Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Guided Tour

Your experience

Highlights

• Skip the long ticket lines at St. Peter's Basilica and experience the wonders of the Vatican Museums!
• 9 miles of galleries can be explored by taking a pre-designed route.
• Created by Michelangelo, marvel at the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.
• See more art and sculptures by Raphael, Michelangelo, and Bernini.
• Before the crowds arrive, explore and discover a unique collection of maps and tapestries in the Gallery.

Full description

Why not start your day by leisurely exploring the Vatican City before the masses descend upon it? With our exclusive skip-the-line privilege, you and your group will have the opportunity to enter the Sistine Chapel and Upper Galleries of the Vatican Museums. The Vatican boasts over 2,000 rooms, making it nearly impossible to see everything in one visit. However, our tour has been meticulously designed to showcase the highlights of its 9 miles of galleries. Prepare to be awestruck by the Pinecone Courtyard and Hall of Maps, as well as the captivating Gallery of Tapestries and Gallery of Candelabras. The guide accompanying you will bring the art to life, drawing your attention towards subtle details that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to the Sistine Chapel. Unfortunately, guided tours are not allowed inside the chapel. However, fear not, as your guide will make use of photographs to enlighten you about its intricacies beforehand. Take a moment to appreciate Michelangelo's self-portrait, a depiction devoid of any rigidity, symbolizing his willingness to endure immense suffering rather than undertake the arduous task of painting the Sistine Chapel again! As you make your exit through a special access door, you will find yourself directly in St. Peter's Basilica. Gaze upon the astonishing altar and marvel at Michelangelo's exquisite La Pietà, before concluding your journey outside on St. Peter's Square.

Includes

• Art historians can refer to this guide.
• Museums and Sistine Chapel, Entrance to the Vatican, Access Reserved
• St. Basilica Peter's Visit Guided of
• All tickets and reservation fees.

Not includes

• Drop off and hotel pick-up
• Gratuities

What to bring

• Shoes that provide comfort.

Not allowed

• Shorts
• Strollers for babies
• Large bags or luggage
• Skirts that are short
• Shirts without sleeves

Know before you go

• To enter, all visitors must undergo security procedures reminiscent of those encountered at airports. It is important to mention that during the busiest time of the year for tourists, the duration of wait at the security checkpoints can stretch to approximately thirty minutes.
• In the event that religious ceremonies are taking place, by chance, the doors of Saint Peter's Basilica might abruptly shut. In this particular scenario, you will be afforded the chance to partake in a thorough investigation of the Vatican Museums.
• Access to St Peter's Basilica is not possible on Wednesdays until 1:00 PM, as it is reserved for Papal Audiences.