Early Vatican Museums Tour: The Best of the Sistine Chapel

From EUR 99

4.70

893 reviews

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Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

Enter the Sistine Chapel at the most peaceful time of day to enjoy Michelangelo’s masterpiece in serenity and embark on a thorough guided tour of the Vatican Museums, ending at the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica. There's no better way to see the highlights of the Vatican without the crowds that descend upon the galleries later in the day. Not a morning person? Book the Afternoon Vatican Museums Tour with Sistine Chapel for a relaxed afternoon visit after the crowds have left for the day.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.

The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and is subject to other unexpected closures during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. On such days we will instead explore the magnificent Pinacoteca Gallery.

All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.

Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.

Please note: starting December 2024, access to St. Peter's Basilica may be limited due to the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025, which includes special events and ceremonies. These closures are determined by the Vatican and are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.

The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.

Please note that the Sistine Chapel (and the door with access to St. Peter's Basilica) will be closed from April 28-mid-May for the Papal Conclave. The Vatican Museums will remain open and you will still be able to see its many highlights with your expert guide as they lead you on an alternative itinerary during this historic time at the Vatican.

Walks Tours is an Accredited Tour Operator with an official ticketing agreement with the Vatican Museums.

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Guests can stay and enjoy time at their leisure after the tour finishes

Small groups of 15 people or fewer

Expertly guided tour of the Vatican

Skip the line ticket for Vatican Museums

Skip the line ticket for St. Peter's Basilica (AM Tour option only)

Gratuities

Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Options

Closing Time Vatican Museums

& Sistine Chapel without crowd: Discover the Vatican Museums highlights & Sistine Chapel on a skip-the-line, small group guided tour without typical crowds.

Early Access Vatican Museums

& St. Peter's Basilica: Enter Sistine Chapel at the most peaceful time of day on expertly guided tour of the Vatican Museums & St. Peter's Basilica.

Reviews

4.70

893 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

754

Fabulous and magnificent. A must do tour.
Pete B,
May 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Over 3 hours of wonder as our guide was informed, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable of this must see in Rome. We have taken dozens of Viator tours and have never been disappointed. Definitely worth the time and is a great value.
Should have been a...
Mel G,
May 3, 2025
- Viator
2.00
Should have been a partial refund as the Tour was limited and not as advertised. Paola was a great Tour guide and made best of it.
50/50 Feelings
Kiele C,
May 3, 2025
- Viator
3.00
I booked the 7:15am tour and I was disappointed to find out that you’re not actually let into the Vatican at 7:15 but instead you’ll start to queue with the other hundreds of tour groups getting early access. The tour started around 8am and you’re let into at the same time as everyone else who pre-purchased tickets on their own. I noticed that most of the people in the Vatican at this time were tour groups with a few people doing a self guided tour. Still a lot less people in the Vatican than there would be if you were to enter around 11am but it’s not exactly spacious either. At points we were standing elbow to elbow with other people. The only reason this tour wasn’t a complete waste was my guide. She was amazing and very knowledgeable not just about the Vatican but about Roman history. She did an outstanding job! Other than that if you’re an early riser and self sufficient you can do this tour on your own by pre-booking your own tickets into the Vatican and queuing at 7am.
10 out of 10 for tour guide but tour company gets failing grade
Valerie p,
May 2, 2025
- Viator
3.00
When we arrived for tour we were told by tour guide the Sistine chapel was cancelled due to preparing for the conclave. They should have told us the night before to have the option to cancel . We were given a longer tour of the Museum. But we paid alot for this tour to not be given a partial refund. Luigi the tour guide was excellent.
Love the tour!
Gordon W,
Apr 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Passionate and knowledgeable tour guide Sabina. She also has a very good sense of humor. Very organized tour. We really enjoyed it!