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.

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.

Sometimes guides may not be allowed to give tours inside St. Peter's Basilica, in which case they will share a brief explanation from outside and you will be free to visit the Basilica by yourself.

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
6002 Customer Reviews
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Charles

Oct 03, 2024

Davide was beyond excellent. His knowledge was extraordinary

Lorene

Oct 03, 2024

A tour guide for the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's Basilica is highly recommended. The lines to buy tickets the day of the tour were VERY long, I suspect people waited for several hours in line to get in. We were able to meet the guide, bypass all the lines, and see a few sites that we would not have been able to see without the benefit of a purchased tour. He was able to point out the most important things to see, and guide us through the maze of museums and sights that are the Vatican. Great job, Nick!

Maria

Sep 30, 2024

Our tour guide (Doriana) is professional, responsiblen funny. She can explain everything in simple and funny way

Stephen

Sep 29, 2024

Massimo was wonderful! Great knowledge and articulate in delivering a quality tour about the Vatican and its museums. Wonderful time and experience. And made it enjoyable for all of us. Thank you

Felicity

Sep 29, 2024

We tried to book the Pristine Sistine tour and could not find space on our available day. It would have been a better experience ( I think) to have been on the tour with fewer people

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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.

From $152
Free Cancellation