Fast Access: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Tour

Highlights

• Guaranteed Skip-the-Line Access
• Expert Art Historian Guide
• Comprehensive Vatican Tour

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   Vatican Museums

   1h

   Your tour starts near the entrance to the Vatican Museums where, an hour before the official opening time you will meet with your very knowledgeable tour guide. Head inside Vatican Museums to see some of the highlights of the museums marvellous art collection. There will be stops at the Pinecone Courtyard and Octagonal Courtyard where you will learn something about the antique statues that are displayed there; the mysterious composition the mysterious composition of the Greek Statues of Laocoon, the Apollo Belvedere and the impressive Belvedere Torso.

2. 2

   Sistine Chapel

   1h

   Your guide will tell you about Michelangelo’s amazing ceiling frescoes and other masterpieces so that you get to really appreciate this wonderful chapel.

3. 3

   St. Peter's Basilica

   1h

   It is then time for a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica where you will explore the numerous side chapels with their hidden crypts. You will see Michelangelo’s Pietà and your guide will explain why this is the only work that he signed. You will gain an appreciation of the mastery that went into the creation of Bernini’s altarpiece and learn how Michelangelo triumphed over his contemporaries for the honour to paint St. Peter’s magnificent dome. There is still more to see though below ground level. You guide will lead you below ground to the papal crypt where, over the centuries, many of the Popes have been interred. This special place is a site of pilgrimage for many Catholics. Although talking is allowed, before you enter the crypt you guide will tell you where the most important popes are laid to rest.

Before you go

Location