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Rome: Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St Peter Small Group Tour

4.9(4,188)3 h 15 minModerately active

From

$137per person

Book on Viator

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Overview

Duration: 3 h 15 min
Languages: Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Group size: Up to 15 travelers
Suitable for: No age limit
Pace: Moderately active
Access: Skip the line

Good for

Couples
First-time visitors
Solo travelers

Explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica on a semi-private tour for up to six guests. Benefit from skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide to discover masterpieces like the Belvedere Torso and Gallery of Maps. Stand in awe within the Sistine Chapel, absorbing centuries of history and art.

Highlights

Semi-Private Tour
Skip-the-Line Access
Expert Guide

What's included

Pinecone and Octagonal Courtyard
Private Option available!
Private Family Experience | Vatican Tour for Kids OPTION
St Peters square
The School of Athens painting
Raphael Rooms*
Tour in a Safe and Semi Private group of 6 people
Sistine Chapel
Michelangelos ceiling & Last Judgement
Berninis bronze alter canopy
Gallery of Tapestries
St Peters Basilica*
Professional, Local, Expert Guide

Itinerary

1
Vatican Museums
1h 50min
Discover some of the most famous paintings and sculptures from western civilization and listen to amusing anecdotes about the former popes and artists represented in the museums. With a small-group tour of maximum of 6 people, or in your very own private tour, easily manoeuvre through the crowded museums at a comfortable pace. After a view of the terrace over the Vatican gardens, make your way across the beautiful early Renaissance courtyard to admire Hadrian's Pinecone, and then to the modern art piece of Arnaldo Pomodoro. You will then head to the magnificent Octagonal Courtyard which is one of the most remarkable collections of Roman and Greek artefacts. Admire the famous Belvedere Torso, learn about the mystery of the Laocoön Priest of Troy, and visit the Muses Room. Walk through the beautiful galleries to admire an abundance of candelabra, tapestries, and maps. Then head to the Julius II apartments and see the grandeur and the magnificent details of the Raphael Rooms.
2
Cortile della Pigna
Pass by
Experience the wonders of the Pinecone and Octagonal Courtyard and the Belvedere Torso
3

Before you go

Ticket & redemption

Mobile or paper ticket accepted
One ticket covers the whole booking

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
St. Peter’s Basilica is an active church and can be closed unexpectedly for liturgical ceremonies. If closed, your guide will provide a revised itinerary including more of the Vatican Museums. No compensation is granted in these circumstances.
Saint Peter’s Basilica is closed on most Wednesdays mornings due to the weekly Papal Audience. If you book this tour for a Wednesday the time inside the Vatican Museums will be extended.
Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.

Location

From$137per person

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Reserved Vatican entrance tickets

Not included

Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

Stanze di Raffaello

10min

Admire the the famous frescoes, painted by Raphael and his workshop. Please note that the visit to the Raphael Rooms may not always be feasible.

Sistine Chapel

15min

Next, learn of Michelangelo's masterpiece from your guide before you enter through a tiny door to admire the majestic Sistine Chapel. Take in its grandeur in contemplative silence as you admire this 8,000 square foot wonder. From January 12 through March 31, the Vatican Museums will be carrying out special conservation work on Michelangelo’s Last Judgment inside the Sistine Chapel. During this time, a scaffolding structure will cover the entire Last Judgment wall. The Sistine Chapel will remain open and fully accessible, but this specific artwork will not be visible during the restoration period. Thank you for your understanding as this masterpiece receives important care.

St. Peter's Basilica

Your comprehensive Vatican tour concludes with VIP entrance directly into St. Peter’s Basilica without standing in the long lines. Walking through the Basilica, you will learn all about the secrets of the magnificent and ornate decorations, sculptures, altars and chapels. Visit Michelangelo’s Pieta and walk down the main nave to admire the dome he designed that sits on top of the largest Catholic church in the world.

There is no photography allowed inside the Sistine Chapel.

Please be aware that the Sistine Chapel is a Holy Place and talking during your visit inside is strictly forbidden, therefore your guide will give you an explanation of the Sistine Chapel beforehand during your tour, in order to give you a comprehensive explanation before entering the chapel.
Guests with wheelchair accessibility needs will find difficulty with this small group tour. In order to ensure a barrier-free tour with alternative routes, please book the private version of this tour.
Everyone in your group, regardless of age, needs a government issued ID to enter the Vatican Museums.
IMPORTANT: Please advise our team if you believe that a disability qualifies you for complimentary access to the Vatican
Access to the Raphael Rooms is contingent upon crowd conditions, timing constraints, and guard-regulated routes. Including them may not always be feasible. In these cases, your tour guide will exercise discretion to adjust the itinerary, ensuring a high-quality experience

Accessibility

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Restrictions & safety

Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues