Vatican
3.5 hours
Times vary
Max 20

Highlights

  • Enjoy a complete tour of the Vatican and go beyond the expected, gaining deeper insight into its countless artistic and architectural treasures.
  • See the best of the Vatican Museums—from the Sistine Chapel to the Raphael Rooms and the Belvedere Courtyard—and explore St. Peter’s Basilica, home to Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin.
  • Avoid often hours-long lines with skip-the-line access at both the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • Relax in the company of a small group, making it easier for you to engage with our 5-star guides.

Preview the experience

Loading...

Tour description

More than the Sistine Chapel—this skip-the-line tour shows you the best of the Vatican Museums.

Our Complete Vatican Tour goes beyond the ordinary to give you unrivaled insight into one of the world's most sacred sites. From the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms to incredible ancient sculptures you may never have heard of, our route through the Vatican Museums visits all the sights you wanted to see—plus some surprises you didn’t expect.

The pièce-de-resistance, of course, is the Sistine Chapel. By the time we arrive at the crown jewel of the Vatican, your guide will have explained the stories and secrets behind the paintings—what they mean and why they’re so renowned—so you can fully appreciate every detail.

Enjoy a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica (and skip the line!).

Located outside of the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica has its own entrance and its own rules, with limited hours for guided tours. Our Complete Vatican Tour ensures that you get inside the Basilica (and avoid the long line to get in!) with your expert guide to enjoy Michelangelo’s moving Pietà, Bernini’s ornate Baldachin, and the chair of St. Peter, among other treasures.

Explore with one of the best guides in the business on our Complete Vatican Tour.

We’ve spent years growing a team of passionate experts who want to share the Vatican with you. Combine them with a small group and you have a recipe for sightseeing perfection! We also use privileged entrances at the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, bypassing general access lines that can stretch for hours at each site during high season.

The Complete Vatican Tour offers an uncompromising, unhurried exploration of the world’s most fascinating independent state for those who want a truly in-depth Vatican experience.

Note: The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and subject to other unexpected closures during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. On such days we will instead explore the magnificent Pinoteca Gallery.

Sites visited

  • Vatican Museums
  • Sistine Chapel
  • St. Peter’s Basilica
  • St. Peter’s Square
  • Raphael Rooms
  • Apollo Belvedere & Laocoön & His Sons
  • Pinecone Courtyard
  • Gallery of the Candelabra
  • Gallery of the Maps
  • Gallery of the Tapestries

Included

Verified guest reviews

4.6 / 5
5774 Customer Reviews
  1. Excellent

    4301

  2. Great

    1011

  3. Good

    291

  4. Average

    105

  5. Poor

    66

Jessica

Mar 27, 2024

Excellent tour. The tour guide was brilliant; very knowledgable and enthusiastic. Wonderful experience. Would highly recommend

Karen

Mar 25, 2024

This was a wonderful and enlightening tour.

Mary

Mar 25, 2024

Excellent tour and our guide was superb.

Lucio

Mar 20, 2024

Wonderful knowledgeable guides!

Heather

Mar 20, 2024

Our tour guide was fantastic! So knowledgeable, animated and engaging. We didn’t realize how crowded the Vatican was going to be. We wouldn’t have enjoyed as much with a different guide. She was amazing! I wish I could remember her name.

Know before you book

Make it a perfect day

image

Check off Rome’s major sights and hidden gems on this perfect one-day itinerary for your trip to the Eternal City.

From $90
Free Cancellation