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The 5 best vatican tours of 2024.

Guided Vatican tours can make the experience less overwhelming and more enjoyable.

The Best Vatican Tours

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Key Takeaways

• Guided tours can help you make the most of your visit to Vatican City.
• Ticket prices can vary considerably depending on the tour group size.
• Anticipate crowds regardless of when or how you visit, as many tours offer early entry, after-hours and/or skip-the-line access.

One of the most famous landmarks in the world, Vatican City draws more than 5 million people each year, which means that no matter when you visit, you can expect massive crowds. Along with the crowds, the sheer size of this sovereign city-state in Rome can make a visit to Vatican City feel overwhelming.

If you're feeling intimidated by the experience, consider one of the following small-group Vatican tours, guided by local experts who can both explain the history of the Eternal City and help you navigate the crowds.

What a Life Tours – Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour

Price: Adults from $87; kids from $82 Duration: 3 hours

One of the best tours in Rome , this small-group option includes skip-the-line tickets to all the museums as well as St. Peter's Basilica . Tourgoers are also given headsets so they can better hear their guide. Recent visitors praise the knowledgeable tour guides for helping them maneuver the museums, as well as ensuring guests are comfortable (finding a shady reprieve on a hot summer day, for example).

Tours depart from the What a Life Tours office ( Via Santamaura 14B ) at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Tickets for children ages 5 and younger are free.

What a Life Tours also offers skip-the-line access that omits the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, as well as local food tours and tours of the Colosseum .

Check prices & availability on:

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz Dec. 19, 2023

The Roman Guy – Vatican After Hours Tour with Sistine Chapel

Price: Adults from $124; kids from $100 Duration: 2 hours

Instead of early entry, this tour offers after-hours access to the Eternal City on select weekends in the summer months. Tours depart at 5:30 p.m. from Caffé Vaticano . Guided by a local expert, you'll see the Vatican museums, galleries, Raphael Rooms and School of Athens before the tour concludes at the Sistine Chapel. Recent reviewers highly recommend this tour, pointing to the tour guides' breadth of knowledge and the ability to experience Vatican City with fewer crowds.

The Roman Guy offers a number of other local tours that include visits to the Colosseum and Catacombs of Rome as well as food tours (and tours that combine some or all of the above).

Liv Tours – Vatican & Sistine Chapel Small Group Tour

Price: Adults from $140; kids from $124 Duration: 3 hours

This intimate tour is limited to just six people, making the experience more personal and enjoyable. Your tour guide will take you to through the famous galleries, the Julius II apartments, the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel. Recent tourgoers say they could see a difference in this tour versus the other Vatican tours. They also note how kind the tour guides are.

Tours, which are available during a wide variety of time slots each day, start and conclude at Caffé Vaticano , right across the street from the entrance to the museums.

Other experiences offered by Liv Tours include a Jewish Ghetto & Travestere Tour, cooking classes and tours designed for kids.

Private Tours of Rome – Vatican and Sistine Chapel Private Tour

Price: Adults from $364; kids from $87 Duration: 3 hours

Explore the Vatican with a professional historian on this private tour. Recent travelers say they're so glad they chose to visit the Vatican on a private tour, noting how much they enjoyed hearing the guides' personal stories about the museums and the pope.

Tours depart from Viale Vaticano at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

If you're looking for a private tour of other attractions, Private Tours of Rome offers a variety of options. It also offers shore excursions, with pick up and drop-off at your ship in Civitavecchia.

Through Eternity Tours – Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Sistine Chapel: Essential Experience

Price: From $1,345 Duration: 6 hours

If you're short on time and/or prefer to see several Rome attractions at once, this jam-packed tour is a great option. During the six-hour excursion, you'll see the Colosseum, the Roman Forum , Trevi Fountain , Piazza Novana and the Pantheon before visiting the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square (and then moving on to other sites). This tour includes optional headsets and skip-the-line access at all ticketed attractions. Recent travelers say the tour guides make this experience especially fun.

This full-day tour starts at 9 a.m. in front of the Angelino "ai Fori" dal 1947 restaurant and concludes in St. Peter's Square. It's typically offered Monday through Saturday. While babies and toddlers up to age 2 are permitted free of charge, this tour is not recommended for children.

Through Eternity Tours offers a number of other guided experiences in Rome, including an Angels and Demons tour based on the bestselling book. The company also offers shore excursions and day trips to Tivoli, Florence and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Vatican is a sovereign city-state recognized under international law. Its government includes the pope and the departments of the Roman Curia that help him exercise his responsibilities.

In short, yes. Vatican City is considered an independent nation-state and is the world's smallest such entity.

Yes, and there are a variety of ticket options you can purchase on the Vatican's website . However, many travelers opt for a guided tour to see the highlights with the help of an expert. Plus, many Vatican tours include stops at other attractions in Rome.

All visitors must dress appropriately for a place of worship. Shorts, hats, miniskirts, sleeveless tops, low-cut tops and garments that show the knees are not permitted. Guests dressed inappropriately will not be allowed inside.

When choosing your outfit, remember to wear comfortable walking shoes . Any visit to Vatican City requires a lot of walking.

All visitors are required to go through a security check to enter the museums, and there are a variety of items that you may not take inside:

• Luggage: Bags, backpacks and the like must not exceed 40 x 35 x 15 centimeters (16 x 14 x 6 inches); if they're too big, they must be checked in the cloak room (free of charge).
• Umbrellas: If necessary, these can also be checked in the cloak room.
• Video cameras: Non-flash photography is permitted in all areas except the Sistine Chapel.
• Food and drink
• Weapons and firearms

The Vatican is easily accessible from different sections of Rome.

Metro: You can take the metro to either the Cipro or Ottaviano stop on Line A (orange line) to be dropped near the Vatican Museums.

Bus: If taking the bus, multiple routes drop off near St. Peter's Basilica.

Taxi: You can also opt for a taxi or walk into St. Peter's Square.

Additionally, there are parking garages outside of Vatican City if you want to drive there, though driving in Rome is generally not recommended, as there are many areas where driving is restricted and you could be fined. Traffic in Rome can also be brutal, especially during the summer. Plan to arrive at the tour departure point at least 10 to 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time.

The Vatican museums are open Monday through Saturday.

From March 2024 onward, hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The museums are closed on Sundays, with the exception of the last Sunday of the month and certain holy days throughout the year, including Christmas. Final entry to the museum is approximately two hours before closing.

St. Peter's Basilica opens at 7 a.m. year-round, closing at 6:30 p.m. in the winter months and 7 p.m. from April through September.

Be sure to check if there are any museum closures ahead of your visit.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in Rome
• The Best Places to Visit in Italy
• The Best Italy Tours and Small Group Trips

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Vatican , Europe Vacations

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The 7 Best Vatican Tours ⛪ [2024 Reviews]

Taking a guided tour of the vatican museums is the best way to appreciate the magnificent artwork and galleries.

The Vatican, formally the Vatican Museums, is a sprawling network of museums, secret rooms, galleries, and more.

These top rated guided Vatican tours will show you some of the most significant artifacts and works of art the Vatican museum has to offer.

A guided tour will help you learn more about the artwork and give you opportunities to see and experience more than you could on your own. So mark the Vatican off your bucket list with one of these tours!

Be sure to see our reviews of Amalfi Coast Day Trips , Colosseum Tours and Tuscany Day Trips .

Best Vatican Guided Tours

Quick answer: the 7 best rated vatican tours from rome.

• Vatican City: Private Vatican Tour, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Vatican Basilica
• Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica: Early Morning Tour
• Vatican and Colosseum Combo Tour: Don’t Wait in Line to See the Best of Rome
• Entire Vatican Tour: Treasures of the Sistine Chapel
• Private Vatican Tour Museum and Sistine Chapel
• Vatican: Early Entry to Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s
• Rome: Entire Vatican Museums Tour and St. Peter’s Dome Climb

Vatican Tour Reviews

1. vatican city: private vatican tour, vatican museums, sistine chapel and vatican basilica.

• Departure Location : Viale Vaticano, 100, 00192 Roma RM
• Return Location : Saint Peter’s Square
• Departure Time : Various
• Estimated Duration : 3 hours
• Includes : Vatican Museums, Rooms of Rafael and Sistine Chapel Private Tour, skip-the-line tickets

The crowds at the Vatican, as well as the Sistine Chapel, can be a bit overwhelming. This private Vatican tour will take you on a guided and informational walk through many of the most popular attraction stops at the Vatican.

Not only will you be able to see the Sistine Chapel, but also Rafael’s Rooms and the Chiaramonti Gallery, as well as several other famous sites.

Because your tour guide is taking you and your group on a private skip-the-line tour of the Museums and the Sistine Chapel, there may be some flexibility in what you see and when.

You’ll also be able to ask questions of your guide. Your ticket to this private tour also includes the ability to skip the long lines commonly seen at the Vatican.

This tour will bring you through the Pinecone Courtyard where you will see the bust of Augustus, dating back to the 1 st -century A.D. Other Roman sculptures and historical artifacts are also on display.

Both the Gallery of the Maps and the Gallery of the Tapestries offer beauty as well as the overwhelming sense of history located here.

Being able to take in the breathtaking details of both the Sistine Chapel and the Basilica of St. Peter is truly once-in-a-lifetime.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other rome experiences you may enjoy:, 2. sistine chapel and st. peter’s basilica: early morning tour.

• Departure Location : Piazza della Città Leonina
• Return Location : Piazza della Città Leonina
• Departure Time : 7:30am
• Includes : Guided tour of Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica , head sets

Before the crowds start to form for the day, you’ll be able to enjoy a walking tour through the Vatican Museums. With the VIP option, you will be given exclusive access and a private guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Without the crowds elbowing you, you can take in the full majesty of the works of art and truly appreciate them. Your expert tour guide will tell you the background stories of the amazing sculptures and artwork of the Renaissance period.

Without the crowds, you’ll be guided through the various galleries, museums, and secret rooms of the Vatican. These are home to the vast collection of art and religious artifacts central to the culture of Italy and to the Catholic religion.

You will also see the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries and the Gallery of Maps. These areas are seldom seen by most people but you will be able to stroll through them at a leisurely pace while hearing the background of all these treasures.

Search For Other Top Rated Rome Experiences You May Enjoy:

3. vatican and colosseum combo tour: don’t wait in line to see the best of rome.

• Departure Location : Check with tour operator
• Return Location : Original departure point
• Departure Time : 9am
• Estimated Duration : 10 hours
• Includes : Professional guide, reserved Skip-the-Line Access to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Raphael Rooms, Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, Audio headset

Early in the morning, you’ll meet at across the street from the Vatican next to the Caffè Vaticano. You will then cross the street and skip the line into the museum.

However, this not just a typical skip the line tour, you get to enter through the “Private Partner Entrance” that saves even more time!

The small group you will be with will have a guide tour by a Vatican expert who will give you insights and information that will not be found anywhere else.

You will of course see the Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes in addition to all the other treasures.

After the tour you will then have time to enjoy some of the delicious Italian food that Rome is known for. You will then meet your guide at the coliseum. Here you will again skip the lines, saving hours of waiting.

Once inside your guide will give you all the details of the Coliseum including it’s construction and use over the years.

After the coliseum you will then proceed to Palatine Hill and then finish up at The Forum. This full day tour takes you to some of the best that Rome has to offer!

Tour Information & Booking

4. entire vatican tour: treasures of the sistine chapel.

• Departure Location : Via Sebastiano Veniero, 19, 00192 Roma
• Return Location : Vatican Museums, 00120, Vatican City
• Estimated Duration : 2.5 hours
• Includes : Tour guide, Skip-the-Line Access to Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and Rooms of Raphael

During this relatively short tour of the Vatican, your guide will take you through some of the most popular and historically significant rooms in the Museums.

You’ll also hear about the history and the many legends surrounding the Sistine Chapel as you explore its interior.

However, most of those visiting Vatican don’t have access to the Vatacombs located under the Sistine Chapel. These Catacombs are home to many former popes and other historically significant figures.

Just a few of the things you will see on your tour through the Vatican Museums are Rafael’s Rooms as well as many ancient Roman and Greek artifacts housed in the Belvedere Courtyard.

You’ll learn the history of these important buildings, from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica. Your guide will also give you a lesson on the Vatican State and the Swiss Guard.

This Vatican day tour from Rome is designed to focus on the art located here and the history of that art. You’ll also learn about how the art of ancient Rome influenced Western art as well as architecture.

Your tour guide is an expert art historian and will also be able to answer questions you may have along the way.

5. Private Vatican Tour Museum and Sistine Chapel

• Departure Location : Vatican Museums
• Return Location : Vatican Museums
• Departure Time : 3:15pm
• Estimated Duration : 2-3 hours
• Includes : Expert tour guide, private tour of the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel and Gallery of Maps

For most, a vacation to Rome is something that only happens once in a lifetime. Because of this, you may want to experience the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, and other popular locations like no one else can.

On this VIP tour, you’ll have access to rooms in the Vatican Museums that aren’t usually available to the public.

While you’ll be able to see things inside the Vatican usually off-limits, such as the Niccoline Chapel or the Bramante Staircase, you’ll also have skip-the-line access to publicly available galleries such as Rafael’s Rooms.

However, you’ll also be able to visit the Sistine Chapel after it closes to the general public. On this private tour, you’ll be able to hear commentary from your experienced tour guide about the history and construction of the Chapel.

Commentary usually isn’t allowed in the Chapel which makes this a unique experience.

This VIP private guided Vatican tour is limited to just 15 people. This means you’ll have a personalized experience as you take in the beauty and wonders of one of the most historically significant places in the world.

After all, not very many visitors to the Vatican are able to experience the secret rooms and learn of the often-forgot history that resides in them.

6. Vatican: Early Entry to Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Tour

• Duration : 3.5 hours
• Departure : Via Santamaura 14B (Office What a Life Tours)
• Departure Time :  8:00 AM
• Includes : Skip-the-ticket-line ticket to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, early entrance an hour before crowds, tour guide, admission and reservation fees

If I’d give any one tip to tourists going to the Vatican, it would be to book a tour that gives you skip-the-line access. The Vatican can get insanely busy, and the lines can take hours off of your day – oftentimes in the hot, humid Mediterranean heat.

The Vatican: Early Entry to Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Tour helps avoid all that, giving you premium access even before the crowds think of forming! This tour lasts 3.5 hours, but all of it is exploring and learning rather than waiting around in hopes of entering these amazing museums and structures.

Start out by meeting your guide at the tour offices, which are right next to the Vatican, itself. I immediately noticed that our guide was super friendly and more than happy to answer any questions we had, along with plenty of recommendations along the way.

Not to mention, this is a completely personalized experience rather than a boring, cookie-cutter tour that you could frankly get anywhere. The guide asked us about our specific interests and tailored our tour around them, so that everyone was happy and didn’t miss anything we wanted to see.

As the groups max out at just 12 participants, it’s easy to move through the hallways and see everything without fighting through a big crowd. This VIP experience took us through all the hidden gems and biggest tourist sites inside the Vatican, with the early morning tour. This consisted of the museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Sistine Chapel was even more breathtaking in person, and we learned everything from the history of the artwork to the structure, itself.

7. Rome: Entire Vatican Museums Tour and St. Peter’s Dome Climb

• Duration : 5 hours
• Departure : Either the Tiare Fountain and the Sebastiano Veniero 19
• Departure Time : 8:00 AM
• Includes : St. Peter’s Dome entry tickets, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel skip-the-line entry tickets, guided tour

If the last tour caught your attention but you’re looking for something even more comprehensive, I have the perfect excursion for you. Lasting 5 hours, the Entire Vatican Museums Tour and St. Peter’s Dome Climb is what I’d recommend if it’s your first time in Rome and want to see a good portion of the most popular sites in the capital.

It’s so much more than the average Vatican tour – this time, you’re getting the VIP treatment. Right across from St. Peter’s Square, we met up with your expert guide who was very friendly and seemed to know just about everything there was to know about the area.

After a quick intro, he lead us into Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica before it even opens to the public! This itself was worth the money, considering I saw the queues later in the day and they were there for hours!

Once inside, we got to choose to go up the elevator or walk up to the terrace level of St. Peter’s (I recommend the latter, if you can!). Here, there are countless little mosaics, which our guide also told us fascinating stories about to further enrich the experience. Next, it’s to the summit for simply the best, most beautiful views of Rome I’ve ever seen.

Next, we head down deep into the Vatacombs, where the former popes lie, and where you’ll learn some rather dramatic and interesting stories behind what’s happened here. Next, is an educational tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, covering some of the most unbelievable Renaissance masterpieces in the world.

After a short break for some food, you’ll then skip the line to enter the Vatican Museums through 1,200 or so galleries. We did spend a good portion of the Chapel, and seeing the magic touch applied by Michelangelo in person definitely warranted the extra time here.

FAQs About Vatican Tours

What can i expect on a vatican tour.

A Vatican tour usually starts with a meeting point near the entrance of the Vatican Museums or at your hotel if you have arranged a pickup service. You will meet your guide who will give you your skip-the-line ticket and your headset if needed.

Then, you will enter the Vatican Museums and follow your guide through the vast collection of artworks that span from ancient times to modern times. You will see famous sculptures, paintings, tapestries, maps, and more.

The best part of any tour is the Sistine Chapel. Here you can take in the stunning frescoes by Michelangelo that depict scenes from the Bible. You will also learn about the secrets and stories behind this masterpiece.

Finally, you will visit St. Peter’s Basilica, where you will see the largest church in the world and its magnificent dome. You will also see the tomb of St. Peter, the Pietà by Michelangelo, and other artworks by Bernini and other artists.

How long do Vatican City tours last?

Vatican tours usually last two to four hours, depending on how much of the Vatican you want to see.

Why should I go on Vatican guided tour?

Going on a Vatican tour is one of the best ways to experience the vast museums of the Vatican. The Vatican is one the largest and most impressive collections of art in the world. A Vatican tour is more than just a sightseeing trip; it’s an enlightening journey!

Do I have to have a ticket to see the Vatican?

To visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel you do need a ticket. They are always crowded and must buy tickets in advance. We would recommend a guided tour with skip the line tickets. To see St. Peter’s Square or St. Peter’s Basilica you don’t need a ticket but you still have to go through a security check and follow a dress code.

How can I see the Pope?

The Pope holds a general mass on Wednesdays at 10 am in St. Peter’s Square or in the Paul VI Audience Hall. Where the mass is held depends on the weather and how many people are attending. You can request a free ticket from the Prefecture of the Papal Household or join a guided tour. The Pope also delivers an Angelus prayer on Sundays at noon from his window overlooking St. Peter’s Square. You don’t need a ticket for this.

What else can I do when visiting the Vatican?

Other than the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica there are some lesser-known but still interesting places in Vatican City. You can explore the Vatican Necropolis, this ancient cemetery lies below St. Peter’s Basilica and contains the tomb of St. Peter. You need to book this at least two months in advance. You can also climb up to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica and see pretty amazing views of the city and the square. You can either take an elevator or stairs to reach the dome. There is a fee for both options.

Tips to enjoy your Vatican tour

Tip #1: dress appropriately for your visit to the vatican.

Because the Vatican Museums , as well as the Sistine Chapel, are religious places, you’ll need to dress appropriately.

Your shoulders, knees, and abdomen should be completely covered. Your clothes should not have inappropriate graphics or sayings. If security personnel believe you are dressed inappropriately, you won’t be allowed in. This is true even if you are on a private tour.

Tip #2: Plan Everything in Advance

There are millions of visitors to Rome and the Vatican every year. This means that some of the attractions you are looking forward to may be sold out or closed by the time you arrive.

The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are a great example of this. If you are traveling to Rome around the time of religious holidays, these attractions may be closed to the public as well as to guided tours.

While many guided tours have backup plans in the event a scheduled location is closed unexpectedly, you should research your trip to make sure the places you wish to visit should be open.

Tip #3: Choose a Tour of the Vatican

If you plan on visiting the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and other popular places within Vatican City, purchasing a guided tour is a good idea.

The lines for general admission to many of these places can stretch for blocks and getting in may not be guaranteed. With a guided tour, like the ones we’ve reviewed above, you are guaranteed access so long as it isn’t closed for religious reasons. Plus, you will be able to skip the long lines.

Tip #4: Only Carry What You Need

While this is true wherever you are visiting within the city of Rome, it is especially true when visiting the Vatican. Large bags, umbrellas, camera tripods, and other cumbersome items aren’t allowed within the Vatican Museums and related locations.

You can store them in the cloakroom provided for free, but you may end up having to leave your tour early to retrieve them before closing time. It’s best to carry only what you need when touring the Vatican.

Tip #5: Visit on a Wednesday

If you’re looking forward to seeing the Pope and to the papal audience, you’ll want to plan your visit for a Wednesday. While there are occasional deviations from the Wednesday schedule, you’ll most likely be able to see the weekly message on that day. In fact, the Papal Audience and Vatican Museums tour we reviewed above guarantees you will see the Pope as part of the papal audience as long as he delivers his message on schedule.

What Can I See in One Day at the Vatican (A Sample Itinerary)

Of course you can’t see everything in the Vatican in a day but you can certainly hit the highlights. Lets take a look at what you can see in one day.

St. Peter’s Basilica: This stunning church is the largest in the world and is home to some amazing works of art. Check out Michelangelo’s “Pieta” and the altar before taking the elevator up to the top of the dome. Here you can get a bird’s eye view of the city. Trust me when I tell you, the view is absolutely it!

Vatican Museums : This gigantic collection of art galleries is the home to the most famous art in the world. Starting with the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms. You need to spend a few hours here as there is so much to see. Some of this time is going to be spent waiting, so factor that in.

Pro tip : Buy your tickets online well in advance so you can skip the long lines!

Lunch : By the time you are done with the Basilica and Sistine Chapel it will be time take a break from the crowds and have lunch at one of the local cafes or restaurant. Enjoy some Italian cuisine while admiring the architecture around you.

Papal Audience :  This weekly event is every Wednesday and gives you a chance to see the Pope and receive his blessing. This is something you won’t forget!

Pro tip : Be sure to arrive early to secure a spot, it’s one of the most popular things to do at the Vatican.

Further explore : After seeing the Pope, take time to explore some of the lesser known areas of the Vatican. Some of these areas are the Vatican Gardens or the Necropolis. These hidden gems will give you a glimpse of the history and culture of the city.

Tour Guides

The Private Tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is our Editors Choice with its combination of sites seen, tours guides and value.

Krysha Thayer

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15 Best Vatican Tours – Discover the Vatican Art and History

With so much to see and do, exploring the landmarks of the Holy See can take quite a lot of time. This is why we sourced the top private Vatican tours and gathered them in this article. This will make it easier for you to decide how much you can visit as well as how much time you will have for the rest of Rome’s attractions.

Some of the most exclusive private tours of the Vatican Museums are the Key Master’s tour run by Take Walks and Alone in the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums by LivTours. But other VIP tours also allow you to enter the famous Vatican galleries before the big crowds and enjoy the masterpieces with fewer people and more silence.

Find the best Vatican and Sistine Chapel tours for your needs so that you don’t miss anything, enjoy knowledgeable, expert explanations and save time with fast-track VIP access. In this guide, you will find Vatican tours for every preference and budget!

