Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Spend more time inside with no-wait access to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica through an official Vatican partner entrance. On this comprehensive guided tour, you'll experience the best of the Vatican in just three hours, including the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and more. Navigate the vast complex of artwork and history with an expert, who will bring this ancient collection to life. Choose from several departure times and languages.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group tours.
At times, despite our priority access tickets, we may experience delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues
St Peter’s Basilica & Sistine Chapel are subject to last-minute closures for religious ceremonies. When this occurs, we're happy to offer customers an extended tour of the Vatican Museums. While we endeavour to tell tour groups ahead of time if there are any planned disruptions to the Basilica's opening hours, this is not always possible and in these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts.
On Wednesday mornings, access to St. Peter’s Basilica is not included due to the Papal Audience. Entry is only possible after 1:00 PM.
St Peter's Basilica is not accessible on the express tours options
Please be advised that access to St. Peter's Basilica will not be guaranteed unless the names of all participants in the booking are provided in advance. This requirement is essential for security and the Venue organizational purposes. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Please note that if you choose the “St. Peter's Basilica Tour Only” option, access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel will not be included.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Audio headsets so you can always hear your guide
Guided visit of St. Peter’s Basilica (except: Wednesday morning & if Express option selected)
Reserved Priority Access to the Vatican Museums (except St Peter's Tour Only option)
Group of 20 people or less (except St Peter's Tour Only option, 25)
Access to the Sistine Chapel (except St Peter's Tour Only option)
Leaflet for the visits of Sistine Chapel & St Peter's Basilica (except St Peter's Tour Only option)
Gratuities
If you book “St. Peter's Basilica Tour Only,” access to the Vatican & Sistine Chapel is NOT included
What To Expect
Vatican City
Vatican Museums tours with skip-the-line access are popular, yet even fast-track lines can be lengthy. This exclusive experience provides admission through a dedicated entrance, ensuring a queue-free visit.
Vatican Museums
Embark on an exclusive journey into the treasure trove of the Vatican Museums. Explore the intriguing Gallery of the Maps and Tapestries, immersed in tales of Vatican secrets. Marvel at captivating Italian maps, and be awe-inspired by the sculptures in the Gallery of Candelabras. Capture memories with a photo stop at the Pigna statue in the Pinecone Courtyard, crafted by the renowned Donato Bramante. Join our English speaking expert guide for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Vatican City!
Options
Vatican Small Group - English
Experience the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica with a small group of up to 15 participants.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Vatican Private - English
Tailor your Vatican experience to perfectly suit your needs on this private tour, with an expert, English-speaking guide
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Vatican Semi Private - English
Experience the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica with an intimate group of up to 10 participants.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Private Tour up to 2 guests
Private Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica for up to 2 people.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Vatican Group - English
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica tour with English-speaking guide & small group of 20 people or less.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Vatican Evening Tour
Skip-the-Line Access: Enjoy a Skip-the-Line access to both the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel to maximize your time inside.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Early Evening Departure: This early evening tour finishes at a perfect time for dinner.
Ends at Sistine Chapel: This option ends at Sistine Chapel. Please note St. Peter's Basilica is not accessible in the evening tour
Vatican Special Evening Group: Escape the crowds and visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel at sunset on this small-group tour of max. 22 participants.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Vatican Group - Spanish
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica tour with Spanish-speaking guide & small group of 20 people or less.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Vatican Express Group Tour
Express Group Tour: 2-hour tour of the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel in a group of 20 people. Access to St Peter's Basilica is NOT included
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Vatican Express Semi Private
Express Semi Private: 2-hour Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour [10 people maximum]. St Peter's Basilica Access is NOT included.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Vatican Express Small Group
Express Small Group Tour: 2-hour Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Small Group Tour [15 people max]. St Peter's Basilica is NOT included.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Vatican Group - Italian
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica tour with Italian-speaking guide & small group of 20 people or less.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Vatican Museums only
2 hours highlights tour of the Vatican Museums (does not include St. Peter's Basilica).This tour ends at the Sistine Chapel.
