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Fast Access Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Basilica Guided Tour

33 Reviews 4.85 out of 5 stars Based on 33 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 97% of reviewers
97% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Rome, Italy
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from $424.06 per person

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Fast Access Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Basilica Guided Tour Image 1
The Raphael Rooms
St. Peter Basilica
Fast Access Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Basilica Guided Tour Image 4
Fast Access Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Basilica Guided Tour Image 5

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On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.
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3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Italian

Overview

Join this visit to see the highlights of the Vatican: Raphael’s Rooms;  the Gallery of Maps; the Gallery of Tapestries; collections of Ancient Roman and Greek statues and of course the famous Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo frescos.

This is a wonderful, comprehensive half-day tour with a top-rated and very knowledgeable guide.

What's Included

  • Professional art historian guide
  • Guaranteed to skip the long lines
  • Local taxes
  • Gratuities
  • Private transportation
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Viale Vaticano
100, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Piazza San Pietro
00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Stanze di Raffaello

Your tour starts at the entrance to the Vatican Museums where you meet your guide and with skip-the-line entry bypass the waiting crowds, leave your belongings in the Vatican cloakrooms, make use of the free and very clean toilet facilities and follow your guide on a journey of discovery! The first ports of call on the tour are the rooms where you can see Ancient Greek and Roman art. When the Popes ruled Central Italy these artworks were collected from various excavation sites in the city of Rome and brought to the Vatican. Your guide will point out the most notable of these masterpieces including the Belvedere Apollo, the Torso, busts of Claudius and Hadrian and the sarcophagi of Helen and Constance, the mother and daughter of the Emperor Constantine. The tour continues with visits to the Room of Animals and the Gallery of Candelabra.A short walk takes you to the Gallery of Tapestries, the Sobieski Rooms and the Rooms of Raphael.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Sistine Chapel

We then reach the famous Sistine Chapel, the most visited site in the whole of Italy and known throughout the world as the place where new Popes are elected. Talking is prohibited in the Chapel so your guide will explain about the wonders you will see once inside and also tell you some interesting facts and anecdotes about this magical place. See Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling depicting the Last Judgment, the Creation of Adam and the Genesis and the Stories of Moses and Jesus painted on the Chapel walls by Botticelli, Perugino and other famous Renaissance artists.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

St. Peter's Basilica

It is then time for a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica where you will explore the numerous side chapels with their hidden crypts. You will see Michelangelo’s Pietà and your guide will explain why this is the only work that he signed. You will gain an appreciation of the mastery that went into the creation of Bernini’s altarpiece and learn how Michelangelo triumphed over his contemporaries for the honour to paint St. Peter’s magnificent dome.There is still more to see though below ground level. You guide will lead you below ground to the papal crypt where, over the centuries, many of the Popes have been interred. This special place is a site of pilgrimage for many Catholics. Although talking is allowed, before you enter the crypt you guide will tell you where the most important popes are laid to rest.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

St. Peter's Square

You will also learn something of the architecture of this magnificent edifice and the symbols and rituals that make this church so special. Your guide will bid you a farewell in Saint Peter’s Square but not before telling you some of the secrets and curious facts about Bernini’s famous square. You will also see the balcony where the crowds await the white smoke signifying the election of a new Pope. What a marvelous end to this wonderful Vatican tour!
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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
  • READ CAREFULLY: Because of the growing popularity of the current pope Francis and his intense activity in organising mass events in the Vatican some areas might get closed last minute without previous notice. This has already happened this year and can happen again during you Vatican tour. In case of such events our tour guide will provide you with a valuable alternative focusing the tour inside the Vatican museums.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Jubilee the Basilica might not be accessible as part of the tour. Unfortunately, we know that very last minute. In any case, you can go there after the tour, queuing.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Fast Access Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Basilica Guided Tour?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-101939P1

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Reviews

4.85
33 reviews

Average 4.85 out of 5 stars based on 33 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
31
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
1

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On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Fast Access Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Basilica Guided Tour?
A:
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Professional art historian guide.
  • Guaranteed to skip the long lines.
  • Local taxes.
  • Local guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
  • Private transportation.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Fast Access Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Basilica Guided Tour is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Fast Access Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Basilica Guided Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

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  • Professional art historian guide
  • Guaranteed to skip the long lines
  • Local taxes
  • Local guide
  • Gratuities
  • Private transportation

Additional Info

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  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • 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
  • READ CAREFULLY: Because of the growing popularity of the current pope Francis and his intense activity in organising mass events in the Vatican some areas might get closed last minute without previous notice. This has already happened this year and can happen again during you Vatican tour. In case of such events our tour guide will provide you with a valuable alternative focusing the tour inside the Vatican museums.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Jubilee the Basilica might not be accessible as part of the tour. Unfortunately, we know that very last minute. In any case, you can go there after the tour, queuing.
  • Operated by a business

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This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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