Guided tour

Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour

4.6  / 57560 reviews
Certified by GetYourGuide
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Guided tour
Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour
Certified by GetYourGuide
4.6  / 57560 reviews

Enjoy skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, with an optional visit to St. Peter's Basilica. Choose your preferred experience and explore the Vatican’s masterpieces stress-free.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 2.5 - 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the line through a separate entrance
Live tour guide
German, English, French, Italian, Spanish

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

S
Susanne – United Kingdom

Excellent tour guided by Nella. Saw so much and Nella was extremely knowledgeable. A worthwhile tour

K
Kristi – United States

Antonella, I believe was our guide’s name. When she was introduced to the group, we were outside the Crown Tours store-front which was noisy and louder than the guide spoke, so I never truly got her name. The tour was fabulous and the guide did a wonderful job explaining each room and artifact. Once we started on the tour, we received earpieces that made it easier to hear. Expect large crowds. We went today, March 12, 2025 and the amount of people was staggering. We never had to wait in lines, and we didn’t feel rushed to see everything. Fantastic job! Fantastic tour! Fantastic guide!

Experience

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    Via Mocenigo, 15

  • Timeline stop icon

    Vatican Museums

    Guided tour (0 minute)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Cortile del Belvedere

    Guided tour (0 minute)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Gallery of the Candelabra

    Guided tour (0 minute)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Gallery of Tapestries

    Guided tour (0 minute)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Gallery of Maps, Vatican Museums

    Guided tour (0 minute)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Museo Pio Clementino

    Guided tour (0 minute)

    Raphael Rooms

    Guided tour

    Optional

  • Timeline stop icon

    Sistine Chapel

    Guided tour

    St. Peter's Basilica

    Guided tour

    Optional

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Marvel at the intricate frescoes adorning the Sistine Chapel ceiling
  • Discover some of Rome's most famous attractions with an expert guide
  • Save time by skipping the long ticket lines at the Vatican Museums
  • Wander through the stunning courtyards of the Vatican complex
  • Explore the breathtaking Raphael Rooms, home to iconic Renaissance masterpieces

Full description

The Vatican is massive, and let's be honest—exploring it alone can feel overwhelming. That's exactly why our expert guide is here, ensuring you won't miss a thing by taking you straight to the highlights. Kick off your adventure with exclusive skip-the-line access at the incredible Vatican Museums, a treasure trove filled with centuries of art, history, and jaw-dropping ceilings. Together, you'll stroll through: Gallery of Maps: Think Google Maps, but hand-painted and 500 years old! Gallery of Tapestries: Gigantic, intricately woven masterpieces that tell amazing stories. Rotunda Room: Ancient statues beneath a stunning domed ceiling that rivals Rome's greatest architectural gems. Next up, step into the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. Sure, you’ve seen pictures, but nothing compares to standing beneath Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes. Look up at "The Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgment," picturing Michelangelo tirelessly painting every incredible detail. If you've chosen the full experience, continue into the majestic St. Peter's Basilica, home to Michelangelo’s emotional Pietà and Bernini's spectacular bronze Baldachin. Your journey concludes outside the Basilica, giving you plenty of time to explore St. Peter’s Square or discover nearby Castel Sant’Angelo at your leisure.

Includes

  • Professional guide
  • Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel skip-the-ticket-line entry tickets
  • Access to St. Peter's Basilica (restrictions may apply during ceremonies)
  • Headsets to hear your guide
  • Free WiFi at the meeting point
  • Online Vatican Museums map
  • Access to additional content on the Crown Tours app
  • Staff to assist you at the meeting point

Not suitable for

  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Meeting point

The exact address of the meeting point is Via Mocenigo, 15 in Rome. The office is located about 200 meters northwest of the entrance of the Vatican Museums. When going down the steps, take the first left onto Via Sebastiano Veniero, then keep walking straight until the end of the street. Turn right, and then you will find yourself on Via Mocenigo. The office is located in front of the Cucaracha restaurant. From the Ottaviano subway station: Walk west about 550 meters down to Viale Giulio Cesare, then continue down Via Candia until the intersection with Via Mocenigo. There, turn left. Find the office in front of the Cucaracha restaurant.

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

  • Shorts
  • Baby strollers
  • Short skirts
  • Sleeveless shirts

Know before you go

  • St. Peter's Basilica is closed at the following times: on Wednesdays from 8 AM to 12 PM, and on December 24th and 31st. During these periods, the tour will cover other sections of the Vatican Museums.
  • Entry to the Vatican Museums is based on strictly timed tickets. For this reason, late arrivals cannot be guaranteed access
  • All visitors must have a photo ID for the security check
  • The Vatican Museums imposes a mandatory dress code: knees and shoulders must be covered otherwise you will not be able to enter
  • St. Peter's Basilica may close unexpectedly due to religious events, with no prior notice.
  • For tours departing at 3 PM or later, a guided visit to St. Peter's Basilica may not be possible, but your guide will ensure you have skip-the-line access to this site.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 7560 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Value for money
    4.3/5

Customer photos

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Recommended
S
Susanne – United KingdomMarch 13, 2025 – Verified booking
Excellent tour guided by Nella. Saw so much and Nella was extremely knowledgeable. A worthwhile tour
K
Kristi – United StatesMarch 12, 2025 – Verified booking
Antonella, I believe was our guide’s name. When she was introduced to the group, we were outside the Crown Tours store-front which was noisy and louder than the guide spoke, so I never truly got her name. The tour was fabulous and the guide did a wonderful job explaining each room and artifact. Once we started on the tour, we received earpieces that made it easier to hear. Expect large crowds. We went today, March 12, 2025 and the amount of people was staggering. We never had to wait in lines, and we didn’t feel rushed to see everything. Fantastic job! Fantastic tour! Fantastic guide!
W
Wendy – United StatesMarch 12, 2025 – Verified booking
Dianna was a wonderful guide. She has extensive knowledge about the history and the art. It was crowded but she helped us navigate the crowds and still have an enjoyable experience.

Product ID: 429439

Activity provider:Crown Tours

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