide was originally from Georgia , so her English was fantastic. She was passionate, very educated, and funny. She really took the time to give you the history and the meaning behind what you were going to see. It was a group tour but she made it seem more like a personal experience. Totally recommend.
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| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Basilica Guided Tour | 2h 30min | 4.6 (4,338) | $86 | |
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 Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica VIP Guided Tour | 2h 30min | 4.8 (1,654) | $86 | View |
 Skip-the-Line Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & St Peter Basilica | 2–3 hours | 4.7 (170) | $136 | View |
 Skip the Line: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel Tour & St. Peter's | 1–3 hours | 4.8 (1,770) | $40 | View |
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from$86
4.6(4,338) Free cancellation