Best of the Vatican Tour: Fast Track Highlights
Meet your expert guide by the Vatican Museum entrance and enjoy skip-the-line entry to what is arguably the most important collection of art in the world. Your guide knows every nook and cranny of the museums and will navigate seamlessly through the more than 1,200 galleries.
Much of this tour will be dedicated to the majestic Sistine Chapel, from its commissioning to the finishing touches applied by none other than Michaelangelo Buonarroti. You will hear the true life story of this fascinating yet tormented artist, who considered himself a sculptor and not a painter yet dedicated countless years of his life painting frescoes on a ceiling 44 feet high. Learn of the physical and psychological damage inflicted on the artist as your guide helps you to discern between myth, fact, and popular Hollywood fiction regarding this epic work of art.
At the end you can explore some of the remaining 1,400 galleries of art at your own pace.
Options
2025 Departures
What's included in Best of the Vatican Tour: Fast Track Highlights
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Vatican Museums
Your guide knows every nook and cranny of the museums and will navigate seamlessly through the more than 1,200 galleries while emphasizing the Rooms of Raphael, the Ancient Roman and Greek pieces in the Belvedere Courtyard and the Gallery of Maps while ensuring that you stay on track with an eye on the ultimate prize: the Sistine Chapel.
Sistine Chapel
Much of this tour will be dedicated to the majestic Sistine Chapel, from its commissioning to the finishing touches applied by none other than Michaelangelo Buonarroti. You will hear the true life story of this fascinating yet tormented artist who considered himself a sculptor and not a painter yet dedicated countless years of his life painting frescoes on a ceiling 44 feet high. Learn of the physical and psychological damage inflicted on the artist as your guide helps you to discern between myth, fact, and popular Hollywood fiction regarding this epic work of art.
St. Peter's Basilica
Enjoy Fast track entry to St. Peter's without having to exit and wait on the security line. Explore the Papal Basilica on your own.
Inclusions
- Full-immersion guided Vatican Museums experience with an expert Vatican tour guide
- Skip the Line at the Vatican & get ahead of everyone else
- Priority access to St. Peter’s Basilica
- Rooms of Raphael & Sistine Chapel
- Belvedere Courtyard, Greek and Roman Sculptures
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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
- Direct access to the Basilica will be possible exclusively to those who book at least 72 hours in advance. Visitors without prior bookings will need to enter through the main square.
- Due to the route covered and/or transportation used, it is not possible to participate in this tour using a wheelchair, scooter, or other aid. Please contact us to inquire about customized tour options for guests with mobility challenges.
- Due to the events and ceremonies associated with the Jubilee, access to St. Peter's Basilica might be restricted. Such closures are decided by the Vatican and are beyond our control.
- On days immediately surrounding religious holidays at the Vatican, alterations to tours may become necessary due to partial closings of areas normally included in this tour
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Via Sebastiano Veniero 19, nearest metro station is called Ottaviano / San Pietro / Musei Vaticani on Linea A which on any Rome metro map is coloured orange.
End Points
- Enjoy fast track access to St. Peter's and explore the Papal Basilica on your own.
- Exit the Vatican Museums or remain inside to explore on your own.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Please arrive 15 minutes before tour departure time in front of Via Sebastiano Veniero 19. Across the street from the Vatican Museums entrance you will see a staircase which leads down to Via Sebastiano Veniero. At the bottom of the stairs, turn right. Number 19 is a few steps ahead where a ItaliaTours representative will be waiting for you. Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/ZtNY3GCYFy8zbCN29 NB: Priority access to St. Peter's Basilica is not possible on the 8:00 AM tour on Wednesdays during the weekly Papal Audience while the Basilica is closed. Need Help? Call/Text/WhatsApp: +1 617 207 6611 Call from Italy: +39 06 967 41298 Email: [email protected]