Guided tour

Rome: Early Entry to the Vatican & The Sistine Chapel

Activity provider: Walks of Italy
Guided tour

Rome: Early Entry to the Vatican & The Sistine Chapel

Activity provider: Walks of Italy
Likely to sell out

From US$ 102.93 per person

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
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 225 minutes
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Witness "The Creation of Adam" in the Sistine Chapel before the daytime crowds
  • Explore the Vatican Museums, and see the Belvedere Courtyard and Gallery of Maps
  • Skip the long lines at St. Peter's Basilica and admire Michelangelo's "Pietà"
  • Gaze upon world-famous masterpieces by Raphael, Michelangelo, and Bernini
  • Marvel at the awe-inspiring Raphael Rooms as you explore with your guide
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 before the general public 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. 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
  • Guide
  • Guided tour of the Vatican Museums
  • Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
  • Skip-the-line ticket for Vatican Museums
  • Skip-the-line ticket to St. Peter's Basilica
  • Headset
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Tips
Not suitable for
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

At the Green Bar (called l'Ottagono) in Piazza del Risorgimento. Meeting Point Directions: meet just outside the Green Bar in the middle of Piazza del Risorgimento Square. This is the only bar/café located on the square. The bar is on the side of the square towards via Crescensio, close to the tram stop number 19. The closest metro/underground stop is Ottaviano. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Walks."

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Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

  • Shorts
  • Short skirts
  • Sleeveless shirts

Know before you go

  • All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour
  • 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 the magnificent Pinacoteca Gallery is explored instead
  • Wheelchairs cannot be accommodated on this group tour. The group route utilizes staircases where elevator access is not easily accessible. Those with wheelchairs and limited mobility can contact the activity provider so the visit can be arranged
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact the Guest Experience team at +39 068-596-0143 (Italy) or 888-683-8670 (USA) to make alternative arrangements
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 117 reviews

Review summary

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

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This was a great option for access and historical information. Our guide was very knowledgable and was able to show us statues, frescoes, and other items and areas that otherwise you might miss. Early morning was less crowded, easy to find the meeting point, and ease of transitions throughout the museums. Well worth the money. Our guide was terrific!

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March 24, 2023

It was the best tour and most worth it in my opinion while traveling in Rome. The lines are very long and there is so much to see that having a early tour is the way to go. We we are fortunate to have a great tour guide (Burcu) who helped explain the vast amount of art and history we saw. It is long so be prepared to walk a lot but so worth it.

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March 24, 2023

Frank was a terrific guide—we were literally first in line, followed a great pace through the museums, were well prepared for the amazing Sistine Chapel, and got a great tour of St Peter’s at the end. Engaging and informative—it made the vast treasures accessible. This is the only way I’d recommend seeing the Vatican for your first visit. 10/10!

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March 24, 2023

Product ID: 78872