Fast Access Entrance to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St.Peter Basilica
With a top local and very knowledgeable guide join on a comprehensive half-day tour of the Vatican City. Skip the line and see the highlights : Raphael’s Rooms; the Gallery of Maps; the Gallery of Tapestries; collections of ancient Roman and Greek statues; Saint Peter’s Basilica and of course the breathtaking the Sistine Chapel.
Options
private tour
What's included in Fast Access Entrance to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St.Peter Basilica
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Vatican Museums
Your tour starts near the entrance to the Vatican Museums where, an hour before the official opening time you will meet with your very knowledgeable tour guide. Head inside Vatican Museums to see some of the highlights of the museums marvellous art collection. There will be stops at the Pinecone Courtyard and Octagonal Courtyard where you will learn something about the antique statues that are displayed there; the mysterious composition the mysterious composition of the Greek Statues of Laocoon, the Apollo Belvedere and the impressive Belvedere Torso.
Sistine Chapel
Your guide will tell you about Michelangelo’s amazing ceiling frescoes and other masterpieces so that you get to really appreciate this wonderful chapel.
St. Peter's Basilica
It is then time for a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica where you will explore the numerous side chapels with their hidden crypts. You will see Michelangelo’s Pietà and your guide will explain why this is the only work that he signed. You will gain an appreciation of the mastery that went into the creation of Bernini’s altarpiece and learn how Michelangelo triumphed over his contemporaries for the honour to paint St. Peter’s magnificent dome. There is still more to see though below ground level. You guide will lead you below ground to the papal crypt where, over the centuries, many of the Popes have been interred. This special place is a site of pilgrimage for many Catholics. Although talking is allowed, before you enter the crypt you guide will tell you where the most important popes are laid to rest.
Inclusions
- Blue Badge guide
- Local guide
- Professional art historian guide
- Guaranteed to skip the long lines
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- Food and drinks are not allowed in the museums except for bottled water
- READ CAREFULLY: Because of the growing popularity of the current pope Francis and his intense activity in organising mass events in the Vatican some areas might get closed last minute without previous notice. This has already happened this year and can happen again during you Vatican tour. In case of such events our tour guide will provide you with a valuable alternative focusing the tour inside the Vatican museums.
- PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Jubilee the Basilica might not be accessible as part of the tour. Unfortunately, we know that very last minute. In any case, you can go there after the tour, queuing.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Vatican Museums Entrance. Below the white gate topped by the statues of Michelangelo and Raphael. Your guide will be holding a sign with your name.
