The Complete Vatican Tour With Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
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
- Skip-the-Line Access to Vatican Museums
- Skip-the-Line Access to Sistine Chapel
- Fully guided tour inside the Vatican Museums
- Skip-the-Line Access to St. Peter's Basilica
- Small-group tour with 20 people for an intimate experience
- Expert Art Historian Guide
What's included
- 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
- Headset
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
- Lunch
Overview
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.
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. 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.
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
Points of interest :
Vatican City
Vatican Museums, Vatican City
Sistine Chapel, Vatican City
Cortile del Belvedere, Vatican City, RM, Italy
St. Peter's Basilica, Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City
Additional Information
Covid 19 Safety Measures
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact the Guest Experience team to make alternative arrangements.
Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations; please refer to the government website in the country of your tour for the most up-to-date information.
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 instead explore the magnificent Pinacoteca Gallery.
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
Note: The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and subject to other unexpected closures during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. On such days we will instead explore the magnificent Pinoteca Gallery.
Required to bring: Valid photo ID
Mobile tickets will be accepted
Know before you go
This tour is in English.
This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
If you cannot join your tour at the last minute (running late, etc), please contact us. We may be able to reschedule your tour with a small amendment fee depending on availability.
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
All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
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.
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact the Guest Experience team to make alternative arrangements.
Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations; please refer to the government website in the country of your tour for the most up-to-date information.
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 instead explore the magnificent Pinacoteca Gallery.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable.