Table of Contents

Top Vatican Private Tours For Every Budget and Traveler

Whether you are looking for a group tour or a more private experience, we are sure we have found the perfect Vatican guided tour for you. These Vatican tours are great whether you are an independent traveler or you like organized holidays and whatever your budget is.

Vatican Museums After-Hours VIP Tour Experience with Sistine Chapel and Skip-the-Line Tickets

Do you want to tour the Vatican Museums alone with only your expert guide? Then you need to enter before anyone else. Even before the standard VIP tours. If you are ready to do that, expect to have to show up at 6.30 am and see the museums’ doors open. Or at 5.30 pm and enter after closing time.

This is one of the gem tours by Context Travel and is led by an art historian and you will have the chance to enjoy and stare at the wonderful collection of masterpieces just like the Pope does: alone and in silence.

This is a very exclusive tour and you will be asked to show up on time to be able to enjoy the Vatican Museums truly crowd-free.

Click here to check the price and book

VIP Key Master’s Tour: Open The Sistine Chapel, top Vatican private tour

This is one of the best Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel private tours because you will enter before anyone else. You will actually enter before they are even open and walk together with the Key Master as he performs his daily ritual of opening the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

The tour takes two hours and has a limited number of 20 participants. You will be visiting all the most famous landmarks of the galleries including Raphael’s Rooms, the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of Maps and of the Tapestries, and the Octagonal Courtyard all in complete silence with your guide and an official Vatican guide.

Once at the Sistine Chapel, the Key Master will allow guests to turn the key to open the famous monument.

Click here to check the price and to book

Alone in the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, one of the best private Vatican tours

Hands down, the best private Vatican tour I took was the one offered by LivTours. Alone in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums delivers exactly what it promises: it will be only you and your guide.

This is a great experience because you can visit the galleries at your own pace, you can actually hear your guide and you can ask all the questions you want.

Read everything about my private Vatican tour experience

The Complete Vatican Tour with St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel and Skip-the-Line Tickets

This fantastic tour by Context Travel has a duration of 4 hours and is possibly the most comprehensive among the Vatican tours available. Thanks to an expert local guide, you will gain a great deal of knowledge on the history, art, politics, and religion of the Vatican.

Context Travel is known for employing very knowledgeable guides as their tours are always led by academics, historians, art historians, or archaeologists. This is why taking this tour you will have no doubt you are going to have a deeper understanding of all the aspects regarding the life and history behind the Vatican Walls and three of its most famous landmarks, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.

You have the option to book it privately or join it as a group tour of no more than 6 participants. If you manage, I suggest booking the slot of 8 am for an experience with fewer crowds!

Vatican Tour for Kids with the Sistine Chapel and Skip-the-Line Tickets

Are you traveling with your kids and not sure how to convince them to visit the Vatican Museums that you really don’t want to skip? Context Travel runs a 3-hour tour led by a Vatican expert who will entertain the family’s youngest members with stories and anecdotes.

Your children will be touring the Vatican Museums like explorers with your guide ready to unlock the secrets of cool artists, brave knights, and wicked popes. This will be an unforgettable adventure where your young family will learn everything about the Vatican Museums while having fun.

Complete Vatican Tour, one of the most popular Vatican tours

Among the Vatican City tours, this lasting 3 and a half hours is also one of the most complete.

The experience starts with an in-depth Vatican Museums private tour where an expert will give you the chance to observe the most famous sculptures, tell you the stories behind the place and obviously take you on a fascinating tour of the Sistine Chapel.

With an average of some 20,000 visitors per day, the Museums are no doubt among the most popular not-to-miss experiences for whoever travels to Rome.

But as well as a must, they can also be overwhelming and it’s easy to miss important masterpieces. This is why the Vatican Museums’ guided tours are so important.

This is a fully skip-the-line Vatican tour as you will enjoy a fast-track entrance to both the museums and St. Peter’s Basilica , one of Rome’s most famous churches , saving you a huge deal of time.

Click here to check the price and to book.

Vatican Highlights: Guided Tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

This Vatican Museum private tour lasts five hours and leads a maximum of 20 people.

One of the most complete Vatican tours, it kicks off in St. Peter’s Square visiting the Basilica and climbing its majestic dome. Once you take in all the art and history behind these immortal places, you are next to the Vatican Museums.

This skip-the-line Vatican tour allows you fast-track access to one of Rome’s top museums and busiest landmarks. It starts in the afternoon when the crowd is not as big as in the morning so you will also be able to enjoy the Sistine Chapel more relaxed.

You will go past sculptures of the likes of the Laocoon, found in 1506 in Esquilino Hill and now kept in the Statues Courtyard (Cortile delle Statue) after Pope Julius II bought it. Identified as one of the masterpieces of the sculptors of Rhodes as described by Pliny the Elder, this beautiful statue represents the death of Apollo’s priest, Laocoon. He tried to warn the Trojans from taking in the wooden horse left by the Greeks, before being killed by the gods Athena and Poseidon. They, instead, were favoring the Greeks. Which caused the fall of Troy, the fleeing of Aeneas and the following founding of Rome.

You will explore famous areas such as the Gallery of the Tapestries, of the Maps, of the Candelabra, and Raphael Rooms for his beautiful frescoes. You will also stop at famed sculptures and learn stories and anecdotes behind the creation of the masterpieces and the life of the artists.

The journey will end at the most famous attraction of the whole museum, the Sistine Chapel.

St. Peter’s Basilica Tour With Dome Climb and Crypt

All you wanted to know about St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome’s largest church and one of the main landmarks of the Holy See, is included in this excursion entitled to be considered one of the best Vatican tours.

This comprehensive St. Peter’s Basilica tour by Walks lasts 2 and a half hours and reveals all the secrets behind the art and history of one of the world’s most famous Catholic churches.

This Vatican guided tour starts in Saint Peter’s Square early morning. After learning about the Swiss Guards and some tips on what is to see from the dome, you will take the elevator and climb some 320 steps to reach the top.

Once back down, your St. Peter’s Basilica tour carries on inside the basilica itself. You will learn about the history, the symbols, and the incredible artwork, including Bernini ‘s canopy altarpiece and Michelangelo’s La Pietà sculpture.

That’s not all. Your early-morning Vatican tour will take you also to the Crypt where the Popes are buried.

Since you will be accompanied by an expert Vatican tour guide, this will save you plenty of time to discover other parts of the Holy See as well as the other attractions in Rome’s city center.

VIP Early-Access Vatican Tour With Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica

In this early-morning Vatican tour, you will enjoy the Sistine Chapel an hour before everyone else so you will skip the line at the beginning and also within the service as you will use a restricted door between sites.

I’ve been to the Vatican Museums three times, and the first two I got swept by a crowd of thousands of tourists. Of course, I liked it and stared in awe at the immortal masterpieces all the way, but one of my strongest memories was that no minute would go by without me stepping over someone or the other way around. This is why a tour when the museums are still closed to the public.

Before opening times you will also go through other important monuments of the Vatican Museums , such as the Gallery of Maps, of Tapestries and Raphael Rooms. When the general public starts entering, you will finish off the tour of the Vatican Museums and get to St. Peter’s Basilica through special access.

This Vatican small group tour is for a maximum of 14 people to give you a better opportunity to view the artwork in silence and tranquility.

Early-morning Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica Express Tour

If you still want to enter earlier but prefer a shorter tour, this is for you. It lasts two hours and you access the Museums with a fast-track entrance 30 minutes before opening hours.

With your group of a maximum of 20 people, you will enjoy a silent visit to the Vatican Museums and then access St. Peter’s Basilica through a restricted-access door.

This is much faster than the tour mentioned above. Yet, it still allows you to visit the two main landmarks of the Vatican and learn the art and history behind them. Perfect if you are short in time or for families with small children.

Click here to check the price and to book .

Vatican Night Tour of the Vatican Museums With Sistine Chapel

One of the favorite Vatican evening tours, your experience will start after closing time and will include only 15 people.

This Vatican VIP tour includes the Papal Palaces, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. You won’t be heading to St. Peter’s Basilica because by this time it will be already closed for the night.

This is a Vatican Museum tour only, so you will visit and learn everything about its history and art with the perk of not being disturbed by the crowds.

Fast Entrance Vatican Tour With Sistine Chapel

The Roman Guy tour company, too, runs a late tour of the Vatican Museums including the Sistine Chapel. You will enter after closing time when the crowd is gone so that you can admire peacefully and in silence the huge collection of treasures on the path leading to the Sistine Chapel.

Among the other rooms, on the way, you will stop at the Gallery of the Maps, Raphael Rooms, just to appreciate his talent along with the rivalry with Michelangelo, and the Gallery of the Candelabra, a feast of marble artwork. In the end, the room everyone looks forward to, where the tour ends, the Sistine Chapel.

Vatican Gardens Minibus Tour with Vatican Museums Entry

Alongside the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, this tour will give you entrance to the Vatican Gardens. By booking this experience, you will have skip-the-line entrances included as well as audioguides, but not a live tour guide showing you around, so you will be quite independent.

You will tour the Vatican Gardens by minibus and the audioguide available in all languages will explain all the marvels you will be seeing, from the Renaissance and Baroque artwork to the English gardens.

After that, you can end your tour at the Vatican Museums which you will also tour on your own.

St. Peter’s Basilica Dome to Underground Grottoes Tour

First, in this Vatican tour, you will be climbing St. Peter’s Dome and the Basilica where your guide will help you spot all the artwork and ornaments, from the marble decorations to the bas-reliefs, sculptures, mosaics and gilded stucco work.

This is a truly fascinating Vatican tour as you will see the walls of the original 4th-century basilica. Right next to it, there is a fantastic archaeological site , the ancient Roman necropolis that hosts the real tomb of Saint Peter, which I doubt is included in this tour.

Included in the tour is the entrance ticket to the top of the Dome and a professional guide.

READ MORE: Do you want to know more about the Vatican’s main church and its fascinating history? Check out our post on the interesting facts behind St. Peter’s Basilica .

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Fast-Track Ticket Options

While I always suggest a guided Vatican tour to fully comprehend the huge wealth of artwork as well as the history behind those buildings, some might just prefer a more independent experience.

If you prefer, from the Get Your Guide website you can purchase only Vatican skip-the-line tickets to enter without having to queue for hours.

Once inside, you won’t have a guide but it will be a self-guided tour. When booking, you can choose the option of including an audio guide.

FAQ about the Best Vatican Tours

Is the vatican skip-the-line worth it.

If you ask me, definitely. A Vatican skip-the-line ticket can save you plenty of time that you can use to visit some other Rome landmarks . If you are staying for only one day or two days in Rome , this time will be particularly precious since especially in the high season (summer and around Christmas) queues can last for several hours.

What is the best day of the week to visit the Vatican?

The Vatican is quite busy every day, but if you have the chance to pick a day of the week, I would probably skip Saturday and Sunday. Also, on the last Sunday of each month, the entrance to the Vatican Museums is free, so it’s a great time to visit if you are sure to arrive early in the morning and if you have enough time to queue because the line can get very long.

Do I need to buy Vatican tickets in advance?

Buying your Vatican tickets online in advance is always a good idea as often these include also a fast-track entrance.

How long does a Vatican tour take?

Two hours is enough for a basic tour of the Vatican Museums to see the main landmarks, while if you want to visit more, you might need an extra hour. For a more complete Vatican tour, some 4 to 5 hours might be necessary even if you are with a professional guide, also depending on how many places you will visit. For St. Peter’s Basilica, you should carve out at least an hour and another hour to climb the Dome.

Is there a dress code for the Vatican?

Yes, to enter the Vatican you need to follow a modest dress code . Women can’t enter wearing shorts or mini-skirts and both men and women can’t wear sleeveless t-shirts.

Can you bring a backpack to the Vatican?

Yes, but to enter the Vatican Museums you will need to leave your backpack in their cloakroom.

Don’t miss our guide to eating near the Vatican!

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Best Vatican tours: Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

Touring the Vatican is one of the top things to do in Rome. But deciding which tour to choose can be overwhelming. We’re here to help you find the best Vatican tour for your trip.

Article contents

Summary of recommended tours

We’ve provided a complete analysis of the best Vatican tours available in this article. This includes dates and times available, duration and other useful information. Here is a summary if you’re the kind of person who wants quick answers.

Best standard tours

• Walks of Italy – Complete Vatican Tour  (small groups up to 20 people)
• Liv Tours – Skip the line Highlights of the Vatican tour (small groups up to 6 people – 5% off with code – UntoldItaly)
• CityWonders – Skip the line tour of the Vatican (larger groups)
• Vatican official – Standard Vatican tour (provided by the museums – historic focus)

5% discount on small group tours with Liv Tours. Discount applied at checkout when you click this link  or use code ‘UntoldItaly’

Best early access tours (beat the crowds).

• Walks of Italy – VIP Key Masters Tour (open the Sistine Chapel at 6.00am – small group tour) – this is the earliest and most exclusive tour
• Walks of Italy – Alone in the Vatican (small group and early access from 6.30am)
• Liv Tours – Alone in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums (small group with early access from 6.30am, includes breakfast in the Pine Cone Courtyard)
• Walks of Italy – Pristine Sistine – best first access with the general public tour

*Note, in 2024 the Vatican Museums changed it’s early entry policy to allow only a handful of visitors access prior to 8am when doors are open to the general public. Places on these exclusive tours are extremely limited

What to see on a Vatican tour

First, let’s clear up exactly what ‘the Vatican’ is so you can decide which parts you wish to tour. The Vatican is in fact an independent city state within Rome ruled by the Pope – the head of the Catholic church. It is the smallest country on Earth with an area of 0.44 square kilometers and population of just 1,000.

The main areas to visit inside the Vatican City are:

• St Peter’s Basilica including cupola (dome), tombs and square – more info
• Vatican Museums including the Sistine Chapel – the world’s greatest art collection with works by Raphael, Giotto, Caravaggio and of course Michelangelo
• Vatican Gardens – arguably the most beautiful gardens in Rome with stunning views of St Peters, grottoes and lawns

Most Vatican tours will include visiting both St Peters and the Vatican Museums as part of their package. The gardens can only be accessed by a separate tour usually combined with a tour of the Vatican Museums (but not St Peters).

Why take a tour of the Vatican Museums and St Peters

There are two main reasons to join a tour of the Vatican – experience and convenience.

With over 6 million visitors a year, the Vatican Museums and St Peters are among the most popular attractions in Rome and the world. And rightly so. Their collection of art is mind boggling in scale and value. And the historical importance of the buildings is almost unparalleled.

Unless you are a highly educated art historian, there is no way you will know what to look for among all the glitz and walls dripping with priceless paintings. And unfortunately, the information provided by the museums is disappointing.

Visit with a guide and they will be able to point out the most important pieces and their symbolism and significance. Not to mention the major events that have taken place between those walls.

You will spend at least 2 – 3 hours visiting the Vatican no matter how you approach your visit. This is because it takes that amount of time to move through the buildings. That being the case, it makes sense to have an expert guide you through the highlights.

Tours start in the Vatican Museums skipping the long lines for tickets and use a special entrance to St Peter’s from the Sistine Chapel to avoid the separate lines for the Basilica. So if you are not on a tour or have not pre-purchased tickets you will need to line up twice to see both main areas of the Vatican.

Prefer to visit without a guide?

Make sure you buy skip the line tickets prior to your visit to avoid waiting in lines – around 2-3 hours during peak periods.

You can buy tickets for the Vatican Museums on the official site here or if you are having trouble using the site or they are sold out you can buy Vatican  Museums skip the line tickets with authorized ticket seller GetYourGuide here .

St Peter’s is a separate entrance. Buy tickets to skip the line at St Peter’s here .

What to look for in a tour of the Vatican

By law, all guides operating in the Vatican must hold a license that can only be obtained by a very strict examination process. So you know that any guide you tour with will have a thorough knowledge of the details, dates, and facts of the art and buildings you visit.

Your choice really comes down to timing, group size, inclusions, length and style and price of tour. Generally, the size and length of tour will determine the price, however, you also pay extra for exclusive experiences.

• Timing – early morning and evening tours are available and are strictly limited so you will have fewer crowds to contend with
• Group size – if budget allows, try to book a tour with a group size less than 20. Any more than this and you’ll be struggling to hear (despite headsets) or engage with your guide
• Inclusions and itinerary  – basic and express tours of the Vatican focus on the highlights of the Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel, Gallery of Maps, Michelangelo’s masterpieces, Pinacoteca Courtyard) plus St Peter’s interior. Longer tours will take you to the Underground Crypts, the Carriage Pavilion and Nero’s bath
• Length – the shortest tours available are around 2 hours and you can also join full day tours of the Vatican.
• Budget – basic tours start at around €40 for large group tours while you can pay between €300 – €500 per person for a private tour of the Vatican

Worth Noting

• We have not found a tour that includes visiting St Peter’s dome. If you want to ascend the dome you will need to buy a ticket at the basilica office at the conclusion of your tour
• If you find yourself waiting in line for tickets and wishing you had booked a tour, please do not join one of those offered by the scammers that work the crowd. They are not recommended – expensive and basically just entry tickets (if that!)

The best Vatican tour companies

Here are some of the most popular operators and our assessment of how they differ. There are literally hundreds of tour operators working in the Vatican so we have chosen the best for different types of travelers.

• Walks of Italy – working closely in partnership with the Vatican Museums to create unique and engaging experiences for English speaking visitors, the Walks of Italy offerings Pristine Sistine and VIP Key Masters tours are outstanding 
• Vatican official tours – The Vatican Museums tours are generally the least expensive option but note that group sizes start at 16 people. Expect a focus on religious history and the church. Their Art and Faith tours are focused on the relationship between art and religion in the context of the history of the Catholic Church in Rome – view all official Vatican tours
• Liv Tours – this Rome based company is known for their very small group and private tours and knowledgeable guides who are expert at adjusting tours for their guests’ interest and knowledge level – view all Liv Tours Vatican tours PLUS 5% off with code ‘UntoldItaly’ 

Best Vatican tours

We chose the best small and larger group tours of the Vatican offered by the tour companies mentioned above. We used our own experience and cross checked this with ratings on tours on TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide and other media. This is updated on an ongoing basis so we can bring you the best tours available.

Please note – If you are visiting on a Wednesday, your tour group will not be able to enter St Peter’s basilica due to the weekly Papal Address. In this case, the tour will include additional galleries of the museums.

If you are looking for a private Vatican tour please skip forward to the section below.

Standard tours of the Vatican

Most tour operators offer a standard 2 – 3 hour Vatican tour that includes highlights of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s. These tours start at the same time the museums are open to the general public.

Your tour includes skip the line for tickets and have a dedicated guide escorting you and explaining the art and history.  But, there is no escaping the crowds, unfortunately. You will however be able to use the group entrance into St Peter’s avoiding a half hour walk back to the main entrance and line for the basilica.

Early morning Vatican tours

We think that early access tours are the best way to experience the Vatican. You can see the priceless artwork in relative solitude as you pay a premium to enter without the crowds. If these tours are within budget then we strongly suggest choosing the earliest tour available.

The Vatican Museums allow a very limited number of people each day in to the galleries at 6:00am with the “ clavigero ” or key keeper of the Museums. You can join this unforgettable tour led by the wonderful team at Walks of Italy – more info and booking instructions here . Note – this applies to the museums only and does not include access to St Peter’s. If you would like to read our complete review of this experience – visit this page

LISTEN: to our Vatican Museums Tips and   Highlights podcast episode with Walks of Italy co-founder Stephen Oddo

Complete Vatican tours

If you’re an art and history lover it is fair to say that 2-3 hours will barely scratch the surface of the 54 galleries and 20,000 works on display. These early start tours ensure you see the highlights as well as some of the lesser known treasures in the museums such as Nero’s bath, the Borgia apartments, Pinacoteca Vaticana and 16th century double helix Bramante staircase which inspired the modern version of the same name. Visit the Vatican Museums ticket office to learn about openings of special galleries and sections of the Museums.

Family friendly tour of the Vatican

Do you want to take the whole family to tour the Vatican Museums? We suggest giving this a lot of consideration especially if you have very young children. They will need to do a lot of walking, often in hot and stuffy rooms and remain silent in the Sistine Chapel.

If you do decide to go, booking a family friendly tour is a great idea. Your tour will be tailored to the interests of children and your guide will assist in keeping your kids entertained so you can enjoy the experience too.

Liv Tours offer a fun family friendly interactive tour in the Vatican designed especially for families. This is a great way to introduce your children to the history and stories behind this precious art collection.

Special Vatican tours

Evening vatican museum tours.

During the summer months the Vatican Museums open from 19:00pm to 23:00pm on Friday evenings. With limited numbers allowed into the galleries you can enjoy them without the crowds and in the cooler night air. This exclusive experience will no doubt be a highlight of your trip to Rome.

Note – this experience does not include visiting St Peter’s basilica so you would need to go there separately

Recommended night Vatican tours

• Vatican Museums official [group size up to 30]  – click for info
• Walks of Italy [group size max 15] at 19:30pm – click for details

Claim your 5% discount on small group tours with Liv Tours.   Click here and use code ‘UntoldItaly’

Vatican Garden Tours

The Papal gardens are among the finest in Europe that are centuries old. A stroll through the gardens reveals sculptures, fountains and stunning views of the basilica. They are an oasis away from the chaos of the city beyond.

A tour of the gardens will help you appreciate the history and stories behind the many works of art within the gardens and their significance to the Catholic church. There is a replica of the sacred Lourdes grotto in France as well as monuments and statues collected by and dedicated to former popes.

An advantage of doing a tour of the gardens is that it also includes admission to the Vatican Museums. And yes, you skip the lines. No tour is provided in the museums, however.

Vatican Scavi tours

If you have a particular interest in Christianity and history, there could be no bigger thrill to see what is said to be the tomb of St Peter the apostle, deep below the basilica that bears his name. Only 250 people per day are allowed into this sacred area as part of escorted 90 minute tours run by the Vatican. Tour groups are small with only 12 people visiting the excavation site and tomb.

You need to book this tour months in advance by following the instructions on the official Vatican excavations office page . Please note – children under 15 years may not go on this tour. You may not take photos on the tour.

Private Vatican tours

Would you prefer a fully private tour of the Vatican Museums? Private tours are a great way to enjoy the Vatican at your own pace and to see those things you really want to see. Starting at around €350, they can also be more cost effective if you are traveling in a larger group. We recommend  Liv Tours for private Vatican tours.

DISCOVER: The Best hotels near the Vatican City .

Useful information for visiting the Vatican

Both the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s basilica are religious sites. Men and women should cover knees and shoulders as a sign of respect. You may be refused entry if you are not suitably attired.

During the hot Roman summers you might like to bring a light shawl or scarf as an alternative to wearing clothing that covers your shoulders.

Tours are not offered on Sundays when the museums are either closed or open to the public for free admission.

Tour itineraries do not include St Peter’s basilica on Wednesday due to the usual Papal audience in the piazza.

The best day to do a standard Vatican tour is probably Tuesday when you avoid the extended long weekend European visitors.

If you want to do an early morning tour choose from Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday.

Night tours of the Vatican are only available on Fridays from April to October.

