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Combo (Save 5%): Santa Maria Maggiore + Vatican Museum Entry Tickets

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Santa Maria Maggiore + Vatican Museum Entry Tickets

~~Original price€34.38~~

€32.66

5% off

For a double-dose of art and history
Experience the serene beauty of Santa Maria Maggiore at your own pace
Audio guide in English, Italian, Spanish, French, or German (for Santa Maria Maggiore)
Drift through iconic Vatican halls alive with colour, detail, and imagination

Santa Maria Maggiore English Guided Tour + Vatican Museums English Guided Tour

~~Original price€99.50~~

€64.51

35% off

For curated expert-led experiences across Rome’s finest
Experience Santa Maria Maggiore through vivid storytelling and carefully chosen highlights
Journey through the Vatican Museums with a guide who connects every artwork to its past

4.4/5(42,995)

Shachar N

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

We had a great experience visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. The meeting point was easy to find, and collecting our tickets from the agency was quick and simple. Everything was well organized, which made the beginning of the visit completely stress-free. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We received a short but detailed explanation about where to go, how to enter the museums, and what we needed to do next. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and the guide helped make the entrance process smooth. We wer e also pleasantly surprised to receive a free audio guide, which added a lot to the experience and helped us better understand the artworks, sculptures, galleries, and history around us. The Vatican Museums themselves were incredible, with so much to see along the way before reaching the unforgettable Sistine Chapel. We had a really enjoyable time and felt that the service provided by the agency made the entire visit easier and more relaxing. I would definitely recommend this option to other travelers who want a simple, organized, and enjoyable way to visit the Vatican Museums.

Afonso S

Family

Verified booking

Jul 2026

The visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel was one of the most memorable experiences of my trip. I was impressed by the sheer number of works of art, sculptures, and paintings—all very well preserved and steeped in history. Even though there were many visitors, I was still able to appreciate the beauty of the spaces. The most special moment was stepping into the Sistine Chapel and seeing Michelangelo’s famous frescoes in person. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe and very different from seeing them only in photographs. The entire atmosphere conveys great historical and cultural significance. I recommend this visit to anyone passing through Rome, as it’s a unique place that’s truly worth seeing. Furthermore, the visit helped me better understand the importance of art and history in European culture, making the experience even more enriching and memorable.

Tiziano F

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

Visiting Vatican City was an unforgettable experience. Even if you're not particularly religious, the history, art, and architecture are simply breathtaking. St. Peter's Basilica is absolutely stunning, with incredible details both inside and out, and climbing to the top of the dome rewards you with spectacular views over Rome. The Vatican Museums are immense and filled with masterpieces, ending with the world-famous Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo's ceiling is even more impressive in person than in photos. The atmosphere throughout Vatican City is unique, combining centuries of history with a sense of peace and importance. I would recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds and to fully enjoy the experience. A must-visit for anyone traveling to Rome.

Mammadalizade J

Solo

Verified booking

Last week

Was great ! Definitely was worth as avoided standing in long queues. One thing you should bare in mind that of you buy ticket with time access to Basilica and the Dome, you have 1.5 hrs till entering, so if you are a museum person it might not be enough for you. You don't need ID anymore, unlike Colosseum, but bring it just in case maybe. It's worth paying for St. Peter Basilica, because for online tickets there almost was no queue. For Dome, it's elevator access up to certain level. And then it's a quite hard and narrow staircase up, so small kids and people with breathing problems might want to think before climbing the Dome, but level where elevator takes you, is no problem and view of the Dome is nice, but can't see the square from it. Was worth the money spent, overall.

Stephanie M

Solo

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

Visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel was one of the highlights of my trip to Rome. I had seen so many photos before, but nothing compares to seeing it all in person. The museums are full of incredible artwork, beautiful halls, and fascinating history around every corner. The Sistine Chapel was the most unforgettable part of the visit. Looking up at Michelangelo's famous ceiling was an amazing experience. It was quite crowded, but everything was well organized. I definitely recommend buying your tickets in advance, especially the fast-track option, because it saves a lot of time and lets you skip the long entrance lines. It made the whole visit much more enjoyable. I would happily visit again.

Kristin M

Couple

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

We were welcomed into the office to check in and meet our tour group. Everything was very organized. Our tour group leader was Agnese and she was fantastic. We were a party of 2 but our total group was 7, 2 were young boys, and she did a great job with all the different ages. Agnese had tons of knowledge and gave us a good explanation of what were we're going to see before we got to that section. She was very conscience of the heat and made sure to keep us in the shade as much as possible and we moved at a perfect pace. In addition to the great education, skipping all the lines and using the back stairs, was worth the price of the tour itself!!

Experience two of Rome’s most iconic sites in one seamless visit, skipping long lines while exploring the basilica’s sacred treasures and the Vatican’s masterpieces.

Access Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome’s oldest Marian basilica, featuring stunning 5th-century mosaics, Bernini’s tomb, and the revered Holy Cradle relic.

Enjoy fast-track entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, marvel at masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael, and stroll through the historic Patrizi Montoro Palace.

Upgrade to guided tours at both sites to uncover hidden corners, gain expert insights, and enjoy a richer, more immersive experience.

