Rome: Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica Tour

See all (15)

Highlights

Marvel at the impeccable architecture of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel
Get the most out of your visit to the Vatican with skip-the-lines access
Immerse yourself in years of history and admire sculptures at the Vatican Museum
Discover the genius of Raphael in the Raphael Rooms and admire his finest works
Journey through centuries of history and art at St. Peter's Basilica

Summary

Have the essential experience in the Vatican City, exploring the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.

Tour info

Duration

3 hours

Group Size

Pricing (From)

Adult: (18-64 years)

€69.00

Child: (5-11 years)

€59.00

Why take this tour?

Discover the best of the Vatican in a single visit. Skip the ticket line to the key attractions and see outstanding examples of art and architecture in the company of your expert guide.

Enjoy an optimized itinerary designed to allow you to get the best out of your visit to the Vatican Museums in a limited time frame, taking in the remarkable Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, and St. Peter’s basilica among other highlights in the company of one of our expert guides. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll get the chance to gaze up at Michelangelo’s ceiling as your guide explains the secrets behind Michelangelo’s masterful paintings.

Close to the Sistine Chapel is the suite of private papal apartments known as the Raphael Rooms. These exquisitely decorated rooms contain some of the finest examples of Raphael’s work, including the “School of Athens," a group portrait of antiquity's most famous philosophers, many of them in the guises of Raphael’s contemporaries.

Often overlooked by visitors who are in a hurry to get to the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms deserve more than a brief pitstop — your guide will ensure that you have plenty of time to admire Raphael’s works at your leisure. Your visit to the Vatican Museums is a great opportunity to discover its remarkable collections of ancient sculptures, including the legendary Laocoon and Apollo Belvedere.

These classical artworks had a profound impact on the artists of the Renaissance, and their muscular anatomies and psychological intensity strongly influenced the work of Michelangelo and Raphael.

Accompanied by an expert art historian, you’ll learn all about these ancient masterpieces and gain a greater appreciation of Greek and Roman art. Walk through the famous Gallery of Maps, admire the Pinecone Courtyard and visit the Belvedere Courtyard. Although it’s impossible to see the entire extent of the Vatican’s enormous collection in a few hours, on this tour, you'll see a series of unmissable highlights. After exiting the Sistine Chapel, enter St Peter’s Basilica directly, without having to wait in line. The basilica has been enriched over the centuries by the hands of countless artists and architects.

During your St Peter’s Basilica tour, your guide will tell you the fascinating history of the basilica and put it in the context of Christian history, from its origins as a burial ground to its current state of splendor and international importance.

What’s included?

Small group size
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Skip-The-Line Tickets
Visit to St. Peter's Basilica
Expert English-speaking guide
Headsets (for groups of 6 or more)
All fees and taxes
Food and beverages
Transportation to and from the meeting and end points
Tips (optional)

Things to know

Before you book

The Vatican Museums provide free entry for visitors who are (according to the requirements stated by the Vatican City) at least 74% disabled with the appropriate certification and provides free entry to caretakers: please inform the local partner when booking if you fit into these requirements
To obtain a student discount, valid student ID must be shown on the day of your tour. If you do not have a valid student ID, you may be charged a new full ticket price to be paid by you on the day of the tour
St. Peter's Basilica may be subject to last-minute unscheduled closings and late openings for religious ceremonies. In that event, you will be provided a complete experience by exploring the Vatican Museums in more detail
It is possible that access to the Raphael Rooms can be denied due to overcrowding; if you want guaranteed entry to the Raphael Rooms, it is recommended to book the Early Vatican Tour or the VIP Vatican Tour which guarantee entry to the Raphael Rooms

Before you go

The activity provider cannot wait for late arrivals. If you are unable to find your guide 10 minutes before the starting time, please call the number on your voucher
Large bags, backpacks, tripods, and large umbrellas cannot be brought into the museums. These items will have to be left at the museum coat check and retrieved after your visit
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. 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
As this is a walking tour with steps and uneven surfaces, comfortable walking shoes and a bottle of water are strongly recommended
Please advise if any travelers have mobility concerns so that we can best accommodate you
At the end of your tour, please return the headset provided to you to your guide. In the event that you do not return the headset, you will be subject to a fine of €100 for lost property

Cancellation Policy

15 or more days before the tour day: 90% of the cost will be refunded, minus ticket costs; Between 8 and 14 days before the tour day: 50% of the cost will be refunded, minus ticket costs, 7 days or less: no refund.

Operator Website

Operated by:

About operator:

Through Eternity is a tour company in Italy that provides insightful guidance and commentary on historical and artistic sights, both well known and off the beaten track. The company has been providing exceptionally high quality cultural tourism since 1999. Our guides are all highly educated, fluent English-speaking professionals who bring history alive and provide deep cultural context. The company provides tours and excursions in Italy, Spain, France, Turkey, England and Greece. All Through Eternity's back-office staff are native English speakers.