Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel + Optional Basilica
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Save time and energy at the Vatican Museums with skip-the-line, timed entry that lets you bypass long queues and head straight inside. Explore the highlights with your guide, including the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms, and the Gallery of Maps, while learning the rich history, art, and architecture behind these masterpieces. With expert commentary, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the Vatican’s treasures and enjoy a more meaningful visit. Upgrade to a small-group tour for a more personalized experience, or extend your visit with priority entry to St. Peter’s Basilica. Prefer to focus only on St. Peter’s? Select the Basilica-only option for a guided visit inside.
Short on time? Opt for the 1.5-hour tour to breeze through the Vatican Museums and be among the first to enter the Sistine Chapel.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children 6 and under are entitled to free access to the Vatican Museums (with proof of age)
Children aged 7-18 are entitled to a reduced entry fee (see tour and ticket pricing) and must provide proof of age.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
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.
At least 4 people are required for the guided tour options to take place.
Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the booked start time. Tickets are time sensitive and we cannot accomodate late arrivals.
Guests with a certified disability of over 75% are entitled to free entrance to the Vatican and do not require a ticket. For guests who are not self-sufficient, free entry is extended to a companion.
Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.
Important: St. Peter's Basilica is not included in all tour options. If you wish to visit the Basilica as part of your experience, please ensure you select a tour where it is explicitly listed as included.
Please include all names as they appear on your passports when booking. Tickets are non-transferable and if the names on your booking do not match your ID you may be denied access and will not be due a refund. Any name changes must be communicated at least 72 hours in advance.
Please bring an ID or a photo/copy of ID.
Important: The ‘Basilica Only’ option it does NOT include access to the Vatican Museums.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Skip the Line Access to Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (except when Basilica Only option selected)
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Guided Tour
Direct Access to St. Peter's Basilica (only when option selected)
Food and drinks
Tips
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
Vatican Museums
Visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel on your own or with a guide (if option selected). Tickets provide skip the line access.
Cortile della Pigna
Explore one of the Vatican's many open air courtyards. This one is decorated with a giant bronze pinecone sculpture, giving the courtyard its name.
Options
Basilica Only
Guided 1 hour tour in English with skip the line access, 20 people or less. (Cupola and Vatican Museums not included).
Starting point:
Borgo Santo Spirito, 17, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
First Access + Basilica: 20max
20 guests max
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
First Access + Basilica: 20max: First access. Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. Includes Skip the Line St. Peter’s Basilica (access only – no tour).
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
First Access + Basilica: 10max
10 guests max
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
First Access + Basilica: 10max: First access. Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. Includes Skip the Line St. Peter’s Basilica (access only – no tour).
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Hosted Tickets Only (No guide)
Hosted Tickets Only (no guide): Hosted access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, no guided tour. NO access to St. Peter's Basilica.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Private Tour
Exclusive Private Tour : Private Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. Includes Skip the Line (no included St. Peter’s Basilica)
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Guided Tour: 10max
10 guests max
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Guided Tour: 10max: Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. NO access to St. Peter's Basilica.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
First Access: 10max
10 guests max
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
First Access: 10max: First access. Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. NO access to St. Peter's Basilica.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Express: 12max
12 guests max
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Express: 12max: Express Tour in English of the Vatican Museums to the Sistine Chapel, NO access to St. Peter's Basilica.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Guided Tour + Basilica: 10max
10 guests max
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Guided Tour + Basilica: 10max: Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. Includes Skip the Line St. Peter’s Basilica (access only – no tour).
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Guided Tour + Basilica: 20max
20 guests max
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Guided Tour + Basilica: 20max: Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. Includes Skip the Line St. Peter’s Basilica (access only – no tour).
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Guided Tour: 20max
20 guests max
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Guided Tour: 20max: Tour in English of the Vatican Museums, NO access to St. Peter's Basilica.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Reviews
6,109 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Brilliant, enlightening and worth every penny
572MikeB,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Laura English was perfect, her knowledge was both broad, enlightening and clearly delivered. Her explanations and enthusiasm was contagious. One of the best guides I have ever encountered after decades of worldwide trips. The tour time was just right, and the fee worth every penny, was fortunately in a small group because of no shows. I like art and architecture which were my main reasons for attending and as a non believer was a little concerned that I might not enjoy the tour Laura made me very welcome. I thoroughly recommend this tour and guide.
Great experience, just...
Jack H,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience, just realise that there is a lot to view, and the guide cannot stop at everything, you will see the most important and special things. Laura explained everything perfectly, not too broadly or too narrowly, we felt comfortable and any questions were answered. I'd definitely recommend this, we went with this experience after reading the reviews and we feel happy we did, thank you.
It was inspiring.
GoPlaces23498647637,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience. The Admission fee was reasonable when we bought in advance. Length of visit was good. Very crowded and moved fairly quickly in some areas which didn't allow for extended viewing. Standing outside in the heat for a long time before entering through the holy doors. Possible portable shelters could be erected for some relief to help avoid heat exhaustion.
Professional, on-time,...
Jinkyung L,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Professional, on-time, responsible & friendly ! Even though its a just skip-line ticket they are detailed, punctual and know how to give a friendly reminder in a timely manner. Highly recommended
Worth the extra money
Catherine I,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Small group is well worth the extra money. There is a lot of people visiting the Vatican so having a smaller group (8-10) makes it much more enjoyable to hear the guides historical stories. Very professional guide and we could hear him and understand him. Excellent guide.
Alberto with ecoart tours/trip advisor was PHENOMENAL!!
wxic,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The skip the line Vatican museums and Sistine chapel tour with Alberto was amazing. Could not have asked for a kinder or more knowledgeable guide. His voice was very clear and made us truly feel as though we were in a live history class! He has just the right amount of humor mixed with a quiet passion for teaching others about the Vatican. Would highly recommend this tour with Alberto and eco ART. Tip ** bring cash to tip him ! He doesn’t know what Venmo is 😊
Amazing things to see
X4760VTjennyw,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Lots to see in the museum, allow at least 3 hours, but you could easily do more. Basilica queue was way too long so we didn't go there.
Visit to Vatican museum
ANIL B,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wanted to visit the Sistine Chappel and the sala di Rafa Elle. The communication was clear and timely. The guide was excellent . Assembly, crossing the gate and explanations were very good at each stage
vatican museum tour
donald e,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00it was a beautiful experience, from st. peter’s basillica, the vatican and the sistine chapel. sarah was a very kind and knowledgeable guide we had a great time.
Great High-Level Tour!
Chris M,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Perfect tour to experience the "highlights" of Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. And Maria Laura was a fantastic tour guide!
From €29.00
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