Vatican Small Group Guided Tour

Make the most of your time in Vatican City with a guided skip-the-line tour of the Vatican Museums. This tour also includes an expert intro to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica so you can experience these two sights on the same trip. There’s a lot here to see in the Vatican (the museums alone have 15 collections) but our guide makes it easy and engaging. You’ll get the can’t-miss highlights and the little-known stories behind the art. Don’t just “see” the Vatican — experience it with a local guide!

Start off by meeting your guide near the entrance of the Vatican Museums. If you’re in a group of six or more, here’s where you’ll receive your headsets. We want to make sure you don’t miss a word of what your guide shares. After admiring the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica from the terrace, you’ll go inside where you’ll be wowed by collections of art amassed by popes over centuries.

Your guide will show you the most important and interesting pieces. Favorites often include sculptures and paintings by Renaissance masters like Raphael and Michelangelo — those guys sure knew what they were doing. Your tour may include marveling at tapestries, candelabra, maps and more as you walk the galleries and a visit to the famous Raphael Rooms and the Borgia Apartment.

Finally, you’re at the Sistine Chapel. You’ll get a thorough introduction from your guide before you enter (because talking isn’t allowed inside), and then the magic happens: you’re standing beneath the most celebrated fresco in the world, Michelangelo’s masterpiece, including “The Creation of Adam.” Stay as long as you like. It’s pretty incredible.

Before you enter the chapel at the end of your tour, your guide will also share details for the best way to visit Saint Peter’s Basilica, another gem of Vatican City.

Have other questions on what to see, do and eat in Rome? Please ask! Our guide knows the best local secrets (and loves sharing them).