Skip the ticket line to the Vatican Museums on a 3-hour small group tour in Rome. See one of the world’s great art collections, including Michelangelo’s magnificent Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and St. Peter's Basilica, the world's largest church.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
Duration 3 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide: German, English

Highlights

Skip the ticket lines to the Vatican Museums
Discover one of the world's greatest art collections
Wander the Gallery of Tapestries to see Flemish tapestries by pupils of Raphael
Look inside St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world
Marvel at Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel
See ancient maps in the Gallery of Maps
Go to the Raphael Rooms in the papal chambers

Full description

Enjoy an exclusive, small group guided tour of the Vatican Museums, with a maximum of 12 guests per guide for a more intimate experience. Skip the ticket lines to access the galleries, home to one of the world’s greatest collections of art and antiquities. Collected by popes over many centuries, the collection includes stunning works by Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini, among many others. Go inside the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes. See the Belvedere Apollo statue in the Octagonal Courtyard. Discover Greek and Roman masterpieces in the Pio Clementino Museum. Wander through the Gallery of Tapestries to see Flemish tapestries by Raphael’s pupils. Marvel at works by ancient cartographers in the Gallery of Maps. Then, go inside St. Peter's Basilica to see more masterpieces by Michelangelo, Rapahel and Bernini, including Michelangelo’s “La Pieta,” beneath the dome of the world’s largest church.

Includes

Licensed guide
Headsets to hear your guide during the tour
Entrance fee to the museum

Pick-up and drop off
Food and drinks

Not suitable for

Wheelchair users

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask
All participants are required to bring and wear FFP2 masks. Blue surgical masks will not be accepted

Meeting point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Important information

What to bring

Passport or ID card
Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Pets
Shorts
Luggage or large bags
Short skirts
Sleeveless shirts

Know before you go

All visitors must pass through airport-style security. During high season the wait at security may be up to 30 minutes. Please leave liquids and sharp items at home.
Please note that St. Peter's Basilica is closed from 07:00-13:00 on Wednesdays due to the Papal Audience. The basilica may also be closed on 24 December and 31 December
Knees and shoulders must be covered at all times inside the Vatican
This tour is not wheelchair accessible
Please be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes prior to departure

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 294 reviews

Review summary

Guide
5/5
Value for money
4.2/5
Service
4.5/5
Organization
4.4/5

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The tour itself was great. However the logistical end was terrible. It too ok over an hour to get the tour started. That was very frustrating. First we had to wait before we were allowed in, then the # of tickets purchased was wrong, then so nothing else was wrong 1 very unfortunate. Once the tour started- fabulous information!

May 30, 2018

Guide was a life saver

After walking for 3 hrs in 44 degrees heat, it was great to go straight to the front of the que, we would never have got through the museum, it was like a maze getting through security but our guide walked us straight though, it was amazing. It was a small group, only 5 of us, it was a wonderful trip x

August 13, 2017

Fantastic experience and great value!

We had our guide (Chiara Polo) all to ourselves, just a family of four. She was incredibly friendly and enthusiastic, clearly loved her subject. It was an absolute pleasure spending 3 hours with her and she even got the kids to show some interest in the art! Can't rate her or the tour highly enough. It did everything it said and there really was no queuing!

June 2, 2016

Rome: Skip-the-Ticket-Line Vatican Museums Small Group Tour

Rome: Skip-the-Ticket-Line Vatican Museums Small Group Tour

About this activity

Experience

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Review summary

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Guide was a life saver

Fantastic experience and great value!