VIP Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Skip-the-line access to Vatican Museums
- Explore the Sistine Chapel's masterpieces
- Visit St. Peter's Basilica with a guide
- Learn about Vatican art and history
- Enjoy a small group experience
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Skip-the-line access to Vatican Museums
- Guided tour of Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour operates rain or shine; please dress appropriately for the weather.
- Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash and tripods are prohibited.
- Large bags and backpacks are not permitted inside the Vatican; consider bringing a small bag or backpack.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking and standing for extended periods.
- Bring a valid ID for entry into the Vatican Museums.
- Dress modestly; shoulders and knees should be covered when entering religious sites.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not suitable for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
- If you arrive late for the meeting time, it will not be possible to join the group or reschedule, unless you pay for the activity again. As per "No Show" rules you will not be entitled to a refund.
- If you purchase a reduced ticket and you are not under 16 years old or a student under 26 years old with a valid STUDENT PHOTO ID, the Vatican will deny your entry and you will not be able to visit the Vatican or join the tour.
- All visitors must pass through the monument/attraction security check please allow at least 20 minutes to clear security.
- Knees & Shoulders MUST be covered for both men & women.
- Some monuments or areas may be under restoration and subject to last minute closures. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- It is not possible to contact guides when they are inside the Vatican museums, it is the clients responsibility to stay with the guided tour group, if you lose your guide inside the Vatican, there is nothing we can do in this case.
- Please be aware that large bags/backpacks/suitcases are not permitted in the monument/ attraction. Only very small bags are allowed. Please do not bring these items with you on the day of your tour as there are no cloakrooms at the monument.
- St. Peter's Basilica is subject to last minute closures for religous events, and the Papal audience on some Wednesday and Saturday mornings. In the event that it is closed if you have selected the option to visit St. Peter's Basilica you will have an extended tour of the Vatican museums. The Basilica is free to enter and we do not have any control in the event of these closures it is not possible to provide a refund under these circumstances.
- Please note that it is mandatory to provide the full name of each participant. Failure to do this could result in refused entry to the monument.
Traveler reviews
A Great Letdown
Such anticipation for this, but an incredible let down. We paid for "skip the. line" entry but waited in line for over an hour in spite of it. Had to meet our. guide across the street from the Vatican entry, which started our wait. Then, a trek, mostly uphill, to the entry point. Out guide kept going on and on about the crowds and that there was nothing she could do about it. Isn't that why you spend the money to hire someone who can bypass the crowd??? She was very knowledgeable, but moved too fast up and down stairs and through throngs of people, often leaving some of our group. Felt like a herd of cattle moving through the gallery halls. The Sistine Chapel was so disappointing with probably 500 people crammed in. Never could get a decent perspective on the ceiling or other notable artwork. And so noisy! No attempt to control loud chatter. Even the Vatican security were on loud devices. Finally, the Basilica was unexpectedly closed for a Vatican gathering. No warning of this and missing La Pieta was a heartbreak. Again, the guide complained more about the crowds and her lack of control than anything. Would highly suggest a serious revision of current tour practices, as this is an experience most people have once in a lifetime.
Vatican city
Marco was an exceptional guide. Explained what to expect on the tour, the history behind the art, and answered all of our questions. He did a great job!
Great tour guide!
Christie was great. Very knowledgeable and friendly, and she made sure we saw the highlights inn a short 2 hour period. We couldn't have asked for a better guide!
Our tour guide was...
Our tour guide was Christine, and she did an excellent job. She was very knowledgeable and had so much experience with the Vatican that we spent very little time (if any) waiting and more time exploring.
The guide was very...
The guide was very knowledgeable and kept the tour interesting. The Vatican was very busy when we went so it was difficult to see everything and to keep the group together. But she tried her best.