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

About this experience

A holiday in Rome without visiting the Vatican is like a day at the beach without swimming in the sea. See the best of the Vatican museums and gain direct entrance with skip-the-line access to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, while our excellent guides entertain you with stories that go with each masterpiece. This budget-friendly tour is the best value for money for travelers that are interested in 1) seeing the museum’s highlights 2) meeting a new friend or two through your group and 3) skipping the lines (trust us, with over 6 million tourist spilling into the museum every year, you'll want it!) Disclaimer: you will be entering the Vatican museum during one of the busiest times of the day.

Description supplied by the operator via Viator Partner API.

What you actually do

Of 7 listed stops, you get out at 6 and see 1 from the vehicle.

1. 1

   Borgo

   Meet your tour guide at our office, located in the oldest neighbourhoods of the Vatican, Borgo Pio. Following a self introduction by your guide, you will walk through the charming shops of the Borgo, as he/she shares some local tips for eating and site seeing in Rome, including off the beaten track sites that you must…

   You get out here40 min

2. 2

   Via Della Conciliazione

   Admire the flags and surrounding embassies as you walk through this street, which serve as the primary access point to St. Peter's Square, and by extension, to the Vatican City itself.

   Seen from the vehicle

3. 3

   St. Peter's Square

   We arrive at St. Peter's Square, which is marked by a towering Egyptian obelisk and enveloped by columns and statues of saints. Hear about the history of the square and the legendary artist Bernini who designed it. Fun fact- the Pope addresses crowds from his apartment window overlooking St.

   You get out here20 min

4. 4

   Citta del Vaticano

   En route to the museum, you will get to see and hear about how residents of the smallest city in the word go about their day to day life (including getting their mail!) Snap a pic of the Swiss guards- the pontifical bodyguards in their distinctly Renaissance uniforms. Our Tip: send yourself a post card after the tour.

   You get out here15 min

5. 5

   Vatican Museums

   Be prepared to hear about stories as your guide walk you through an astonishing collection of Roman and Greek statues, the gallery of tapestries, and a gallery of maps depicting 16th century Italy.

   You get out here45 minAdmission included

6. 6

   Sistine Chapel

   Admire Michelangelo's famous works, including the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgement. This spectacular fresco evokes lifelike images within the mind, vividly portraying stories of mankind in the biblical era. Note that the museum requires visitors to observe silence and a dress code (knees and shoulders covered).

   You get out here15 minAdmission included

7. 7

   St. Peter's Basilica

   You will be brought in front of St. Peter's Church, where a special entrance will allow you to enter directly from the museum and bypass the long queue out in the square. Got questions? Ask you guide before parting ways!

   You get out here15 min

Where the day happens

≈ 1.5 km from the city centre. 7 stops shown in visit order.

What is and is not included

The advertised price does not cover other — budget for those separately.

Before you book

The operator’s own practical notes — the things people usually discover at checkout.