Duration: 2 hours
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
St Peter Tour Only- no Vatican
St. Peter's Basilica Express: Experience St. Peter’s Basilica on this express guided tour with reserved entrance [Vatican & Sistine Chapel Excluded]
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Not included: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel access is not included in this option
Starting point:
Piazza della Città Leonina, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Private Tour up to 4 guests
Private Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica for up to 4 people.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Reviews
38,833 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Alexandria was our tour...
Rama P,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Alexandria was our tour lead and she did an outstanding job explaining about those attractions. She answered all our questions
Very well organised tour,...
Juste R,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very well organised tour, our guide Leo was extremely knowledgeable, made the experience so much more enjoyable.
Incredible tour!...
Rich S,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Incredible tour! Christian was so knowledgeable and passionate about the Museum and Basilica. It showed through very well! I would recommend him and the tour wholeheartedly!
Initial Logistical Issues and Information Delivery
Mayleen F,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00The beginning of our tour was significantly impacted by logistical issues. The scheduled split into three groups was delayed because one of the tour guides was late. Consequently, we were rushed into the first church with only one guide. The primary issue was the guide's failure to deliver essential information at a suitable time and location. Poor Communication: The guide only addressed the front row while we were standing in the security line, making it impossible for the majority of the group to hear any commentary. Lack of Pre-briefing: Critical context, such as the significance of the Holy Doors and the existence of a separate line for visiting the burial site of Pope St. Francis, should have been explained before we entered the security queue. This omission hindered our experience and ability to navigate the site. Inadequate Time: When the guide finally did provide information about specific parts of the church, we were allotted only about 15 minutes, which was insufficient time to view the discussed areas. The tour significantly improved once we finally broke into our smaller, designated groups. The main value proposition of this specific tour is the transportation provided between the three sites. Beyond this, the guided commentary was often limited to a few generic facts that could be easily found through independent research, leaving the majority of the time to simply wander and self-guide through the churches.
This was a bucket list...
Cindy H,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00This was a bucket list experience and I can say i did it but it was very traumatic. It was, to say the least, very unpleasant. It was difficult to see anything for the hoards of people and the "skip the line" that was advertised was nonexistent. We went through the Vatican at the pace of an Indy car racer. Then on to St Peter's Square to WAIT and WAIT! Then it was more like herding cattle with elbows flying and just trying not avoid being knocked down. I don't know how many times we were separated from our guide at St. Peter's Basilica. When we finally found her we simply gave her a tip and left the building because we were tired of having to fight our way through. So, no, it was not a pleasant experience and I hardly remember the Sistine Chapel because there were SO many people in there that it was difficult to see anything.
Fantastic experience. Not...
Karen S,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience. Not too crowded. Our guide was excellent and gave a brilliant commentary throughout.
Worth your time and money!
Mitchell T,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide Giuseppe was very good. A local, and very knowledgeable. This tour was fantastic! Skipping the line was a bonus!
Vatican Visit!!!
Bonecraze,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00There were many really interesting things to see! In some area’s we spent a little too long, but overall it was really well informed. Highly recommended tour!
A great experience
Brianna M,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A wonderful experience! We got to see the highlights with our limited time in Rome, and it was a quick yet incredibly informative tour. I'll need to do the full, in-depth look at the Vatican museums in the future (there was so much to look at—you could easily spend the whole day there!). If you're short on time and are interested in the highlights, I highly recommend this tour. Our guide was lovely!
V knowledgable and charming guide
Devyani G,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Jessepe was v knowledgeable and conducted the tour well.. he kept all the participants engaged.. took care of everyone’s varied pace and interests. All in all wonderful to have a guided tour of the Vatican museums, St Peter’s Basilica and the sistin chapel
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