Exclusive Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour

Everyday Guarantee Departures

1 Day

1 City

3 Reviews

Places to Visit

Sistine ChapelSt. Peter's BasilicaVatican MuseumsNero's BathPio-Clementino Museum

Tour Details Tour ID 474

Featured Details

Skip-the-Line Vatican Tour: Exclusive Access with Expert Guide

Avoid the long lines and large crowds with our exclusive Vatican tour. Thanks to our special partnership, you can skip the line and explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, and St. Peter's Basilica with a small group led by a charismatic and knowledgeable guide. This tour offers an unparalleled experience at a great price, making it one of our most popular options.

You'll meet your local guide outside Caffé Vaticano, across from the Vatican Museums. With skip-the-line access, you'll breeze through security and start your journey immediately. Enjoy fascinating insights from your guide as you visit the Gallery of Maps, Nero's Bath, and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel.

Inclusions:

Exclusions:

❌ Optional additional tours or activities
❌ Drinks and meals
❌ Hotel pickup or drop-off
❌ Personal expenses

Departures : Everyday

Departure Place : Caffé Vaticano

Duration : 3 Hours

Language : English

✅ Max 20 person
✅ Private Local Guides
✅ Stress free travel package

✂ If you want to customize this tour please contact, so we can offer you more itineraries.

Tour Program

Tour Itinerary

Bramante Courtyard and Iconic Sculptures
Begin your tour at the Bramante Courtyard, where you'll marvel at Apollo Belvedere, Laocoön and His Sons, and Nero's incredible 25-foot-long bathtub made from rare red marble. Your guide will share fascinating myths and legends associated with these sculptures.

Vatican Museums and Galleries
Explore the Vatican Museums, visiting the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps. Admire ancient Roman and Greek statues, Flemish tapestries, and spectacular topographical maps commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII. Hear captivating stories from your expert guide about these treasures.

Raphael Rooms and Borgia Apartments
Visit the Raphael Rooms, home to masterpieces like The School of Athens. Then, explore the Borgia Apartments, frescoed by Pinturicchio and featuring the first European depiction of Native Americans.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel
Stand in awe beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will provide a reference map beforehand, as speaking inside is not allowed. Remember to cover your knees and shoulders to gain entry.

St. Peter's Basilica
Bypass ticket lines and enter St. Peter's Basilica. Your guide will share insights about its history and architecture. Explore on your own, taking in Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's Baldacchino, and other stunning artworks.

Tour Conclusion
Your tour ends at St. Peter's Basilica, but feel free to spend additional time exploring this magnificent church on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the meeting point?

You will meet your guide in front of Caffé Vaticano on Viale Vaticano, 100. This is across the street from the Vatican Museum entrance.

Where does the tour finish?

This tour will end in or just outside of St. Peter's Basilica. You're free to stay in the church and explore some more if you like.

What should I bring?

Please wear comfortable shoes. Pack some water, sunscreen for the sunnier months, and a camera to record the special moments.

Is there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour?

We ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise the Vatican might refuse entry to religious sites and you’ll miss out on a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Rome can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.

If I am coming from a cruise ship can I book this tour?

This tour does not include transportation from port. If you are coming from a cruise ship, please ensure to arrange your transportation to allow for traffic and train delays.

Does the Vatican ever experience unexpected closures?

During state visits or special religious events, parts of the Vatican may be closed unexpectedly and without much notice. If an area normally visited during a tour is suddenly closed, our guide will still provide explanations of the closed areas from outside. They will even show you another gallery to compensate for the lost time in the usual location.