Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peters Basilica Guided Tour
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Skip the lines to the the Vatican Museums, discover history, artifacts and papal treasures at the galleries and you will arrive at the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo's Last Judgment. Explore an iconic landmark like no other in this city full of them!
Visit the Basilica of San Pietro with our top-rated guide, who will tell you about the history and birth of the largest Basilica in the world. Admire works such as the Pietà by Michelangelo and the majestic Baldacchino by Bernini.
Available options
English Basilica Museums
Russian Basilica Museums
Portuguese Basilica Museums
Spanish Basilica Museums
What's included
Top-rated guides
Guided Tour Of the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Headsets provided exclusively by the Vatican to hear the guide clearly
Priority access ticket to the Vatican Museums
Guided Tour of St. Peter's Basilica
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Visit to one of the most famous museums in the world, go behind-the-scenes at the Vatican Museums. Your guide will share their knowledge as you explore this incredible site - its history, architecture, and artworks.
2
Stop 2
Get an up-close look at Michelangelo’s famed artwork in the Sistine Chapel, home to some of history’s greatest masterpieces, including The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment.
3
Stop 3
The guided tour will begin with a visit to St. Peter's Basilica where you can admire works by great artists such as Michelangelo’s Pietá and the Baldachin altar by Bernini
What's not included
Lunch
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation
Access to the dome is not included
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
RU
PT
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.5
158 reviews
5★
119
4★
20
3★
7
2★
4
1★
8
Tripadvisor
4.9
16 reviews
5★
15
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please arrive on time. Latecomers will neither be accommodated nor refunded.
Certain areas of the attractions may be closed due to religious events or national holidays.
The capacity regulations and security checks may delay your visit.
The service provider is not liable for cancelations and changes due to unfavorable weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
The exact times of your visit may be subject to changes.
Large bags, backpacks and suitcases are not allowed. Only small bags are allowed. The attractions do not have cloakrooms.
Please bring a valid photo ID as proof of age for children 18 years and below.
Even if your ticket is a Skip the Line ticket, due to the mandatory security checks conducted by the museum security you may face a minor setback of 20 - 30 minutes
The Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica maintains a strict dress code year-round. All visitors must have their shoulders covered and pants/skirts must come to the knee.
It is not permitted to pass from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica with strollers; therefore, they must be left at the free storage service provided by the Vatican Museums.
This activity is not recommended for participants with reduced mobility and wheelchair users.
Please inform us if a member of your party has a disability or disability card
Meeting point
Please come inside the CheckandGo Tours office to check-in at the desk. The activity provider's office is in the parallel street at the entrance of the Vatican Museums. Tickets have a strict entrance time. Latecomers will be refused entry.
Important notes
Please plan to to show up at the CheckandGo Tours office in via Sebastiano Veniero 21 to check-in at the desk at lesat 20 minutes before the tour starts.
Tour reservations have strict timing.
If you arrive late, it will not be possible to join the group, redeem the tickets or reschedule and you will not be entitled to a refund.
About Vatican City
Vatican City, the world's smallest independent state, is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Nestled within Rome, Italy, it's home to iconic landmarks like St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house some of the world's most renowned art collections, including the Sistine Chapel.
Top Attractions
St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most renowned churches in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. It is a significant pilgrimage site and a must-visit for its stunning interior, including Michelangelo's Pietà and the dome offering panoramic views of Rome.
Religious/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free entry (€8 for dome climb)
Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of art and artifacts amassed by the Catholic Church over the centuries. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and the Gallery of Maps. It's a treasure trove for art lovers and history enthusiasts.
Museum/Art
3-4 hours
€17 (includes entry to St. Peter's Basilica)
Castel Sant'Angelo
Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant'Angelo is now a museum and fortress. It offers fascinating exhibits and panoramic views of Rome from its terrace. The passage leading to the Vatican, known as the Passetto di Borgo, is a historical highlight.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
€15
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cacio e Pepe
A classic Roman dish made with pecorino cheese and black pepper, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.
Pasta
Vegetarian
Supplì
Fried rice balls filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella, similar to Sicilian arancini.
Appetizer
Vegetarian (some versions contain meat)
Tiramisu
A popular Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in nearby parks
Biking tours
Strolling through historic neighborhoods
Visiting parks and gardens
Museum visits
Art tours
Historical site exploration
Boat tours on the Tiber River
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are manageable. These months offer the best conditions for sightseeing and exploring the city's outdoor attractions.
15-30°C
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian, Latin
- Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Vatican City is generally safe, with a strong police presence and low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas, so it's important to stay vigilant.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.
Getting there
By air
- Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport • 30 km from Vatican City
By train
Roma San Pietro Station
By bus
Roma Termini Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The metro system in Rome is efficient and connects to Vatican City via the Ottaviano Station, which is a short walk from St. Peter's Basilica.
Taxis
Available • Apps: FreeNow, MyTaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Borgo
Prati
Day trips
Rome
0 km (Vatican City is an enclave within Rome) • Full day or more
Rome, the capital of Italy, is a treasure trove of ancient history, art, and culture. It offers iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain, as well as world-class museums and vibrant neighborhoods.
Ostia Antica
30 km from Vatican City • Half day
Ostia Antica is an ancient Roman port city that offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman life. The well-preserved ruins include homes, shops, and public buildings, providing a unique historical experience.
Festivals
Easter Celebrations • March or April (dates vary)
Christmas Celebrations • December 24-25
Pro tips
- Book tickets for major attractions like the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica in advance to skip the lines.
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites to show respect and avoid being turned away.
- Use public transportation or walk to get around Vatican City and Rome, as driving can be challenging and parking is limited.
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