Yes, it is a condition of entry that all people entering the Vatican Museums and St Peters pass security checks. Don’t worry, these lines move quickly

Yes, cloakroom facilities are found near the entrance to the Vatican Museums and there is a separate cloakroom for St Peters. Both are free of charge

Yes, you can take photos (without flash) in most areas except the Sistine Chapel where photography of any kind is not allowed. Flash photography is forbidden in all areas as it may damage the artwork

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Vatican City offers countless artistic and architectural treasures, and you’ll be able to make the m...

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What to know about vatican from our local guides.

The Vatican Museums house 70,000 of the world’s greatest artistic treasures, of which 20,000 are on display. From ancient Roman sculptures to Renaissance paintings, it would take days to discover it all, which is why we highly recommend booking a Vatican tour to help you make the most of your time at the museums.

A few of the collection’s undisputed highlights are:

• The Sistine Chapel, adorned with Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes
• The Raphael Rooms, which include the famous School of Athens
• The Gallery of the Maps, perhaps the most famous of the Museums’ galleries adorned with 40 maps depicting the different regions of Italy
• Laocoön and His Sons, an enigmatic masterpiece of ancient sculpture
• The Belvedere Torso, which is said to have influenced the work of Michelangelo himself

The Sistine Chapel is perhaps the most famous individual room in the entire world. This is in no small part due to the significant artistic masterpieces adorning its interior, with Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment” and ceiling frescoes being the highlights.

Pope Sixtus IV, the chapel’s namesake, commissioned its construction in the late 15th century. Today, its best-known use is for the papal conclaves, the process through which a new pope is elected by the College of Cardinals. It also serves as the Pope’s own private chapel when he is at the Vatican.

Want to have the Sistine Chapel all to yourself, just like the Pope? Avoid the crowds on a VIP tour outside opening hours. For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can even accompany the Vatican Key Master himself as he opens the silent halls and galleries in the Vatican Museums early in the morning—including the Sistine Chapel.

As the largest church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica is itself a masterpiece of art and architecture. It houses some of the most significant religious art in the world, including Michelangelo’s moving Pietà sculpture and the Baldachin, Bernini’s massive bronze altar canopy.

Michelangelo was also the mastermind behind the famous dome crowning the basilica. Climbing the dome is a fantastic way to see not just the incredible mosaics lining the interior up close, but also to feast your eyes on spectacular views over Rome from the very top. Keep in mind that there are over 500 steps to get to the top of the dome from ground level, though an elevator is available to bypass approximately the first half. Underneath the Basilica, the Papal Crypts mark the final resting place of some of the most important Popes in Catholic history.

A guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica will give you an up-close look at all of these treasures and more. Led by an expert art historian guide, you’ll see a side of the world’s most iconic church that few others get to experience.

The best and easiest way to ensure you skip the line at the Vatican is to book a guided tour . With no-wait access to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ll save precious hours of time that would have been spent in line. Plus, you'll be in the company of an insightful guide who can provide context on the innumerable masterpieces that can be hard to make sense of on your own.

The Vatican Museums are open Monday to Saturday from 9 am–6 pm. They tend to get more crowded the later in the day you go, so consider booking an early morning Vatican tour to get ahead of the crowds and ensure a more relaxed visit.

For an especially exclusive experience, consider joining the Vatican Key Master himself as he unlocks the silent halls, galleries, and even the Sistine Chapel first thing in the morning before the Museums open to the public. Accompanied by a small group of just 20 other people, the Key Master’s Tour is the most special way to experience the Vatican in total peace and quiet.

Don’t want to get up early? Another excellent option is to take a special access tour after closing time to wander the halls of the Vatican in peace—and have the Sistine Chapel all to yourself.

From May through October, the Vatican Museums offer extended opening hours until 10:30 pm on Fridays and 8 pm on Saturdays. Taking a night tour of the Vatican is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t soon forget!

The Museums are closed most Sundays (except for the last Sunday of every month) and on certain public holidays.

The Vatican is a religious site, and official rules mandate that visitors dress appropriately or risk being turned away. All guests regardless of gender are required to keep their shoulders and knees covered. In warmer months, it’s useful to have a shawl, scarf, or light jacket handy to pull on when entering the Vatican if your outfit doesn’t meet the dress code standards. Additionally, hats are not allowed.

While the Vatican dress code doesn’t have any hard-and-fast rules regarding footwear, keep in mind that you’ll be doing a lot of walking on your Vatican tour. As long as you have comfortable shoes that are good for walking, you’re all set.

While there aren’t any restaurants within Vatican City itself, the surrounding Prati and Trionfale neighborhoods offer plenty of excellent options—particularly if you don’t mind walking a few blocks away (or further) from the Vatican walls. For a quick, on-the-go option, Anthony Bourdain-approved Bonci Pizzarium serves up some of the best pizza by the slice in Rome. In the mood for a sit-down meal after spending hours on your feet at the Vatican? Velavevodetto ai Quiriti—the Prati outpost of Testaccio icon Flavio al Velavevodetto—is perfect for home-cooked Roman classics.

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The 12 Best Vatican Tours and Tips for Visiting the Holy City (2024)

By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: March 3, 2024

Home >> Europe >> Italy Travel Guide >> The 12 Best Vatican Tours and Tips for Visiting the Holy City (2024)

Are you looking for an immersive day trip to the holy city? We have gathered some of the best Vatican tours available to help you make the most of your visit to one of Italy’s most famous attractions.

Exploring the Vatican is an incredible experience and an essential thing to do on any Rome Itinerary . From the magnificent artworks in the Vatican Museums to the stunning Apostolic Palace in the scenic Castel Gandolfo, a guided tour can be an unforgettable journey into history and culture.

We had an incredible experience on a guided day tour of the Vatican Museum, including the Vatican Gardens, and on the Vatican train to the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo. It was a unique experience that cemented the value of pre-booking a tour of such a complex and vast attraction as the Vatican.

From learning about Michelangelo’s frescoes in St Peter’s Basilica to discovering ancient artifacts in the Vatican Museums and seeing the Sistine Chapel in person- there is something for everyone on a Vatican tour. And you don’t have to battle the crowds to enjoy one of Italy’s most famous sites.

You Might Also Like: Discover Rome’s culinary heritage on one of these incredible Roman Food Tours or a Cooking Class in Rome . Rome is also a fantastic base for exploring more of Italy – see our top pick for day trips from Rome , from Tuscan villages to islands, palaces, and fascinating archeological sites.

Table of Contents

12 Best Tours of the Vatican

Here are our top 12 picks for Vatican tours that will give you a unique insight into one of Italy’s most iconic destinations.

This diverse selection of tours has been chosen based on our experience visiting the Vatican and where we believe the tour offers good value for money, a quality or unique experience.

Vatican Tour Tip : Tickets for the various Vatican attractions can book out weeks in advance. We recommend booking as early as possible to avoid missing the days or times you want – even for skip the line entry. Some booking calendars will only show 2 or 3-month blocks of availability, so keep checking for your dates if they don’t show yet.

1. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket

This Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Ticket is an entry ticket only. It enables you to skip the line and visit the highlights of the Vatican at your own pace.

No tour is included with this ticket but is a worthwhile time saver if you plan to visit the Vatican independently.

See the priceless Papal art collections in the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Learn about the magnificent masterpieces from antiquity and Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes.

The Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket is the best way to explore one of the world’s busiest museums at your own pace and skip waiting in line.

This ticket provides skip-the-ticket-line entry to museums and chapels with a dedicated ticket collection and entry and optional audio guides. A 20% discount on items from the Vatican online store and the option to add a 45-minute bus tour of the Vatican Gardens.

This skip-the-line ticket will give you an unforgettable experience of learning about the history and culture within the Vatican while visiting at your own pace.

See Full Details for This Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Ticket or Reserve Your Ticket

2. Vatican Museums and St Peters Basilica, including the Papal Tombs

Duration 3 – 3.5 hours

For a unique and unforgettable Vatican highlights experience, look no further than the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Papal Tombs Tour .

The Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Papal Tombs are some of the most famous cultural sites within the walls of Vatican City – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These attractions provide visitors with a look into centuries-old history and artistry.

This informative guided tour will take you through all three locations, giving you unparalleled access to what the holy city offers.

You’ll get fast-track, skip-the-line access to masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, and many more. You’ll also explore one of the holiest places on Earth – The Sistine Chapel – where Pope Francis himself goes to pray. You’ll also have an exclusive chance to visit the Papal Tombs – the final resting place of many popes and royals throughout history.

• Skip-the-ticket-line entry to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica
• Guided tour of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and Papal Tombs
• Wi-Fi at the meeting point with a recharging station for your mobile devices

Note : Entrance to the Papal Tombs is not included in the evening tour option.

See Full Details for this Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Papal Tombs Tour or Reserve.

3. St Peters Basilica Dome and Underground Grottoes Tour

Duration 105 minutes

Explore the beauty of Rome’s Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica on this St. Peter’s Basilica Dome, and Underground Grottoes guided walking tour . A highlight of this tour is visiting the top of the majestic ST Peter’s Basilica Dome for extraordinary views of the Roman skyline.

With a professional guide, you can admire an array of impressive marble and mosaic artwork in the Basilica, then visit St. Peter’s tomb and explore underground grottoes and ancient frescoes.

Entry fees to the top of the Dome by elevator are included in this 105-minute tour, making it an excellent choice for those interested in learning more about one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks and the city of Rome.

You can choose between a small group or a private tour with this tour.

Things to Note : This tour is unsuitable for people with claustrophobia or vertigo due to its height and enclosed spaces.

The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter’s square. Do not go through the metal detectors before meeting the guide.

• Professional guide
• Entry fees to the top of the Dome by elevator
• Headsets to hear your guide better

Not Included

• Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, or Vatican Necropolis entry

See Full Details for this St. Peter’s Basilica Dome and Underground Grottoes Tour or Make a Reservation .

4. Entire Vatican Tour and St Peters Dome Climb

Duration 5 hours

The Entire Vatican Tour and St. Peter’s Dome Climb Tour is a 5-hour tour that provides an immersive experience of the culture and history within Vatican City.

Start your day with an awe-inspiring morning experience in Vatican City by climbing to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica Dome for unparalleled views of Rome, then return for a fully immersive guided tour of the Basilica, the Papal Crypts, and the Catacombs.

Then enjoy a live guided tour around the Vatican’s renowned museums and Sistine Chapel on this exciting morning Vatican City experience.

This tour includes fast-track skip-the-line access to masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, and many more within the Vatican Museums and exclusive access to the Papal Tombs in St. Peter’s Basilica.

The highlight of this tour is a climb up Michelangelo’s Cupola for breathtaking views over Rome from atop one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks.

Note : this tour is not suitable for people with mobility problems, vertigo, or claustrophobia due to the nature of the St Peter’s Dome climb.

• Skip-the-line entry to St. Peter’s Basilica Dome elevator ride part-way to the summit.
• Live guided tour around St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel entry
• Live guided tour around the Vatican Museums

Get Full Details of This Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter’s Dome Climb Tour , or Make a Reservation .

5. Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica

Duration 3 hrs

Explore the beauty and history of Vatican City on this guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Basilica .

See art by Renaissance masters like Botticelli, Perugino, and Raphael, marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel, and learn more about the legendary works from an expert guide.

Enjoy skip-the-line access to some of Italy’s most iconic landmarks on this 3-hour tour – a great half-day tour for those interested in learning more about one of Europe’s most important religious sites.

Tours leave morning and afternoon.

Note : Rafael Rooms will be visited instead if St. Peter’s Basilica is closed. Tours starting from 15:30 will not visit St. Peter’s Basilica.

Tour Tip : Try to catch the morning tour to explore the Vatican further on your own. After the Guided tour, you can spend more time inside St. Peter’s Basilica and St Peter’s Square.

• Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Guided Tour
• St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
• Skip the Line Tickets

See Full Details of This Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour or Make a Reservation

6. Vatican Museums, Gardens and Castel Gandolfo Papal Summer Residence Day Trip

Duration 11 hours – Starts at 7.30 am

Are you looking for an unforgettable experience in Rome? Follow the footsteps of Pope Francis and discover the best of both worlds – Vatican City and Castel Gandolfo. It’s the Vatican and a day trip from Rome in one tour.

This all-inclusive Early Vatican and Sistine Chapel with Castel Gandolfo group tour with a professional guide is perfect for those who want to visit two important sites in one day and enjoy a mix of a guided tour and free time. This tour is one of our most incredible experiences in Rome – one we have recommended without hesitation many times.

Enjoy skip-the-line early admission to the Vatican Museum – 45 minutes before the general public . Explore the Sistine Chapel before the crowds, and take an exclusive guided walking tour through the beautiful Vatican Gardens – only special groups are allowed to visit the Vatican Gardens.

You will board the train from Vatican City’s only train station to the town of Castel Gandolfo, overlooking the immaculate Lake Albano. Train tickets are included in the price.

Take a self-guided tour of the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence, and a ride through the marvelous Barberini Gardens. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Pope’s summer village made with locally sourced ingredients before exploring the picturesque town of Castel Gandolfo and returning by train to Rome.

This is an incredible all-inclusive, exclusive access tour of Vatican City and the papal residences. Enjoy access to parts of the Vatican often missed by the general public.

Note : This tour is only available from early spring to late autumn and has a maximum of 15 people .

• Skip the line Vatican tour
• Vatican Gardens tour
• Buffet lunch at the Pope’s summer village
• Train to and from Castel Gandolfo
• Bus transfer from the train station to Castel Gandolfo
• Headsets to hear the guide clearly
• English-speaking professional guide

See Full Details of this Early Vatican and Sistine Chapel with Castel Gandolfo group tour or Make a Reservation.

7. Vatican Early Entrance

Duration 2-3 hrs 08.00 Start

On this exclusive before-hours Vatican Early Entrance Tour , be amongst the day’s first visitors beating the crowds to enjoy exclusive early-morning entry to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel before public opening hours. (We had the privilege of being the first people in the Sistine Chapel using early entry tour tickets, it was the highlight of our visit to the Vatican – worth getting up early for).

You’ll be welcomed with a tranquil atmosphere where you can discover the museum’s masterpieces with your private expert guide before the crowds.

You’ll learn interesting facts about some of the greatest artists in history, such as in the Raphael Rooms and the breathtaking experiences of Michelangelo’s acclaimed ceiling. The best part is the unique ambiance of early morning serenity without standing in a long line for tickets.

If you crave a unique experience combining culture and tranquility, the Vatican Early Entrance Tour is the perfect experience.

• Before opening Skip-the-ticket-line entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Tour Guide and headsets
• Small group tour

See Full Details for This Vatican Early Entrance Tour or make a Reservation .

8. Vatican, St Peters, and Colosseum Full-Day Tour

Duration 7 hours

Take a full-day Italian adventure and cross the top Rome attractions off your bucket list on this Vatican, St. Peter’s, and Colosseum Full-Day Tour . See the Colosseum and Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel.

The Vatican, St. Peter’s, and Colosseum Full-Day Tour is a great value combo tour of the highlights of Rome and the Vatican. Perfect if you are short on time.

Visit the iconic sights of Vatican City, the Colosseum, and Rome’s historic heart with no fuss – skip the ticket lines and benefit from priority access.

Start your day by crossing into Vatican City and heading to the exclusive Partner Entrance to the Vatican Museums. Your guide will take you on an exciting journey around the historically significant Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.

After exploring the stunning sights of Vatican City, you’ll head to the Colosseum and Roman Forum (Palatine Hill) for even more incredible views and stories about ancient Roman culture & history.

This tour offers an intimate environment that allows for maximum sightseeing pleasure. You won’t waste precious time with small groups of 24 people max. From Ancient Rome to Religious Rome, this tour will surely be an unforgettable highlight of your Italy itinerary.

• Skip-the-ticket-line entrance to the Vatican Museums
• Access to the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica
• Skip-the-ticket-line access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
• Expert English-speaking guide

Get All the Details for this Vatican, St. Peter’s, and Colosseum Full-Day Tour or Book Your Spot .

9. Vatican Gardens Minibus Tour and Vatican Museums Ticket

Valid for 1 Day

See a different side of the Vatican that many visitors miss on an eco-friendly open bus tour of the gorgeous Vatican Gardens. The Vatican Gardens Minibus Tour & Vatican Museums Ticket is a great value combo ticket to see the highlights of the Vatican and enjoy the stunning, historical Vatican Gardens on a 45-minute tour.

Admire the greenery of the private urban gardens and parks, which cover more than half of the Vatican country. You can learn about how the gardens and parks were established, see the Vatican Gardens fountains and sculptures, and pass Radio Vatican and the Governor’s Palace for stunning photo opportunities.

After your Vatican gardens tour, explore the stunning works of art on display inside the renowned Vatican Museums and behold Michelangelo’s majestic Sistine Chapel ceiling paintings.

A perfect way to spend an afternoon in Rome – enriching your cultural knowledge while taking in one of the world’s most beautiful and historical gardens.

• Vatican Gardens on Minibus with audioguide
• Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel entrance ticket

Get Details for the Vatican Gardens Minibus Tour & Vatican Museums Ticket or Reserve Your Spot .

10. Leonardo Da Vinci Experience Entry Ticket

Valid one day

Take a journey through 500 years of history and discover the genius of Leonardo da Vinci at the fantastic Leonardo da Vinci Experience . Connect with the iconic man – artist, engineer, sculptor, architect, and scientist in the five interactive exhibition halls.

Get a close-up view of The Last Supper and discover the mystery behind this incredibly controversial painting featured in Dan Brown’s novel, The Da Vinci Code.

Marvel at over 50 distinctive inventions by Da Vinci – ideas that seemed impossible, such as flying machines, robots, submarines, and underwater breathing equipment, solved by this Renaissance Man centuries ago.

Unlock the secrets of Leonardo da Vinci’s groundbreaking designs, many we still use today, including excavators and hoists, sewing machines, bicycles, water skis, and even a machine gun. Step into his Room of Mirrors to see how he studied light reflection, eventually leading to photography and projection. Snap a photo beside one of his iconic inventions – like the helicopter or armored tank for an unforgettable experience.

Investigate how he created such complex pieces at a time before modern science and technology and witness his dream come true as you enter each exhibit.

See Details for the Leonardo da Vinci Experience or Book Your Ticket .

11. Papal Audience Experience Tickets with Expert Guide

Duration 3.5 hours

Are you looking for a chance to see Pope Francis up close and personal? The Papal Audience Experience Ticket is for those who want to attend the Holy Father’s audience without the stress of navigating independently and ensuring an optimal seat at an event that attracts thousands.

It is free to attend a Papal Audience by reservation. This tour offers to reserve your ticket and ensure you get in a privileged front-row seat during the ceremony to appreciate this fantastic event.

A local guide is included to help you navigate the entry and seating and to answer questions about the papacy. All guides are educated and experienced in the Catholic faith, meaning you’ll gain incredible insight into this moving ceremony regardless of your religion.

Your seating will ensure when His Holiness Pope Francis comes by on his route around St. Peter’s Square, he passes right by your specially chosen viewpoint – unique only to these Papal Audience Experience Tickets. Pope Francis is known for connecting more with his audience than any Pope before, making this experience even more personal.

• Escorted visit and presentation
• Ticket reservation service and ticket pick-up (Tickets are free of charge but must be reserved)
• Headsets to hear your guide (when necessary)
• Small groups of 20 people or less
• Confirmed invitation and attendance to Papal Audience with Pope Francis

See Details for The Papal Audience Experience Ticket or Reserve Your Place .

12. Rome City Highlights, Vatican Pass, and Free Transport

Valid for 3 Days

Treat yourself to an extraordinary self-guided journey in Rome with the 3-day OMNIA Vatican Card & Roma Pass .

A city pass is a great way to explore some of the world’s most famous sights and save money, but this is two city passes wrapped up into one spectacular package.

With this fantastic combo package, you’ll get the best of both worlds – see all the historical and religious sights in Vatican City PLUS experience Rome using the 3-day hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Enjoy free entry to two of five top attractions with Roma Pass and discounts at 30 dazzling destinations. On top of that, OMNIA Vatican Card allows access to all holy sites in Vatican City for three days.

Enjoy Skip the line with free admission to the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, and Michelangelo’s miraculous ceiling at the Sistine Chapel and experience the divine wonder of St. Peter’s Basilica without having to wait in line. Plus, enjoy special offers from both passes and breezy cardless access with unlimited rides on public transport included.

Some Inclusions

• 72-hour travel card
• Skip the line access to top attractions in Rome and Vatican City
• Entrance to Vatican Museums
• Open-top bus tour
• City guide app
• Discounts to attractions and museums
• Entry to your choice of 2 top attractions
• Entrance to Basilica of St. John
• Entrance to St Peter’s Prison

See Full Details for the Rome City Highlights, Vatican Pass, and Free Transport or Book Your Pass.

Vatican FAQs -Things to Know About Visiting the Vatican

These tips for visiting the Vatican will ensure your day runs smoothly without surprises.

No, you do not. However, I can highly recommend a guide for the museums (or a pre-booked early entry tour). A guide will help you navigate the crowds and ensure you see the highlights (the museums are very big and insanely crowded in peak times). A guide will also give you a better understanding of the immense history and art within the Vatican.

In short – Yes. The Vatican is one of the most popular things to do when visiting Rome. Whether it’s simply a pre-booked skip-the-line access with early entry to the Sistine Chapel, a guided tour of the Vatican Museum, or an extended day tour like adding a trip to the Papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, taking a guided tour of the Vatican is far superior to visiting independently. A guided tour led by an expert guide provides visitors with greater insight and understanding into this iconic destination’s history, culture, and art. Walking through the museums and gardens of the Vatican can be overwhelming, but a knowledgeable guide can provide clear explanations that bring each area to life. A guide will help you find the highlights (the Vatican Museum is huge) to maximize your time, and a pre-booked tour will usually give you fast-track entry. Tours can also give you exclusive access to areas not normally open to the public.

Again, the answer is yes. Even if you plan to visit the Vatican independently, the earlier you get there, the better. The Vatican attracts millions of visitors each year and is notoriously busy. The earlier you get there, the better the experience and less waiting in lines – even just to clear security.

The time you spend in Vatican City is determined by the attractions you want to experience. If your itinerary includes visiting the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and the Basilica, I highly recommend devoting a whole day to this visit. If you only want to visit St Peter’s Square and Basilica, plan a half-day (either morning or afternoon). Most tours run between 3 -5 hours, depending on which areas are included.

Yes, you can. However, I don’t recommend it. The lines are notoriously long. This is why I give details on pre-booking tickets to the Vatican Museums online so you can skip the line and save time.

As far in advance as possible, especially in peak season. It is not unusual for tickets to be sold out weeks in advance, especially if you want exclusive access or tours to other areas that only take small groups, such as the gardens or the Papal summer residence.

There is no dress code to enter St Peter’s Square, but a conservative dress code is required in the sacred areas, including the Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and the museums. The dress code applies to both men and women. Shoulders and knees should be covered – long trousers and below-the-knee skirts. Avoid showing cleavage or bare backs. Hats are also not allowed in these areas.

The Sistine Chapel is inside the Vatican museums, so you will require a ticket to the Museum to visit the Sistine Chapel. The chapel is usually visited at the end of the museum visit. However, some early entry tickets allow visitors to see the chapel first, which gives an incredibly exclusive experience. Check your tour or ticket to see if this is possible. You can see recommendations for this above.

