This semi-private small-group Vatican tour provides early access to the Vatican Museums, before the general public arrives. With an expert guide at your side you’ll take in highlights of the Museums, Raphael Room, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 3 - 3.5 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Skip the ticket line
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, Spanish, French, German, Italian
Experience
Highlights
- Enjoy skip-the-line admission to the Vatican Museums before the crowds arrive
- Marvel at the works of art in the Museums and the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel
- Learn about the Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica from an expert, licensed guide
Full description
COVID-19 Update
Due to health and safety regulations, this itinerary may change. See Know before you go for the latest updates.
Your 3-hour Vatican adventure begins when you meet your guide and the other members. Skip-the-line admission will ensure that you enter the Museums without delay, and before the doors open to the general public.
On this semi-private tour you’ll see the highlights of the Vatican Museums with your expert guide. Marvel at the spectacular works of art, including those housed in the Tapestry Gallery, Map Gallery, and several rooms dedicated to the works of the great Raphael.
Your enthusiastic guide will fascinate you throughout the tour with commentary on art history and the history of the Vatican State. Whether you're a novice or an art veteran, the Sistine Chapel is sure to impress. It is often referred to as the jewel in Michelangelo's crown.
Finally, your guide will lead the group through a special passageway from the Sistine Chapel into St. Peter’s Basilica, skipping yet another long line. Inside the Basilica your guide will provide background on this breathtaking center of the Catholic faith.
St. Peter's Basilica is the last stop on your tour. You can either choose to follow your guide and group out of the Basilica, or remain inside to further explore its splendor and perhaps even climb to its impressive dome.
Includes
- Admission tickets
- Skip-the-line service
- Semi-private tour
- Guide
- Unfortunately this tour is not wheelchair accessible
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- St Peter's Basilica is a church and as such the Vatican can decide to close it for religious functions without any notice. When the Basilica of St. Peter is closed for religious functions, you will spend longer time in the Vatican galleries with your guide
- For bookings with children, kindly bring with you a copy of their ID or passport for proof of age
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
COVID-19 precautions
Customers must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Important information
What to bring
- Passport or ID card
- Comfortable shoes
Not allowed
- Pets
- Shorts
- Luggage or large bags
- Short skirts
- Sleeveless shirts
Know before you go
- Due to Covid-19, St. Peter's Basilica closes without notice. In this case, the tour will include a 3-hour visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel instead of St. Peter's
- Unfortunately this tour is not wheelchair accessible or for people with walking difficulties
- Please note: if you arrive late you might lose the entrance or a part of the tour
