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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 ...
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).
Where you can admire the beautiful dome of St. Peter’s Basilica
Crowned by a massive bronze pinecone sculpture made by ancient Romans
Classical statues dating back to the 16th century
Filled with tapestries, candelabra, historic maps, and more
A series of visually striking rooms covered in paintings by Renaissance masters
With Michelangelo’s famous fresco, including the Creation of Adam and other scenes
Hats, sleeveless shirts, and shorts, skirts, or dresses cut above the knee aren’t allowed in the Vatican. This applies to men and women, though young children may have some leeway.
Your headset will help you hear your guide in some cases where you might need it. For small groups of five or less, headsets aren’t needed.
The guided portion of your tour ends at the entrance to the Sistine Chapel. You are free to visit Saint Peter’s Basilica on your own with helpful tips from your guide on what to see.
We offer a 100% refund up to 48 hours before the start time.
Where to find your tour guide
Meet your guide across the street from the Caffè Vaticano, in front of the entrance next to a large white door with two statues on the top. Your guide will be holding a sign that reads “ExperienceFirst.”
Admission to the basilica is free but not part of this guided tour. However, our guide will direct you to the entrance and give you instructions on what to see and tips for how to enjoy your self-guided tour of this historic church.
Photos and talking aren’t allowed inside the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will give you an overview in advance of what you can expect when you enter. Once you’re there, simply enjoy the beauty above and around you.
We understand plans change. You can always change your tour 24 hours or more before you tour. We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours prior to your tour start time. Within 24 hours of your tour, we would have incurred hard costs and therefore cannot allow rescheduling or cancellation without costs.
Our tours run rain or shine, so please check the local forecast to plan. In rare cases when we have to cancel for extreme weather, we’ll offer you the chance to reschedule or give a full refund.
Tips are always appreciated but never expected. They’re a great way to tell your guide they did an awesome job and show your appreciation.
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