Skip the line on a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica for a unique understanding of the history and world-class art collection of the Vatican.
The Complete Vatican Tour With Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Summary Description
Highlights
- Skip-the-line access to Vatican Museums
- Skip-the-Line access to Sistine Chapel
- Fully guided tour inside the Vatican Museums
- Access to St. Peter's Basilica (not on 4 & 4:15 pm tours)
- Expert art historian guide
Description
Our Complete Vatican Tour gives you the best of the museum's collections and an in-depth understanding of the art, architecture, and history contained within the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. The specially curated itinerary ensures that you see the most famous attractions as well as lesser-known gems in just over 3 hours. With skip-the-line tickets to both the Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica there is no quicker or more accessible way to see the best of the Vatican.
Prefer a laid-back afternoon experience? Book the Vatican Museums Tour with Sistine Chapel at 4 pm or 4:15 pm for a relaxed visit after the crowds have left for the day (St. Peter's Basilica not included).
Start your tour by skipping the (always long) ticket lines to get into the museum and diving right into the galleries holding some of the most famous works of art in the world. This specially-designed route encompasses all the can’t-miss pieces while also including some of the lesser-known works that will really dazzle you.
Your expert, English-speaking guide will give you eye-opening insight and context (along with some great stories) as you explore the Raphael Rooms, the Belvedere courtyard with ‘Apollo Belvedere’ & the Laocoön group, the Pinecone Courtyard, the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of the Maps, and the Gallery of the Tapestries.
The piéce-de-resistance is, of course, the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will prep you for your time here by telling you the stories behind the creation of the iconic frescoes as well as what they mean. When you enter, you will then be able to appreciate the full majesty of the room, spotting little details like Michelangelo’s self-portrait and the rather painful revenge he plotted for the Pope’s aide (he wasn’t his biggest fan…)
From the Sistine Chapel, you'll follow your guide through a special, groups-only door taking you right into St. Peter's Basilica—skipping the long line outside (note: Basilica not included on 4 pm and 4:15 pm tours). Once in St. Peter's, your guide will point out the precious art and treasures inside and share the story behind the church's 120-year construction.
The Vatican is more than just a museum. It's home to the Pope and Catholicism and is one of the world's smallest yet powerful states. On this intimate tour, your guide will ensure that you get an overview of it all—from papal scandal to Renaissance masters and the day-to-day operation of Vatican City.
Sites Visited: • Vatican Museums • Sistine Chapel • Raphael Rooms • Apollo Belvedere & Laocoön & His Sons • Pinecone Courtyard • Gallery of the Candelabra • Gallery of the Maps • Gallery of the Tapestries • St. Peter's Basilica (not included in tours starting at 4 pm or 4:15 pm)
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica
- Local English-speaking guide
- Skip-the-line ticket for Vatican Museums
- Skip-the-line ticket for St. Peter's Basilica (not included in tours starting at 4 pm or 4:15 pm)
- Headset
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
- Lunch
Start / End Locations
Start Location: 153 Via Candia, Antico Caffè Candia
Start Location Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Antico Café Candia, Via Candia, 153, 00192 Roma RM.
Start Location Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/JJTREqmDXvy5TzweA
Commentary
Guide : English
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- The tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and is subject to other unexpected closures during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. On such days we will instead explore the magnificent Pinacoteca Gallery.
- The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.
- All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
- Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
- Please note: starting December 2024, access to St. Peter's Basilica may be limited due to the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025, which includes special events and ceremonies. These closures are determined by the Vatican and are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.
- All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
- All guests must pass through security. For useful information/restrictions about your tour in the Vatican Museum, visit https://m.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani-mobile/en/visita-i-musei/consigli-utili.html
- Only small backpacks and handbags are allowed inside the Vatican Museums. Storage is available but please note you must return (about a 20-minute walk) to the entrance to pick up your items at the end of the tour.
- Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
- No photography or filming is permitted in the Sistine Chapel.
- The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and is subject to other unexpected closures during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. On such days we will instead explore the magnificent Pinacoteca Gallery.
- Please note: starting December 2024, access to St. Peter's Basilica may be limited due to the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025, which includes special events and ceremonies. These closures are determined by the Vatican and are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Options and Pricing
| The Complete Vatican | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (15 - 99 years) | €400.00 |
| Child (2 - 14 years) | €400.00 |
Terms and Conditions
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
About operator:
Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.
In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Basic Information
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Max Group Size: 6
- Category: Attractions / Museums
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