No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to Vatican City. But if it’s your first time, navigating it on your own can be tough. The Vatican Museums house around 70,000 works of art that range from paintings and sculptures to archaeological treasures and cultural artifacts. You’ll also find an extensive collection of religious relics and liturgical objects, including over 100,000 pieces from both Christian and non-Christian cultures. To truly understand the meaning and history behind these masterpieces, a local guide can make all the difference. Here’s why a Vatican guided tour is worth it.
Why take a Vatican guided tour?
Interesting combinations to explore
You can pair your Vatican visit with the Colosseum and other iconic landmarks of Rome saving over 20% compared to buying tickets separately. Plus, you get the flexibility to visit everything on the same day or spread it over multiple days.
Your guided tour can be in English, Italian, Spanish, French, or German, so you can follow along comfortably. From the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Gardens, and the Papal Tombs, there’s no shortage of wonders. You can mix and match the sites that interest you most and make the most of your visit.
Centuries of history
Although Vatican City as a country is just about 100 years old, the site has held deep religious significance for millennia. Many people come to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece at the Sistine Chapel, while others are drawn to the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica. As the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican is filled with stories, traditions, and treasures. With a guide by your side, you’ll uncover fascinating details about the popes, the history of the Church, the holy mass, and the priceless artworks that make this place truly extraordinary.
There’s a lot to explore
Vatican City may cover just 50 hectares, but it’s packed with remarkable landmarks. St. Peter’s Basilica alone, the world’s largest church, can hold around 60,000 people, with its magnificent dome soaring 138 meters (453 feet) high. The Apostolic Palace, home to the Pope, spans 162,000 square meters, nearly a third of the entire city-state. Add another 23 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens, and there’s plenty to take in. A knowledgeable guide can help you navigate this vast site, focusing on the spots and stories that interest you most.
Best guided tours in Rome
1. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Tickets
Why we recommend it?
You can save up to 1–2 hours of waiting time with this ticket. Once inside, explore the Vatican at your own pace or choose a guided tour when booking. You can also opt for an audio guide available in 12 languages. This ticket is perfect for the flexibility and add-ons it offers.
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Hosted skip-the-line entry to Vatican Museums with ticket redemption (as per option selected)
- Vatican Garden open bus tour (as per option selected)
- Guided tour of Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel (as per option selected)
- Booking and service charges
2. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour with St. Peter's Basilica
Why we recommend it?
This is the complete Vatican experience that comes with a skip the line entry to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. You can customise the tour to be a semi-private one with max 10 folks with early access and reach the Dome’s summit. Go for this one to understand Vatican from all ends be it the art, religious, historical and architecture.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
- 's Basilica Access
- Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, or Japanese-speaking guide
- Semi private tour with a max group of 10 (as per option selected)
- Early morning tour with St. Peter's Basilica and Dome climb (as per option selected)
- Headphones
3. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour
Why we recommend it?
This ticket gives you fast-track access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Join a small group of up to 20 people and explore world-famous galleries like the Gallery of Maps, Tapestries, and Raphael Rooms with expert insights from your guide. In just 2–3 hours, you’ll experience Michelangelo’s masterpieces and one of the greatest art collections in the world.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
- Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
- Explore with a group of up to 20 people
- Guided tour of Vatican Gardens (as per option selected)
- Small group tour (as per option selected)
- Nighttime tour (as per option selected)
4. Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Early Morning Tour
Why we recommend it?
Early morning is perhaps the best time to visit the Vatican. Since it attracts huge crowds, lines can get long later in the day. Entering before opening hours lets you explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in rare peace and quiet. You’ll have the time to truly absorb the art and reflect on it, instead of rushing through in the midday crowds.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
- Entry to St Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)
- Semi-private group of 6 (as per option selected)
- Entry to St Peter's Dome (as per option selected)
- Breakfast at Vatican Courtyard (as per option selected)
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Headsets
5. St. Peter’s Basilica and Papal Tombs Guided Tour
Why we recommend it?
This tour is dedicated entirely to St. Peter’s Basilica which is an experience in itself. With reserved entry, you’ll skip the long lines and step straight into the church. You can also take the elevator up to the Dome for sweeping views of the city, then go to the Papal tombs beneath the Basilica, where dozens of popes rest, including John Paul II. If your focus is on exploring St. Peter’s Basilica in depth, this is the perfect tour.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica & Papal Tombs
- Expert English, Spanish, French, German or Italian-speaking guide
- Dome access via elevator (as per option selected)
6. Colosseum + Vatican Museums Guided Tour
Why we recommend it?
This is the ultimate combo for art and architecture enthusiasts. The best part? You can choose to visit both sites on the same day or on separate days and save up to 20%. Explore ancient Rome and its near-perfect architecture at the Colosseum, then dive into world-renowned art at the Vatican Museums. With guided tours of both landmarks, this tour is perfect for those short on time who still want to see the very best of Rome.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Expert local English, Italian, Spanish, French or German-speaking guide
- Timed entry to Colosseum
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
7. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Premium Small Group Tour
Why we recommend it?
Paying a little extra for small-group and skip-the-line tickets goes a long way, especially at crowded landmarks like the Vatican. In just 2–3 hours, you’ll cover all the highlights people travel across the world to see. It’s perfect for families and small groups looking for a more curated, relaxed experience.
Inclusions
- Small group of up to 15 guests
- Expert English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, or German-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- Timed entry to Colosseum
- Headsets
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
8. VIP Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Private Tour
Why we recommend it?
If you prefer the exclusivity of having a guide solely for your group, this private tour is the perfect choice. While it’s on the pricier side, it’s worth every bit for the personalized experience. Explore the Vatican Museums at your own pace, customize the itinerary to your interests, and enjoy a peaceful, crowd-free visit with your expert guide.
Inclusions
- Private guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line access
- Reserved entry and private guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)
- Expert English/Spanish/French/German/Italian-speaking guide
- Headsets
