Rome: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Priority Access Tour

Your experience

Highlights

• Return to the annals of history, specifically within Vatican walls— but not in a bland way. Join an American guide on an unconventional tour that takes you straight into the Vatican Museums.
• Capture images of renowned sculptures from Egypt, Greece, Rome— only visible here.
• Unravel the intriguing tale behind Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel masterpiece; then catch a glimpse of St. Peter’s Basilica exterior during this tour— make a separate visit later to discover its insides at your own pace.

Full description

Step outside into an open courtyard — the setting for your introduction to the legendary Sistine Chapel. Your guide will share details as you walk through this vast museum filled with countless highlights before reaching your ultimate destination at the chapel's entrance. Pause at various points inside to take in different aspects of its history: learn about pre-Michelangelo, the ceiling painted by him, recent cleaning efforts taken place including restoration procedures, and even interesting trivia related to papal elections held till date post construction all while standing amidst others under open sky surrounded by great art and architecture displaying stories from centuries past depicted via them— with large photo panels generously provided by Vatican. Peer into its history — the chapel predates Michelangelo's time. His work on the ceiling, the efforts of recent cleaning and restoration, and even the events surrounding papal elections today— all find their place within its walls. What you see before you is not just a chapel; it is a living chronicle of history. Explore its depths, and you will be amazed at the tales it can unfold.

Includes

• Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel entry ticket plus guide including a headset for an audio tour.

Know before you go

• Shorts are allowed according to the Vatican dress code.
• Regardless, if you ever plan on visiting Saint Peter's Basilica, keep in mind to cover your knees and shoulders; just a quick note that it is an outdoor visit only.