Combo (Save 5%): Santa Maria Maggiore + Vatican Museum Entry Tickets
Open today
Flexible
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(45,209)
Elizabeth S
Barry H
Ross B
Emilia A
Antonio R
Jennifer J
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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.
- 45,209 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.
26.8K14.2K2K7591.3K
Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Spain and over 111 countries have loved this experienceWhat our guests say
JJorge L
CoupleVerified booking3 weeks ago5/5🇻🇦✨ An unforgettable experience at the Vatican 🙏🏻❤️ Visiting the Vatican was a unique experience, full of history, art, faith, and a beauty that simply leaves you speechless. Every corner conveys centuries of culture and spirituality, from the majesty of St. Peter's Square to the breathtaking grandeur of the Basilica. A place that invites you to pause, admire, and be grateful for the opportunity to see one of the most extraordinary places in the world. 🌍✨ Without a doubt, a visit that will stay in my heart forever. Rome is pure magic and the Vatican is an experience everyone should have at least once in a lifetime! 🇮🇹❤️🙏🏻 An experience that goes beyond a trip: a lifelong memory. ✈️🌎AAbhinav M
CoupleVerified bookingOct 20265/5Visiting the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel was an unforgettable experience. The entire visit was incredibly well organised, and the skip-the-line access made the experience much easier, especially with the large crowds. The museums are filled with breathtaking artwork, beautiful architecture, fascinating history and incredible details at every turn. The Sistine Chapel was definitely the highlight and seeing Michelangelo’s work in person was truly amazing. Our Headout booking process was simple and convenient, and the instructions provided were clear and easy to follow. We were able to enjoy the visit without worrying about tickets or long queues. Overall, this was one of the highlights of our Rome trip, and I would definitely recommend visiting the Vatican Museums and booking through Headout.DDeclan D
CoupleVerified booking3 weeks ago5/5The skip the que is excellent at this time of year, ie. Arrived on the 10th October in rome, I had previously before arrival discovered the Headout app. Found my interest! And booked accordingly! Looking at the general ques, I was delighted, in fact, I made a comment just before the Sistine Chapel! The longest wait was infact to the ladies toilets! Don't be shy in talking your Camera out in the Vatican museum! Its the Sistine Chapel where you will be strictly ordered to turn your Camera off! And its understandable! Adhere to the standard! And your experience will be exceptional! Remember, your walking on the stones of Popes, And looking at artifacts of the Troy era. Thats BC.EEva P
CoupleVerified booking3 weeks ago4/5The guide made sure everyone was keeping up and accounted for, which was really pleasant despite the crowds around the Vatican. Much appreciated. Once at the entrance, the guide lets us do our own thing and we make our own way through; you can visit in whatever order you like. Very crowded, you shouldn't mind crowds during the museum visit. But a very wonderful experience!SSarah T
CoupleVerified booking2 weeks ago4/5The museum itself was a great experience. So glad we chose a non guided tour as there were a few aspects that didn't interest us so we were able to move on at our own pace However my big concern was that at NO point were we asked for any form of identification from any of the Headout team or the Vatican staff.
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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