Overview
This 2.5 hour Vatican Tour is led by an expert guide who will share stories you won't hear anywhere else! Visit the highlights of the Vatican Museums in small, exclusive groups limited to 10 people or less. Skip-the-Line no-wait access is included and is the fastest possible way to enter the Museums.
For a special experience, choose the first access of the day at 8:00AM. All tours included Skip the Line access to St. Peter's Basilica (except Wednesdays, special events).
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Skip the Line access to the Vatican Museums
Vatican Insider Guide
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Meet us on the steps at Via Tunisi, located at the corner with Via Sebastiano Veniero. We will be holding a sign with the green EcoArt logo.
Good to know
Plan on arriving to our meeting point at least 15 minutes in advance of your selected departure time. All Vatican Tours meet our representative on the steps at Via Tunisi, located at the corner with Via Sebastiano Veniero. They will be holding a sign with the green EcoArt logo.
What to expect
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Vatican Museums
10 min
A typical itinerary inside the Vatican Museums includes the Pavilion of the Carriages, home to everything from centuries old horse-drawn carriages to vintage and modern cars really used by Popes past and present. You'll visit the Pinecone Courtyard, the Hall of the Maps (the "Oval Office" of the Pope centuries ago), the Gallery of the Tapestries, the Pinacoteca, Belvedere Courtyard, Room of the Muses, the Round Room and Candelabra Gallery.
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Cortile della Pigna
15 min
This courtyard gets its name from the enormous bronze Pinecone sculpture that dominates it.
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Sphere within a Sphere
15 min
The Vatican Museums contains some modern art as well, including this famous sculpture: Sphere within a Sphere. Variations of this sculpture can be found in many settings around the world.
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Museo Pio Clementino
45 min
The most famous wing of the Vatican Museums, the Pio Clementino museum contains much of the Museum's most important highlights. Your guide will take you through the Room of the Animals, where you can spot the life-like statues of fauna from around the world. Head to the Octagonal Courtyard where a small fountain trickles in the background of famous statues like the Laocoonte and Apollo Belvedere. Don't forget to look at the Candelabra Gallery -- master painters decorated these ceilings to create the illusion of a 3D effect centuries ago!
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Galleria Delle Carte Geografiche
20 min
Head with your guide to the Gallery of the Maps -- and get a perspective of the world how it was five centuries ago. These exquisitely detailed, hand-painted giant maps are a favorite of the Vatican Museums. See if you can find the Italian cities you have visited, or spot the nod to Christopher Columbus' journey to the Americas.
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Stanze di Raffaello
15 min
Raphael painted these rooms with incredible frescoes, originally meant for the private rooms of Pope Julius II.
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Sistine Chapel
30 min
No guides are able to speak inside the Sistine Chapel. However, your guide will prepare you in advance for your free time inside so you'll know what to look for.
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Museos Vaticanos
30 min
Your visit ends close to where it began, after the spiral staircase at the entrance to the Vatican Museums.
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Vatican City
30 min
Visit to Vatican Museums - Vatican City
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St. Peter's Square
5 min
When available, access is provided to St Peter's Basilica, skipping the lines. A tour is not provided inside the Basilica, only access. Your visit will end at the steps of St. Peter's Square with an introduction made by your guide after which you will be on your own to continue exploring.
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St. Peter's Basilica
5 min
When available, access is provided to St Peter's Basilica, skipping the lines. A tour is not provided inside the Basilica, only access. Your visit will end at the steps of St. Peter's Square with an introduction made by your guide after which you will be on your own to continue exploring.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Rome).
Additional Information
- Skip the Line Access (no guided tour) to St. Peter's Basilica is included when available, except Wednesdays and special events.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Skip the Line: Small Group Vatican Tour with Basilica Access
Can I cancel Skip the Line: Small Group Vatican Tour with Basilica Access for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours 30 min.
Where does it start?
Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Meet us on the steps at Via Tunisi, located at the corner with Via Sebastiano Veniero.
What's included?
- Skip the Line access to the Vatican Museums
- Vatican Insider Guide
What's not included?
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transportation
Which places does it visit?
It visits Vatican Museums, Cortile della Pigna, Sphere within a Sphere, Museo Pio Clementino, Galleria Delle Carte Geografiche, Stanze di Raffaello, Sistine Chapel, Museos Vaticanos.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by EcoArt Travel
