Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel + Optional Basilica

Experience the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Raphael’s Rooms – Without the Wait! Embark on a Skip-the-Line tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Raphael’s Rooms. Opt for First Access with guided entry to St. Peter’s Basilica, where available. Explore highlights with an expert guide who brings history to life. Group tours are capped at 20 guests and include headsets for clear narration. Want a more personal touch? Choose our Small Group tour (max. 10 guests) or upgrade to First Access to be among the first visitors. Prefer independence? Select our escorted ticket-only option for self-paced exploring. Important: St. Peter’s Basilica is separate from the Museums and included only in tours where stated. With Basilica access, you’re free to explore independently after the guided portion.

Together with your guide, set foot inside the smallest country in the world via the fastest possible entrance!

One of the first stops inside the Vatican Museums is the Pinecone Courtyard where you will find the Sphere within a Sphere sculpture as well as the Roman fountain, an enormous bronze pinecone, that lends the courtyard its name.

The bronze Sphere within a Sphere sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro marries this historic setting with a touch of modern art.

The Vatican Museums are made up of multiple Museums forming many "wings". The wing containing the highest concentration of highlights is the Pio Clementino Museum. Follow your guide from the Octagonal open-air courtyard where you will encounter the Laocoonte and Apollo Belvedere, to the eerily life-like statues in the Room of the Animals. Check out the masterfully painted vaults creating a 3D effect in the Gallery of the Candelabra.

In this Gallery of hand-painted maps, you can admire the world how it was seen nearly 5 centuries ago. With the help of your guide, pick out the towns in Italy you have visited, or just enjoy the incredible hand-painted details that make these maps unique.

"Raphael's Rooms" inside the Vatican Museums are a spectacular testament to the talent of the painter Raphael, as well the inspiration of the master Michelangelo. Explore them with your guide.

Your guide will prepare you to take in the Sistine Chapel ahead of time, as no speaking is allowed in this sacred place. Admire this monumental work by Michelangelo.

Your visit ends at the entrance of the Vatican Museums. From here, you are free to continue to explore on your own within official opening hours.

If you choose an option including a tour of St. Peter's Basilica, access is provided, skipping the lines. You will be free to explore on your own inside.

Only when specific guided tour option including the Basilica is chosen, Skip the Line access to St. Peter's Basilica via a special exit from the Sistine Chapel. You will then be free to explore on your own inside.

Vatican City, Vatican City, Lazio

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children 6 and under are entitled to free access to the Vatican Museums (with proof of age)
• Children aged 7-18 are entitled to a reduced entry fee (see tour and ticket pricing) and must provide proof of age.
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• 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.
• Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the booked start time. Tickets are time sensitive and we cannot accomodate late arrivals.
• St. Peter's Basilica access is separate from the Vatican Museums and not always available. When offered, it is only included in guided tours where explicitly stated. To visit the Basilica, ensure your tour option includes it.
• Guests with a certified disability of over 75% are entitled to free entrance to the Vatican and do not require a ticket. For guests who are not self-sufficient, free entry is extended to a companion.
• Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.
• Please include all names as they appear on your passports when booking. Tickets are non-transferable and if the names on your booking do not match your ID you may be denied access and will not be due a refund.
• Please bring official ID with you (or a photo/photocopy).

• Hosted Ticket Only (No guide)
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  Escorted skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel. No guided tour. NO access to St. Peter's Basilica.
• 2.5 hr Guided Tour: 20 Guests
  Add
  Tour in English. NO access to St. Peter's Basilica.
  20 guests max
  Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 2.5hr with Basilica: 10 Guests
  Add
  10 guests max
  Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
  2.5hr with Basilica: 10 Guests: First access of the day. Includes direct access to St. Peter's Basilica, where you will be free to explore on your own.
• 2.5 hr First Access: 10 Guests
  Add
  First access of the day. NO access to St. Peter's Basilica.
  10 guests max
  Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 2.5hr with Basilica: 20 Guests
  Add
  20 guests max
  Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
  2.5hr with Basilica: 20 Guests: First access of the day. Includes direct access to St. Peter's Basilica, where you will be free to explore on your own.
• 2.5 hr Guided Tour: 10 Guests
  Add
  Tour in English. NO access to St. Peter's Basilica.
  10 guests max
  Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 1.5 hr First Access: 12 Guests
  Add
  First access of the day & express tour to the Sistine Chapel. NO access to St. Peter's Basilica.
  12 guests max
  Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Skip the Line Access & Entrance Ticket to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
• Skip the Line Access to St. Peter's Basilica (only when option is selected during booking)
• Headsets to hear your guide clearly (if guided option selected)
• Insider Guide (if guided option selected)

• Food & Beverages
• Gratuities

Plan on arriving to our meeting point at least 15 minutes in advance of your selected departure time. Meet our representative on the steps at Via Tunisi, located at the corner with Via Sebastiano Veniero. They will be holding a flag with the green EcoArt logo.

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by EcoArt Travel.
• 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 4.7 Stars based on 1349 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.