Guided tour

Rome: Early-Morning Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour

Top rated
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Guided tour
Rome: Early-Morning Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour
Likely to sell out
Top rated
4.7
1590 reviews

Embark on an early morning walking tour of the Vatican Museums and avoid the busy crowds. Discover the history from your guide, explore the Sistine Chapel, and skip the lines at St. Peter's Basilica.

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 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the line through a separate entrance
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

T
Tamara – Canada

This tour was absolutely incredible! Our guide, Antonella P., was exceptional—her knowledge was unmatched, and she had the perfect balance of detailed explanations and engaging storytelling. Whether it was a specific piece of art, the architecture of the Vatican, or the significance of each room, Antonella delivered everything with clarity, passion, and just the right amount of depth. She made sure we didn’t miss a thing, guiding us with kindness and enthusiasm. I walked away feeling so much more educated while still being able to fully enjoy the experience of exploring the Vatican and all its treasures. One of the most special moments was getting to walk through the Holy Doors—it was such a gift not to have to start our pilgrimage from the beginning. This tour was a beautiful, enriching experience from start to finish. I would recommend it again and again. Thank you, Antonella P., for making it so unforgettable!

J
Joanne – United States

The guide Antanito was outstanding. Very knowledgeable, personable and professional,

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    Antico Caffè Candia

  • Timeline stop icon

    Vatican Museums

    Visit, Guided tour (2 hours)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Raphael Rooms

    Visit, Guided tour (30 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Sistine Chapel

    Visit, Guided tour, Free time (30 minutes)

    St. Peter's Basilica

    Visit, Guided tour (1 hour)

    Optional

  • Finish at:

    Vatican Museums

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Visit the stunning Sistine Chapel before/after the daytime crowds
  • Explore the Vatican Museums at the quietest time of day
  • Skip the line at St. Peter's Basilica (morning tours only)
  • Gaze upon masterpieces by Raphael, Michelangelo, & Bernini
  • Marvel at the awe-inspiring Raphael Rooms (morning tours only)

Full description

Beat the crowds and see historic masterpieces up close on this guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. See the stunning Raphael Rooms, marvel at the artwork in the Sistine Chapel, and visit the impressive Vatican Museums with a guide.

Enter the Vatican Museums right as they open for the day for a complete guided tour of this stunning space. Enjoy the masterpieces without the bustling crowds as you follow your guide through the Belvedere Courtyard, the Gallery of Maps, the four Raphael Rooms, and more. Learn from your guide where Raphael worked the faces of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo into his frescoes.

Next, head to the Sistine Chapel. Arrive just as the doors first open to groups and visit at the most peaceful time of day. Get a full run-down of Michelangelo's frescoes, including a detailed handout, from your guide before heading in.

Finish your tour by going to St. Peter's Basilica via a special secret passage, bypassing the long lines outside (morning tours only). End your morning with a full tour of this sacred space and gaze upon Michelangelo's moving Pietà, Bernini's grandiose altarpiece and learn the stories and legends behind the art.

Includes

  • Vatican Museums skip-the-line ticket
  • St. Peter's Basilica skip-the-line ticket (morning tours only)
  • Tour guide
  • Group tour
  • Headset
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Tips

Not suitable for

  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Meeting point

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Antico Café Candia, Via Candia, 153, 00192 Roma RM.

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

  • Shorts
  • Short skirts
  • Sleeveless shirts

Know before you go

  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and is subject to other closures during special celebrations. On such days we will instead explore the Pinacoteca Gallery.
  • All participants must provide full names, dates of birth, and passport/nationality details at the time of booking. The information must match the ID or passport. Name changes are not allowed, and failure to provide this will result in booking cancellation.
  • Due to the religious nature, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees.
  • Starting December 2024, access to St. Peter's Basilica may be limited due to the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025, which includes special events and ceremonies. These closures are determined by the Vatican

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 1590 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5

Customer photos

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Recommended
T
Tamara – CanadaApril 11, 2025 – Verified booking
This tour was absolutely incredible! Our guide, Antonella P., was exceptional—her knowledge was unmatched, and she had the perfect balance of detailed explanations and engaging storytelling. Whether it was a specific piece of art, the architecture of the Vatican, or the significance of each room, Antonella delivered everything with clarity, passion, and just the right amount of depth. She made sure we didn’t miss a thing, guiding us with kindness and enthusiasm. I walked away feeling so much more educated while still being able to fully enjoy the experience of exploring the Vatican and all its treasures. One of the most special moments was getting to walk through the Holy Doors—it was such a gift not to have to start our pilgrimage from the beginning. This tour was a beautiful, enriching experience from start to finish. I would recommend it again and again. Thank you, Antonella P., for making it so unforgettable!
J
Joanne – United StatesApril 8, 2025 – Verified booking
The guide Antanito was outstanding. Very knowledgeable, personable and professional,
J
J – TaiwanApril 6, 2025 – Verified booking
1000/100, absolute highlight of our vacation of 14 days to Italy and Greece, our guide Julia is so imformative with British humour and clearly in love with her job!

Product ID: 78872

Activity provider:Walks of Italy

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