Best of the Vatican Tour: Fast Track Highlights
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Meet your expert guide by the Vatican Museum entrance and enjoy skip-the-line entry to what is arguably the most important collection of art in the world. Your guide knows every nook and cranny of the museums and will navigate seamlessly through the more than 1,200 galleries.
Much of this tour will be dedicated to the majestic Sistine Chapel, from its commissioning to the finishing touches applied by none other than Michaelangelo Buonarroti. You will hear the true life story of this fascinating yet tormented artist, who considered himself a sculptor and not a painter yet dedicated countless years of his life painting frescoes on a ceiling 44 feet high. Learn of the physical and psychological damage inflicted on the artist as your guide helps you to discern between myth, fact, and popular Hollywood fiction regarding this epic work of art.
At the end you can explore some of the remaining 1,400 galleries of art at your own pace.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
Direct access to the Basilica will be possible exclusively to those who book at least 72 hours in advance. Visitors without prior bookings will need to enter through the main square.
Due to the route covered and/or transportation used, it is not possible to participate in this tour using a wheelchair, scooter, or other aid. Please contact us to inquire about customized tour options for guests with mobility challenges.
Please note: This description is provided as a general example. Actual experiences may vary slightly depending on the season, local conditions, and other factors beyond our control
On days immediately surrounding religious holidays at the Vatican, alterations to tours may become necessary due to partial closings of areas normally included in this tour
Access to St. Peter's Basilica is not possible on Wednesday morning during the weekly papal audience.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Full-immersion guided Vatican Museums experience with an expert Vatican tour guide
Skip the Line at the Vatican & get ahead of everyone else
Priority access to St. Peter’s Basilica
Rooms of Raphael & Sistine Chapel
Belvedere Courtyard, Greek and Roman Sculptures
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Gratuities
What To Expect
Vatican Museums
Your guide knows every nook and cranny of the museums and will navigate seamlessly through the more than 1,200 galleries while emphasizing the Rooms of Raphael, the Ancient Roman and Greek pieces in the Belvedere Courtyard and the Gallery of Maps while ensuring that you stay on track with an eye on the ultimate prize: the Sistine Chapel.
Sistine Chapel
Much of this tour will be dedicated to the majestic Sistine Chapel, from its commissioning to the finishing touches applied by none other than Michaelangelo Buonarroti. You will hear the true life story of this fascinating yet tormented artist who considered himself a sculptor and not a painter yet dedicated countless years of his life painting frescoes on a ceiling 44 feet high. Learn of the physical and psychological damage inflicted on the artist as your guide helps you to discern between myth, fact, and popular Hollywood fiction regarding this epic work of art.
Options
2025 Departures
Reviews
256 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Satisfied customers!
Jillian B,
Aug 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00I was hesitant at first to book through an online website, but we were all pleasantly surprised on how well it went. From meeting the guides at their office throughout the whole tour, went very smooth. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Our 10 year old joined us on the tour and it was the perfect amount of time to hold his attention. Would definitely recommend!
Not worth it- way too much for our kids.
Angela H,
Aug 8, 2025
- Viator
3.00This tour was too much for our youngest, age 9. Our guide was very nice, but talked way too much for his attention span. We spent way too much time at the Vatican museum, so by the time we got to St. Peter’s, we were totally spent. Not worth it. I would sec guide this one- the only plus was speedy entry. But the Vatican audio head sets were terrible.
This is a great...
ruth l,
Aug 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00This is a great experience for us. We did see the museums and the Sistine chapel. Such beautiful places with wonderful art. The only thing is that there were many steps for my traveling partner and it was a little too much walking. We both wanted to see it though and are very glad we could go.
Great way to see the...
Melissa S,
Aug 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great way to see the highlights of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Massimo is an excellent guide!
Tour of the Vatican city, St. Peter's Basilica
Ademola A,
Aug 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00The Italia tour conducted this tour of the Vatican and it was very informative and enjoyable. This was because we had the best tour guide we experienced in all the four tours we went on in Rome. Chiara Antonelli was very knowledgeable and brought the whole experience to life with information and humour. Even though we were in a group, she made us feel like it was a personal tour with the way she interacted with each of us. The Vatican was very busy but we were still able to enjoy the tour. It was fantastic to experience the chapels.
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Operated by ItaliaTours