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

Access to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

Audio guide in English, Italian, Spanish, French or German

English guided tour of Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica (as per option selected)

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

English guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (as per option selected)

Transfers

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

42,995 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Spain and over 111 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Stephanie M
Solo
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel was one of the highlights of my trip to Rome. I had seen so many photos before, but nothing compares to seeing it all in person. The museums are full of incredible artwork, beautiful halls, and fascinating history around every corner. The Sistine Chapel was the most unforgettable part of the visit. Looking up at Michelangelo's famous ceiling was an amazing experience. It was quite crowded, but everything was well organized. I definitely recommend buying your tickets in advance, especially the fast-track option, because it saves a lot of time and lets you skip the long entrance lines. It made the whole visit much more enjoyable. I would happily visit again.
Kristin M
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
We were welcomed into the office to check in and meet our tour group. Everything was very organized. Our tour group leader was Agnese and she was fantastic. We were a party of 2 but our total group was 7, 2 were young boys, and she did a great job with all the different ages. Agnese had tons of knowledge and gave us a good explanation of what were we're going to see before we got to that section. She was very conscience of the heat and made sure to keep us in the shade as much as possible and we moved at a perfect pace. In addition to the great education, skipping all the lines and using the back stairs, was worth the price of the tour itself!!
Elizabeth E
Family
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
We could never have navigated these busy sites without our expert guide - it was unbelievably busy and hot in high summer but the tour guide did a fantastic job of making it enjoyable and informative. I am a history buff and the guide managed to make some interesting points i hadn't considered about the exhibits whilst keeping us all together and navigating everything. Would definitely book this tour guide and this company again for other things. We're very glad we booked this tour.
Sophia S
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
It saved us from having to wait over two hours at the museum in the blazing sun at 36 degrees; we didn’t have tickets in advance because it was a spontaneous trip to Rome. Instead, we spent a leisurely 30 minutes eating at the café across from the meeting point and waited there with cold drinks. Everything went smoothly—we went inside, received instructions, and were then escorted into the museum as a group by a lady. I’d book this again in a heartbeat. Highly recommended!
Kosa M
Group
Verified booking
Jul 2026
The process of getting in to the Vatican once we picked up our ticket, was very easy. Our guide - and I apologize for not recalling the name, was very knowledgeable, shared fun details as well as little known facts and made the whole experience very memorable. Yes, the crowds were there, however a good guide - which we had, knows how to navigate them and still allow us to have a thorough look at the highlights. This was the highlight of our trip!

Enjoy fast-track entry to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel plus full access to Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, with this hassle-free combo

Getting started

Begin at the designated meeting point near each site’s main entrance. Present your mobile ticket for validation and follow security procedures before entering. For guided options, your expert guide will introduce the experience and outline the highlights before you set off.

What to expect

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

Dating to the 5th century, this major papal basilica is a cornerstone of Rome’s religious and artistic heritage, offering access to its terrace, museum, and sacred relics.

Features:

Mosaics and frescoes: Admire early Christian mosaics and frescoes depicting biblical stories and artistic mastery.

Crypt of the Nativity: Visit the site believed to house a relic from Jesus’ manger, a focal point for pilgrims.

Architectural highlights: Experience the basilica’s grand nave, ornate chapels, and architectural details spanning multiple eras.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Home to one of the world’s largest Renaissance art collections, the Vatican Museums span 54 galleries and include the renowned Sistine Chapel, celebrated for Michelangelo’s frescoes and its ongoing religious significance.

Features:

Sistine Chapel: Stand beneath Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling and view The Last Judgment, masterpieces central to Western art.

Raphael’s Rooms: Explore rooms adorned with frescoes like The School of Athens, illustrating the height of Renaissance creativity.

Galleries of Maps & Tapestries: Walk through corridors filled with vibrant cartography and woven narratives from the Renaissance era.

Pigna Courtyard & Vatican Walls: Discover outdoor and architectural highlights that frame the museum’s vast collections.

What to bring

Wear comfortable shoes, as both experiences involve walking and climbing stairs.

Dress respectfully for religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered; short skirts, sleeveless tops, and see-through clothing are not allowed. A shawl or scarf can be handy for head coverage if needed.

Carry a valid photo ID or passport that matches your booking details.

Keep your smartphone voucher ready to present at the entrance or to reception staff.

You may bring a camera for non-flash photography at the basilica.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, or oversized luggage; lockers are available on site for storage.

Food and drinks, including water, are not permitted inside sacred areas.

Flash photography, tripods, filming equipment, and mobile phones in the Sistine Chapel are strictly prohibited.

Power banks are not allowed inside the Vatican Museums.

Pets are not permitted except for registered service animals.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are forbidden on the premises.

Access through the Holy Door is not included.

Children under 7 cannot enter certain areas of the basilica, such as the Dome or underground sections.

Using external guides or leaving the assigned guide in the Vatican Museums is not permitted.

Accessibility

These experiences are not suitable for wheelchair users, those with mobility difficulties, prams/strollers, or visitors with heart conditions, walking difficulties, claustrophobia, dizziness, disabilities, anxiety disorders, or pregnancy.

Some sections involve stairs, narrow passageways, or other areas that may be difficult to access.

Additional information

General entry to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica is free. This ticket provides skip-the-line access for convenience.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time for a smooth check-in.

Entry is only permitted through the reserved entrance.

Vatican Museums guests will pass through airport-style security; during peak times, waits can be up to 30 minutes.

Both sites strictly enforce dress codes; non-compliance may result in denied entry.

Management may close certain sections due to force majeure, religious ceremonies, or weather; such closures do not qualify for refunds.

During Jubilee years or special ceremonies, some areas, including St. Peter’s Basilica, may be temporarily inaccessible.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.