Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & 4 Papal Basilicas Full Day Tour
1,013 Reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars Based on 1,013 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor
|
Recommended by 94% of reviewers
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Rome, Italy
8 hours 45 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
Experience Rome’s Sacred Treasures in a Day!
Begin with priority access to the Vatican Museums, guided by an expert who brings its world-famous art collection to life. Explore galleries of classical sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, and intricate tapestries before reaching the breathtaking Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes, including The Last Judgment.
Next, visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church, where your guide reveals its architectural marvels, artistic treasures, and spiritual significance.
After a mid-day break, discover Rome’s Papal Basilicas. Admire Saint Paul Outside the Walls, built over St. Paul’s tomb and rich in history, Saint John Lateran, the Pope’s seat, and the Holy Stairs and conclude at Saint Mary Major’s gold ceilings.
This full-day tour combines Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and all four Papal Basilicas into one unforgettable experience.
What's Included
- Group of 20 people or less
- All transfers in luxury, air-conditioned minivan
- Priority Access to the Vatican Museums
- Guided tour of St Peter's Basilica & 3 other Papal Basilicas
- Audio headsets, so you can always hear your guide
- Expert, English-speaking tour guides
- Gratuities
- Transfer between tours
- Lunch
Meeting Location
Meeting point
Via Tunisi
00192 Roma RM, Italy
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
End point
Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore
00100 Roma RM, Italy
What To Expect
Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are a must-visit for art and history lovers, featuring one of the world’s most impressive collections spanning ancient Roman artifacts, Renaissance masterpieces, and beyond. Highlights include Michelangelo’s breathtaking Sistine Chapel ceiling and the stunning frescoes of Raphael’s Rooms. Wander through ornate galleries filled with sculptures, tapestries, and maps, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Vatican City. This unparalleled experience offers a journey through centuries of creativity and religious significance.
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is a masterpiece of art and spirituality, renowned for Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling frescoes, including The Creation of Adam, and his powerful Last Judgment on the altar wall. Located within Vatican City, the chapel serves as a sacred space for papal ceremonies and the election of new popes. Visitors are awestruck by the intricate details, vivid colors, and profound symbolism that make it one of the greatest achievements in Western art. A visit to the Sistine Chapel is a journey into the heart of Renaissance brilliance and religious devotion.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and one of the holiest sites in Christianity. Designed by greats like Michelangelo and Bernini, its grandeur includes the iconic dome, Michelangelo’s Pietà, and Bernini’s stunning Baldachin. As the heart of the Catholic Church, it attracts pilgrims and visitors from around the world. Explore its sacred interiors filled with history, art, and devotion with your guide. A visit to St. Peter’s Basilica is an unforgettable experience of faith and architectural splendor.
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Abbazia di San Paolo Fuori Le Mura
St. Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura) is one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas and a significant pilgrimage site. Built over the burial site of St. Paul, it features stunning early Christian mosaics and an awe-inspiring nave supported by towering columns. Its golden apse mosaic and portraits of every pope highlight its rich history and spiritual importance. Located just outside the ancient Aurelian Walls, this basilica is a serene and breathtaking testament to Rome’s religious and artistic heritage.
35 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
St. John Lateran (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano) is the oldest and highest-ranking of Rome’s four major basilicas, serving as the cathedral of the Pope in his role as Bishop of Rome. Renowned for its stunning Baroque facade and grand interior, it features impressive sculptures of the Apostles, intricate mosaics, and the Holy Stairs, believed to have been climbed by Jesus during his trial. As the "Mother of all Churches," St. John Lateran is both a spiritual and historical landmark, offering visitors a profound connection to Rome’s religious and architectural legacy.
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Your tour will end at St. Mary Major Basilica, one of the city’s most significant and beautiful churches. As a major papal basilica, it’s celebrated for its stunning mosaics that date back to the 5th century, depicting biblical scenes in vibrant detail. The basilica combines architectural styles from early Christianity to the Baroque, featuring treasures like the gold-encrusted ceiling and Bernini’s tomb. A symbol of devotion to the Virgin Mary, it’s a spiritual and artistic gem that offers visitors a glimpse into Rome’s rich religious and cultural heritage.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket 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 spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- All four basilicas are subject to last-minute closures for religious ceremonies during the Papal Jubilee. Furthermore, access through the holy doors is not possible, as the site is expected to be busy
- Extra measures may be implemented at some venues due to heightened global security. As a result, there may be delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues. Extra measures may also restrict the size of bags that can be brought inside. To avoid disruptions or possible denied entry, avoid bringing large purses, bags or backpacks on your tour. The Vatican only permits very small bags, and specifically prohibits large bags, tripods, umbrellas and backpacks. Any such items must be checked into the free luggage storage area, and this may result in you having to leave the tour early to retrieve them at the entrance
- Guests must check in with the local supplier's representative both in the morning and in the afternoon.
- The Vatican Museums are among the most highly trafficked sites in the world. With over 6 million visitors in 2014 and numbers rising year-on-year, the museums give rise to a whole new meaning of the word “crowded.” The route taken on this tour is designed to minimize exposure to crowds as much as possible, but be aware that the museums are very busy by nature
- This tour involves a fair amount of walking and stairs, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Please provide the full names of all participants at the time of booking. Failure to submit this information will result in customers being unable to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, and no refunds will be issued.
- 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 & 4 Papal Basilicas Full Day 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-3731JUBILEE
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.63
1,013 reviews
Average 4.63 out of 5 stars based on 1,013 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
5 stars
730
4 stars
220
3 stars
41
2 stars
11
1 star
11
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 & 4 Papal Basilicas Full Day 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:
- Group of 20 people or less.
- All transfers in luxury, air-conditioned minivan.
- Priority Access to the Vatican Museums.
- Guided tour of St Peter's Basilica & 3 other Papal Basilicas.
- Audio headsets, so you can always hear your guide.
- Expert, English-speaking tour guides.
The following is NOT included:
- Gratuities.
- Transfer between tours.
- Lunch.
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 & 4 Papal Basilicas Full Day Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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 & 4 Papal Basilicas Full Day 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
- Group of 20 people or less
- All transfers in luxury, air-conditioned minivan
- Priority Access to the Vatican Museums
- Guided tour of St Peter's Basilica & 3 other Papal Basilicas
- Audio headsets, so you can always hear your guide
- Expert, English-speaking tour guides
- Gratuities
- Transfer between tours
- Lunch
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- All four basilicas are subject to last-minute closures for religious ceremonies during the Papal Jubilee. Furthermore, access through the holy doors is not possible, as the site is expected to be busy
- Extra measures may be implemented at some venues due to heightened global security. As a result, there may be delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues. Extra measures may also restrict the size of bags that can be brought inside. To avoid disruptions or possible denied entry, avoid bringing large purses, bags or backpacks on your tour. The Vatican only permits very small bags, and specifically prohibits large bags, tripods, umbrellas and backpacks. Any such items must be checked into the free luggage storage area, and this may result in you having to leave the tour early to retrieve them at the entrance
- Guests must check in with the local supplier's representative both in the morning and in the afternoon.
- The Vatican Museums are among the most highly trafficked sites in the world. With over 6 million visitors in 2014 and numbers rising year-on-year, the museums give rise to a whole new meaning of the word “crowded.” The route taken on this tour is designed to minimize exposure to crowds as much as possible, but be aware that the museums are very busy by nature
- This tour involves a fair amount of walking and stairs, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Please provide the full names of all participants at the time of booking. Failure to submit this information will result in customers being unable to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, and no refunds will be issued.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
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