Information About Accessing the Vatican and Visiting the Basilica

• All visitors must pass through airport-style security on arrival at the Vatican. During high season the wait at security may be up to 30 minutes or more. Factor this if you have to meet a tour within the Vatican walls. Backpacks and luggage are not allowed in the Vatican .
• The Vatican can get very crowded all year round. June, July, and August are particularly busy. We recommend arriving as early as possible, even if you have skip-the-line tickets.
• St Peter’s Basilica, the Papal Tombs, or the Sistine Chapel may be closed anytime – even with short notice. St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesdays: 8:00 am-12:00 pm, December 24 and 31. During these times – tours will visit other parts of the museums.
• Parts or all of St Peter’s Square may be closed during a Papal Audience. You can check the Vatican Calendar for events, Papal Audience, and Mass information.
• Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is always free of charge, but access may vary due to crowd control. If you only want to visit St Peter’s Square and the Basilica, it’s one of the best free things to do in Rome . Tickets are only required to enter Vatican Museums, gardens, the Basilica Dome, etc. You can visit the Basilica and St Peter’s Square for as long as you like outside of tours.

Whether to dodge the crowds or to get a better appreciation of the immense history, art, and architecture, anyone visiting the Vatican should seriously consider taking a tour.

As you can see, there is such a wide range of tours so you can pick which one best fits your desires and interests. Whether that’s a daytime tour with exclusive access to some of the most famous and historical areas of the Vatican or exploring at leisure with a self-guided tour, whichever you decide, be sure to leave plenty of time to fully explore the majesty of the Vatican.

So which tour will you take?

Best Vatican Tours Quick Guide

• Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket
• Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Papal Tombs Tour
• St. Peter’s Basilica Dome and Underground Grottoes Tour
• Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter’s Dome Climb
• Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour
• Vatican Museums, Gardens & Castel Gandolfo Pope’s Summer Residence Day Trip
• Vatican Early Entrance Tour
• The Vatican, St. Peter’s, and Colosseum Full-Day Tour
• Vatican Gardens Minibus Tour & Vatican Museums Ticket
• Leonardo da Vinci Experience Museum
• The Papal Audience Experience Ticket
• Rome City Highlights, Vatican Pass, and Free Transport

Venice Private Tours

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The Vatican City is a sovereign nation within the city of Rome. The Vatican Museums are inside the Vatican City, and the Sistine Chapel within the museums. The Sistine Chapel is connected to the St. Peter's Basilica by a "guide only" corridor, saving you from a long walk and waiting in line twice. The Vatican Gardens are also accessible to the public and can be enjoyed by visitors purchasing our Castel Gandolfo day trip. Every Vatican tour includes the Sistine Chapel in varied degrees. The more costly tours visit during specific times when there are fewer visitors--permission we pay extra for and value we pass onto our guests. Our Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour is the most popular and our first product. It enters at 8:00 or 8:30 am depending on your start time which is an hour to 30 minutes before general admission. The most exclusive Sistine Chapel tour is our "Exclusive After Hours Sistine Chapel Tour with Aperitivo," which not only visits the chapel with max 99 other guests but includes a cocktail in the pinecone courtyard! The St. Peter's Basilica is in the Vatican City but not included in your admission to the Vatican Museums. Luckily, there is no cost to enter as all churches in Rome are free. If you want to climb the Dome, there is a charge, and we highly recommend doing it if you are in decent physical shape. For a few extra euros, you can take the elevator which will remove much of the toll on your legs. We run a St. Peter's Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour which includes climbing the dome and a tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. For an extra special experience, why not book a private tour of the Vatican? With your own private guide, you can tour the Vatican Museums, St. Peters Basilica and Sistene Chapel at your own pace. Throughout the length of your tour, your guide will be able to answer any questions you have. There will be no waiting on others in the group or being rushed to the next gallery. If you fall in love with a specific work by Raphael, feel free to bask in awe.

The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is the most visited attraction in Rome. Even if you buy tickets in advance you may face long lines, crowds, and confusion. We've worked closely with the Vatican for over a decade, so you'll appreciate our first-entry access before the public and our skip-the-line entry to the Vatican—not to mention our top-rated guides. We started at the Vatican and our experience shows in our 1000s of positive verified reviews. The Vatican City is a sovereign nation within the city of Rome. The Vatican Museums are inside the Vatican City, and the Sistine Chapel within the museums. The Sistine Chapel is connected to the St. Peter's Basilica by a "guide only" corridor, saving you from a long walk and waiting in line twice. The Vatican Gardens are also accessible to the public and can be enjoyed by visitors purchasing our Castel Gandolfo day trip. Every Vatican tour includes the Sistine Chapel in varied degrees. The more costly tours visit during specific times when there are fewer visitors--permission we pay extra for and value we pass onto our guests. Our Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour is the most popular and our first product. It enters at 8:00 or 8:30 am depending on your start time which is an hour to 30 minutes before general admission. The most exclusive Sistine Chapel tour is our "Exclusive After Hours Sistine Chapel Tour with Aperitivo," which not only visits the chapel with max 99 other guests but includes a cocktail in the pinecone courtyard! The St. Peter's Basilica is in the Vatican City but not included in your admission to the Vatican Museums. Luckily, there is no cost to enter as all churches in Rome are free. If you want to climb the Dome, there is a charge, and we highly recommend doing it if you are in decent physical shape. For a few extra euros, you can take the elevator which will remove much of the toll on your legs. We run a St. Peter's Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour which includes climbing the dome and a tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. For an extra special experience, why not book a private tour of the Vatican? With your own private guide, you can tour the Vatican Museums, St. Peters Basilica and Sistene Chapel at your own pace. Throughout the length of your tour, your guide will be able to answer any questions you have. There will be no waiting on others in the group or being rushed to the next gallery. If you fall in love with a specific work by Raphael, feel free to bask in awe.

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Skip the Line

Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums

Explore the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!

( 1428 ) as low as $167.24

Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Skip the line and gain direct access to the Raphael Rooms, Creation of Man, and St. Peter's Basilica

( 1240 ) From: $95.43

Entry Ticket

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets

Skip the line and gain quicker access to the Vatican so you can explore at your leisure

( 58 ) From: $44.58

St. Peter's Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour

Save money while seeing Rome from above, the Papal Crypts below, and the Vatican museums nearby

( 436 ) From: $123.68

Semi-Private Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Enjoy a premium and exclusive tour of the Raphael Rooms, St.Peter's Basilica, and more!

( 1102 ) From: $123.68

Vatican After Hours Tour with Sistine Chapel

Book a unique experience that visits the Vatican in the early evening with fewer crowds

( 167 ) From: $101.08

Private Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's Basilica Tour

Enjoy a tailored VIP Vatican experience with a dedicated private guide

( 130 ) From: $456.52

Private Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Vatican Museums

See the best of Rome your way with a private guide at the Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, and more!

( 52 ) From: $1,127.74

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9 of the best Vatican tours 2024

Have you been wondering about the best vatican tours i’ve got you covered.

Travelling to the Vatican is a must-have experience if you’re visiting Rome. There are so many different Vatican tours to choose from, and I’m here to tell you that the best ones are those that delve deeply into the history, culture, architecture and stories of this remarkable place.

I’ve lived in Italy for more years than I can count, and have spent countless hours exploring the Vatican and talking to travellers who have been on different tours.

From my conversations with them I can confidently say that there are certain tour guides who offer an exceptional level of authority and trustworthiness when it comes to providing the perfect tour experience.

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Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: best Vatican tours

Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

• Small Group
• Reserved Priority Access

Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica

• Skip the line
• Admission tickets included

Exclusive Early Access Vatican Semi Private Tour

• Max of 6 people
• Skip the line tickets

9 of the best Vatican tours

1. sistine chapel, vatican museums & st peter’s basilica guided tour.

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:  3 hours | ✅  Book it!

On this guided tour, you’ll get to bypass the line to tour the Vatican with a knowledgeable guide, who will ensure that you get to know the information behind all the beautiful works of art and historical buildings of this cultural institution.

Amazing tour with Oscar very informative and really made the tour interesting! Would definitely recommend the tour to friends and family visiting Rome! -Lubaina_C

Meet the guide at your chosen time right outside the Vatican entrance, where they’ll guide you to special entrance that is a step above “skip-the-line” access – at the Vatican, even the fast track lines are long, so booking with this tour helps you to avoid waiting at all!

The group will explore the Vatican Museums while listening about the history and context of all of the buildings and objects, before moving into the Sistine Chapel and then touring St Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square. Some evenings, St Peter’s may not be available, in which case the guide will spend extra time exploring the Vatican Museums with the group.

Important details

• Start time (and location): At the steps across from the Vatican Museum entrance, next to Caffe Vaticano. Choose between start times from 7:50 am to 2:35 pm.
• Duration: 3 hours
• Includes: Priority access to the Vatican museum, guided visit of St Peter’s Basilica (most tours), Sistine Chapel access, Audio headset, maximum group size of 20 people.

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2. Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica

Skip the line to access the Vatican on this group tour, where you’ll be guided through the buildings of the Vatican by a friendly and engaging local guide. 

Our tour group was about 10 people. The skip-the-line for the Vatican Museum is the only way to go (which you realize as you are walking past the LOOOONG line to get in). We had an earpiece so we could hear, which is also the only way one could hear. It is tightly crowded in all parts of the museum and also the Sistene Chapel. The tour was 3+ hours, so make sure to use the bathroom before and bring water if it is hot. This tour company was well-organized and easy to work with. – Susan_R

The lines at the Vatican get very long, so by booking guided tours of the Vatican with priority access you can really maximise your time in Rome! On this tour, the guide is also extremely well-informed, as all guides used by the company have over ten years of experience.

The group will meet in the ancient neighborhood of Borgo, from which the guide will walk everyone over to Vatican City while sharing the history of the neighborhood and about the daily life of people living in the world’s smallest country.

After entering the Vatican Museum via a priority entrance, you’ll get to see all the famous artwork, ancient maps, and will finish with the incredible Sistine Chapel.

Upon leaving the museums, your host will lead you to the front of St. Peter’s Basilica, where you will again be able to skip the line. Important Details

• Start time (and location): Via Plauto 17A in the Borgo neighborhood of Rome. Choose your start time from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm.
• Includes: Expert veteran guide (over 10 years of experience), Skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums, all admission tickets for the buildings on the tour.

3. Exclusive Early Access Vatican Semi Private Tour | with Private Option

⭐️  RATING:  #/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:   hours | ✅  Book it!

Experience the Vatican without the hassle with this very early morning semi-private tour, where guests get to experience the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel before the general public are invited in.

Our tour guide Tonya was very informative and provided a wonderful tour of Vatican City. My husband and I appreciated all the knew knowledge we walked away with and the beauty we were able to see uninterrupted by other tourists because we got to do the early tour and skip the line. We got lucky and it ended up being just my husband and I for the tour! Good value for the money and we would recommend LivTours to anyone! -Jasmyn_P

There are many options for tours of the Vatican in Rome, but this semi-private group tour is for those who truly want to make the most of their Vatican experience.

There are a maximum of six people on each tour, so everyone will have plenty of opportunity to ask the guides questions, and it will be easy to move through the museum (compared to all the huge groups you’ll see wandering through!).

Meet your guide right at 7:30 am outside of the Vatican Museum’s entrance, and they’ll lead you straight into the museums with priority entrance.

The group will spend 2 hours together exploring the Vatican Museums, before going into the Sistine Chapel (after a detailed explanation of the Chapel’s significance, as you can’t speak when you’re inside!)

The tour ends with a detailed tour of the interior of St Peter’s Basilica, where the group will also be able to bypass any lines.

If even six people is too much, this tour also offers the opportunity to update to a fully private option, which just may be the best way to see the Vatican.

Important Details

• Start time (and location): Outside of Caffe Vaticano, across from the Vatican Museums entrance, at 7:30 am
• Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Includes: Guided tour of St. Peters Basilica and dome, Entrance ticket to St Peter’s Dome, breakfast at “Al San Michele”, headsets.

4. Semi-Private Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

Enjoy the wonders of Vatican City with a smaller group tour of only ten people maximum, while benefiting from the knowledge of a local expert guide.

It was a wonderful experience, with most thanks to our excellent tour guide, Assunta! She was super knowledgeable, kind and caring for her group! We had 10 total and she always made sure we were together!!! We could have listened to her all day! -Karen_M

Small group tours hit the sweet spot- this one has a much smaller group size than you would typically experience on Vatican tours, but having a max of 10 guests allows them to keep the price at a more reasonable level than other similar tours with an even smaller group size.

After meeting your guide at the Caffe Vaticano, just outside of the entrance to the Vatican Museums, skip the line with your reserved entry to the Vatican museums, where you’ll be given a full history of Vatican city and all the incredible artifacts housed there.

The museum visit culminates with the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll have a special entrance which will again let you skip any lines, even priority lines.

After the Sistine Chapel, the group continues to St. Peter’s Basilica, where the guide will give a tour of the interior of the beautiful church before leaving you to spend time taking it all in.  

• Start time (and location): Outside of Caffe Vaticano, across from the Vatican Museums entrance, chooseing a time between 7:50 am and 1:30 pm.
• Includes: Small semi-private group of no more than ten people, skip-the-line reserved access to the Vatican museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s, guide visits of all sites by an English-speaking art historian guide.  

5. St. Peter’s Basilica & Cupola Guided tour with Breakfast

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:  2-3 hours | ✅  Book it!

Start your day off right with a delicious Italian breakfast, before heading on an in-depth guided tour of St Peter’s Basilica, including a climb up to its famous dome (Cupola di San Pietro).

  The cafe where we began was a great start with excellent pastries and coffee to chose from. Our guide was experienced, knowledgeable and ensured we all saw the highlights of the Basilica and walked safely through the cupola on a very wet day in Rome. -Gail_H

There’s nothing that says “best early morning vatican tour” more than breakfast being included! This tour is a really delightful experience in addition to being very informative, and it’s a great option for anyone who wants to delve more into the history of the Vatican and of all the different parts of St Peter’s Basilica.

The group meets at a local bar called “Al San Michele”, where a traditional Italian breakfast is served as part of the tour. This is a great chance to meet fellow travelers over a morning espresso and a pastry or two.

After breakfast, the guide will lead you into the center of St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City to climb to the top of the Vatican’s famous dome for views overlooking all of Rome. They’ll then guide the group through the rest of the basilica.

You’ll see all the iconic sites of the Vatican, including the pieta, St. Peter’s mausoleum, and the Vatican Obelisk, all while receiving an in-depth history from your knowledgeable guide.

The group will also visit areas that are often overlooked, like the Tomb of Pope Jean Paul II and the statue of St. Peter Entrhoned. The tour ends with a climb to the top of the Vatican’s famous dome for views overlooking Vatican City and Rome.

• Start time (and location): At “Al San Michele” bar across from the Vatican Museums entrance, at 8:00 am
• Duration: 2 to 3 hours
• Includes: Small semi-private group of no more than six people, early entrance to the Vatican Museums, skip-the-line tickets, local expert guide, upgrade to fully private upon request.

6. Tour of St Peter’s Basilica with Dome Climb and Grottoes in a Small Group

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:   1 hour 45 mins hours | ✅  Book it!

Experience a different side of Vatican City with this tour of St. Peter’s Basilica that lets you climb to the top of its dome, and down into its underground grottoes.

Sarah was an excellent guide. Engaging, Informative, easy to follow, somehow easy to hear in a crowded noisy environment and ask questions to. Listening devices were important for following in a noisy and packed environment. Was a nice early morning half day tour to get a great taste of the history of the Basilica and Vatican area. Ascending down into the Tombs and then up to the Cupola for refreshments, rest and long city views was a great addition. -Jennifer_L

Differing a bit from most Vatican City tours, this unique tour really lets visitors explore everything there is to see at St. Peter’s Basilica. You’ll meet the guide, an actual art historian, right outside St. Peter’s Square, and spend some time viewing the square and learning about its history.

Next, the tour continues into the basilica, where you can marvel at Michelango’s “Pieta” and the beautiful architecture and décor of the church.

After learning more about St Peter’s, follow the guide down into the grottoes underneath the church, where you can discover St. Peter’s tomb and admire the beautiful frescoes that decorate the walls, dating all the way back to the 4 th century.

Finally, you’ll get the chance to take the long climb up to the duomo of the basilica, where you can see an incredible birds eye view of the Vatican and all of Rome surrounding it from the balcony.

• Start time (and location): Largo del Colonnato, 5, right outside the first columns of Vatican city. Choose between 8:45 am and 2:00 pm options.
• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Includes: Professional art historian guide and all entry fees for St. Peter’s, the grottoes, and the dome.

7. Sistine Chapel First Entry Experience with Vatican Museums

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✅  Book it!

Book this experience to spend a morning exploring the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel ahead of the day’s crowds. You’ll basically have the place to yourself (well, almost).

Sabina was an utterly incredible tour guide. A font of knowledge and super fun. Would highly recommend!-Florance_T

Many would say that dawn is the time for the best tours of the Vatican, and I’d argue they’re correct. Book this early morning Vatican tour if you’re an early bird who would like to see the Vatican Museums when it’s calmer than usual.

In a small group of 12, you’ll get to explore Vatican City and the Vatican Museums an hour before the usual opening time. The tour features a knowledgeable guide, who will teach you about all the artwork and history around you.

It ends with a dropoff at the Sistine chapel, so you can spend time enjoying the beauty of the chapel with no deadline.

• Start time (and location): Next to Caffe Vatican, across the street from the entrance to the Vatican Museums, at 8:00 am.
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Includes: All entry fees, including early entry into the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, English-speaking well-informed guide, and a guaranteed small group of 12 people or less.

8. Rome in a Day: Colosseum, Vatican & Historic Rome Small-Group Skip-the-Line Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:  7.5 hours | ✅   Book it!

Enjoy a full-day tour of Rome, including some of the city’s most epic attractions, and culminating in a visit to the Vatican.

We loved our Rome in a day tour (before our Mediterranean Cruise). It was fast paced and chock full of history. The check in process was smooth and easy to find. Our guide was amazing. She was knowledgeable, funny, and take-charge. She navigated our group with ease to skip the lines and make the most of our day. Couldn’t recommend it more! -Jennifer_W

If you’re short on time in Rome, or just want to get a lot done in one day, this tour is an ideal option for you.

The day begins near the Colosseum, where the group will get to skip the long line to visit this iconic Roman landmark and to learn about all of the sports and battles which took place there.

The tour continues with a walk to hill overlooking the Roman forum, where you’ll get to learn more about the ancient civilization of Rome, before heading to Piazza Venezia and the Trevi Fountain.

Along the way, the guide will give you detailed information and stories about all the interesting places you pass.

You’ll also get to see (and learn about) the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, before heading to the Vatican and seeing all the amazing art and history there, including the Sistine Chapel.

The whole day you’ll be well informed by your local guide, and the tour includes skip-the-line access to the day’s attractions.

• Start time (and location): Via delle Terme di Tito, 72 (Opposite Oppio caffe), at 9:30 am
• Duration: 7 hours and 30 minutes
• Includes: Skip the line tickets for the colosseum and the Vatican museums, an expert English-speaking guide, a headset, and a relatively small group cap of 18.

9. Private Early-Bird Vatican Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  LENGTH:  3 hours | ✅  Book it!

Spend a morning exploring the Vatican with minimal distractions with this fully private early-bird tour, which we consider one of the best private Vatican tours out there.

The only way to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums! Our driver picked us up at our hotel and drove us to meet our guide, Ala. Ala had our tickets already and we were able to get right in which is huge as the lines are LONG. This was a private tour so we were able to move through the Church and the Museums much easier than the large groups. Ala was very knowledgeable and gave us a great lesson on the history of Vatican City. – Stacey_L

If you’re looking for Vatican private tours, this is the perfect experience for you. After being picked up at your hotel or other accommodation by a licensed Blue Badge tour guide, either take a taxi or a private transfer to the Vatican with the guide to start your tour.

As the tour includes early bird access, the guide will be able to take you past all the crowds and lines to enter the Vatican Museums.

The guide will spend the next hours taking you through all the beautiful galleries of the Vatican Museums and explaining the significance of everything you see, culminating in an informative and impressive Sistine chapel tour.

After leaving the chapel, you’ll be taken to St Peter’s Basilica to explore more, with expert commentary from your guide.

In addition to being a great, peaceful way to experience a very busy place, the flexibility and organisation make this one of the best Vatican tours for families.

(Section 4) Important details

• Start time (and location): 8:00 am, at your hotel or accommodation.
• Includes: Meet and greet service with guide at hotel or accommodation, professional Blue Badge guide, early-bird Vatican Museums ticket and Sistine Chapel ticket, option to upgrade to a private hotel pickup and drop-off.

FAQs About vatican museum tours

Is a guided tour of vatican worth it.

A guided tour of the Vatican is definitely worth it! As one of the world’s most renowned centers for art, culture, and religion, there’s so much to explore in and around the walls of the Vatican City.

From the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ll be able to appreciate both religious and artistic masterpieces while learning about the long history of Catholicism.

Plus, no trip to Rome would be complete without a stop at St. Peter’s Square! While it may come with a steep admission price tag, you won’t regret taking a guided tour through this magnificent city-within-a-city.

is the early morning tour of the vatican worth it?

Yes, the early morning tour of the Vatican is definitely worth it! Touring the historic and holy grounds before the crowds begin to arrive gives you an opportunity for a more intimate experience with the artwork and architecture that the Vatican has to offer.

The early morning light also makes it easier to appreciate all of the details and artistry in the sculptures and paintings. Plus, you’ll be able to beat the heat of Rome’s summer temperatures while seeing some of its most iconic sites.

what to wear visiting the vatican

Visiting the Vatican requires modest attire. Women should wear long pants or skirts that reach below their knees, and short-sleeved or sleeved blouses must cover shoulders.

Men should wear long pants and shirts with at least short sleeves. No matter what you choose to wear, make sure it is not too tight fitting – avoid any clothing that may be considered immodest.

Hats are not required but are a nice touch when visiting the Vatican as it shows respect for the customs of this holy place. As it can get quite hot in the summer months, consider wearing lightweight fabrics that will provide some breathability and keep you cool in the sun.

Taking along a shawl or pashmina is also a great option for keeping covered up in case you find yourself getting too warm while inside the museum or basilica buildings.

Final Thoughts: guided tours of vatican

Visiting the Vatican is an experience like no other, and these are the top tours to experience it to its fullest. So why wait?

Get your tickets today and let a professional tour guide make your visit to one of the most amazing places in the world even more special! No matter what kind of traveller you are, there’s a perfect Vatican tour for you. With an array of choices ranging from fully guided tours to private visits, you can rest assured that all your needs will be met with these incredible options. So don’t miss out – book now and be part of this timeless journey!

• Where to Stay in Rome  – Close to Famous Attractions
• Weird, Unusual and Unique Things to do in Rome  for First Time Travellers (Plus a Few Classics)
• 48 Hours in Rome – 2 Day Itinerary
• Best Day Trips from Rome
• Luxury Travel Guide to Rome

Genevieve is a dynamic traveler with a passion for adventure, blending travel marketing acumen with hands-on exploration. From the US to Italy and London, she seeks bold experiences like road trips with friends and romantic getaways in Europe. Notable adventures include a solo 5-month journey across South America, trekking to Machu Picchu, and sailing from Cartagena to Panama City. Specializing in Couples Travel, Europe, The Americas, Hiking, and Experiential Travel, she offers valuable insights for immersive journeys.

