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

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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.

Important Note: All participants must provide their name and surname at the time of booking. The information must exactly match what is listed on the ID or passport. Name changes are not allowed. Failure to supply this information will lead to the cancellation of your booking.

Please note that this description is an example and your experience may vary depending on the season, day of the week, and group size. Regardless of where your tour goes, you always have an excellent experience.

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
6113 Customer Reviews
  1. Excellent

    4467

  2. Great

    1133

  3. Good

    326

  4. Average

    114

  5. Poor

    73

Alistair

Mar 25, 2025

It is a long tour, lots of slow walking & information, but the buildings, paintings & sculptures are amazing.

Brenda

Mar 24, 2025

Our guide had excellent knowledge and was a skilled communicator, obviously very passionate about her subject and managed the group with courtesy. I definitely finished the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel tour knowing more than before I started! It did get very crowded and hot and 3+ hours is a long time to be on your feet and there's a lot to take in, which some may find difficult. My own preference would be to organise the tour with a little more time available in the Sistine Chapel if possible, but I thoroughly recommend this company.

Haylee

Mar 05, 2025

Cristina was very knowledgeable and personable! I learned a lot from her planned notes and she also answered my questions about the map room, as well as directing my friend to a place to buy a nativity display after the tour. Very helpful!

Colleen

Feb 24, 2025

Julietta was an absolute wealth of information, charm and professionalism. Best tour

Tiffany

Feb 22, 2025

One of the best tours we have ever had. Our tour guide, Vincenzo, brought the art, architecture, and history to life with his unforgettable insights. Would book any tour with Vincenzo!

Know before you book

Make it a perfect day

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