Vatican & St Peter's Basilica: unlock the wonders
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Fill your visit to the Vatican with extra meaning, history and interesting facts with an expert guide. Enjoy a comfortable group experience with a maximum of 15 guests. Step inside the most important galleries and rooms, such as the Gallery of the Maps, Pio-Clementino Museum to discover the world's most significant collection of art.
This tour lets you into the secrets of the art works, following the intriguing history of the state of the Holy See, revealing the background stories about its great treasures. Admission is included and will allow you to enter the Vatican without having to wait in a long line at the entrance.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
To visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, also St. Peter’s Basilica, your clothing must cover your shoulders, knees and neckline.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Skip-the-line headsets pickup
Skip-the-line ticket to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
3 hours tour with an expert guide
Skip-the-line entrance to St. Peter's Basilica
Most group itinerary is set by the Vatican. We don't visit Raffael's Rooms in groups.
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
What To Expect
Vatican Museums
The museum displays cover a good 5 miles / 7 kilometers however and it’s said that if you were to dedicate just one minute to each exhibit it would take 12 years to see the whole collection! Join our tour to follow a selective route covering the most significant events in the history of the Vatican and taking in key exhibits such as Sistine Chapel, the Gallery of the Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, the Gallery of Candelabras, the Pinecone Courtyard and other. Hear the fascinating story of the state of the Holy See, where the conclave is held to elect a new pope and the meaning of the name of the head of the Vatican. Discover the history and distinguishing features of works by Italian geniuses Raphael, Pinturicchio, Perugino and Botticelli, among others; the meaning of the divine frescoes by Michelangelo "Separation of Light from Darkness", "Creation of the Sun, Moon and Plants", "Separation of Land and Water” and "Creation of Fish and Birds".
Sistine Chapel
Sistine Chapel - Michelangelo's celebrated masterpiece, and part of the cultural deposit for all mankind. The ceiling of the chapel portrays the creation of Adam and includes paintings of the Last Judgment while wall frescoes depict the life of Moses and Christ.
Options
VAT small group 15pax
Reviews
212 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great guide through tremendous crowds
Meagan H,
Oct 15, 2025
- Viator
4.00Emma was a fantastic guide and was clearly very knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the history of everything across the Vatican. She was very friendly and readily answered any and all questions from the group. Giving 4 stars due to no fault of our guide - despite “skip the line” tickets it seemed we spent a substantial portion of our time standing in various lines due to the crowds. The Vatican museum felt a bit rushed, and we ultimately didn’t even have time for the Basilica portion of the tour due to the lines and crowds - so we had to just walk around ourselves without a guide which was disappointing as that’s where we would have most benefitted from having a guide. However, the tour operator was proactive, and processed a refund for this part of the tour without even being prompted - which was greatly appreciated, especially since they have no control over the lines and crowds.
Tour guide made trip!!
Virginia M,
Oct 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00We encountered some issues with the Vatican changing the route of our tour unbeknownst to our tour guide. Regardless, our tour guide Lisa was a wealth of knowledge and made the tour such a memorable experience for us.
St. Peter's
Frederick K,
Oct 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00Guide was thorough. Could be understood clearly. Comprehensive tour. Saw things I did not see on my last visit.
Simply Wonderful
M M,
Sep 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00Kate was wonderful and patient and so kind. She gave us a one of a kind experience and helped us understand the importance of the Vatican so much more! We were able to see through a door that is usually never open and pass through the holy door of theJubilee year. It was a priceless experience!
A fantastic Vatican tour!
Grace K,
Sep 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a fantastic Vatican tour and the best tour we had in Rome! Our guide was very organized and led our group with maximum efficiency among the crazy Vatican crowds. She even ensured we got to go through the Holy Door for the Jubliee which was a special experience. I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to see the key Vatican highlights and learn about the overall history.
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