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

5,435 Reviews 4.83 out of 5 stars Based on 5,435 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 97% of reviewers
97% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
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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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from $65.49 per person

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The Spiral Staircase at the Vatican
Beautiful Ceilings
Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel + Optional Basilica Image 3
Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel + Optional Basilica Image 4
Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel + Optional Basilica Image 5

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (9.50) days in advance.
2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

Bypass the lines and enter the Vatican Museums with first access of the day. In a calmer setting, explore the timeless pieces that fill these halls. With a knowledgeable Vatican guide and a small group of no more than 10, your visit will be even more memorable.
This isn’t a typical Vatican tour; your itinerary uncovers the stories and hidden meanings behind the museum's priceless artworks. Your English-speaking guide will highlight the must-see masterpieces such as Michelangelo's greatest work: the Sistine Chapel.

Want direct access to St. Peter’s Basilica? Choose a tour that includes it and skip the external security lines. Please note: no guided tour is provided inside the Basilica.
Important: St. Peter's Basilica is not included in all tour options. Select a tour where it’s clearly listed if you wish to visit.

Short on time? Choose the 1.5-hour version to breeze through the Vatican Museums and be among the first to enter the Sistine Chapel.

What's Included

  • Skip the Line Access & Entrance Tickets to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Direct Access to St. Peter's Basilica (only when option selected)
  • Food and drinks
  • Tips
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
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What To Expect

Vatican Museums

Visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel on your own or with a guide (if option selected). Tickets provide skip the line access.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Cortile della Pigna

Explore one of the Vatican's many open air courtyards. This one is decorated with a giant bronze pinecone sculpture, giving the courtyard its name.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Sphere within a Sphere (Pass By)

Access Vatican Museums and discover the famous "Sphere within a Sphere" sculpture.
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Museo Pio Clementino

The Vatican Museums are divided into many smaller, unique museums. Among them, the Museo Pio Clementino is likely the most important, and the many highlights it contains cannot be missed! Stop at the Octagonal Courtyard for the Laocoonte and the Apollo Belvedere -- or the Round Room for the giant marble bathtub patrolled by an enormous bronze statue of Heracles. Spot a sculpture of your favorite fauna at the Room of the Animals, or just marvel at the 3D painted vaults of the Gallery of the Candelabra.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Galleria Delle Carte Geografiche

One of the most popular galleries of the Museums, make a stop here and try to spot the Italian cities you have travelled to, or your ancestor's hometown. These hand-painted maps, dating to the late 1500's, can also be admired for the exquisite attention to detail and embellishments. See if you can spot the nod to Christopher Columbus' voyage across the Atlantic...
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Stanze di Raffaello

Admire Raphael's Rooms -- painted by the master himself and his pupils around the same time as the Sistine Chapel -- and inspired and challenged by Michelangelo's greatest masterpiece.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo's masterpiece, take time to admire the vaults.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

St. Peter's Basilica

Only for tours where the option to access St. Peter's Basilica is selected in the booking process, access directly from the Sistine Chapel to the Basilica, skipping the outside security lines, will be provided. Your tour will end at the entrance to the Basilica and, after an introduction, you will be free to explore on your own inside.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

St. Peter's Square (Pass By)

An introduction to the Square of St. Peter's will be provided for tours where access to St. Peter's Basilica is included.
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Show 7 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.
  • 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.

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). 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-6700P15

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.83
5,435 reviews

Average 4.83 out of 5 stars based on 5,435 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
4,783
4 stars
496
3 stars
87
2 stars
39
1 star
30

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (9.50) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Activity name

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 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).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Skip the Line Access & Entrance Tickets to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel.
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges.
  • Direct Access to St. Peter's Basilica (only when option selected).
  • Guided Tour.
The following is NOT included:
  • Food and drinks.
  • Tips.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
Apr 2025
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:

Accessibility information for the Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel + Optional Basilica is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel + Optional Basilica 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 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Skip the Line Access & Entrance Tickets to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Direct Access to St. Peter's Basilica (only when option selected)
  • Guided Tour
  • Food and drinks
  • Tips
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional Info

Activity name

  • 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.
  • At least 4 people are required for the guided tour options to take place.
  • Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the booked start time. Tickets are time sensitive and we cannot accomodate late arrivals.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 an ID or a photo/copy of ID.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

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Free Cancellation

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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).

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