Guided tour

Rome: Early-Morning Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour

4.7  / 51450 reviews
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Guided tour
Rome: Early-Morning Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour
4.7  / 51450 reviews
Likely to sell out

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 - 4 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

S
Sebastian – United States

Luigi is a phenomenal guide. Intelligent, humble, well-spoken and very well balanced in his approach in presenting the facts of history with Charity. He walked a great pace, not painfully slow nor break neck speed. This was not a scam, as I was worried, but an exceptional guide. Highly recommend to attend in October, when it's not Jubilee (next year is, so it will be very packed).

S
Sebastian – United States
C
Corey – United States

Could not have asked for a better tour! The guide was incredible! She kept everyone engaged for over 3 hours and was very knowledgeable while being funny.

C
Corey – United States

Experience

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

  • 2 drop-off locations:

    Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica

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

Participants

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.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

  • Shorts
  • Sleeveless shirts
  • Short skirts

Know before you go

  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
  • 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 unexpected closures during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. On such days we will instead explore the magnificent Pinacoteca Gallery.
  • All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
  • Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees.
  • Please note: 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 and beyond our control.
  • Group size of max 15 people.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 1450 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5
  • Service
    4.8/5
  • Organization
    4.6/5

Filter

By star rating

Sort by:

S
Sebastian – United StatesNovember 19, 2024  – Verified booking
Luigi is a phenomenal guide. Intelligent, humble, well-spoken and very well balanced in his approach in presenting the facts of history with Charity. He walked a great pace, not painfully slow nor break neck speed. This was not a scam, as I was worried, but an exceptional guide. Highly recommend to attend in October, when it's not Jubilee (next year is, so it will be very packed).
Helpful?
C
Corey – United StatesNovember 19, 2024  – Verified booking
Could not have asked for a better tour! The guide was incredible! She kept everyone engaged for over 3 hours and was very knowledgeable while being funny.
Helpful?
J
Jane – United StatesNovember 21, 2024  – Verified booking
Our guide Jen was very knowledgeable we enjoyed his tour
Helpful?

Product ID: 78872

Activity provider:Walks of Italy

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