Skip-The-Line Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Are you searching for a Vatican tour that lets you bypass the queue, but struggling to find one that fits your schedule? Fear not, as we have the perfect solution! Our Small Group Vatican tour offers multiple start times throughout the day, at a fantastic price point.
In addition to accommodating your schedule, this small-group tour promises an unforgettable experience with a highly knowledgeable guide.
Alongside an expert guide, you'll journey through the Vatican Museums, marvel at the breath-taking Sistine Chapel, explore the stunning Raphael Rooms, and visit the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica, guaranteeing an all-in-one experience!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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
You are advised to be ready at the meeting point up to 15 minutes ahead of the start time to ensure a prompt start. After leaving the meeting point, your guide will bring you inside the Vatican Museums. Since we have a strict entrance time, in case of delays and late arrivals, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to add you to the group.
Important: The 'Ticket Only' option covers admission fees only and does not include a guided tour nor access to the St. Peter's Basilica
Depending on the size of your group, headphones may be used for some tours. In that case, headphones will be provided. However you may use your own earbuds if you wish.
We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Limited Group Size for a More Intimate Experience - Headsets (from group tours of 6+ people)
Skip the Line through the Scala Regia (Holy Staircase) to St. Peter's Basilica (guided tour only))
Skip-the-line tickets and guided Tour to the Vatican Museums
Change to Marvel at The Last Judgement
Passionate English-Speaking Guide
Guided visit of St. Peter's Basilica (except Wednesday)
Including Visit to the Raphael Rooms, Borgia Apartments and into Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel
Hotel Pick Up / Drop Off
Important: The ''Ticket Only'' option covers admission fees only and does not include a guided tour.
What To Expect
Vatican City
Meet your guide at a selected location in Vatican city, from where your guided tour will start!
Sphere within a Sphere
Before entering the museums, join our guide on a brisk walk through the Pinecone Courtyard. Here you'll see the famous ''Sphere within a Sphere'' sculpture.
Options
Basilica Only Express Tour
Group Tour (max 20)
Maximum 20 participants
Includes: Tour and Admission to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica with an English-Speaking Guide.
Duration: 3 hours
Small Group Tour (max 10)
Maximum 10 participants
Includes: English Guided Tour & Admission to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica with English-Speaking Guide.
Duration: 3 hours
Ticket Only (No Guide)
Includes: Host on ground to provide your Admission ticket to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (No Tour)
Excludes: Tour Guide (admission ticket only) & Entry to St. Peter's Basilica
This option allows for: independent discovery of the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Reviews
803 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Failed to deliver
M6243HYrobertq,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I should have heeded the warnings from other bad reviews. The tour specified in the title and description that it offered skip the line guided tours to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel AND St. Peter’s Basilica. The tour got started started off 10-15 minutes late before got our headsets and we were led to a long line with other skip-the-line tours. Then, once we got inside there was an issue with the group tickets. Ultimately our tour began 45 minutes late. The tour guide seemed very rushed and most rooms we could only take photos while we were walking in order to keep up with her. I understand it is very crowded and they need to keep things moving but we were very rushed. In one room where she actually stopped to talk, my wife was in extreme need of a restroom and there was one in the corner of the room with no lines. The tour guide seemed ran over and stopped my wife telling her “you’re fine and will have an opportunity to go later when we get to the Sistine Chapel.” Well it was another 20 minutes and little did we know that the 10 minute break could be spent either going to the restroom OR spending it in the chapel. By the time we made it up to the chapel, she was gathering the group to leave so we really had no time to enjoy but to look up while we were leaving. After that and when we got to the end of the museums, the guide informed us that the passage to St. Peter’s Basilica was closed and we would need to exit and go around to the main entrance (she did warn that could happen), however she collected our headsets and sent us on our way. There was no guided tour or visit to St. Peter’s Basilica and no skip-the-line to get in so we were on our own to wait behind hundreds of other visitors. They failed to deliver on the second half of the tour! Very disappointed. If you really want to enjoy the Vatican, do it on your own or find a reputable tour guide
Pick the right time as it...
Stephen R,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Pick the right time as it gets crowded but around 3 o’clock it’s not to bad, wear comfy foot wear as it’s a lot of walking.
Unfortunate
Ashraf E,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00You will loose all your money if you’re not there exactly in time Try not to contact the operator because they don’t respond on the Viator App
Very informative. Tour...
Deborah W,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative. Tour guide was great. Love history and got a wonderful view of it from our guide. She had a fabulous sense of humor.
Awesome tour!
Lisa T,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing tour, Mitzya was a lovely tour guide with so much knowledge. A lot of walking! Loved it and would highly recommend.
It is a lot of walking in...
deborah e,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It is a lot of walking in a spectacular venue. The guide was extremely well informed and pleasant. You can’t believe the beauty before your eyes!
Guide not found
Terry S,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00Tour guide was not found. Staff told us where to find RomanGuy but was not in that location. We ended up doing the tour on our own.
Perfect Guided Vatican Tour
Prabhat P,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Well-paced and very informative tour! Loved the insider stories, the beautiful museums, and the chance to explore St. Peter’s without the lines. Highly recommend this to anyone visiting Rome!
Incredible Vatican Experience
Sunil K,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Skip-the-line was a lifesaver! Our guide was so knowledgeable and made the art and history come alive. The Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica were breathtaking.
Huge lines and crowds and...
Lawrence w,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Huge lines and crowds and the Viator experience made the visit possible. Very knowledgeable and organized guide.
From US$28.75
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Chat with us on social
Related Experiences
Operated by The Tour Guy