Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore the figures, technique, and meaning of Michelangelo's frescoes created during his four years of passion on our Sistine Chapel tour. Learn about Pope Julius II, who commissioned the works, and explore Raphael's rooms with our expert guide, uncovering the stories behind the depicted characters. Discover how the Vatican Museums' vast collection of treasures was recovered after years of neglect.
Please note: The Raphael Rooms are part of this 3-hour itinerary, but due to crowding, timing, and the Vatican Museum's crowd flow, we may not be able to make this stop within the designated time. If the Raphael Rooms are essential, we recommend booking one of our longer tours: the Early Vatican Tour or the VIP Vatican Tour.
Disclaimer: Reservations made less than 72 hours in advance will end in the Vatican Museums, as we cannot guarantee skip-the-line access to St. Peter's Basilica.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note that the Vatican Museums provide free entrance for visitors who are (according to the requirements stated by the Vatican City) at least 74% disabled by presenting the appropriate certification and, if one needs assistance by another person, that person also receives a free entrance. Please inform us when you are booking if you fit into these requirements and we will remove the pricing of the entry tickets from the price of the tour.
As this is a walking tour with steps and staircases, comfortable walking shoes and a bottle of water are strongly recommended.
Please advise during the booking process if any clients have mobility concerns so that we can best accommodate you.
At the end of your tour, you are required to return the headset provided to you to your guide. In the event that you do not return the headset, you will be subject to a fine of €100 for lost property.
Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.
Disclaimer: For reservations made less than 72 hours in advance, access to the Basilica cannot be guaranteed due to ticketing restrictions.
The Basilica of St. Peter's may be subject to unscheduled closings and late openings for religious ceremonies. We do not provide refunds for last-minute closures of St. Peter's Basilica. Your guide will still give you an introduction to the Basilica should you wish to return on your own time during your visit to Rome.
Please note that the Raphael Rooms are part of this 3-hour itinerary but on days due to crowding, timing and direction flows of crowd traffic dictated by the Vatican Museum staff on the day, we may not be able to make this stop within the designated time frame.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Escorted entrance to St. Peter's Basilica
Headsets (for groups of 6 or more)
All Fees and Taxes
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Skip-The-Line Tickets
Small Group Size
Expert English-Speaking Guide
Gratuities (optional)
Transportation to and from the meeting and end points
Vatican Museums
With more than five miles of corridors, this vast complex of museums chronicles the history and accomplishments of mankind over the last 2000 years, featuring classic masterpieces such as Rodin's "Thinker" and the Sistine Chapel.
Cortile della Pigna
The Vatican bronze pinecone is a colossal and ancient bronze sculpture also known as the Pinion and is located in one of the courtyards at the Vatican, in the Cortile della Pigna. It was found in the Middle Ages at the Baths of Agrippa where it originates, until late in the antiquity, today you can find it in the complex of the Vatican Museums now for many centuries.
296 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Gregg R,
Oct 13, 2025
- Viator
The tour guide did a great job taking us thru the Vatican and explaining so much history. The tour was great. The Vatican is a bit overwhelming!
Brenda W,
Oct 12, 2025
- Viator
What was supposed to be a small group (9-12) only turned out to be 18. Another tour guide failed to show b up. I paid for small group and got a big group with a couple that eould stay with group. Me missed our tour to the top of dome.
Erik T,
Sep 30, 2025
- Viator
It was an easy guided tour through several rooms of the museum, Sistine Chapel, and entrance into the basilica. It was during the jubilee and the crowds were there in full force.
Jennifer M,
Sep 20, 2025
- Viator
The Artwork in these places is amazing! The history of all these places is very interesting - but be warned very crowded!!! Make sure you are up to weaving through crowds of people to do this.
Kenneth G,
Sep 19, 2025
- Viator
Alot of history to see with lots of walking. Our guide was OK, but very monotone with her voice, kind of put me to sleep. What a feeling walking into the Sistine Chapal to think about all the Pope's that have been chosen in this building. The highlight of the tour was the Saint Peters Basilica. There is no way to explain the impact of the visual you get when you enter the Basilica. A must to see if you get to Rome.
Operated by Through Eternity Tours