Overview
Experience a timeless Skip-the-Line tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Raphael's rooms. Take advantage of Skip-the-Line Access to St. Peter's Basilica at the conclusion of your tour whenever possible. Ensure you don't miss any highlights as your expert tour guide adds a touch of fun and fascination to your visit.
Our shared groups are limited to a maximum of 20 people, equipped with headsets for easy exploration and clear narration.
Prefer a more personalized experience? Upgrade to the Small Group option, accommodating 10 people or less, or opt for a First Access tour to be among the first visitors for the day. If you prefer to go without a guide, choose the escorted ticket-only option, allowing you to skip the lines and explore independently.
All choices include Skip-the-Line access to St. Peter's Basilica, whenever it's available (excluding Wednesdays and 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 & Entrance Ticket to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Headsets to hear your guide clearly (if guided option selected)
Insider Guide (if guided option selected)
Food & Beverages
Gratuities
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Plan on arriving to our meeting point at least 15 minutes in advance of your selected
departure time. 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.
Good to know
Plan on arriving to our meeting point at least 15 minutes in advance of your selected departure time. Meet our representative on the steps at Via Tunisi, located at the corner with Via Sebastiano Veniero. They will be holding a flag with the green EcoArt logo.
What to expect
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Vatican Museums
10 min
Together with your guide, set foot inside the smallest country in the world via the fastest possible entrance!
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Cortile della Pigna
15 min
One of the first stops inside the Vatican Museums is the Pinecone Courtyard where you will find the Sphere within a Sphere sculpture as well as the Roman fountain, an enormous bronze pinecone, that lends the courtyard its name.
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Sphere within a Sphere
15 min
The bronze Sphere within a Sphere sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro marries this historic setting with a touch of modern art.
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Museo Pio Clementino
45 min
The Vatican Museums are made up of multiple Museums forming many "wings". The wing containing the highest concentration of highlights is the Pio Clementino Museum. Follow your guide from the Octagonal open-air courtyard where you will encounter the Laocoonte and Apollo Belvedere, to the eerily life-like statues in the Room of the Animals. Check out the masterfully painted vaults creating a 3D effect in the Gallery of the Candelabra.
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Galleria Delle Carte Geografiche
20 min
In this Gallery of hand-painted maps, you can admire the world how it was seen nearly 5 centuries ago. With the help of your guide, pick out the towns in Italy you have visited, or just enjoy the incredible hand-painted details that make these maps unique.
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Stanze di Raffaello
15 min
"Raphael's Rooms" inside the Vatican Museums are a spectacular testament to the talent of the painter Raphael, as well the inspiration of the master Michelangelo. Explore them with your guide.
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Sistine Chapel
30 min
Your guide will prepare you to take in the Sistine Chapel ahead of time, as no speaking is allowed in this sacred place. Admire this monumental work by Michelangelo.
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Museos Vaticanos
30 min
Your visit ends at the entrance of the Vatican Museums. From here, you are free to continue to explore on your own within official opening hours.
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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
For the guided tour options only, and when available, Skip the Line access to St. Peter's Basilica via a special exit from the Sistine Chapel will be offered to you at no extra cost. Please note that St. Peter's Basilica is a separate venue from the Vatican Museums, is free to enter and does not require ticket. However, skip the line access is only possible via the museums and is not available at all dates and times. It is not possible to know in advance when access to the Basilica will be available. At the time, our 3:15PM tour departure does not include Basilica Access.
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Vatican City
5 min
Vatican City, Vatican City, Lazio
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
- Guests with a certified disability of over 75% are entitled to free entrance to the Vatican and do not require a ticket. For guests who are not self-sufficient, free entry is extended to a companion.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & Raphael Rooms + Basilica Access
Can I cancel Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & Raphael Rooms + 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?
Plan on arriving to our meeting point at least 15 minutes in advance of your selected departure time.
What's included?
- Skip the Line Access & Entrance Ticket to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
- Headsets to hear your guide clearly (if guided option selected)
- Insider Guide (if guided option selected)
What's not included?
- Food & Beverages
- Gratuities
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 German, English, Italian, French, Spanish.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by EcoArt Travel
