Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & 4 Papal Basilicas Full Day Tour

Experience Rome’s Sacred Treasures in a Day! Begin with priority access to the Vatican Museums, guided by an expert who brings its world-famous art collection to life. Explore galleries of classical sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, and intricate tapestries before reaching the breathtaking Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes, including The Last Judgment. Next, visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church, where your guide reveals its architectural marvels, artistic treasures, and spiritual significance. After a mid-day break, discover Rome’s Papal Basilicas. Admire Saint Paul Outside the Walls, built over St. Paul’s tomb and rich in history, Saint John Lateran, the Pope’s seat, and the Holy Stairs and conclude at Saint Mary Major’s gold ceilings. This full-day tour combines Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and all four Papal Basilicas into one unforgettable experience.

The Vatican Museums are a must-visit for art and history lovers, featuring one of the world’s most impressive collections spanning ancient Roman artifacts, Renaissance masterpieces, and beyond. Highlights include Michelangelo’s breathtaking Sistine Chapel ceiling and the stunning frescoes of Raphael’s Rooms. Wander through ornate galleries filled with sculptures, tapestries, and maps, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Vatican City. This unparalleled experience offers a journey through centuries of creativity and religious significance.

The Sistine Chapel is a masterpiece of art and spirituality, renowned for Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling frescoes, including The Creation of Adam, and his powerful Last Judgment on the altar wall. Located within Vatican City, the chapel serves as a sacred space for papal ceremonies and the election of new popes. Visitors are awestruck by the intricate details, vivid colors, and profound symbolism that make it one of the greatest achievements in Western art. A visit to the Sistine Chapel is a journey into the heart of Renaissance brilliance and religious devotion.

St. Peter's Basilica is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and one of the holiest sites in Christianity. Designed by greats like Michelangelo and Bernini, its grandeur includes the iconic dome, Michelangelo’s Pietà, and Bernini’s stunning Baldachin. As the heart of the Catholic Church, it attracts pilgrims and visitors from around the world. Explore its sacred interiors filled with history, art, and devotion with your guide. A visit to St. Peter’s Basilica is an unforgettable experience of faith and architectural splendor.

St. Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura) is one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas and a significant pilgrimage site. Built over the burial site of St. Paul, it features stunning early Christian mosaics and an awe-inspiring nave supported by towering columns. Its golden apse mosaic and portraits of every pope highlight its rich history and spiritual importance. Located just outside the ancient Aurelian Walls, this basilica is a serene and breathtaking testament to Rome’s religious and artistic heritage.

St. John Lateran (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano) is the oldest and highest-ranking of Rome’s four major basilicas, serving as the cathedral of the Pope in his role as Bishop of Rome. Renowned for its stunning Baroque facade and grand interior, it features impressive sculptures of the Apostles, intricate mosaics, and the Holy Stairs, believed to have been climbed by Jesus during his trial. As the "Mother of all Churches," St. John Lateran is both a spiritual and historical landmark, offering visitors a profound connection to Rome’s religious and architectural legacy.

Your tour will end at St. Mary Major Basilica, one of the city’s most significant and beautiful churches. As a major papal basilica, it’s celebrated for its stunning mosaics that date back to the 5th century, depicting biblical scenes in vibrant detail. The basilica combines architectural styles from early Christianity to the Baroque, featuring treasures like the gold-encrusted ceiling and Bernini’s tomb. A symbol of devotion to the Virgin Mary, it’s a spiritual and artistic gem that offers visitors a glimpse into Rome’s rich religious and cultural heritage.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• All four basilicas are subject to last-minute closures for religious ceremonies during the Papal Jubilee. Furthermore, access through the holy doors is not possible, as the site is expected to be busy
• Extra measures may be implemented at some venues due to heightened global security. As a result, there may be delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues. Extra measures may also restrict the size of bags that can be brought inside. To avoid disruptions or possible denied entry, avoid bringing large purses, bags or backpacks on your tour. The Vatican only permits very small bags, and specifically prohibits large bags, tripods, umbrellas and backpacks. Any such items must be checked into the free luggage storage area, and this may result in you having to leave the tour early to retrieve them at the entrance
• Guests must check in with the local supplier's representative both in the morning and in the afternoon.
• The Vatican Museums are among the most highly trafficked sites in the world. With over 6 million visitors in 2014 and numbers rising year-on-year, the museums give rise to a whole new meaning of the word “crowded.” The route taken on this tour is designed to minimize exposure to crowds as much as possible, but be aware that the museums are very busy by nature
• This tour involves a fair amount of walking and stairs, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Please provide the full names of all participants at the time of booking. Failure to submit this information will result in customers being unable to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, and no refunds will be issued.

• Full Day Tour
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• Expert, English-speaking tour guides
• Group of 20 people or less
• All transfers in luxury, air-conditioned minivan
• Audio headsets, so you can always hear your guide
• Priority Access to the Vatican Museums
• Guided tour of St Peter's Basilica & 3 other Papal Basilicas

• Gratuities
• Transfer between tours
• Lunch

• Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the booked tour start time and must be done for both parts of the tour, in the morning and at 1.30pm. • Our City Wonders coordinators will be wearing blue City Wonders polo shirts or jackets for easy recognition. • Entrance into the Vatican Museums and the basilicas requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. The local supplier cannot be held responsible for refused entry due to improper dress • Due to heightened security measures, you may experience delays in clearing security checks when entering the venue. to leave the tour early to retrieve them at the entrance. • Large purses, bags, and backpacks are not allowed inside the Vatican Museums. • The morning service ends at St. Peter’s Basilica/St. Peter’s Square 3 hours after your tour start time. The afternoon service ends at St Peter's Square around 6:00 PM. • Vatican Museums and the basilicas dress code: Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. City Wonders cannot be held responsible for refused entry due to improper dress. • Non-flash photography is permitted throughout the tour, except in the Sistine Chapel where photography is forbidden

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by City Wonders Ltd.
• 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 4.6 Stars based on 1061 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.