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Home » Travel Guides » Vatican City » 15 Best Vatican Tours

15 Best Vatican Tours

Full of incredible art, outstanding architecture, and dripping in history, the Vatican is simply mesmerizing to visit. You’ll be astounded at the sheer beauty of everything you see. Exploring the extensive Papal collections in the Vatican Museums is an awe-inspiring experience, as centuries worth of frescoes, sculptures, and paintings gaze down at you. The Sistine Chapel ceiling is certainly one of mankind’s most amazing accomplishments.

With the Papal Villas and Gardens for you to enjoy, as well as the imposing Saint Peter’s Basilica and Square, you’ll have your work cut out trying to fit everything in.

To give you an idea of what is available to you, here are some of the best tours that will take you to everything that you need to see when visiting the Vatican.

1. Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & Saint Peter’s Guided Tour

A wildly popular tour, this is one of the top-rated ones out there; people invariably come away raving about all they’ve seen and done.

One of the most incredible places in the world, Vatican City is jam-packed with awe-inspiring monuments, buildings, artworks and more, and this tour will certainly take you to the best of them.

With an expert guide accompanying you, the delights of the Vatican Museums will come to life before your eyes, while the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s Basilica are equally breathtaking.

2. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Fast-Track Entry

As they are such a popular tourist attraction, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are unfortunately often beset by long lines and many people end up queuing for hours.

This ticket is a great option; it will help you make the most of your time in the Vatican and avoid the crowds.

With the stunning and extensive Papal collections for you to enjoy, this fast-track entry is well worth investing in; in no time at all, you’ll be marveling at some of Michelangelo’s masterpieces.

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3. Official Vatican Partner Tour with Sistine & St. Peter’s

A very popular tour that comes highly recommended, this trip is as entertaining as it is informative and educational. You’ll come away having learned a lot about the history, culture, art, and architecture of the Vatican.

Wandering around the museums is mesmerizing, as incredible statues, frescoes and paintings cover every surface. The highlight at the end is, of course, the stunning Sistine Chapel ceiling.

With a professional guide to tell you about all of the amazing sights, you certainly won’t come away disappointed.

4. Rome in One Day: Low Cost Vatican & Colosseum Tours

If you’re only in the capital for a short period of time, this is the tour for you. It’ll take you to many of the main sights, with visits to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill included.

The Colosseum is absolutely stupendous; the sheer size and scale of it is incredible, while the ruins of the Roman Forum nearby are lovely to explore.

Just one of the many highlights on the tour is the visit to the Vatican, with its amazing museums, chapel, and towering basilica.

5. Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour

Taking you to all of the must-see sights in the Vatican, this tour is definitely worth checking out. You’ll love all that you see and do over the course of the excursion.

With an expert guide to explain the significance of what it is you’re gazing at, you’ll come away with a greater appreciation for all the amazing artworks on display.

Passing by such incredible creations as ‘La Pieta’, Raphaels Rooms and the Gallery of the Maps is an amazing experience and the sheer quantity of beautiful pieces on display is jaw-dropping.

6. Angels and Demons Official Tour – The Path to Illumination

A wonderful tour that is both fun and friendly, this one takes you to many of the filming locations that appear in the film and book by Dan Brown of the same name.

Exploring Rome’s piazzas is a delightful way to spend the day. One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to the distinctive Castel Sant’Angelo, which lies right next to the Vatican.

With a great guide on hand to show you the secret world of Dan Browns’ thriller, you’ll also get to see off the beaten path places such as ‘Il Pasetto’ – a tiny secret passage that links the castle to the Vatican.

7. The Last Judgement: A Musical and Visual Spectacle

A spell-binding spectacle, this tour will certainly astound and awe you with all that it has to offer. It truly is a magical experience seeing Michelangelo’s work come to life before your eyes.

Based on the stunning masterpiece that resides in the Sistine Chapel, theatre, music, and technology combine to create a show that you won’t forget – the visuals are breathtaking.

A unique way to explore and appreciate the famous artwork, this visual extravaganza will leave you raving.

8. Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & Saint Peter’s Guided Tour

Taking you on a whirlwind journey around the main sights in the Vatican, this tour sees you skip the queues. As such, you’ll get a lot more time to bathe in the artistic wonders all around you.

With a trained guide to take you around, you’ll learn all there is to know about the masterpieces on show, the grand buildings all around you and, of course, Michelangelo’s famous frescoes.

As there is so much to see and do in the Vatican, it is well worth checking this tour out – it will help you to see a lot in a time efficient way.

9. Vatican Gardens, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Exploring the extensive Papal collections in the Vatican Museums is a bucket list experience. You’ll also get to enjoy the Sistine Chapel.

In addition to this, the ticket also includes visits to the Papal Gardens and Villas, which are a delight to wander around. The complimentary audio guide will teach you all there is to know about them.

Great value for what it includes, the ticket is valid for a day and you’ll be amazed at all the sights you can fit into your day of sightseeing.

10. Exclusive Early Morning Vatican Tour

This tour is a fantastic option if you want to explore the Vatican Museums in peace and quiet; it gains you access to the collections a full hour before the museums actually open.

Wandering around the extensive galleries is enchanting and the statues, paintings, and frescoes truly are spectacular.

With a visit to the Sistine Chapel also included, this guided tour will certainly not disappoint.

11. Vatican City: Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibition Ticket

An amazing way to get to know some of Leonardo Da Vinci’s greatest creations, this exhibition will astound you and you’ll come away with a newfound appreciation of his work.

A man of many talents, he was an artist, architect, scientist, sculptor and more, and the exhibition highlights many of his most important contributions to our world.

With fifty inventions on show, as well as a reproduction of the fantastic ‘The Last Supper’ painting for you to enjoy, this exhibition is not to be missed.

12. Audience with Pope Francis and Tour Guide

Attending Pope Francis’ weekly audience is a memorable affair and one that you’re not likely to forget any time soon, as he prays alongside all the pilgrims who have congregated from around the world.

Headsets are given to you so you can better hear his speech and your expert guide will tell you all there is to know about the Papal audiences and the history of the church.

A great way to start the day’s sightseeing, this tour will get you up close and personal to the Pope as he delivers his speech.

13. Vatican & Rome City Pass with Free Transportation

Well worth investing in, this three-day pass not only will save you loads of cash, but also gets you fast-track entry to many of the main attractions.

Having saved so much time that would have been spent queuing, you can see much more of the Vatican and Rome. The pass will get you lots of discounts to many of the museums, monuments and more.

With free transport also included, you’ll be whizzing around the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and the Castel Sant’Angelo with a spring in your step, loving every minute of this amazing experience.

14. Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Square Tour

This combo deal takes you to two of the main sights in the city, which conveniently lie right next to each other, so you won’t waste any time getting from one to the other.

The cylindrical Castel Sant’Angelo is a very distinctive edifice in design and is marvelous to visit – your guide will tell you all about it.

After that, it’s time to take the historic Il Passetto di Borgo and follow past popes to St. Peter’s, where you’ll get to marvel at the majestic colonnades that line the impressive square.

15. Vatican Gardens, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Tour

This fabulous tour takes you around many of the Vatican’s most famous sights. The beauty and luxurious wealth is mind-blowing.

With visits to the Papal Gardens and the Vatican Museums included on the guided tour, you’ll get to see some absolutely incredible paintings, sculptures, and artworks, with the Sistine Chapel ceiling being the undoubted highlight.

Culminating at St. Peter’s Basilica – which is colossal – this tour will leave you with long lasting memories of a brilliant day and comes highly recommended.

15 Best Vatican Tours:

• Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & Saint Peter's Guided Tour
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Fast-Track Entry
• Official Vatican Partner Tour with Sistine & St. Peter's
• Rome in One Day: Low Cost Vatican & Colosseum Tours
• Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Tour
• Angels and Demons Official Tour – The Path to Illumination
• The Last Judgement: A Musical and Visual Spectacle
• Vatican Gardens, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Exclusive Early Morning Vatican Tour
• Vatican City: Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibition Ticket
• Audience with Pope Francis and Tour Guide
• Vatican & Rome City Pass with Free Transportation
• Castel Sant'Angelo and St. Peter's Square Tour
• Vatican Gardens, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Tour

11 Top-Rated Vatican City Tours from Rome in 2024

Which Vatican City tours are best? Is it worth getting a guided tour of the Vatican?

Situated just 3 miles (4.7km) outside of Rome, Vatican City is a must-visit destination for any traveler heading to Italy’s charming capital! Home to some of the world’s most iconic and significant religious landmarks, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, this small city-state has a rich history and cultural heritage that attracts millions of visitors every year.

And, of course, with those millions of annual visitors comes lines… long, long lines. Which brings me to my point – guided tours of Vatican City are unquestionably worth the time and investment since many of them include skip-the-line entry, saving you hours! Plus, they provide you with a unique opportunity to learn all about the Vatican’s history, art, architecture, and get insider information from knowledgeable guides.

Don’t have time to scour the entire post for the best tour? No worries!

The Early Morning Vatican: Small Group Tour Max 6 People or Private is undoubtedly the #1 tour on this list!

⭐ 2,300+ 5-Star Reviews ⭐ Viator’s Badge of Excellence ⭐ Skip-the-Line Entry ⭐ Visit the Sistine Chapel before it opens to the public!

But with so many different tours available, how do you know which ones are worth your time? That’s where I come in!

When it comes to visiting the Vatican City, there are endless options for tours available. From private tours to small group tours, walking tours to bus tours, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one is best for you.

That’s why I’ve compiled this list of the top-rated tours led by local companies in Rome so you don’t have to do all the digging. As someone with a whole lot of Italian heritage (my last name is a province in Northern Italy) and a lot of experience in finding the right tours in Italy, I can attest to the quality and value of these tours.

From comprehensive tours to Vatican City that cover all the must-see sights to more specialized tours focused on specific aspects of the city, here are the top-rated options in Italy!

11 BEST Vatican City Tours

1. early morning vatican: small group tour max 6 people or private.

Undoubtedly the #1 tour on this list thanks to its unparalleled opportunity to experience the Vatican’s majestic beauty without the bustling throngs of tourists is this Early Morning Vatican Tour !

This exclusive tour offers an intimate view of the Vatican’s treasures, including the world-renowned Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. With a maximum of six people per group, you’ll have a near-private viewing of Michelangelo’s masterpiece, letting the profound art and architecture resonate with no distractions.

The early morning slot not only means cooler temperatures, but also entry into the Sistine Chapel before it opens to the public . That’s about as “quiet” in Italy’s peak season as you’re going to get! Your knowledgeable guide will also provide captivating insights into the history and secrets of the Vatican while ensuring a personalized experience.

Whether you choose the small group option or decide to go private, this 3.5-hour tour promises an unforgettable, serene exploration of one of Italy’s most sacred sites.

2. Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

Another fantastic tour with over 2,400 5-star reviews, the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour is designed for those who seek comprehensive insights into Vatican City’s art and history.

With skip-the-line access, you can avoid the lengthy queues and delve straight into the cultural heart of the Vatican’s opulent galleries. On this 3-hour tour, you are accompanied by an expert guide who brings to life the stories behind the masterpieces housed within the Vatican walls. Plus, you won’t need to worry about hearing your guide even if it’s majorly crowded since every guest gets their own personal headset!

With all entrance fees included, this is a great option for those looking for a hassle-free, all-inclusive tour of the Vatican City.

3. VIP Small Group Vatican, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour

Short on time but want to get the most out of your visit to the Vatican? I’ve got you covered! The VIP Small Group Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour offers an exclusive, 2-hour experience for those eager to discover the Vatican without having to set aside an entire day for the excursion.

Perfect for those who aren’t as, we’ll say enthusiastic , about art and history, but still want to experience the highlights of Vatican City, this tour includes skip-the-line access and a

4. Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St Peter Small Group Tour

Another great option for those seeking a small group tour limited to just six people , the Skip the Line: Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Small Group Tour is a meticulously crafted experience designed to cover the Vatican highlights while providing a deep dive into the history, stories, and secrets held within its iconic walls.

This 3-hour journey is led by a professional guide whose passion and knowledge of the Vatican’s art, history, and architecture are second to none. Ideal for couples or friends traveling together who want a more intimate and personalized tour, this option offers plenty of time for questions and reflection.

Plus, with skip-the-line access, you’ll avoid wasting precious vacation time in the queue!

5. The Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter’s Dome Climb

Discover the Vatican like never before with The Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter’s Dome Climb ! This comprehensive, 5-hour adventure combines the essential Vatican City tour with the rare opportunity to ascend to the top of the famous dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Starting with the Vatican Museums, your knowledgeable guide will escort you through a plethora of art and historical artifacts, leading to the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s ceiling will leave you spellbound.

After the chapel, you’ll make your way through the elegant halls to visit St. Peter’s Basilica itself. Unlike other tours, this experience doesn’t end there. Prepare to climb up to the terrace of St. Peter’s Dome — a challenge met with a rewarding panoramic view of Rome perfect for the ultimate photos!

With all entrance fees and a professional guide included, this tour offers an in-depth journey through the heart of the Vatican’s majesty, complete with the breathtaking cityscape that is often missed by most other tourists.

6. Private Early Bird Vatican Museums Tour

Possibly even better than the first early bird Vatican tour I mentioned in this list, the Private Early Bird Vatican Museums Tour guarantees that only your group will participate, making it the perfect choice for family or friend groups who want an exclusive tour!

As the sun begins to rise, you’ll accompany your personal guide through the tranquil corridors of the Vatican Museums on a journey tailored to your interests. This immersive 3.5-hour tour allows you to relish the art and splendor at a leisurely pace, free from the pressure of daytime crowds.

Starting early means you’ll witness the Vatican’s masterpieces, like the Raphael Rooms and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, in a quiet setting. Ideal for aficionados and first-time visitors alike, this tour pledges a unique and introspective Vatican experience.

All entrance fees are included in every package on offer, however, those seeking hotel pick-up and drop-off should choose the “comfort” or “luxury” option to ensure a seamless start to their day at the Vatican.

7. Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums & St Peter’s Semi Private Tour

Did you know that most “small group tours” departing from Rome actually have a maximum head count of 20 people ? Doesn’t sound very “small”, now does it? Well, for those looking for a cohesive exploration of Roman Catholic splendor with 10 or fewer people, this Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums & St Peter’s Semi Private Tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the art and architecture of the Vatican.

Over the course of 3 hours, your guide will lead you through the halls of Michelangelo’s most famous work, the Sistine Chapel, as well as the Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

With skip-the-line access and an intimate group size, you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions and soak in all that this holy city has to offer. Plus, with a complimentary headset and audio system included, you’ll never miss a detail along the way!

8. After Hours Private Tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Ever wanted to visit the Vatican after dark when most of the other tourists have left? Well, the After Hours Private Tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel does just that!

Accompanied by a personal guide, delve into the Vatican’s art collections, marvel at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel without interruption, and gain special access to sections that are usually closed to the public during the day.

With the personal touch of a private tour, tailor the experience to your preferences and examine the treasures of the Vatican under the tranquil cover of night! Easily one of the best Vatican City evening tours available, this opportunity is surely a unique one.

9. Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

Easily one of the most popular choices on this list, the Skip-the-Line Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Guided Tour offers a seamless journey into the cultural heart of the Holy See.

With priority access, you’ll be ahead of the crowd, exploring the exquisite tapestries, classical sculptures, and historical artifacts alongside a knowledgeable guide. In this 3-hour tour, you’ll also get access to the Cortile della Pigna, the Sphere within a Sphere, and the Gallery of the Maps in addition to the chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.

With a maximum group size of 20 people, you’ll have access to personal headsets you have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and listen to the knowledge of your expert guide!

10. Skip-the-Line Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s | Small Group

One of the top-rated Vatican city tours on this list, the Skip-the-Line Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s | Small Group promises a valuable and intimate experience with a maximum group size of 12 people.

In just 3 hours, explore the world-renowned collections of art and architecture found within the Vatican walls, including Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel. With special access to the Raphael Rooms, you’ll have plenty of time to take photos and admire the beauty of this holy city.

Plus, with a professional guide and personal headsets provided, you’ll have access to all the fascinating information and history along the way!

11. Complete Early Morning Vatican Tour | Small Group

Rise early and beat the crowds with this 3.5-hour Complete Early Morning Vatican Tour ! With a maximum group size of 12, you’ll have a personal and insightful tour through the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica before they open to the general public.

Skip-the-line access allows you to make the most of your time as you learn about the Vatican’s rich history and iconic art while an expert guide by your side provides historical and cultural context.

Perfect for early risers and anyone looking to make the most of their time in Vatican City!

Vatican Museum Hours

In 2024, the Vatican Museums have arranged to be open between 8:00AM and 7:00PM Monday through Saturday, with Fridays and Saturdays planning to extend their hours to 8:00PM starting March 1st. The museums are closed on most Sundays.

The last Sunday of every month, the museums will be open from 9:00AM to 2:00PM. If you’re looking for a hours on a specific day that you’ll be visiting, be sure to check out their 2024 Official Openings and Closings Calendar !

FAQ: Vatican City Tours

In this last section, I’ve provided some additional information surrounding Vatican City including the best day of the week to visit, what you should bring with you on a guided tour, if you need your passport, and more!

Which Vatican City Tour is Best?

The Early Morning Vatican: Small Group Tour Max 6 People or Private is arguably the best tour option for those looking to have a more intimate and personalized experience. With a small group size, you’re guaranteed a level of attention and interaction with your guide that larger groups simply can’t offer.

This tour is ideal for visitors who want to explore the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica without the usual crowds pressing in. By starting early, you also enjoy the serenity of the city before most tourists are awake, making this tour a top choice for both first-time visitors and seasoned Vatican explorers alike.

Plus, with entry to the Sistine Chapel before it opens to the public, you’ll have time to soak in the stunning artwork without being jostled by crowds. You’ll also get to enjoy skip-the-line entry to the other areas, so even if they do start getting busy, you won’t have to wait!

Is It Worth Getting a Guided Tour of the Vatican?

A guided tour of the Vatican is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment ! The Vatican is not only rich with art and history, but it is also extensive and complex. A knowledgeable guide offers invaluable insight into the vast collection of art, the stories behind the frescoes, and the historical significance of each site within the city-state.

Furthermore, a guide can help navigate the labyrinthine corridors and point out details that you might miss on your own. With their expertise, you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Vatican treasures.

And let’s not forget the practical benefits – guided tours often come with skip-the-line access, which is a huge advantage, considering the long queues that are the norm at popular attractions like St. Peter’s and the Sistine Chapel.

Can a Tourist Just Walk into Vatican City?

While anyone can walk into the main areas of Vatican City during its opening hours, entry into the landmark sites like the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica requires official Vatican City tickets. These can be purchased directly from the Vatican Official Website for those not interested in a tour, or they are included in the price of a guided tour when you book with a local company.

The public areas that one can freely access include St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Post Office, among a few other minor sites. However, for a more immersive experience that allows access to some of the most famous art and historical sites in the world, securing a ticket, preferably as part of a guided tour, is necessary.

Moreover, security checks similar to airport screenings are a prerequisite for entry to these attractions, so be prepared to queue for this process if traveling independently.

How Much is a Tour of the Vatican?

General admission to the Vatican Museums starts at about 20 euros for an adult ticket if purchased online from the Vatican’s official website, not including the 5 euro online booking fee.

Guided tours, on the other hand, can range from $45 for a basic group tour to upwards of $150 or more for private or semi-private tours with added perks such as early access or after-hours entry.

When considering a tour, remember that many options include added benefits like skip-the-line access and expert guidance, which can significantly enhance your visit.

What are the Top 2 Must-Sees if You Come to Vatican City?

When visiting Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica are the two must-see attractions that top the list . The Sistine Chapel is world-renowned for Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment.

St. Peter’s Basilica, on the other hand, is not only an architectural masterpiece but also an important religious site, home to significant works such as Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldacchino. Both these sites encapsulate the artistic and spiritual heritage that Vatican City is famous for.

How Much Time is Enough for the Vatican?

A comprehensive visit to the Vatican typically requires at least half a day to fully appreciate the rich historical and artistic significance of its many treasures .

For those intent on a more detailed exploration, especially if attending with a guided tour, allocating a full day would allow enough time to absorb the grandeur of the museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica without rushing. That way, even when the guided portion of your exploration reaches its end, you have still allotted enough time to check out the other areas of the Vatican.

Remember, this duration includes time for security checks, potential queues, and leisurely paced walks through the extensive collections and corridors.

What is the Best Day of the Week to Visit the Vatican?

The best day of the week to visit the Vatican is often considered to be Tuesday or Thursday . These days tend to be less crowded compared to Mondays, which can be busier due to other museums in Rome being closed, and Wednesdays, when Papal Audiences are held attracting additional visitors.

Weekends, especially Saturdays, typically see a massive influx of tourists, so it’s advisable to visit mid-week if you’re looking for a quieter experience. Additionally, being aware of the Vatican holiday calendar can help in planning your visit, as religious events and celebrations can significantly affect crowd levels and availability.

Pro Tip: please remember that if you’re visiting the Vatican in Italy’s peak summer months, it will be busy regardless of when you go. If you’re hoping for the least amount of other tourists, then an early morning Vatican tour like this one is usually going to be your best bet! Just don’t be discouraged if you don’t have a major attraction all to yourself since it’s very unlikely that will happen during the busy season.

How Long Does a Vatican Tour Take?

Most tours of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica can take anywhere between 2 to 4 hours . If you opt for a more in-depth tour that includes the Vatican Gardens or the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, it can extend to a full-day outing of approximately 5 to 7 hours.

For an independent visit without a tour guide, you can expect to spend as much or as little time as your schedule allows, keeping in mind the Vatican’s opening hours.

What Should I Pack for Tours of the Vatican City?

When preparing for a tour of the Vatican City, it’s important to pack accordingly to ensure you’re comfortable and respectful of the venue’s dress code. Essentials to include in your prep are:

• Modest Clothing : Shoulders and knees must be covered, as the Vatican enforces a strict dress code in places of worship. Shorts, mini skirts, sleeveless dresses, and lowcut tops are forbidden and entry will be refused.
• Comfortable Footwear : You’ll be walking a lot, so wearing comfortable shoes is key. Leave the heels at your hotel for this one!
• Reusable Water Bottle : It’s essential to stay hydrated, especially in the hot summer months. There are several water fountains where you can refill your bottle which saves on single-use plastic. I always bring this LifeStraw bottle with me to Europe and I absolutely love it!
• Snacks : a protein bar and small bag of pretzels or other light snacks can be a savior if you booked a half or full-day tour.
• Sun Protection : If you’re visiting in the summer, sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat are advisable.
• Small Backpack or Bag : To carry your essentials, but be aware that large backpacks may not be allowed in. Always check beforehand with your tour operator what you’ll be allowed to bring.
• Camera (without flash) : Flash photography and selfie sticks are typically prohibited inside the museums.
• Copy of Your Ticket : Either a printed copy or a digital version on your mobile device, to avoid any issues at the entrance.

