Free Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
Free Cancellation
April 25100% refund
April 26No refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Small Group Tour | Vatican
2 Adults x $109.19
$218.38
Approx Total
$218.38
Small group tour
Inclusions / Exclusions
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Skip the Line tickets to the Vatican Museums & St. Peter Basilica
Vatican Museums, Raphael Rooms, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter Basilica
Headset Cost (if needed)
Licensed Local Tour Guide
Group of max 20 people
Overview
Enjoy a Skip the LIne tour with a local guide dedicated to answering questions and enlightening everyone on the spectacular history behind this heritage site.
This immensely catholic journey will be explained by our expert local guide where you'll learn the history behind many places and things such as the beloved Sistine Chapel, the iconic Belvedere Courtyard, the antique galleries, and so much more. Take that perfect picture in front of the Pigna Statue in the Pinecone Courtyard, discover the series of galleries in Raphael’s Rooms.
The Sistine Chapel will surely be a highlight of this tour, as it is extremely important and where the Pope goes to worship.On this journey,you'll learn the secrets and legends that only a local would know and will get a special look into this historical site.
Do you know where the special chimney used for the black and white smoke traditionally is? Your guide will tell you!
Were Raphael and Michelangelo friends? Not exactly, let's discover it!
The tour will end at Piazza San Pietro if the gate to access from the Vatican Museums it's opened, otherwise it will end at the starting point, Viale Vaticano
Itinerary
Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums, located within Vatican City, are a series of art and historical museums showcasing an extensive collection of artwork and artifacts amassed by the Catholic Church over centuries. Founded by Pope Julius II in the 16th century, the museums encompass over 50 galleries and halls, spanning approximately 7 kilometers of exhibition space. Among its highlights are iconic works such as Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling, Raphael's "School of Athens," and the Gallery of Maps, featuring topographical maps of Italy created in the 16th century. The collections include sculptures, paintings, tapestries, and archaeological finds from ancient civilizations, providing visitors with a comprehensive journey through art history.
1 hour
Cortile della Pigna
The Pinecone Courtyard, also known as the Cortile della Pigna, is a picturesque open space located within the Vatican Museums in Vatican City. This courtyard is named after the colossal bronze pinecone sculpture that stands at its center, believed to have originally adorned a Roman fountain.
Surrounded by Renaissance architecture and adorned with ancient statues and fragments, the Pinecone Courtyard serves as a tranquil oasis within the bustling museum complex. Visitors can admire the intricate details of the pinecone sculpture while taking in the serene atmosphere of this outdoor space. The courtyard is often a point of pause and reflection for museum-goers, offering a moment of respite amidst the wealth of art and history found within the Vatican Museums.
5 minutes
Galleria Delle Carte Geografiche
The Gallery of Maps, or Galleria delle Carte Geografiche, is a remarkable highlight within the Vatican Museums in Vatican City. This stunning gallery is adorned with a series of large-scale frescoes depicting maps of Italy and its regions, created in the 16th century.
Commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII and executed by Ignazio Danti, the maps showcase intricate details of Italy's geography, towns, and landscapes as understood during the Renaissance period. The Gallery of Maps offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore both cartography and artistic expression from centuries past.
The grandeur of the frescoes, coupled with the historical significance of the maps, makes the Gallery of Maps a captivating and educational experience within the Vatican Museums.
5 minutes
Stanze di Raffaello
The Raphael Rooms, or Stanze di Raffaello, are a series of four interconnected chambers located within the Vatican Palace in Vatican City. Commissioned by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, these rooms were decorated by the renowned Italian Renaissance artist Raphael and his workshop.
Each room features breathtaking frescoes that depict a combination of religious and secular themes, showcasing Raphael's mastery of composition, color, and perspective. The most famous of these frescoes is "The School of Athens," located in the Room of the Segnatura, which portrays a gathering of ancient philosophers and intellectuals.
The Raphael Rooms serve as a testament to the artistic brilliance of the High Renaissance period and remain a highlight of the Vatican Museums. Visitors are awe-inspired by the beauty and complexity of Raphael's creations, making the rooms a must-see destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.
20 minutes
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is one of the most iconic and revered spaces within the Vatican City. Built in the late 15th century under the direction of Pope Sixtus IV, the chapel is renowned for its stunning Renaissance art, particularly Michelangelo's masterful ceiling frescoes.
Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes, completed between 1508 and 1512, depict scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgment on the altar wall. The intricate details, vibrant colors, and profound symbolism of these frescoes have made them some of the most famous artworks in the world.
In addition to Michelangelo's work, the Sistine Chapel also features frescoes by other Renaissance masters such as Botticelli, Perugino, and Ghirlandaio.
Beyond its artistic significance, the Sistine Chapel is also a place of great importance for the Catholic Church, serving as the site for papal elections (conclaves) and other important ceremonies.
1 hour
St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peters Basilica is included in the ticket but not in the experience, we'll make an introduction from outside and we'll let you visit by yourself. The guide will explain you how to admire the masterpieces of La Pietà, the statue of St. Peter, the Baldacchino, the famous Pope’s tombs such as John Paul II and John XXIII so in case you would like to go by your own.
30 minutes
Sample Menu
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers to ensure the direct access
Only small bags are allowed
Please note that on the day of your visit certain areas of the monument/attraction can be closed due to either religious events and national holidays
Wheelchair and Stroller won't be able to join the shared group
Free Cancellation
April 25100% refund
April 26No refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
5 stars
107
4 stars
5
3 stars
1
2 stars
2
1 star
3
We perform checks on reviews
We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her
Reviews by TravelOne travelers
Showing 1-5 of 107 reviews with 5 stars
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The best Vatican Museum tour
Published on Jan, 2025
This was such a fun experience! Communication was super easy and we met outside of the entrance to the Vatican museum. Our tour guide was Silvia and she was super chill and explained everything and answered all of our questions. She also gave great recommendations for things to do after the tour ended. Being able to go inside the Vatican museum as part of the tour and be able to skip the long line everyone else waited in was totally worth it!
The real Skip the Line Experience
Published on Nov, 2024
This tour did as promised ; we really skipped the line at the entrance to the Vatican Museums and Saint Peter’s Basilica! Our host was very attentive and knowledgeable.Although the tour runs within a time frame,we didn’t felt rushed! Definitely a must if you want to navigate the museums but still make it count. Going from the Sistine Chapel straight to Saint Peter’s Basilica without any lines was great.
Vatican Tour
Published on Nov, 2024
Great experience! Our tour guide was great! She was very informative and really highlighted some amazing art works even giving us some pointers about the basilica after the tour ! Highly recommend!
Experienced and nice tour guide
Published on Nov, 2024
Tour guide arrived the meeting point on time; Experience and nice tour guide, always looks after the guests. Thank you so much! Highly recommend to customers.”
Tour was perfectly organized and personal. Our tour guide was deeply passionate about history of Art and Rome.
Published on Oct, 2024
It’s must see! The tour guide is very knowledgeable and it was absolutely pleasant and educational tour!
Tour was perfectly organized and personal. Our tour guide was deeply passionate about history of Art and Rome.
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