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Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel + Optional Basilica

1,298 Reviews 4.84 out of 5 stars Based on 1,298 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 97% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Rome, Italy

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2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

Experience the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Raphael’s Rooms – Without the Wait!
Embark on a Skip-the-Line tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Raphael’s Rooms. Opt for First Access with guided entry to St. Peter’s Basilica, where available.
Explore highlights with an expert guide who brings history to life. Group tours are capped at 20 guests and include headsets for clear narration.
Want a more personal touch? Choose our Small Group tour (max. 10 guests) or upgrade to First Access to be among the first visitors. Prefer independence? Select our escorted ticket-only option for self-paced exploring.

Important:
St. Peter’s Basilica is separate from the Museums and included only in tours where stated. With Basilica access, you’re free to explore independently after the guided portion.

What's Included

  • Skip the Line Access & Entrance Ticket to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
  • Skip the Line Access to St. Peter's Basilica (only when option is selected during booking)
  • Insider Guide (if guided option selected)
  • Food & Beverages
  • Gratuities
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What To Expect

Vatican Museums

Together with your guide, set foot inside the smallest country in the world via the fastest possible entrance!
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Cortile della Pigna

One of the first stops inside the Vatican Museums is the Pinecone Courtyard where you will find the Sphere within a Sphere sculpture as well as the Roman fountain, an enormous bronze pinecone, that lends the courtyard its name.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Sphere within a Sphere (Pass By)

The bronze Sphere within a Sphere sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro marries this historic setting with a touch of modern art.
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Museo Pio Clementino

The Vatican Museums are made up of multiple Museums forming many "wings". The wing containing the highest concentration of highlights is the Pio Clementino Museum. Follow your guide from the Octagonal open-air courtyard where you will encounter the Laocoonte and Apollo Belvedere, to the eerily life-like statues in the Room of the Animals. Check out the masterfully painted vaults creating a 3D effect in the Gallery of the Candelabra.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Galleria Delle Carte Geografiche

In this Gallery of hand-painted maps, you can admire the world how it was seen nearly 5 centuries ago. With the help of your guide, pick out the towns in Italy you have visited, or just enjoy the incredible hand-painted details that make these maps unique.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Stanze di Raffaello

"Raphael's Rooms" inside the Vatican Museums are a spectacular testament to the talent of the painter Raphael, as well the inspiration of the master Michelangelo. Explore them with your guide.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Sistine Chapel

Your guide will prepare you to take in the Sistine Chapel ahead of time, as no speaking is allowed in this sacred place. Admire this monumental work by Michelangelo.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Museos Vaticanos (Pass By)

Your visit ends at the entrance of the Vatican Museums. From here, you are free to continue to explore on your own within official opening hours.
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St. Peter's Square

If you choose an option including a tour of St. Peter's Basilica, access is provided, skipping the lines. You will be free to explore on your own inside.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

St. Peter's Basilica (Pass By)

Only when specific guided tour option including the Basilica is chosen, Skip the Line access to St. Peter's Basilica via a special exit from the Sistine Chapel. You will then be free to explore on your own inside.
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Vatican City (Pass By)

Vatican City, Vatican City, Lazio
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Show 9 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the booked start time. Tickets are time sensitive and we cannot accomodate late arrivals.
  • Important: St. Peter's Basilica is not included in all tour options. If you wish to visit the Basilica as part of your experience, please ensure you select a tour where it is explicitly listed as included.
  • Guests with a certified disability of over 75% are entitled to free entrance to the Vatican and do not require a ticket. For guests who are not self-sufficient, free entry is extended to a companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel + Optional Basilica?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-6700P14

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.84
1,298 reviews

Average 4.84 out of 5 stars based on 1,298 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1,147
4 stars
108
3 stars
33
2 stars
5
1 star
5

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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Skip the Line Access & Entrance Ticket to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
  • Skip the Line Access to St. Peter's Basilica (only when option is selected during booking)
  • Insider Guide (if guided option selected)
  • Headsets to hear your guide clearly (if guided option selected)
  • Food & Beverages
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children 6 and under are entitled to free access to the Vatican Museums (with proof of age)
  • Children aged 7-18 are entitled to a reduced entry fee (see tour and ticket pricing) and must provide proof of age.
  • Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • 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.
  • Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the booked start time. Tickets are time sensitive and we cannot accomodate late arrivals.
  • Important: St. Peter's Basilica is not included in all tour options. If you wish to visit the Basilica as part of your experience, please ensure you select a tour where it is explicitly listed as included.
  • Guests with a certified disability of over 75% are entitled to free entrance to the Vatican and do not require a ticket. For guests who are not self-sufficient, free entry is extended to a companion.
  • Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.
  • Please include all names as they appear on your passports when booking. Tickets are non-transferable and if the names on your booking do not match your ID you may be denied access and will not be due a refund. Any name changes must be communicated at least 72 hours in advance.
  • Please bring official ID with you (or a photo/photocopy).
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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