Remember to pack light, as you might need to go through security checks, and heavy, bulky items can be an inconvenience.

Do You Need a Passport for a Vatican Tour?

While the Vatican City is indeed a sovereign state, you do not need to present a passport to enter the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, or St. Peter’s Basilica .

However, you must have a valid ticket to enter the attractions inside the Vatican. It’s important to keep your ticket with you at all times during your visit, as security may ask to see it at any point. Be sure to have a form of government identification with you, just in case, especially if your ticket is for a reduced category – such as student or senior discounts – as you may need to prove your eligibility.

It’s always best to check with your tour operator for any specific requirements before your visit.

Jump to the bottom of the post looking for the best tour? No worries!

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Visiting the Vatican City is a must for anyone interested in history, art, or religion. With careful planning and preparation, you can make the most out of your visit and create unforgettable memories on your trip to Italy.

Remember to pack appropriately, have proper identification, and enjoy every moment of these unique Vatican city tours !

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

Top Tours in Vatican City, Italy

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1. Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

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ENTIRE VATICAN & VATACOMBS: FLAGSHIP VATICAN TOUR

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• Tag Tour category: Vatican Tours

Our Flagship Tour of the Vatican and Vatacombs

Meet your expert guide by the Vatican Museum entrance and after brief introductions enjoy skip-the-line entry to what is arguably the most important and largest art collection in the world.

The Vatican Museums weren’t always as we know them today. For over five hundred years, celebrated Popes slowly gathered and commissioned works of art from the most talented painters, architects and sculptors in Italy and brought them to the Vatican to showcase them for their own personal enjoyment and that of a carefully chosen circle of clerics, artists, nobles, and scholars. Each new Pope sought to leave a legacy, commissioning chapels, frescoes, sculptures, libraries, paintings, courtyards – one masterpiece after another until the Papal Collection finally grew to more than 70,000 works of art spread over 1400 galleries.

In 1771 Pope Clement XIV finally opened the doors to the public, making it possible for us to enter the Holy See and walk in the footsteps of Popes and the most celebrated artists from Renaissance and Baroque Italy.

On this epic Vatican Tour you’ll walk in the footsteps of Popes and Renaissance Masters as you take in the Rooms of Raphael and of course the Sistine Chapel from its commissioning to the finishing touches by none other than Michelangelo Buonarroti. With an expert guide, learn to discern between myth, fact, and popular Hollywood fiction regarding this epic work of art.

Enjoy fast-track access to St. Peter’s Basilica to view masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini among others before descending to the Papal crypts below. We conclude on the portico with an overview of Bernini’s magnificent piazza (St. Peter’s Square), the central obelisk, and of course the Swiss Guard.

• Stand just feet away from Michelangelo’s remarkable frescoes in the Sistine Chapel
• Take in the beauty of the extraordinary rooms of Raphael
• Skip all lines with priority tour operator access
• Visit the “Vatacombs,” the eerie resting place of former Popes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica
• Expert local guide
• Skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums
• Room of the Muses and Belvedere Torso
• Pinecone Courtyard
• Octagonal Courtyard
• Rooms of Raphael
• Gallery of Maps
• Laocoonte Sculpture 1st Century AD
• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Vatacombs (papal tombs beneath St. Peter’s)
• Visit to the Necropolis / Scavi
• Transport to and from meeting point

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Tour departs rain or shine
• Unfortunately, wheelchairs and strollers cannot be accommodated on this tour. Contact us for private tour options for your group.

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21 BEST Vatican Tours in Rome (selected by an Italian)

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: October 5, 2023

Categories Europe , Italy

Looking for Vatican Tours in Rome? The Vatican is one of the key places to visit in the city, and in this article, you’ll find the most memorable visits to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Check them out!

Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world and it can be found in the heart of Rome, surrounded by it. One of the major draws of the Vatican is its religious significance, being home to the  Pope, the head of the Catholic Church. However, Vatican City is also a center for art and culture. 

The Vatican Museums house artistic treasures of the likes of Michelangelo , Da Vinci , Raphael , Caravaggio , and Botticelli . The world-class frescos, paintings, and sculptures are the second most important reason why the Vatican is visited, along with its architecture. 

The Vatican has a rich history that goes back hundreds of years and has been the protagonist of many conspiracies, best-selling novels, and historic events. All of which you’ll get to learn during a Vatican guided tour! 

In this article, you’ll find the best Vatican tours in Rome , offering everything from museums and Sistine Chapel visits to a Papal Audience, early entry tickets, and family-friendly tours. Read on! 

👉 Why trust my choices? I grew up in Bologna, a few hours away from Rome, and have visited the Vatican many, many times. With 10 years in the travel industry, I know which tours stand out. I carefully selected tours that give you a real feel for the Vatican’s history and beauty, making sure you get the best experience possible.

I usually use Viator , Get Your Guide , and Walks to book activities around the world. I especially recommend them for their fantastic cancellation policy, which allows you to cancel most tours up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. 

Table of Contents

OUR PICKS: The BEST Vatican Tours in Rome 

▶️ The Original Entire Vatican City Tour & St. Peter’s Dome Climb allows you to experience the Vatican like never before. Kick off your day with a dome-climbing adventure up St. Peter’s Basilica, from where you’ll enjoy jaw-dropping views over Rome and Vatican City. 

With an art historian guide, explore the Basilica, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel, delving into its significance and history. The best part? You’ll get to skip all the lines at the entrance, bypassing the crowds. 

Unveil the wonders of the world’s most significant museum complex, showcasing ancient art and sculpture, in merely half a day. 

📝 This Vatican City tour includes : A guide, a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica with Dome climb, and skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Beat the crowds and dive straight into the marvels of Vatican City with this Complete Early Morning Vatican Tour: Small Group with Breakfast . Explore the Gallery of Maps, where history and geography entwine in captivating frescoes, visit the awe-striking Sistine Chapel, and marvel at the world-renowned tapestries in the Gallery of Tapestries. 

You’ll also get a chance to be blown away by the sheer grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, and stand in front of Michelangelo’s Pietà , and Bernini’s Baldachin . Enjoy exclusive access, savor breakfast, and relish a personalized experience with this small group tour. 

📝 This tour includes : A guide, Vatican entrance before the general public, skip-the-line tickets for St. Peter’s Basilica, and breakfast. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Discover Rome’s treasures without the hassle on this Group Skip-the-Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica . Benefitting from your guide’s engaging commentary you’ll get to explore in-depth the Vatican Museum, and immerse yourself in the captivating Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpieces. 

Stroll through the world’s smallest city, Vatican City, and snap pictures of the pontifical bodyguards dressed in Renaissance uniforms along the way. 

Wrap up your adventure at St. Peter’s Basilica, skipping the lengthy queues and standing in awe at its magnificence. Plus, get insider tips and offbeat sightseeing suggestions from your leader. 

📝 This Vatican guided tour includes : A guide, and skip-the-line access at the Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s Basilica. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

The Most Exclusive Vatican Tour: The Experience of a Lifetime

Step into the extraordinary with the most exclusive tour in town: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Key Master’s Tour in Rome . Join the Vatican’s revered Key Master on an unforgettable journey through the 500-year-old Vatican Museums. 

Experience the magic of dawn as you unlock the doors to stunning galleries and chapels before the crowds show up. You will marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, and wander through the Vatican’s treasures with the sole company of your small group and the head clavigero . 

Be enthralled by the fascinating 20,000 exhibited pieces as they flicker to life for the day, and get up close to the most coveted art pieces without having to fight the masses. 

📝 This Vatican key master tour includes : Vatican Museums entry ticket, and an official Vatican guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

The BEST Early Entry Vatican Tours

▶️ Delight in a tranquil escape into the heart of the Vatican with the Pristine Sistine Early Entrance Small Group Vatican Tour . You’ll be one of the first visitors of the day, getting to witness Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel without pushing through crowds. 

With exclusive access, explore the Raphael Rooms and the Vatican Museums with up to 15 other people, ensuring a personalized excursion. An expert guide will lead the way and reveal fascinating secrets hidden within the artwork of Italy’s greats. 

Cap off the experience with a special passage to St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the major landmarks of the Vatican. 

📝 This tour includes : A guide, a walking tour, and skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Get ready for an extraordinary journey through the Vatican’s artistic treasures on an Exclusive Early Access Vatican Semi Private Tour | with Private Option . Skip the lines with early entrance to the Vatican Museums, and explore its highlights, including the Gallery of Candelabras, the Gallery of Tapestries, Pinecone Courtyard, and the Raphael Rooms without the crowds.

Then, you’ll head to the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s awe-striking frescoes, The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment, await. You’ll finish the tour with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, where some of the most remarkable pieces of art can be found. This trip is for a small group of up to six people, and can be upgraded into a private Vatican tour in the early morning. 

📝 This Vatican early access tour includes : A guide, early entry to the Vatican Museums, skip-the-line tickets to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, and a private option. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Indulge in a Breakfast: Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Tour to beat the rush hour with an early start. This exclusive morning visit includes an Italian-American breakfast buffet at the Vatican Museums, and exclusive access to the major attractions. 

You’ll get to explore the Museums before the public arrives, and marvel at the renowned Sistine Chapel in a more intimate setting. With skip-the-line access, you’ll breeze into St. Peter’s Basilica through a reserved entrance, getting to discover art masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s baldacchino canopy. 

This unique tour guarantees an intimate adventure and a heavenly start to your day in the heart of Rome.

📝 This tour includes : A guide, a breakfast buffet, a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica with entrance tickets, and headsets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Vatican Night Tours

▶️ With this Exclusive After Hours Sist i ne Chapel Tour with Aperitivo , enjoy an unforgettable journey to Vatican City. Discover the Vatican Museums’ hidden treasures, including the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps. 

Learn fascinating stories from your guide as you roam around the rooms, and then head to the Sistine Chapel long before the crowds have departed. You’ll stand in awe at its attractions with just 100 other people around you…instead of the usual 2 thousand! 

To top it off, indulge in a delightful Italian aperitivo in Pinecone Courtyard after the visit. 

📝 This Vatican after hours tour includes : Skip-the-line access to the Vatican, after-hours entrance to the Sistine Chapel, a tour guide, and an aperitivo. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Join this Vatican Museums Night Tour with Sistine Chapel to benefit from the after-hours access that will allow you to explore the attractions without the daytime masses. 

You’ll be accompanied by a small group and an expert guide who will lead the way around the Vatican Museums and its rooms. Marvel at ancient sculptures like Apollo Belvedere, soak in the mesmerizing frescoes, and unravel captivating stories behind the artworks. 

Finally, bask in the celestial beauty of the Sistine Chapel as your guide unveils its secrets. With skip-the-line tickets and insider knowledge, this Vatican at-night tour is an art lover’s dream come true!

📝 This Vatican evening tour includes : A guide, after-hours access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, and a headset. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

St. Peter’s Basilica Tours & Dome Climb 

▶️ Unveil the secrets of the Vatican’s most religious building with the St. Peter’s Basilica with Dome Climb and Crypt Tour . On this extraordinary excursion, you’ll beat the crowds as you step into the hallowed St. Peter’s Square at the break of dawn. 

Ascend 231 steps to the majestic dome, where Rome’s stunning vistas will leave you breathless, and delve deep into the basilica’s wonders with an expert guide. From Bernini’s magnificent Baldachin to Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring Pietá , every masterpiece is worthy of your undivided attention as you explore the Basilica’s interiors. Cap off the trip with a visit to the papal crypt. 

It’s not quite a Vatican necropolis (catacombs) tour, which would take you yet one more level below the Basilica, but you’ll get to see the tombs of the Popes.  

📝 This tour includes : St. Peter’s Basilica and Dome Climb access, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Unravel the rich history and divine beauty of the Vatican on this St. Peter’s Basilica & Cupola Guided tour with Breakfast . Marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpieces, including the dome and La Pietà sculpture, and delve into 2000 years of history as you explore the holiest of Roman Catholic sites with an expert. 

Marvel at Bernini’s striking Baldacchino , visit the tomb of Pope John Paul II, and soak in the grandeur of St. Peter’s Square, home to the iconic Egyptian Obelisk. You’ll also enjoy a tasty Italian breakfast with your guide and fellow visitors!

📝 This Vatican breakfast tour includes : A guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Cupola with entry tickets, headsets, and breakfast at Al San Michele. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

The Best Vatican Private Tours

▶️ Unravel the Vatican’s artistic wonders like a true VIP on this Private Early Bird Vatican Tour . Gain exclusive access to the world-renowned Vatican Museums, filled with stunning Renaissance masterpieces, and explore the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica with your own guide. 

You’ll also get to access the Belvedere Courtyard and marvel at the intricate Tapestries Gallery, and the Gallery of Maps, two of the major draws of the Vatican Museums. Upgrade to include priority entry into the Raphael Rooms for the ultimate experience. A divine journey awaits in the world’s smallest state!

📝 This Vatican private tour includes : A guide, tickets to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, and hotel pick-up and drop-off if you select the Luxury Option. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Unlock the secrets of the Vatican on an exclusive Private Vatican Museums Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica . Your guide will whisk you past the crowds, straight into the heart of art and history as you explore the awe-inspiring Vatican Museums. 

You’ll find artwork by Renaissance legends like Michelangelo and Raphael, and stand in awe under the Sistine Chapel’s heavenly frescoes. Admire Michelangelo’s divine La Pietà at St. Peter’s Basilica, and witness the optical illusions of Bernini’s colonnades in the square. With insider commentary and priority access, this is one of the best private Vatican tours for art lovers!

📝 This Vatican and Sistine Chapel tour includes : A private tour, a guide, and reserved access to the attractions. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Join this Private Vatican Hidden Gems Tour to adventure through the Vatican Museums with your own group of people. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, marvel at Raphael and Caravaggio’s masterpieces, and uncover hidden gems the crowds usually miss.

You’ll wander around the Sistine Chapel, checking out its impressive frescoes, and fast-track enter St. Peter’s Basilica in this Vatican VIP tour. Delight in the expertise of your private guide as they lead you through rooms rarely seen by the public, telling you the secrets of the Vatican’s vast art collection. 

Admire the revered Lacoon and Belvedere Torso sculptures – among a vast number of art pieces – and enjoy fast-track entry and ample time to wander around the rooms. 

📝 This tour includes : A private walking tour, a guide, hotel pick-up, and skip-the-line tickets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Comprehensive Rome Tours with Vatican Visit

▶️ Embark on a lightning-fast, action-packed full-day trip of the Eternal City with this Rome in a Day: Colosseum, Vatican Museums & Historic Rome Small-Group Skip-the-Line Tour . Skip the lines at the Colosseum and listen to your guide’s thrilling stories about gladiators and martyrs. Zoom into the Roman Forum’s overlook and envision ancient Rome’s vibrant heart, and marvel at the Pantheon’s epic dome. 

Then, stroll through iconic film locations like Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona with gelato in hand. After a break for lunch (own expense), fast-track to an art-filled Vatican tour, culminating in the Sistine Chapel. All this with a fun small group of 18 people, ensuring an epic adventure!

📝 This Vatican and Colosseum combo tour includes : Skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, transportation to the Vatican, entrance to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, a guide, and a city walking tour. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Enjoy a top-notch Roman adventure with this Colosseum and Vatican Museum Guided Tour w/Lunch & Luxury Car . Your expert guide will bring history to life as you wander around the ancient Colosseum and marvel at the ruins of the Empire at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. 

Enjoy a tour of the city’s historic center, passing by Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon, and stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Then, get ready for a Vatican City guided tour as you make your way in a fancy vehicle. 

As with most Vatican tours with skip-the-line, you’ll breeze past the queues to explore the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, and enjoy your guide’s interesting stories about the art pieces displayed. This private tour, which starts and ends at your hotel, accommodates up to 15 people. 

📝 This tour includes : Roundtrip transportation, a private guide, a luxury car throughout the tour, lunch, skip-the-line access to all sites, and a guided tour of the Vatican, the Colosseum, and the city of Rome. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Family-Friendly Tours of the Vatican 

▶️ Looking for family-friendly tours that combine entertainment and exploration? Look no further than this Skip-the-Ticket-Line Kids Fun Sistine Chapel & Vatican Tour . This exciting adventure is specially designed for families with children and includes skip-the-line access for a hassle-free visit to the sites. 

You’ll visit the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter’s Basilica, marveling at ancient Greek and Roman sculptures and the sarcophagi of Empress Helena and Constantina led by a friendly guide. 

Then move on to the enchanting Gallery of the Candelabra and the mesmerizing Gallery of the Tapestries as your kids are provided with engaging games, quizzes, and cool prizes while exploring the art-filled rooms. History, art, and endless fun – all in one tour!

📝 This tour includes : Skip-the-line tickets, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Join this Rome: 2.5-Hour Family Vatican Highlight Scavenger Hunt to enjoy a tour where history and excitement collide! With a fun guide by your side, dive into centuries of art, architecture, and artifacts while your little ones are captivated by games and tales. 

Engage in a thrilling scavenger hunt throughout the Vatican Museum, and explore hidden gems like Vatican Gardens, Carriages Gallery, and Maps Gallery. Your adventure culminates in St. Peter’s Square with a surprise for the children!

📝 This tour includes : A guide, a scavenger hunt, and headsets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Papal Audience Tours

▶️ Rome: Audience Pope Francis with Tour Guide is the dream of many visitors to the Vatican. Attend the Pope’s Wednesday audience with an expert guide who will provide fascinating insights about the weekly event and the rich history of the Vatican, while ensuring a prime spot to see the audience. 

You’ll get to marvel at St. Peter’s Square and its Basilica, and enjoy a divine tour that is bound to leave you spiritually enlightened and culturally enriched. 

📝 This tour includes : Papal audience access, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ This Papal Audience in Rome Private Tour grants you exclusive access to the weekly Papal Audience that takes place in the Vatican on Wednesdays. 

You’ll enjoy a prime spot to witness Pope Francis deliver greetings, blessings, and homilies, as your private guide shows you the ropes and ensures you fully understand the ceremony and make the most of it. Plus, door-to-door transfers make sure you arrive in style and on time. 

📝 This tour includes : A private guide, and hotel pick-up. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

A Vatican Tour with Castel Gandolfo (Pope’s Summer Residence)

With this Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens & Castel Gandolfo Day Tour , skip the long lines and dive into the Vatican Museums before the crowds hit. With a witty art historian, stroll through the Tapestries, Candelabra, and Maps galleries while learning about the pieces of art you’ll walk past. 

Then make your way to the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s genius will leave you in awe, and enjoy the serenity of the Vatican Gardens, an authentic hidden gem.

Finally, hop on a train to visit Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer retreat, and wander around the Barberini Gardens, relishing the history amidst lush greenery. Cap the tour off with a delectable feast of local delights. 

📝 This tour includes : A guide, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel visit with early access, roundtrip train tickets to Castel Gandolfo, and entrance to the site. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Vatican Tours in Rome FAQs

Visiting Vatican City is free. However, if you want to access its renowned attractions, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, or the Sistine Chapel, you’ll need to pay a fee. Currently, the tickets cost around $30 for a combined visit to the Museums and the Sistine Chapel, or a little over $40 for the three landmarks. 

In my opinion, the best tours of the Vatican are these:  • The Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter’s Dome Climb • Complete Early Morning Vatican Tour with Breakfast & Small Group • Skip-the-Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica

Yes, you can easily walk into Vatican City. There are no requirements, entry fees, or passport checking. To visit its attractions, though, you’ll need tickets. 

I highly recommend joining a tour of the Vatican to fully comprehend its importance, the role it plays in the Catholic Church, and admire the impressive artwork with an expert. While you can visit on your own, I’d say a tour is worth it, especially if it’s your first time. 

A tour of the Vatican can take anywhere between 2 to 4 hours, depending on how many attractions you’ll be visiting, and how comprehensive the experience is. If you join a private tour of Vatican and Sistine Chapel, you’ll be mostly in charge of the pace. 

When visiting the Vatican, you’re not allowed to be wearing hats, clothing with offensive language or images, or an outfit that reveals your shoulders and knees. Food and beverages, weapons, large bags, and selfie sticks are also prohibited.  

With a Vatican underground tour, you’ll get to visit the Necropolis, located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, where the remains of St. Peter rest. 

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Vatican: Tips, Tricks + FAQ!

Planning a trip to Vatican City and not quite sure where to start? Home to several incredible sights, a strict dress code, some of the most famous works of art on the planet, and enormous crowds, visiting the Vatican for the first time can be a bit overwhelming.

In other words, visiting the Vatican packs quite the punch considering that Vatican City is the smallest country in the world!

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Vatican, from the best way to enjoy the museums to when to go to exactly what to wear.

Table of Contents

What to See When Visiting the Vatican

Important tips for visiting the vatican museums, should you take a vatican museums tour, all about visiting st. peter’s basilica, how to get to vatican city, faq about visiting vatican city.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

When visitors talk about visiting the Vatican, they’re most commonly referring to visiting the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, but visiting Vatican City can easily extend beyond those popular sights.

Here are the parts of Vatican City to consider when planning your visit, from the incredibly popular to the fairly niche.

St. Peter’s Square

St. Peter’s Square is the easiest part of the Vatican to visit–you can simply walk in and admire the beautiful oval square and exterior of St. Peter’s Basilica without any advance planning.

The Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are home to some of the most incredible works of art in the entire world, including Raphael’s most famous frescoes and the Sistine Chapel.

You will need a ticket or tour to visit, and when people talk about how long the lines are to get into the Vatican, they’re most commonly referring to the lines for the museums–we’ll cover more on that in the next section of this Vatican City blog post.

The Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel, with its magnificent ceiling painted by Michelangelo, is one of the most well-known houses of worship on the planet.

It is accessed through the Vatican Museums and cannot be visited separately.

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church on the planet, and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture (Michelangelo and Bernini both contributed to its design).

It is free to visit, but you will need to pass through a security checkpoint to enter, and the lines for that can get very long.

You can also visit the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica (unlike visiting the basilica itself, climbing the dome does require a ticket–more on that below), and from there you can admire incredible views of St. Peter’s Square.

Vatican Necropolis

The Vatican Necropolis (or “scavi”) lies below St. Peter’s Basilica–and even below the “grotto” area that is also under St. Peter’s Basilica.

This area was a cemetery dating back to the first century, and, most importantly to Christian history, it is the presumed resting place of St. Peter himself.

Tours are required and absolutely must be booked in advance. If you’d like to tour directly with the Vatican, there are directions for how to email them (yep, it’s done by email!) here . 

Alternatively, this well-reviewed tour will allow you to visit the Vatican Necropolis and is much more straightforward to arrange.

Check availability and book your Vatican Necropolis tour today!

The Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens are beautiful and exclusive–only a handful of reservations are accepted per day (so like the Necropolis, you absolutely must plan ahead), and therefore they are never crowded.

Like the Vatican Necropolis, the Vatican Gardens must be visited as part of a tour like this .

Book your Vatican Gardens tour today!

Papal Audience

When the Pope is at home in Vatican City, he gives an audience each Wednesday morning in St. Peter’s Square that is open to anyone who would like to join.

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance .

