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Rome Museums & exhibitions

Our most recommended Rome Museums & exhibitions

Rome: Turning the Lights on at the Vatican Museums

1. Rome: Turning the Lights on at the Vatican Museums

Almost every morning for the past decade, Gianni has led the team with the massive task of opening up the 24 interconnected galleries, museums, and chapels that make up the Vatican Museums. With a small group, join him on his morning routine to open the doors to some of the world’s most renowned artworks. Hear the sounds of the ancient locks turning as you hold the keys, and see the historic rooms go from dark to light as you flick the switch. Discover the Vatican Museums and their treasures in a way no other visitor can. As you explore, listen to Gianni’s experiences and anecdotes of his time as head clavigero, as well as the stories behind some of the 20,000 pieces on display. In the calmness of dawn, you'll have the chance to see the most impressive spaces, as well as those not open to the public. After your tour, head to the Cortile della Pigna to tuck into a delicious breakfast consisting of a croissant or pain au chocolat, pancakes with peanut butter or marmalade, an orange or apple juice, and a tea or coffee.

Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket

2. Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket

Take a stirring journey through art and religious history with skip-the-ticket-line entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Avoid the long ticket lines and then enjoy your visit at your own pace.  Wander through the Greek Cross Gallery to see elaborately-carved sarcophagi that might just contain the earthly remains of some of antiquity's famous kings and queens. Peek at the Cabinet of the Masks, or tour the Sala degli Animali to see a virtual menagerie of fantastic beasts, real and imagined. Walk the Upper Galleries, including the Gallery of Maps, to see how cartographers depicted the world through the ages. See masterpieces by Renaissance masters in the Raphael Rooms, and rest for a while in the Borgia Apartments. Then, it’s time to marvel at Michelangelo’s exquisite Sistine Chapel, the crown jewel of the Vatican, and perhaps even of all the world’s art treasures.

Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour

3. Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour

Take a tour of one of the holiest sites in Christendom on this guided walking tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. First, visit the Pine Courtyard, Belvedere Courtyard, the Gallery of the Maps, Candelabra Gallery, Pio Clementino's Rooms, the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms (only on early morning tours), and the Sistine Chapel. Then, be led by an expert guide to some of the major attractions, as well as to some lesser-known spots that other tourists often miss. You will also get to see other galleries of the Vatican corridors. Finally, visit Michelangelo's Pietà at St. Peter's Basilica before concludig your tour at the Sistine Chapel.

Rome: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-The-Line Ticket

4. Rome: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-The-Line Ticket

Explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel without waiting in the often long public lines. Take a journey through the awe-inspiring museums where you’ll find a treasure trove of Roman statues, Renaissance paintings, and Italian artworks. With these Vatican Museum skip-the-line tickets, have more time to explore the immense collection of art that can be found in the Vatican Museums. Walk through the exhibits and galleries from the Round Room to the Gallery of the Tapestries. Discover the Belvedere and Pinecone Courtyards and the famous Gallery of the Maps. This room filled with topographical maps of Italy by Danti dating back to 1583 remains one of the largest geographical pictures to this day. Browsing through the Pio Clementino Museum you can see the Greek Cross Hall, Gallery of the Statues, Hall of the Muses, and other paintings, sculptures, and statues from artists spanning centuries. Pass through the majestic collection of ceremonial carriages that are now part of the Carriage Pavilion. Discover the countless treasures of the Vatican with a visit to the Raphael Rooms. Admire the 4 rooms of the Vatican famous for their frescoes by the High Renaissance great Raphael. Gaze in awe at Raphael’s The School of Athens. Observe the most famous chapel in the world – the Sistine Chapel. Witness the beautiful frescoes that decorate the interiors from Botticelli, Rosselli, Perugino, and Ghirlandaio and the most famous fresco of all – Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling.

Rome: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour with St. Peter's

5. Rome: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour with St. Peter's

Discover the art collection inside the Vatican Museums on a tour with an art historian guide, with an optional entry to Castle Gandolfo and skip-the-line access to St Peter's Basilica for visits before lunchtime. Walk through the galleries and admire masterpieces by Michelangelo inside the Sistine Chapel.  Meet your guide, an art historian who will tell you all about the masterpieces you will be encountering. Hear fascinating facts and stories as you visit the Gallery of the Maps, the Gallery of the Tapestries, and the Gallery of the Candelabra. Round off the tour with by encountering the marvels of the Sistine Chapel, complete with frescoes by Michelangelo. Be awed by coming face-to-face with Michelangelo’s most famous artwork: The Last Judgement. On tours before 2:30 PM, take advantage of skip-the-line access to St. Peter's Basilica. You can also make the most of your experience by taking advantage of additional entry to Castle Gandolfo (if option selected).

Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Tour

6. Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Tour

Discover some of the most popular attractions in Rome on a guided walking tour of Vatican City. Visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica with your guide, and admire the ornate interiors and the famed artworks housed here. Meet your guide close to the entrance to the Vatican Museums and follow them as you set out to explore the most interesting galleries within the museum. See the Rotunda, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the Gallery of Maps. Take in the ornate ceilings in each room and see the ancient statues, frescoes, and tapestries that adorn the walls. Then, enter the Sistine Chapel and marvel at the intricate fresco that covers the entire ceiling and walls. Painted by Michaelangelo between 1508 and 1512, the Sistine Chapel represents a cornerstone work of High Renaissance art. From the Creation of Adam to the Last Judgement, Michelangelo dedicated some of his greatest years to the Sistine Chapel, working day and night – even sleeping in the chapel – to satisfy the popes of Rome. The artist also expressed his frustration through hidden meanings in his work, which have since been uncovered and deciphered. Listen as your guide lets you in on Michelangelo's private jokes. Finally, head to St. Peter's Basilica for the final leg of your guided walking tour. The cathedral is one of the most renowned works of Renaissance architecture and holds the title of the biggest church in the world. Explore the interior of this magnificent structure with your guide and discover the many masterpieces of Renaissance and Baroque art that fill the cathedral. Admire the famous Pietà by Michelangelo and the elaborate St. Peter's Baldachin by Bernini. Your tour comes to an end outside the cathedral. From here, feel free to wander around Saint Peter's Square or visit the nearby Castel Sant'Angelo on your own. 

Rome: Borghese Gallery Guided Tour

7. Rome: Borghese Gallery Guided Tour

Enjoy the Borghese Gallery and Villa Borghese Gardens in Rome with skip-the-line admission and a guided walking tour limited to 15 people. Take advantage of the option to pre-book your ticket, knowing that this popular attraction often sells out in advance. Secure your entrance to one of the world’s most beautiful art museums hosting the works of extraordinary artists. Once inside, admire Caravaggio’s most important paintings like Young Sick Bacchus, and Boy with a Basket of Fruit. You'll also see Bernini and Canova’s magnificent sculptures collection, including works like Apollo and Daphne and “Paolina Bonaparte, as well as Raffaello’s Entombment of Christ. Be led through the marvelous rooms of Casina Borghese, with its splendid frescoes, and discover the secrets, stories, and painting techniques behind the masterpieces in one of the world’s most beautiful art museums.

Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel Tour and St. Peter's

8. Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel Tour and St. Peter's

Take a guided tour of the extensive papal collection of statues, artifacts, and paintings by some of the world’s most distinguished artists in the endless corridors of the Vatican Museums. See work by historic cartographers in the Gallery of the Maps, admire the Gallery of the Candelabras and more. Enter the Sistine Chapel and admire Michelangelo’s acclaimed masterpiece. Afterward, explore St. Peter’s Basilica at your own pace without a guide. Discover highlights include Bernini's high altar and the stunning "La Pieta" by Michelangelo.

Rome: Capitoline Museums Experience with Multimedia Video

9. Rome: Capitoline Museums Experience with Multimedia Video

Discover ancient Rome at Capitoline Museums. Start with a multimedia presentation, giving you an overview of the ancient city. Then, check out the broad range of classical artwork and sculptures on display. If you wish, select the happy hour option and enjoy a cocktail and snack as well. Begin by watching a multimedia video about Ancient Rome. Immerse yourself in the history of the city and see reconstructions of some of its most important monuments. Explore the Capitoline Museums, the world's first, which opened to the public in 1734. See the famous she-wolf sculpture featuring Rome's founders Romulus and Remus as well as a range of items that tell the story of the city. Go at your own pace and admire the treasures of the ancient city. An audio guide for Rome is also included to download on your mobile phone. Learn all about the city, with more than 170 points of interest featured. Reserve your place for happy hour (if the option is selected) and enjoy a cocktail and snacks along with views over Rome.

Rome: Official Guided Tour of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus

10. Rome: Official Guided Tour of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus

Uncover the secrets of ancient Rome, hidden in its underground cemeteries. Join a guided tour of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, excavated by the Christians between the 3rd and 5th centuries. Learn about the mysterious origins of this site and its rediscovery in the modern era. Enter the crypt of the 3rd-century Popes, where 5 of the 9 tombstones of Rome's bishops who were buried here are still preserved. Then admire a slab of marble where some famous verses of Pope Damasus were engraved. Next, cross a narrow arch and enter the crypt where St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music, was first buried. Be inspired by her history while contemplating the crypt's decorative frescoes and a copy of the statue made by Maderno, depicting the martyr's body when a reconnaissance was made in 1599. From the crypt of Santa Cecilia, continue your tour through the oldest part of the catacomb. Admire its majestic galleries and the beautiful cubicles of "sacraments". Finally, walk through the maze of tunnels dug in peacetime, trying to find your way out. Along the way, see various archaeological finds of funeral furniture before coming up to see the sunlight again.

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What people are saying about Rome

Extremely informative and well worth the nominal fee for the guided tour. Skipping the lines was worth it alone!!

Great ticket price and services. Although the prices overall for Villa Borghese is way expensive in my opinion.

Well informed tour guide and enjoyable tour. My favorite part was the Sistine Chapel!

Excellent would highly recommended it a must for any travelling to Rome

Skip the line tickets are well worth purchasing for this attraction!