Guided tour

Vatican: Early Entry to Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter's

Top rated
4.8264527 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.8264527 out of 5 stars
2616 reviews
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Guided tour
Vatican: Early Entry to Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter's
Likely to sell out
Top rated
4.8264527 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.8264527 out of 5 stars
2616 reviews

Skip the lines and explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica with an early morning tour. Explore with an English-language guide who has years of experience with these sites.

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 - 3.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide
English
Audio guide included
English
Small group
Limited to 10 participants

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

S
Sarah – Australia

Guide was exceptional. Highly articulate, understood the history and could explain it well. Great storytelling and interesting insights. He was passionate about art which helped connect us to the pictures and the building. Best tour guide we have ever had. Really grateful for Jeb our guide today and his enthusiasm.

M
Michael – United States

the tour and our guide was wonderful. would definitely recommend to friends

Highlights

  • Enjoy earliest available entrance to the Vatican Museums
  • Skip the ticket line at the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica*
  • Explore the Museums with an expert English-speaking guide
  • Small Group

Full description

If you are planning a visit to the Vatican and looking for the ultimate experience, this 3.5-hour tour will provide a personalized experience with the guidance of a passionate English-speaking guide.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor wanting to hit all the must-sees or a seasoned Vatican connoisseur in search of hidden gems, your guide will ensure that your Vatican adventure leaves memories that will last a lifetime.

Your tour group will not exceed 12 participants so that you can benefit from the personal attention of your guide.

The Early Morning Vatican Tour makes it possible for you to take in all the highlights and a few lesser-known parts of the Vatican’s big 3: the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.

Your expert English-speaking guide has years of experience and knows this cultural complex intimately, making it possible to find the least crowded spots and the most breathtaking masterpieces.

Includes

  • Skip-the-ticket-line ticket to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Earliest entrance
  • Tour guide
  • Reservation fees
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Tips

Not suitable for

  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Meeting point

• The tour meets directly at the activity provider's office, which is located only few meters away from the Vatican Museums’ entrance • Remember that Rome’s streets can be confusing, so it is recommended you allow extra time in case you get lost. If you are uncertain about how long it will take you to arrive at the meeting point, don’t hesitate to contact the activity provider for advice, as all tours require a prompt departure

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Important information

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Shorts
  • Short skirts
  • Sleeveless shirts

Know before you go

  • St. Peter's Basilica is an active parish subject to unforeseen closures due to religious events. In these cases, we run an extended tour of the museums and Sistine Chapel including areas normally not seen on the tour. 2025 is the Jubilee year, closures can happen without further notice. No refunds are issued for unexpected closures.
  •  All visitors must pass through airport-style security. During high season the wait at security may be up to 30 minutes.
  • The first portion of the itinerary is quite fast-paced and not suitable for those with walking difficulties.
  • All visitors must have their knees and shoulders covered in the Sistine Chapel and the Basilica.
  • Bags bigger than 40x35x15 cm, tripods are not allowed in the Museums and must be stored in the cloakroom. Be aware that the cloakroom is a 20-minute walk from where the tour ends.
  • No large umbrellas.
  • Powerbanks are not permitted inside the museums, please leave these at your accommodations.
  • 3 hour English tour.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 2616 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5

Customer photos

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S
Sarah – AustraliaApril 23, 2025 – Verified booking
Guide was exceptional. Highly articulate, understood the history and could explain it well. Great storytelling and interesting insights. He was passionate about art which helped connect us to the pictures and the building. Best tour guide we have ever had. Really grateful for Jeb our guide today and his enthusiasm.
M
Michael – United StatesApril 23, 2025 – Verified booking
the tour and our guide was wonderful. would definitely recommend to friends
L
Lindsay – United StatesApril 22, 2025 – Verified booking
We really enjoyed the tour. Our tour guide was super knowledgeable and we got to spend Good Friday in the Vatican. It does feel like you’re rushing through much of it just to beat the crowds to the Sistine chapel but that’s not the guides fault. Overall we felt very educated and enjoyed the tour.

Product ID: 50951

Activity provider:What a Life Tours

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