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





Explore at your pace
Audio guide
Select an option
- 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
- 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(43,654)
Stephen V
Monica B
Yakup S
Wendy S
Agnieszka R
Olcay D
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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.
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Access Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome’s oldest Marian basilica, featuring stunning 5th-century mosaics, Bernini’s tomb, and the revered Holy Cradle relic.
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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.
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Upgrade to guided tours at both sites to uncover hidden corners, gain expert insights, and enjoy a richer, more immersive experience.
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Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
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Access to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
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Audio guide in English, Italian, Spanish, French or German
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English guided tour of Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica (as per option selected)
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
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Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
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English guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (as per option selected)
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- Transfers
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- 43,654 reviews4.4
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.
25.7K14K1.9K7301.2KGuests from United States, United Kingdom, Spain and over 112 countries have loved this experienceWhat our guests say
RRosa I
CoupleVerified booking5 days ago5/5The guide was very attentive and explained everything to us before leaving us at the entrance. We started with the Gregorian Museum, walking slowly and taking everything in. When we realized how much time had passed, we told ourselves we had to hurry because we wouldn't manage to see it all... We spent 7 hours there and still didn't get to see everything!! It's worth going back 2 or 3 times...TTal J
CoupleVerified booking5 days ago5/5Skipping the regular queue with our ticket was an absolute lifesaver. We saw hundreds of people waiting outside in the heat, and walking straight in through the dedicated entrance was such a relief. We got into the museums in just a few minutes, which left us more time to fully enjoy the amazing art and the Sistine Chapel.AArvid H
CoupleVerified booking4 days ago5/5Everything was super well-organized and we were completely inside the museums within 10 minutes. The guide took us all the way to the final security check. Top-notch. We weren't entirely sure where we were supposed to be at the booked time, so we asked at the office beforehand. There was a nice lady there to help us as well.CChristine M
CoupleVerified booking6 days ago5/5Our skip the line tickets were the best as we walked towards the entrance there were queues everywhere and our tour operaters just showed us the way through security and bag checks the vatican and sistine chapel whete well worth seeing didnt realise it was sooo hugeMMaria D
CoupleVerified booking4 days ago5/5We had clear directions to our meeting place. We were escorted to the Vatican and did not have to wait on long lines. It was a very pleasant experience. We were very excited to be visiting the Vatican in the museum.
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:
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Mosaics and frescoes: Admire early Christian mosaics and frescoes depicting biblical stories and artistic mastery.
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Crypt of the Nativity: Visit the site believed to house a relic from Jesus’ manger, a focal point for pilgrims.
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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:
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Sistine Chapel: Stand beneath Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling and view The Last Judgment, masterpieces central to Western art.
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Raphael’s Rooms: Explore rooms adorned with frescoes like The School of Athens, illustrating the height of Renaissance creativity.
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Galleries of Maps & Tapestries: Walk through corridors filled with vibrant cartography and woven narratives from the Renaissance era.
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Pigna Courtyard & Vatican Walls: Discover outdoor and architectural highlights that frame the museum’s vast collections.
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What to bring
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Wear comfortable shoes, as both experiences involve walking and climbing stairs.
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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.
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Carry a valid photo ID or passport that matches your booking details.
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Keep your smartphone voucher ready to present at the entrance or to reception staff.
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You may bring a camera for non-flash photography at the basilica.
What’s not allowed
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Large bags, suitcases, or oversized luggage; lockers are available on site for storage.
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Food and drinks, including water, are not permitted inside sacred areas.
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Flash photography, tripods, filming equipment, and mobile phones in the Sistine Chapel are strictly prohibited.
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Power banks are not allowed inside the Vatican Museums.
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Pets are not permitted except for registered service animals.
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Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are forbidden on the premises.
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Access through the Holy Door is not included.
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Children under 7 cannot enter certain areas of the basilica, such as the Dome or underground sections.
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Using external guides or leaving the assigned guide in the Vatican Museums is not permitted.
Accessibility
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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.
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Some sections involve stairs, narrow passageways, or other areas that may be difficult to access.
Additional information
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General entry to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica is free. This ticket provides skip-the-line access for convenience.
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Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time for a smooth check-in.
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Entry is only permitted through the reserved entrance.
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Vatican Museums guests will pass through airport-style security; during peak times, waits can be up to 30 minutes.
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Both sites strictly enforce dress codes; non-compliance may result in denied entry.
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Management may close certain sections due to force majeure, religious ceremonies, or weather; such closures do not qualify for refunds.
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During Jubilee years or special ceremonies, some areas, including St. Peter’s Basilica, may be temporarily inaccessible.
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- 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.
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