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.
All Fees and Taxes
Escorted entrance to St. Peter's Basilica
Headsets (for groups of 6 or more)
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
266 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Felicity B,
May 6, 2025
- Viator
Wow we visited at an extremely busy time after the passing of the Pope and before the conclave, however our guide was amazing, she navigated us through thousands of people but showed us the most astounding parts that were hard to get to, the same with St Peter’s Basilica, we did not think we would get in but again she managed to get us through the long queues and her wealth of history knowledge was amazing Thanks we will highly recommend this to anyone
Paul M,
May 3, 2025
- Viator
The Vatican Museum and of course the Sistine Chapel are wonders to behold. Our guide was knowledgeable but did a poor job of setting expectations. 1.5 hours of our 3 hour tour was spent getting through the entry point and then standing in the yard outside the Museum and talking about it.
Gail R,
Apr 28, 2025
- Viator
This tour would be amazing and awe-inspiring even if it were unguided due to the magnificence and beauty of the treasures in the Vatican Museum and St Peter's Basilica, the grandeur of the entire Vatican City, and the solemnity of the Sistine Chapel. Guided + narrated by Thomas Robinson took it to a whole new dimension! His knowledge of the artwork and the history and significance of it all was mixed with just the right amount of humor. So while my jaw was continually dropping open in amazement at what I saw, I was also chuckling to myself. I miraculously had long ago scheduled my tour for what became the day before Pope Francis's funeral. So the tour of St Peter's, where the Pope was lying in State and tens of thousands were paying their last respects, could not be included. BUT, the tour ended with our group getting into the line of mourners so we could continue on unaccompanied and walk (glacially slowly) through Vatican City, St Peter's Square + St Peter's Basilica to pay our respects. Being in that place, at that time, was ... well, as Thomas had indicated, there are no words to describe the feeling or the wonder or solemnity of it all! Icing on the cake of an amazing tour!
Len M,
Dec 31, 2024
- Viator
Great and friendly tour led by Francesco. The line skipping and guidance around the grounds was totally key. We did miss a few high points which were cut in order to keep to e hours namely the Rafael paintings) but saw so many other awe inspiring sites.
ALISON D,
Nov 27, 2024
- Viator
We had a great and very informative tour with Letitia. Definitely recommend a tour for Vatican City so you are prioritizing the most important sights
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