The Vatican Museums house the largest private art collection in the world–and despite the enormous amount of art and historical artifacts displayed, only the tiniest sliver of the complete collection is on display to the public!

Beautiful, overwhelming, and one of the most highly sought-after art museums in the world, visiting the Vatican Museums can be a bit of an intense experience.

Here’s what to know before you go.

Don’t rush to the Sistine Chapel.

I know on our first visit to the Vatican Museums, we were highly anticipating the Sistine Chapel and always hoping it was coming up soon… but it’s one of the last things you see, so be sure to appreciate everything along the way!

Plan to spend at least two hours in the museums.

Three is even better, but it is hard to visit the Vatican Museums in less than two hours without simply making a beeline for the Sistine Chapel and not paying attention to much else.

Once you add in time to get there, security checks, potentially waiting in line, and maybe visiting St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square, it’s best to consider visiting the Vatican at least a half-day commitment if you’re going to be touring the museums.

Strongly consider booking a guided tour.

Guided tours add so much context to a Vatican Museums visit, and offer the opportunity to learn so much about the history of the art in the museums. They also make visiting the Vatican far less stressful from start to finish.

We’ve visited the Vatican Museums both independently and with a guided tour, and after experiencing both, strongly recommend a tour.

This is the tour we took and loved, and this is another great option .

Book your Vatican Museums tour today!

… and at the very least, absolutely book skip-the-line tickets.

Absolutely don’t want to take a Vatican Museums tour, or just don’t have the budget for it?

That’s completely understandable. In that case, we recommend booking skip-the-line tickets (ideally these early-access ones , but skip-the-line tickets for the normal operating hours are very helpful as well).

I’m not exaggerating when I say that the lines to access the Vatican Museums are the worst we have ever seen at any museum in the world. 

During one of our longer trips to Rome, we stayed just beyond the Vatican Museums for a solid month and walked past the line for the museums almost every day–and as mid-October turned into mid-November, the lines remained incredibly overwhelming.

Grab your first-access skip-the-line tickets or general admission skip-the-line tickets for the Vatican Museums now!

Keep in mind alternative hours.

The typical opening hours for the Vatican Museums are Monday – Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (with the last entry at 4:00 PM).

However, there are a few ways to access the Vatican Museums outside these hours if you’d like to mix up your visit!

Early Morning VIP Entry

With early-morning entry, either via pre-booked tickets for an independent visit or via a tour, you can enter the Vatican Museums as early as 7:30 AM, therefore avoiding the worst of the crowds (and during warm weather, the worst of the heat).

This incredibly popular tour a tried-and-true early morning option for touring the Vatican Museums!

Book your first-access Vatican Museums tour or skip-the-line tickets today!

Friday Nights Between April and October

For seven months out of the year, the Vatican Museums are open on Friday nights until 11:00 PM (last entry at 9:30 PM), and we can personally attest that visiting the Vatican Museums at night is an incredible experience (and far less crowded than general entry hours).

We took this amazing tour on a Friday night and loved it!

Book the Friday night Vatican Museums tour we loved today!

Last Sunday of the Month

The Vatican Museums are typically (and unsurprisingly) closed on Sundays, but on the last Sunday of the month, the museums are open until 2:00 PM (last entry at 12:30 PM).

Like many free museum days around the world, the general rule of thumb with visiting the Vatican Museums on a free Sunday is that it’s a great option for those on a strict budget, and a terrible one for those who want to avoid extremely heavy crowds.

Make sure to follow the dress code!

There is a dress code for visiting the Vatican Museums. Essentially, no shorts, no bare shoulders, no cleavage, and no hats. 

In our experience, this is most strongly enforced in the Sistine Chapel, but as a gesture of respect and to avoid the risk of being denied entry, you should absolutely follow the Vatican Museums’ dress code.

We recommend light, loose clothing that will allow you to stay both covered and   cool, because the museums can get very warm.

With limited exceptions, there is no air-conditioning in the museums.

Only a few rooms are air-conditioned, so as you can imagine, during Rome’s hot summer months it can be a bit blistering inside the Vatican Museums.

Avoiding the heat (which is, of course, made even worse due to the heavy crowds that are normally visiting the Vatican) is another good reason to book an early morning or Friday night Vatican tour–not only will there be fewer crowds, the museums will be much cooler!

Don’t take photos in the Sistine Chapel.

Despite this being obviously and clearly banned, complete with repeated announcements every few minutes from the security officers and strict enforcement, you’ll still see people trying to snap photos of the Sistine Chapel. Don’t be one of them!

The photos of the Sistine Chapel I’ve used in this Vatican blog post are stock photos for that reason.

Don’t plan to eat at the Vatican Museums if possible.

There is a cafeteria inside the museums selling basic meals and snacks if you get hungry, but with so much incredible food to eat in Rome, it’s best to plan your meals for before or after your Vatican Museums visit if at all possible.

You won’t see the famous spiral staircase isn’t until the very end of your visit.

It’s one of the absolute last things you’ll see in the Vatican Museums–even after the Sistine Chapel–so don’t expect to see it early on!

Yes, absolutely!

We think the Vatican Museums are one of the best places to splurge on a tour in Rome–even more than at the Colosseum.

The context gained is incredible, and having a tour guide also makes visiting the enormous museums much less stressful and overwhelming.

We’ve visited the Vatican both independently and with a tour, and absolutely preferred our visit with a tour.

We took this Friday evening tour and loved it, but this tour is another phenomenal option.

Shop excellent, well-reviewed Vatican Museums tours today!

Sprawling and stunning, St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and an absolute must-see sight when visiting the Vatican.

St. Peter’s Basilica is free to enter.

You do not need a ticket to enter St. Peter’s Basilica–it is completely free to visit!

… but you do have to go through a security line first.

This line follows the curve of St. Peter’s Square and tends to grow throughout the day, and is in place for security. You’ll pass through a metal detector and have your bags checked when you reach the front.

The line can get excruciatingly long–if you’re not visiting St. Peter’s Basilica as part of a longer tour, we recommend arriving either very early in the morning (it opens at 7:00 AM every day except Wednesday) or in the early evening–the crowds often start to die off a couple hours before closing (6:00 PM or 7:00 PM depending on the time of year).

You should absolutely visit the dome.

The view overlooking St. Peter’s Square from the cupola is one of our favorite views in all of Rome–and the views of the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica from above are pretty phenomenal, too.

We absolutely recommend climbing the dome when visiting St. Peter’s Basilica unless 1) you have difficulty climbing large amounts of stairs (you must climb a minimum of 320 steps to access the dome), or 2) you’re uncomfortable in tight spaces–there are some very closed-in areas on the way up.

You can buy tickets inside St. Peter’s Basilica, and they’re currently 10 Euro for a ticket that involves a partial elevator ride, or 8 Euro if you’re willing to climb all 551 steps (the elevator ticket lets you bypass 200 or so steps).

The biggest benefit to the cheaper ticket, though, is not the lower price but the fact that it normally has a much shorter line than the elevator option!

Vatican City is located in the heart of Rome and is easily accessed by either foot, metro, or bus.

Keep in mind that unless you’re on a special tour that gives you a workaround (more on that in the FAQ section), it’s a 15-minute walk around the edge of the Vatican from St. Peter’s Square to the entrance to the Vatican Museums.

St. Peter’s Square is closer to Centro Storico, so if you’re approaching by foot, you’ll likely come across it first.

We absolutely love walking through Rome, and one of our favorite walks winds from Centro Storico all the way to St. Peter’s Square–in other words, the Vatican is absolutely accessible by foot!

For example, St. Peter’s Square is a 35-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain and a 25-minute walk from the Pantheon.

Those times might sound long, but in addition to all the general beauty of Centro Storico, you’ll find some interesting highlights along the way such as Piazza Navona and Castel Sant’Angelo.

From St. Peter’s Square, it’s another 15 minutes by foot to the entrance to the Vatican Museums. 

There are two metro stops close-ish to the Vatican: Ottaviano and Cipro, which are each a short walk from the Vatican Museums entrance.

There are several bus lines that stop near Vatican City, with the most frequent being 40 and 64.

Have more questions about visiting the Vatican?

Here are the answers to some of the most common Vatican City FAQs!

Can you reach St. Peter’s Basilica from inside the Vatican Museums?

Yes… but only on a tour.

There is a semi-infamous door between the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica links the two together and makes it possible to go right from the museums into the basilica without taking a (long) walk and waiting in line again, but independent visitors cannot use it.

Some guided tours, though, like this one , do give you the opportunity to use this door.

Otherwise, you’ll need to wait in line to enter St. Peter’s .

What is the Vatican City dress code?

When in the Vatican Museums, Vatican Gardens, St. Peter’s Basilica, or Sistine Chapel, you’ll want to avoid wearing anything sleeveless, any shorts, or showing cleavage.

Hats are also not allowed.

If you’re just visiting St. Peter’s Square, you don’t need to subscribe to the dress code.

You can see the official language of the dress code here .

Is Vatican City a country?

Yes, it is–it’s the smallest country in the world, covering only 0.2 miles of land area.

It’s also one of the only absolute monarchies in the world, with the Pope ruling it both as the Pope (overseeing The Holy See, aka the Catholic Church), and the King (overseeing the country of Vatican City).

Vatican City is not part of the UN, but The Holy See (aka the Catholic Church) is a permanent observer of the UN.

Do you need your passport to enter the Vatican?

Even though it is a country, there’s no need to bring your passport when visiting the Vatican.

Can you visit Vatican City for free?

If your goal is only to step inside the country of Vatican City, you can enter St. Peter’s Square (for free, and without waiting in line) and St. Peter’s Basilica (for free, but after waiting in line) to pay a quick visit to the country.

Can you get a Vatican City passport stamp?

No, Vatican City doesn’t offer passport stamps.

However, you can buy a postcard in the gift shop and mail it home from Vatican City! 

It will be processed through the Vatican’s mail system, and many people use it as a unique souvenir from their visit to the Vatican in lieu of a stamp.

Can you see the Pope when visiting the Vatican?

We covered this a bit above, but essentially, every Wednesday morning that the Pope is in Vatican City, he’ll give an audience in St. Peter’s Square.

Can you just visit the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City?

No, you can’t.

The Sistine Chapel is one of the final stops when touring the Vatican Museums and can’t be seen without visiting the museums.

Is St. Peter’s Basilica part of the Vatican Museums?

No, it’s not.

You can visit St. Peter’s Basilica separately from the museums.

Should you visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica on the same day?

You can, but be prepared for a long day, as you’ll have to enter both areas separately… unless you book a tour that includes both the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, that is.

In that case, you’ll be able to seamlessly visit both without exiting the Vatican Museums and waiting in an additional line to access St. Peter’s Basilica.

This tour is a popular option that includes both!

Book your Vatican Museums + St. Peter’s Basilica tour today!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Vatican: Tips, Tricks + FAQ!”

I am SOOO happy I followed your link for a tour to Vatican City and everything in it! We’re going there 1st week of April and all of the tours through their website were booked or super $$$! I went to your link for TakeWalks Tours and got a great price for the Chapel, Musuems and Basilica! I’m going to keep scouring your site for our perfect Italian vacation!

That is so wonderful to hear, thanks for sharing, Julie! I hope you guys have an incredible trip to Italy! 🙂

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Vatican Museum Tours - How to pick the best one?

By Elyssa Bernard

December 21, 2023

Wondering which of the many Vatican Museum Tours is right for you?

There are so many options, so h ow do you decide which one to take?

Vatican Museum Tours - Why it's so hard to choose

One of the questions I get most often is "How do I decide which Vatican tour to take?"

I know there are a lot of choices.

There are early morning tours, small group tours, tours that include Saint Peter's Basilica, the  Necropolis of Via Triumphalis  or the Vatican Gardens . . . And even then, there are a lot of different companies that offer the same or similar tours. 

So how do you choose?

I'm going to break down the different TYPES of tours, and then give you links to book the best ones of each type.

On this page about Vatican Museums tours, you'll find:

• Is it worth taking a Vatican tour?

Tours through the official Vatican website

• Standard Group Tours of Vatican Museums
• Vatican Museum Tours before Opening Hours
• Super-speedy Tours of Vatican Museums  - head straight for the Sistine Chapel and bypass the rest
• Small/ Semi-private Group Tours of Vatican Museums
• Vatican Museums on Friday or Saturday Night
• Private Tours of Vatican Museums
• Vatican Gardens and Vatican Museum Tours Combo
• VIP Vatican Museum Tours with out-of-hours viewing of Sistine Chapel
• Tours that include the Vatican + Colosseum
• Do it yourself - build the Vatican tour you want!

Vatican Museum Tours - Is it Worth Taking a Tour?

I love to visit the Vatican Museums on my own because I can take as long as I want, and linger over a painting or a room if I feel like it.

But that is partly because I am lucky enough to live here and be able to visit often.

I've also taken part in pretty much every Vatican tour out there, and love that experience also.

Now the question is, is it worth taking a tour to visit Vatican Museums?

In my opinion, absolutely yes.

Here's why:

• Easy -  Your tickets will be bought and ready, nothing for you to do but show up.
• Focused -  With the vast amount of art to see in the Vatican Museums, having a guided tour can help you to focus on just some of the most important sections and pieces.
• Just the right amount of sight-seeing -  On a guided tour, you will keep your visiting time to a limit, and won't overdo or exhaust yourself trying to "see it all."
• Help with your questions -  When you have a guide, there is someone to answer your questions as they pop up. This happens to me all the time and I find myself asking museum guards (who may or may not know the answer), or trying to look things up on my phone. It's considerably nicer to have a knowledgable guide who can tell you (correctly, and in person) just what you want to know.
• Don't miss a thing! -  On a guided tour, you will no doubt see things you would have overlooked on your own. This also happens to me a lot in Rome, and every time I take a guided tour with an expert, I learn something new. The first time I went to the Vatican Museums on my own (years ago), without a guide, I breezed past the  Laocoön sculpture because I didn't even know what it was, let alone to look for it!

And if you take a more special kind of guided Vatican Museums Tour , like a private, small-group, out-of-hours tour, then it can make an even bigger difference.

Vatican Museums Audio-Guide

You may also decide to skip the Vatican Museum tours, and visit on your own with an audio-guide.

This can be a good compromise, because you will get more information than you can from the little printed info-cards next to some of the pieces in the museums.

I still would recommend a human guide because they are better able to bring the whole thing to life for you, and are there to answer questions.

If you do decide to use the Vatican Museums Audio-Guide, you can book this when you pre-book your Vatican Museums tickets through the Vatican website, or, you can opt to get the audio-guide once you enter the museum.

Vatican Museum Tours - Which One is Right for You?

One of the most frequent questions I get is, which Vatican Museum tours do you recommend?

And of course, there is not one right answer: this depends on what you are looking for, how much time you have and want to commit to, and your budget.

All Vatican Museum tours include skip-the-line tickets, a visit to the Sistine Chapel , and a licensed tour guide  (someone who is knowledgable and who is legally allowed to take you on this tour.)

Most tours are offered in English or Italian.

You can usually book a guide in other common languages too, such as Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, etc.

There are also a few options for pre-booking special tickets, without a tour.

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What happens when you book a tour of the Vatican Museums using the official Vatican Museums website ?

First, you will pay less, as there is no tour agency or middle-man.

Second, you will be assigned a tour guide who is directly employed by the Vatican Museums.

What is the difference between booking a tour of the vatican through the vatican website and a tour agency?

All guides who give tours of the Vatican Museums must be licensed guides and they must have permission from the Vatican Museums to give tours there.

The difference between a Vatican Museums employee/guide and an outside guide may simply be in the quality of the guide.

I must say that I have taken tours with Vatican Museum employees/guides, and some of them have been fantastic.

But you just never know.

No matter what tour you book, unless you hire a private guide that you either know or who has been recommended to you, you have no way of knowing what that guide will be like.

Reasons to choose booking with the Vatican Museums or with a tour company

Sometimes, tickets and tours may not be available on the Vatican Museums website but you might find more availability for tickets and tours on a certified reseller such as Tiqets, Get your Guide, or Viator.

Or, perhaps you have heard about a specific tours company or tour, such as Walks of Italy, who offer two of the most popular tours of the Vatican Museums, Pristine Sistine, and the Vatican Key Master Tour in which you get to open the museums.

Read on to discover more tour options, and the differences between the different types of tours you'll find, both on the Vatican website and on outside tour company sites.

NEW FOR 2024!

The archeological area of the Vatican Necropolis of Via Triumphalis is now open for visitors.

This is an ancient Roman burial site that is within the Vatican walls and before now was very difficult to get access to.

You can only enter as part of an official Vatican tour group, and tickets need to be purchased through the official website .

This is an entirely separate visit, so you will not have access to either St Peter's Basilica or the Vatican Museums.

Click here to watch my YouTube video about it and see what it's like!

Vatican Museum Tours - Skip the Line Group Tours

One of the most popular of the Vatican Museum tours is the group tour .

You skip the line of course, and have a knowledgable guide so you don't have to think about what to see or where to go.

All of these tours  include the Sistine Chapel , usually ending there.

St Peter's Basilica Shortcut

You can only take the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel to St Peter's Basilica if you are on a tour that INCLUDES the basilica.

The shortcut is open from 9:30 am - 5 or 5:30PM, and it's ONLY accessible to tour companies or private guides that you book OUTSIDE the Vatican Museums website.

The Vatican Museums does not have any ticket or tour that includes the shortcut.

This means that you won't have access to the shortcut during the  KeyMaster tour , the  Extra Time tour , or any other tour that does not specifically include the basilica.

If you book any tour of the Vatican Museums, you can check the details to see if it finishes in the  Sistine Chapel  or the basilica.

Click here to view a map of Vatican City  (it will open in a new page.)

When you take a group tour, you will have what's called "whisper" headphones, so the guides can speak in a normal tone and you can easily hear them.

As of January 1, 2024, all group tours will be limited to 20 people.

The best part about this kind of group tour is the price.

This is the least expensive option of the Vatican Museum tours.

Visit the Sistine Chapel before it opens to the public on this special access tour.

There are many options even for taking a group tour.

Click the below to book a group tour of the Vatican Museums that includes:

• Only the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (and not St. Peter's Basilica - just access, but no tour)
• The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica (this is an excellent tour because you skip ALL the lines, even the priority lines, AND you get a tour of the Basilica)
• Handicapped access (most tours do NOT accommodate wheelchairs , so you need to pick one that specifically DOES. This tour covers the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel but not St. Peter's Basilica.)
• The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and The Pinacoteca (The Pinacoteca is the Vatican Museums Paintings gallery - most tours skip this but it is amazing, full of masterpieces, and worth the time if you have it! The Basilica is not included on this tour, but you can visit on your own without queuing.)
• The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica with Hotel pick-up/drop-off 

A word about "skip the line"

Of course one of the benefits of taking a tour is the possibility to skip the line.

You can skip the line even without a tour, simply by pre-booking your tickets.

HOWEVER, you should know that nobody can skip the line for security, and when Rome is really crowded, as it is nearly all the time lately, you may find a bit of a wait to get through security.

So prepare yourself for that, and also plan to arrive a bit earlier than your entry time to give yourself plenty of leeway in case of long security lines.

Vatican Museum Tours - Early Access

The Vatican Museums open at 8AM Monday - Saturday. (There can be different closing times depending on the time of year.)

However, it is possible to gain early access to the Vatican Museums.

There are two things you need to know about this kind of tour:

• There are a LOT of companies doing this , so you will not have an exclusive visit (although of course there will be a lot FEWER people than during the morning rush.)
• In order to get the advantage of seeing the Sistine Chapel before the crowds arrive, you will need to rush through the rest of the Vatican Museums on your way there, missing most of the major works of art along the way. Either the tour will go back through so you can see the rest of the museums at a slower pace, or, if the tour itself does not offer this, you can do it on your own. In either of these cases, you will wind up in the Sistine Chapel a second time before you finally exit.)

That said, it will still feel like a special experience to get in there before the crowds fill in.

Also, many people do want to "just" see the Sistine Chapel, so this helps to keep the visit short if you want to.

For a more exclusive experience, jump down to this section .

As of January 2024, it will only be possible to gain early access to the museums by booking a tour.

Previously you could book early access entrance tickets, but these have been removed with the extension of the opening hours from 9AM to 8AM.

Open the Vatican Museums and turn on the lights of the Sistine Chapel!

One of the most special tours I ever took was with the Key Master of the Vatican Museums .

We literally went through the museums and opened them up and turned on all the lights.

You can book this through Take Walks and I assure you it will be one of the most amazing things you've ever experienced!

Before Hours Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel and Basilica Tour

With this 3-hour tour, you will go with group of around 15 people into the Vatican Museums before they open to the general public. 

Click here to book this Early Access Group Tour of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.

The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome

Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.

In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican , Colosseum , Trevi Fountain , Pantheon , Piazza Navona , Spanish Steps , Castel Sant'Angelo , and much more.

And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.

Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers .

Speedy Express Tours of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Maybe I should have put this one at the top of the page.

One of the most common questions I hear about the Vatican Museums is:

Can I just go see the Sistine Chapel ?

I've answered this before (the answer is no) and even with a tour that guarantees this, you really cannot. 

There is an "express route" to the Sistine Chapel from the entrance of the Vatican Museums, which skips the Pinacoteca, the Pio-Clementine Museums, the Egyptian and Etruscan wings.

But you still have a lot of museum to get through before you make it to the Sistine Chapel, so even without visiting any of the above, and bee-lining to the chapel, it will still take you at least 30 minutes just to walk there quickly, without stopping to look at anything. 

That said, there are tours that help you do this.

In the section just before this one, about Early Access Vatican Museum Tours , you have options for going in before opening hours.

In theory, these could also be considered as fast tours, since you do go directly to the Sistine Chapel.

But with the above, you are also given the chance to go back and take more time in the museums.

No matter what season you visit Rome, here are 4 things never to leave at home:

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Normally I would urge you to visit the rest of the museums, as they are chock full of some of the world's most amazing and beautiful art.

But maybe you have really limited time, or who have been to the museums before and want to re-visit just the Sistine Chapel.

So, you can book an Express tour:

Visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with option to add on St. Peter's Basilica .

Your guide will provide explanations of the Sistine Chapel, but as you are sort of speeding through the rest of the Vatican Museums, you won't get detailed explanations of what you're walking past.

Vatican Museums - Small Group Tours

In the section above, there is a link to a small group, exclusive tour.

That tour goes inside the Vatican Museums early, before they open to the general public.

It's an amazing experience and I highly recommend it! (More about this below.)

If you're looking for an excellent truly small group Vatican Museums tour, click here.

Their small-group tours are max 20 people, but when you go to choose your date, you can see they also offer even smaller groups or private tours (which costs a bit more but may be worth it.)

Ready to plan your trip?

Vatican Museums - Private Tours

Taking a private tour is exactly what it sounds like: this is a fantastic option if you want a completely private, personal tour, with the guide focused just on you.

Of course, if you are a family or group of 4-6 people, it becomes more affordable.

Click here to book a private tour (minimum 2 people), of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

Vatican Museums + Vatican Gardens Combo Tour

The Vatican is home to some amazing gardens , which are beautifully kept and landscaped.

