Why choose this tour ?
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!
What makes Skip-the-line Vatican Museums Tour with Sistine Chapel a unique experience ?
Meet your guide at a selected location in Vatican city, from where your guided tour will start!
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.
Experience the best of the Vatican City with our Highlights of the Vatican Museums tour. Skip the line and delve into the treasures of this holy place, guided by an expert who will reveal the secrets behind the stunning artworks and artifacts. Follow your guide through the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps, marvelling at the ancient Greek and Roman statues, Flemish tapestries, and detailed maps of Italy. In the Pio-Clementino Museum, home to some of the world's most famous sculptures, you'll see Laocoön and His Sons, the Belvedere Torso, and the magnificent sarcophagus of St. Helen, mother of Constantine. Next, enter the Raphael Rooms and immerse yourself in the Renaissance era of amazing art and literature. See the rooms frescoed by Raphael and admire his most famous work, The School of Athens, as your guide shares insights into the artist's life and influences.
Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel One of the most iconic experiences in Vatican City is visiting the Sistine Chapel, and once you step inside, you'll understand why. It's no wonder that this masterpiece is revered as one of the greatest works of art in Western civilization. Since the chapel is a sacred place of worship, speaking is not allowed inside, and your guide won't be able to provide commentary while you're there. But fear not, they'll provide commentary before entering ensuring that you're fully prepared to take in all the wonders of the Sistine Chapel. To gain entry into the Sistine Chapel, both men and women must ensure that their knees and shoulders are covered. Failure to comply might result in the Vatican denying entry to religious sites. We understand that the Roman summers can be scorching, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl, scarf, or sweater with you. Get ready to be spellbound by the sheer grandeur of the Sistine Chapel!
Choosing the "Group Tour with Basilica Option"? Your tour will wrap up at the breathtaking St. Peter’s Basilica. You’ll skip the long lines in the square by entering through a special group-only corridor—quick and easy. Your guide will provide an introduction to the basilica before you enter, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Step inside one of the most iconic churches in the world, believed to be the final resting place of St. Peter. Take your time soaking in the beauty of—Michelangelo’s La Pietà, Bernini’s Baldacchino, and the powerful calm of this sacred space. Please note: St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesdays for the Papal Audience and may occasionally close without warning. If that happens, your guide will adjust the tour to make the most of your time elsewhere in the Vatican.
Tour Description & 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.
- 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.
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
- Group Tour No Basilica
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Maximum 20 participants
Includes: Tour and Admission to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel with an English-Speaking Guide.
Excludes: Access to the St. Peter's Basilica
Duration: 3 hours - Early Morning Tour No Basilica
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Maximum 10 participants
Includes: Early Morning Tour & Admission to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel with English-Speaking Guide.
Excludes: Access to the St. Peter's Basilica.
Duration: 3 hours - Group Tour with Basilica
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Includes: skip-the-line access: to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Duration: 3 hours
English-Speaking Guide
maximum 20 participants - Ticket Only (No Guide)
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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
Skip-the-line Vatican Museums Tour with Sistine Chapel Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- Passionate English-Speaking Guide
- Limited Group Size for a More Intimate, Personalized Experience
- Change to Marvel at The Last Judgement
- Access to St. Peter's Basilica (Only Included in the ''Group tour with Basilica'' Option)
- Including Visit to the Raphael Rooms and Borgia Apartments and into Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel
- Headsets (from group tours of 6+ people)
- Skip-the-line Tickets and guided Tour to the Vatican Museums
Not Included
- Hotel Pick Up / Drop Off
- Important: The ''Ticket Only'' option covers admission fees only and does not include a guided tour.
- Important: The St. Peter's Basilica is only included in the ''Group Tour with Basilica'' Option
Special Instructions:
DRESS CODE: Entrance into any religious site requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. The Roman Guy will not be held responsible for refused entry due to unsuitable dress. • Please read our meeting point directions thoroughly in advance. It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 10 - 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, & missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded. IMPORTANT: During State visits or special religious events, there may be unexpected closings of different parts of the Vatican. We will do our best to inform you on time of possible closings, but often the Vatican does not announce them in advance. In the event that an area normally covered on a tour is closed, our guide will still provide the explanation and will show you an extra site or gallery to compensate for the closure. • Large bags, backpacks, luggage, and tripods cannot be brought into the Vatican Museums. There is a coat check at the entrance, however, the tour ends far away. If you choose to leave anything at the Vatican Museums coat check, you will be responsible to retrieve it on your own after the tour. We encourage you to leave such items and anything similar at your accommodations. • Mandatory: All participants are required to carry a valid government-issued picture ID on them. • Depending on the size of your group, headphones may be used for some tours. In this case, headphones will be provided. You may use your own earphones 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 on our group tours. • We will be subject to a security check at the entrance. Depending on the volume of visitors, we may have a short wait in the security line. • The ''ticket only'' option does not include a guided tour.
Please be advised..
- This Tour is Provided by The Tour Guy.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Rome.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 4.3 Stars based on 667 valid reviews on VIATOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).