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
200 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Five star guide and tour
Doug S,
Sep 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00Exactly what was promised; a guided and informative tour which allowed us to skip the Li es and learn a bit more about the Vatican collection and the basilica Our guide Emma was maybe the best guide I’ve ever had in Italy; her friendly demeanour, excitement and knowledge was the best part of the whole thing. The team even helped us adjust our tour, allowing us to spend more time in the museums. Five stars
Informative and Eye-Opening Vatican Tour – A Deep Dive into History and Faith
Alyssa K,
Sep 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our “Vatican & St. Peter’s Basilica: Unlock the Wonders” tour was a very thorough and insightful experience. While it was a bit long and included a lot of religious detail, we truly appreciated how much it helped us understand what we were looking at — which made the visit so much more meaningful. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the art, history, and significance of the Vatican. They shared in-depth information not just about the famous highlights like the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, but also about the stories, symbolism, and context behind them — things we would have completely missed on our own. Yes, there was a strong focus on religious history and details, but it really helped connect everything and gave us a deeper appreciation for the artwork and architecture around us. The pace was steady and the group size manageable, and even though it was a lot to take in, we walked away feeling like we truly understood what we saw — rather than just checking things off a list. If you're someone who wants more than just a quick photo-op, and you’re curious to learn about the meaning and history behind the Vatican’s treasures, this is the perfect tour for you.
Definitely worth the trip!
Ryan M,
Sep 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00Strongly recommend! Had a great time. Our guide Oxana was super knowledgeable, friendly, and organized. She clearly knows and is very passionate about her subject. The tour company was the most organized I have ever used. Complete with reminder texts the day before and follow up texts to see how it went after. Tour included Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter's Basilica. Would definitely recommend.
One of the most...
Diane M,
Sep 11, 2025
- Viator
5.00One of the most experienced Excursion operators I have ever met. Her name is kate. If you get a chance to take the Vatican Museum tour please please ask for Kate. You won't regret it. She had more information in her head then I could find on google!
Our guide Lisa was very...
Donald R,
Sep 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our guide Lisa was very knowledgeable and patient. Despite the heat and crowds, she did an excellent job navigating us to the quickest entrances. Overall it was an extremely rewarding experience and well worth it
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