But they are in two places: one is just behind St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

The other is in the summer residence of the Pope, Castel Gandolfo .

You can easily book the Vatican Gardens tour through the Vatican Museums website .

It includes entry to the Vatican Museums but no tour or guide.

If you want, you can book this through an outside agency so you get a more complete tour experience.

See below for options.

Tour of Vatican Museums and Vatican Gardens in Vatican City

With this small-group tour, you will first visit the Vatican Gardens.

After visiting the gardens, your group will head inside to tour the Vatican Museums, finishing inside the Sistine Chapel.

Click here to book a Vatican Gardens + Vatican Museums combo small-group tour.

Currently unavailable - stay tuned for the updates!

Visit to Vatican Museums and Gardens in Castel Gandolfo

If you have a full day to dedicate to this, and want to experience something really special, a whole world of tranquility, quiet and beauty, away from the hustle and bustle of Rome, this is a wonderful tour.

It allows you to skip the line and visit the Vatican Museums, then walk through the Vatican Gardens and get on a train that will take you just half-hour outside Rome to the summer residence of the Pope: the stunning Barberini Gardens at Castel Gandolfo , only recently opened to the public.

Click here to book your full day Vatican Museums + Vatican Gardens at Castel Gandolfo tour . 

(Note this option does not include a visit to Saint Peter's Basilica.)

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VIP Vatican Museum Tours with out-of-hours Viewing

There are a good selection of Vatican Museum tours that offer early morning entry to the museums (see above.)

This means that although your group is going in before the normal opening time, you will also be going in with all the other tour groups doing the same thing.

Which means it is not quite as exclusive as it sounds, even if it's definitely less crowded than going at opening time (which is why it's actually a pretty affordable tour, usually costing less than 100€ per person.)

If you're really looking for an exclusive visit to the Vatican Museums out of hours, here are a couple of options:

VIP: Sistine Chapel Private Viewing and Small-Group Tour of the Vatican's Secret Rooms

Visiting the Vatican Museums after hours and seeing the secret rooms was one of the best tours I ever took.

You can read more about it on my dedicated page .

VIP Vatican Museum Tours - After Hours Private Viewing of Sistine Chapel

For a really special experience, book a VIP tour , that features  after-hours viewing.

You really do have a much more exclusive experience than the groups going before the Museums open.

Most Vatican Museum tours do not offer this option, so you will have the Sistine Chapel almost entirely to yourselves.

Click here to book your VIP tour of the Vatican Museums with Sistine Chapel Private Viewing.

And for an even more exclusive, private, truly after-hours tour, you can book this one.

Tour the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum on the same day

While I normally don't recommend this, sometimes a day is all you have, and you really want to fit in these two Rome must-sees.

You can try to do this on your own, but if you want to make the most of this day, especially if you are doing this as a shore excursion, I really recommend doing it as a guided tour.

Click here to book visit my page about this, for more details .

Click here to book a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum in one day .

You can also book a night tour of the Colosseum at certain times of the year, so you could see the Vatican Museums during the day and then do this night tour.

Do it yourself - build the tour YOU want!

If you are still not sure which tour to book, you can  visit this tour booking page where you can choose the length of the tour, the time of day, and the maximum group size you want  (the smaller the group, the more it costs per person.)

Click the "filters" button and go through and check the boxes you want, and you'll see all the tour options available according to your criteria.

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Top attractions and tours

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Vatican Early Access Tour at Opening

Tour overview.

Join our exclusive small group Vatican tour in the early morning with a top-notch tour guide. Get early entrance to the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums & Raphael Rooms. Book now and beat the crowds! In a small group, you will be able to discover with no rush the extraordinary abundance of history and art and you’re guaranteed to have personal attention that is hard to come by at this venue. We have worked many years to achieve this goal and we are proud to say our visitors are ecstatic once out of the Vatican!

Tour Highlights

• Sistine Chapel
• Raphael Rooms
• Belvedere Apollo
• Laocoön and His Sons
• Belvedere Torso
• Gallery of Maps
• Gallery of Tapestries
• Gallery of Candelabra
• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Michelangelo’s Pietà
• Bernini’s Baldachin

What's included

• Skip-the-line access
• Expert English-speaking tour guide
• A small group
• All tickets and reservations
• Headsets to hear the guide clearly

What you’ll See Along the Way

The Gallery of Maps is a stupendous hallway where geography and history are perfectly intertwined. Created at the end of the 16th century, the entire room is dedicated to customized maps, which display the whole of Italy. On one side of the 393-foot long gallery are two representations of the country: one from the Imperial Roman Era and the other from the 1500s. Each map shows political happenings, religious roles, and major battles. The ceiling is no less remarkable, with frescoed scenes displaying episodes and miraculous events of apostles, saints and martyrs, which are linked to the geographical maps below..

Raphael’s most famous frescoes can be seen in four rooms in Pope Julius II’s and Leo X’s apartment. The first of the Raphael Rooms (1508-1524) to be frescoed – Pope Julius II’s study – reflects the themes of theology, philosophy, poetry and justice. Raphael’s most noted painting the School of Athens highlights the degrees of knowledge acquired through reason. The largest of the rooms the Hall of Constantine represents the victory of Christianity over Paganism, the Room of Fire is dedicated to Pope Leo IV, and the Room of Heliodorus represents the liberation of St. Peter. A real highlight on our Vatican tour!

This world-renowned sculpture from the 1st century AD portrays Apollo, the Greco-Roman god of light and the arts, immediately after having fired his bow. Apollo’s gaze follows the arrow volley towards its goal, believed to be the serpent Python. Throughout history, art authorities from around the globe have praised the sculpture, hailing it as the most sublime, subtle and engaging piece from ancient times. In the centuries following its unearthing, it had an enormous impact on both Renaissance artists and Neoclassical sculptors, who flocked to the Vatican to witness the charm of the sculpture firsthand.

Out of all the invaluable masterpieces housed in the Vatican Museums, this may just be the most precious of them all. When the sculpture was rediscovered in 1506, it caused a contemporary sensation. Everyone who laid eyes on the marble wonder was stunned by its beauty, including Michelangelo himself. In fact, the Renaissance virtuoso was so smitten with the sculpture that he convinced Julius II to purchase the masterpiece and bring it to the Vatican. The acquisition of the Laocoön would set off centuries of future art accumulation within the Vatican Museums, to which we owe the magnificent collection found there today.

The world-renowned tapestries adorning the walls of this breathtaking gallery used to hang in the Sistine Chapel until they were moved to their present-day location. The most esteemed pieces of the collection are the carpets based on Raphael’s drawings, depicting crucial scenes from the life of Jesus. Out of these 9 tapestries, we recommend paying some special attention to The Resurrection of Christ, which is woven in many layers, creating a surprising optical illusion as you walk by. It took the weavers 4 years to finalize the masterpiece and they cleverly used materials of different density in order to obtain the eye-deceiving effect.

This torso one of the world’s most well-renowned examples of a ”disjecta membra", a fancier term for a fragmented statue. The exquisite anatomical delineation of the statue's remnants has made the piece a source of inspiration for numerous artists of different periods; especially during the Baroque and Renaissance eras. The sculpture has even been called "The Torso of Michelangelo", because of the profound impact it made on the master. The sculpture was the foundation of Michelangelo’s anatomy studies when designing many of his world-famous creations; including the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.

This gallery is one of the most visited in the Museums and world-renowned for the marble sculptures on display. Each of its six sections holds exquisite classical Greek and Roman sculptures creatively arranged around the gallery like furnishings. One of the more unusual pieces is the sculpture featuring Bacchus, the God of Wine, being carried on the shoulders of a young man. What makes this statue special is that Bacchus still has his original glass eyes - something incredibly rare for a 3rd century statue (most of them were robbed by vandals who thought the shiny eye-balls were made out of precious stones)!

Upon entering the chapel, the visual cues are spellbinding. Covering 12,000 square feet, biblical stories inhabit almost every centimeter of space. Gaze upwards at Michelangelo’s ceiling, a masterful tour de force and cornerstone of High Renaissance art, to behold nine mystical depictions of stories from the Book of Genesis. His other masterpiece on the altar wall, The Last Judgment, foreshadows the Second Coming of Christ and the final eternal judgment by God of all humanity. Our early entry Vatican guided tours afford our customers the opportunity to experience this iconic chapel without the chaos and crowds.

If you thought the size of the Vatican Museums was overwhelmingly spectacular, St. Peter’s Basilica takes the “wow factor” to another level. The sheer capacity of the interiors is enough to leave any visitor searching for words to describe its vastness. At 613 feet long, 85 feet wide and 147 feet high, it took an incredible 120 years to build, starting from 1506. Admire Michelangelo’s unparalleled Pietà masterpiece and stroll towards the center right nave to observe Bernini’s 30-foot high bronze Baldachin, which sits directly atop the site of St. Peter’s tomb.

Directly above the pope’s altar sits a huge bronze canopy, which was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the early 1600s. The Renaissance wunderkind was commissioned the prestigious task at the tender age of 25 and it was his first artistic contribution to the Basilica, where he would continue to work for the rest of his life. Bernini’s patron, Pope Urban VIII, became infamous amongst the Romans when he allowed the artist to melt the bronze beams of the Pantheon’s portico to complete the construction. In total, 120 tons of metal were required to make the baldachin, which stands at a whopping 95 feet.

Michelangelo was only 23 years old when French Cardinal Jean de Bilhères commissioned him to carve "the most beautiful works in marble that Rome has ever seen". While the bar was set high, Michelangelo surprised everyone when the masterpiece was unveiled – none of the onlookers could comprehend how such a young sculptor was able to create something as flawless as the Pietà. Sadly, the perfection was temporarily spoilt in 1972, when a vandal attacked the sculpture with a hammer and damaged it severely. The masterpiece was quickly repaired, but visitors now have to admire it from behind bullet-proof glass.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: all in one tour

Want to ensure your Vatican experience is a memorable one? We’ve done all the legwork for you on our Vatican Early Morning Tour! First, you’ll enter to see the Vatican Museums’ breathtaking masterpieces just as the doors swing open to the public. On one of our early Vatican tours, you’ll be one of just 12 other guests, so you’ll have more than the mic and earphones in common with your guide, getting real personalized attention and connecting with the charms of one of the most visited art collections on Earth. After you enter into this stupendous site which safeguards thousands of masterpieces, silent testimony of the millenniums of history and art locked in here, you will admire the rich statue collection which started the Museums in the days of Pope Julius II, Raphael’s Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will tour you through these corridors and halls, pointing out the exhibits on display. Once through, the Sistine Chapel awaits you. This wonderful chapel, frescoed by the great Florentine artist Michelangelo, stands proud facing 25,000 or more visitors a day with its rich and detailed stories and symbolisms, such as the Creation of Adam on the ceiling and Last Judgment on the altar wall. Gaze upon Michelangelo’s stupefying ceiling, Creation of Adam, and the Last Judgment in awe, take your time – and savor each moment – because this is an experience you’ll never want to forget, as you nearly reach out and touch one of humankind’s most astounding creative achievements. Michelangelo’s enigmatic frescoes are brimming with genius and symbolism, but the huge amount of details can go unnoticed, so our expert guides are here to bring the meaning of the whole pictorial scheme to life. Give yourself the chance to see it the way Michelangelo intended, with a tour company that has our TripAdvisor pedigree.

More of the Vatican City from Raphael to St. Peter’s

Some of the most famous and timeless masterworks can be found in the Vatican’s gigantic collection, founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century. Get a thorough look at the Lacoöon, Belvedere Apollo, dazzling Raphael Rooms, and more with a captivating historic photograph at each stop from your expert guide. The finale of our early entry Vatican tours culminates in St. Peter’s Basilica. Majestic and inspired, it is the perfect place to come full circle on the morning’s itinerary. Every inch of this 240,000-square-foot church is breathtaking, but our tour goes beyond the gold and splendor, revealing the true stories of fervor, innovation, faith, and power. Feast your eyes on Michelangelo’s Pietà and admire the stunning interior of the dome he designed, as well as Bernini’s massive bronze baldachin sitting over the Pope’s private alter directly above St. Peter’s tomb and other little-known details that can only be spotted when inside!

While the Vatican Museums are equipped with elevators for wheelchair access, they are not conveniently located on the group tour route, and only give access to specific sections of the Museums. As a result, we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this tour.

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.

Yes, you can bring a small bag with you on your tour. Bags, backpacks, or luggage measuring more than 40·35·15 centimeters are, however, not allowed into the Vatican Museums and must be checked at the cloakroom. The same applies to large umbrellas, tripods, and any other objects that could potentially be harmful to other visitors or damage works of art in the Museums. The cloakroom storage is free of charge, but please be aware that it is located approximately 20 minutes walking distance from the conclusion point of the Vatican tours.

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Francesca was excellent, everything we could wish for. Impressive knowledge, great sense of humour, perfect organisation, thoughtful and caring about each of our diverse group, and btw excellent English. The visit was comprehensive, well planned, the right length and good value for money”

Excellent tour, very worthwhile!!!

Guide was very excellent, knowledgeable and informative (with years of experience). This tour would not be as interesting or worthwhile without a tour guide.”

Two wonderful tours

My husband and I took two tours - Vatican Early Access and the Colosseum Underground, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Both tours were guided by Carlotta. She was extremely knowledgeable, kind, entertaining and funny. We really enjoyed our time with her. She offered to spend a little extra time in St. Peter's at the end of our Vatican tour and my husband and I decided to stay. By the end of the tour I felt like we were old friends. I would definitely recommend What a Life Tours. Their service was professional, prompt and courteous.”

Do not miss this!

Meet early at the What A Life tour office 200 metres from the Vatican Entrance - coffee and pastries for breakfast :-) - a nice touch. We met our tour guide Carlotta and sorted out radio headphones, then walk to the Vatican entrance ready for the earliest possible start. Carlottas commentary and knowledge were fantastic - very engaging and delivered at the perfect pace. I cannot recommend this tour highly enough. Thank-you Carlotta and What A Life tours, you made our first day in Roma something very special.”

I was stunned

This was my first time in Rome and I did a bit of looking around before deciding on the early morning tour with What a Life Tours. So glad I booked with this company!! I arrived by taxi to their office, was greeted warmly, had a delicious coffee and croissant, and then we took off to get in line at the Vatican. My guide was Mario, and he was the best guide out of all the tours and things I did while I was in italy by a long shot! He explained and revealed so many interesting things about what we were seeing, all while maintaining a really respectful and gentle attitude. Do not miss this tour!”

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Colosseum Arena Floor & Vatican Afternoon Tour

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Guided tour of Vatican - official site vs private tours - Rome Forum

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Guided tour of Vatican - official site vs private tours

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Dear friends

Putting a fresh question as some questions got buried . Thank you USA Drew for clarifying few doubts so quickly .

Wanted to check if the tour quality of official Vatican site tours ( guided tours ) and private operator tours is the same and group size is similar . I have currently booked a tour through City Wonders ( through Get your guide ) with max 20 people group size and it’s costing twice the cost of one available on official Vatican site .

Can you please guide friends . Thank you !

21 replies to this topic

Also don't understand why you wouldn't book directly with City Wonders instead of going through GYG...

You are basically paying two different companies a commission. That is part of the reason it is so much more expensive.

Hey Thanks - Because I didnt know any local tour companies and how to choose good ones. So I simply go to GYG and see which tours have good ratings and just book that. Combination of ignorance and convenience.

I see the Vatican site says - 1-20 visitors. Does that mean group size ?

Also - Now I have confusion as to do I need to check what galleries/areas of museum is the official site covering vs what private would cover. Do most tours cover the same ?

This one is covering following -

The tour follows an itinerary which includes: the Vatican Gardens, the Gallery of the Candelabras, the Gallery of the Geographical Maps, the Gallery of the Tapestries (Renaissance art) and the Sistine Chapel

Thank you . I decided to go ahead with the one on Vatican museum site.

However after repeated attempt , the site throws an error after payment and booking does not go through . Tried multiple cards and different browsers . May be will have to stick to original booking now :(

Now I realise why private operators are charging premium for convenience !

If you go to the "info" page on the official website, on the right side is a link to contact info. I used this last year when I had problems with the site, and got a fairly quick response from a human being.

https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html#lnav_info

smriti14 - not sure if you saw this, from the pinned thread about buying tickets at the top of this forum:

"...many European vendors now require credit cards to be “3D Secure” (3DS, a security technology) - if the payment card does not have this security feature, the online transaction will likely be rejected. Different credit card companies may have different names for their program such as Visa’s “Visa Secure,” Mastercard’s “Identity Check” or American Express’s “SafeKey.” If your credit card has this type of security technology and your purchase is still refused, you may need to try a different browser. If it’s still refused after that, you may need to call your credit card company to see what the issue might be, although there could be other valid reasons for the rejection such as if there is a limit on the number of tickets that can be purchased and the transaction exceeded the maximum."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3-D_Secure

Yes, as per the official website description of the guided tour, it is up to 20 people.

"The tour follows an itinerary which includes: the Pio Clementino Museum, the Gallery of the Candelabras, the Gallery of the Geographical Maps, and the Gallery of the Tapestries (Renaissance art), the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel ."

This is a very small part of the Vatican Museums, which are enormous. After the guided tour, you can explore other parts of the Vatican Museums on your own. There is no way to see the entire museums on one visit, you will need to pick and choose what to see. A popular place to go after the guided tour is the Pinacoteca, the paintings gallery.

Here is a list of the different parts of the Vatican Museums:

https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en/collezioni/musei.html

And, a map of the Vatican Museums:

https://www.museivaticani.va/content/dam/museivaticani/pdf/visita_musei/servizi_visitatori/mappa_musei_vaticani.pdf

Thanks a lot for all your help. Tried once again. Bank confirned card is 3d Secure. However same error persists :(

So if the card is 3d secure - then the issue is your browser.

Different credit cards have different authentication steps.

One of my cards executes an automated script of software. If your browser security settings are set too high - your browser could be blocking the 3d authentication from taking place.

Other cards text a pin number or some extra verification step that you need to complete - if you ignore this step, the transaction will not go through.

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The Best and Worst-rated Rome Monuments

 A new data study by Vatican Tours & Tickets reveals the best and worst-rated Rome monuments.

Travel experts have compiled a study by taking all 40 existing monuments across Rome, Italy and ranking each location against nine determining factors to receive a score out of 100.

• The Pantheon is best rated Rome monument - with 72% of its Tripadvisor reviews rated five stars
• The Colosseum is second best rated - with an average of 324 million TikTok views
• Bocca della Verita is the least-rated monument - with the lowest Google rating of 4.2

Rankings are based on nine factors, including the percentage of Tripadvisor reviews with a five-star, the percentage of Tripadvisor reviews with a one-star, the total number of Tripadvisor reviews, the rating on Google, the total number of Google reviews, TikTok video count, TikTok view count, Instagram media count, and average monthly search volume.

The top ten rated Rome monuments

Best rated Rome Monuments

Pantheon is ranked the best Rome monument, scoring a total of 87.46 out of 100 in the index. The monument has an average monthly search volume of 1.2 million globally.

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple and is famous for being the most preserved monument of ancient Rome.

Out of its 79,911 Tripadvisor reviews, 72.74 percent of Tripadvisor reviews are rated five stars, and only 0.19 percent are one-star. The Pantheon has an average of 403 million TikTok views.

The Colosseum is the second best-rated Rome monument, scoring 80.41 out of 100 in the index.

The Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome and is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built and despite its age, is still the largest standing amphitheatre in the world.

The Colosseum has 1.15 million Instagram hashtags and a total of 79,911 Tripadvisor reviews, with 72.36 percent of them five-star rated. 

The Colosseum has the most Instagram hashtags, averaging at just over 2 million and a 1.2 million average monthly search volume globally.

Trevi Fountain ranks third, scoring 77.58 out of 100 in the index. Trevi Fountain has 385 million TikTok views and an average of 26,643 per video. With a total of 103,774 Tripadvsior reviews, 63.75 of them are five stars and 1.91 percent are 1 star.

The Trevi Fountain is an 18th-century fountain in the Trevi district in Rome designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762 and several others.

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is the fourth best-rated Rome monument, scoring 77.18 out of 100. 

The Basilica of Saint Mary Major, or church of Santa Maria Maggiore, is a Major papal basilica and also one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome.

Located in Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, it has a 4.8 rating on Google and just under 95,000 average monthly searches worldwide. Out of its 16,565 Tripadvisor reviews, only 0.08 of them are one star.

Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is the fifth best-rated Rome monument, scoring 73.32 out of 100 in the index.

It is a Catholic cathedral of the Diocese of Rome in the city of Rome, with an average of 89,428 views on TikTok and 24,727 Google reviews. 77.8 percent of its Tripadvisor reviews are five-star rated.

Rounding out the top ten best-rated monuments are Roman Forum, Basilica Papale San Paolo Fuori le Mura, Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Chiesa di SantIgnazio di Loyola, and Church of St. Louis of the French.

Worst rated rome monuments

Bocca della Verita is the worst-rated monument, scoring 32,60 out of 100. With just 1,896 Tripadvisor reviews, 2.22 percent of those are one star, and 26.69 are five stars.

Also referred to as ‘The Mouth of Truth’, a sculpture by Lucas van Leyden, it is located in Santa Maria in Cosmedin

The second worst-rated Rome monument is Palazzo Barberini, scoring 36.61 out of 100. Also referred to as the National Gallery of Ancient Art in Barberini Palace, it is the principal national collection of older paintings in Rome, mostly from before 1800.

It has 54.16 percent of its Tripadvisor ratings at 5 stars and an average monthly search volume of 35,100 globally, 

The third worst-rated Rome monument is Mercati di Traiano - Museo dei Fori Imperiali, a large complex of ruins in the city of Rome, Italy, located on the Via dei Fori Imperiali.

Scoring 36.87 out of 100, it has a total of 1,217 Tripadvisor reviews and an average 75 views per TikTok video.

The fourth worst rated is Area Sacra di Largo Argentina , scoring 37.32 out of 100, it has a Google rating of 4.5 with an average 1,222 Google reviews.

Forum of Augustus is ranked fifth worst-rated, scoring 41.41 out of 100. 

The Forum of Augustus is one of the Imperial fora of Rome. It was built by Augustus and includes the Temple of Mars Ultor.

Its TikTok view count is 525, with an average of one view per video.

Rounding out the bottom ten are Terme di Caracalla, Domus Aurea, Campo de Fiori, Circus Maximus, Quirinale Palace (Palazzo del Quirinale), and Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo.

Magdalena Petrusic, Travel Expert from Vatican Tours & Tickets has commented on the study findings:

• “Rome has a unique blend of history, art, culture, cuisine, and beauty that continues to captivate tourists from around the world.
• “As one of Rome's most famous landmarks, the Pantheon attracts millions of tourists each year. Located in central Rome, it is surrounded by lively piazzas, making it an easily accessible and attractive tourist attraction.
• “Whilst Rome is famous for being historic, it is embracing social media in several ways. Its scenic beauty makes the city extremely Instagrammable, boasting picturesque streets, charming piazzas, and stunning panoramic views. 
• “With the rise of virtual tourism, Rome has adapted by offering virtual tours, live streams, and immersive experiences that allow people to explore the city from the comfort of their homes, attracting virtual travelers from around the globe.”