Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
34,287 Reviews
4.61 out of 5 stars Based on 34,287 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor
|
Recommended by 92% of reviewers
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Rome, Italy
3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
Spend more time inside with no-wait access to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica through an official Vatican partner entrance. On this comprehensive guided tour, you'll experience the best of the Vatican in just three hours, including the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and more. Navigate the vast complex of artwork and history with an expert, who will bring this ancient collection to life. Choose from several departure times and languages.
What's Included
- Reserved Priority Access to the Vatican Museums (except St Peter's Tour Only option)
- Group of 20 people or less (except St Peter's Tour Only option, 25)
- Access to the Sistine Chapel (except St Peter's Tour Only option)
- Leaflet for the visits of Sistine Chapel & St Peter's Basilica (except St Peter's Tour Only option)
- Guided visit of St. Peter’s Basilica (except: Wednesday morning & if Express option selected)
- Audio headsets so you can always hear your guide
- Gratuities
- If you book “St. Peter's Basilica Tour Only,” access to the Vatican & Sistine Chapel is NOT included
Meeting Location
Meeting point
End point
Piazza San Pietro
00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
What To Expect
Vatican City
Vatican Museums tours with skip-the-line access are popular, yet even fast-track lines can be lengthy. This exclusive experience provides admission through a dedicated entrance, ensuring a queue-free visit.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Vatican Museums
Embark on an exclusive journey into the treasure trove of the Vatican Museums. Explore the intriguing Gallery of the Maps and Tapestries, immersed in tales of Vatican secrets. Marvel at captivating Italian maps, and be awe-inspired by the sculptures in the Gallery of Candelabras. Capture memories with a photo stop at the Pigna statue in the Pinecone Courtyard, crafted by the renowned Donato Bramante.
Join our English speaking expert guide for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Vatican City!
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Cortile della Pigna
The Pineyard Courtyard at the Vatican Museums is a serene haven, blending classic architecture with lush greenery. Donato Bramante's Pigna statue stands as a bronze centerpiece, creating a peaceful retreat. Amidst this cultural richness, the courtyard invites reflection and appreciation for its timeless elegance.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Sphere within a Sphere
In the heart of the Vatican's Cortile della Pigna stands a notable bronze sculpture: Sfera con sfera (Sphere Within a Sphere) by Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro. This captivating artwork depicts two fractured orbs resembling intricate machine gears, symbolizing the intricate and fragile nature of the modern world. Pomodoro began creating similar sculptures in the early 1960s, exploring the theme of complexity.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Galleria Delle Carte Geografiche
The Gallery of the Maps is a mesmerizing display of intricate cartography, spanning centuries. Immerse yourself in history through vividly detailed maps, capturing the beauty of geography and artistry.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Sistine Chapel
Explore the Museums rooms and then enter the incredible Sistine Chapel— the Pope's own sanctuary and a must-see on any Vatican visit. Stand beneath Michelangelo's iconic The Creation of Adam on the ceiling, and marvel at The Last Judgement, his vibrant mural gracing the wall.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
St. Peter's Basilica
After marveling at the Sistine Chapel, your guide leads you to St. Peter's Basilica, the symbolic heart of the Catholic Church. Dive into its rich history, exploring Vatican art like Michelangelo's La Pietà, crafted when he was just 24. Admire Bernini's baldachin and bid farewell to your guide in St. Peter's Square.
Note: On Wednesdays, due to the Papal Audience, St. Peter's Basilica and Square may be unavailable. Fear not, as an extended Vatican Museums itinerary awaits you as a perfect alternative.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
St. Peter's Square
St. Peter's Square is an iconic masterpiece in Rome. It embraces visitors with its grandeur. Designed by Bernini, the vast elliptical space is encircled by a majestic colonnade, symbolizing the Church's embrace. The central obelisk and fountains add splendor, while the stunning façade of St. Peter's Basilica stands as a beacon of architectural brilliance, inviting pilgrims and tourists alike to marvel at the heart of Vatican City.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group tours.
- At times, despite our priority access tickets, we may experience delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues
- St Peter’s Basilica & Sistine Chapel are subject to last-minute closures for religious ceremonies. When this occurs, we're happy to offer customers an extended tour of the Vatican Museums. While we endeavour to tell tour groups ahead of time if there are any planned disruptions to the Basilica's opening hours, this is not always possible and in these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts.
- On Wednesdays, due to the Papal Audiences, access to St Peter's Basilica is not possible until 1pm
- St Peter's Basilica is not accessible on the express tours options
- Please be advised that access to St. Peter's Basilica will not be guaranteed unless the names of all participants in the booking are provided in advance. This requirement is essential for security and the Venue organizational purposes. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit.
- Please note that if you choose the “St. Peter's Basilica Tour Only” option, access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel will not be included.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour?
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-3731VATICAN
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.61
34,287 reviews
Average 4.61 out of 5 stars based on 34,278 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
5 stars
25,644
4 stars
5,913
3 stars
1,381
2 stars
695
1 star
645
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour?
A:Apr 2025
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).
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Reserved Priority Access to the Vatican Museums (except St Peter's Tour Only option).
- Group of 20 people or less (except St Peter's Tour Only option, 25).
- Access to the Sistine Chapel (except St Peter's Tour Only option).
- Leaflet for the visits of Sistine Chapel & St Peter's Basilica (except St Peter's Tour Only option).
- Guided visit of St. Peter’s Basilica (except: Wednesday morning & if Express option selected).
- Audio headsets so you can always hear your guide.
The following is NOT included:
- Gratuities.
- If you book “St. Peter's Basilica Tour Only,” access to the Vatican & Sistine Chapel is NOT included.
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Reserved Priority Access to the Vatican Museums (except St Peter's Tour Only option)
- Group of 20 people or less (except St Peter's Tour Only option, 25)
- Access to the Sistine Chapel (except St Peter's Tour Only option)
- Leaflet for the visits of Sistine Chapel & St Peter's Basilica (except St Peter's Tour Only option)
- Guided visit of St. Peter’s Basilica (except: Wednesday morning & if Express option selected)
- Audio headsets so you can always hear your guide
- Gratuities
- If you book “St. Peter's Basilica Tour Only,” access to the Vatican & Sistine Chapel is NOT included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group tours.
- At times, despite our priority access tickets, we may experience delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues
- St Peter’s Basilica & Sistine Chapel are subject to last-minute closures for religious ceremonies. When this occurs, we're happy to offer customers an extended tour of the Vatican Museums. While we endeavour to tell tour groups ahead of time if there are any planned disruptions to the Basilica's opening hours, this is not always possible and in these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts.
- On Wednesdays, due to the Papal Audiences, access to St Peter's Basilica is not possible until 1pm
- St Peter's Basilica is not accessible on the express tours options
- Please be advised that access to St. Peter's Basilica will not be guaranteed unless the names of all participants in the booking are provided in advance. This requirement is essential for security and the Venue organizational purposes. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit.
- Please note that if you choose the “St. Peter's Basilica Tour Only” option, access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel will not be included.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
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