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Guided Tours

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour with St. Peter's Basilica

Courtyard of the Vatican Museums in Rome with the Pinecone Sculpture.
Vatican Museums sculpture hall with ancient statues and marble columns.
St. Peter's Basilica with obelisk in Vatican City, Rome, surrounded by tourists.
St. Peter's Basilica interior with ornate altar and spiral columns in Vatican City.

Duration

2 hr - 4 hr 30 min

Open today

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Access Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica on this skip-the-line guided tour, showcasing the Holy See's iconic landmarks.

4.4/5

(20,696)

Jeffrey Robert Wright

Jeffrey

Nov 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The Vatican Museums exceeded all expectations. I was surprised just how big they were and in particular the Hall of Maps was mind blowing. The guide, Pasquale made the day even more memorable with his incredible knowledge and sense of humour, all in impeccable English. We learned so much about Roman History, the Popes and more, particuarly what an incredible person Michellangelo was. The Sistine Chapel was as incredible as expected and the Basilica was a great way to finish the tour. Although not religious or Catholic it was a spiritual experience going through the Holy Door in a Jubilee year. The size of the Basilica really defies belief. One of the best if not best tour I have ever done - and I have travelled the world.
Simeon Dimitrov

Simeon

Nov 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Great experience, the only problem was that we got a full ticket for Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica but at the day of the event they told us that the St. Peter's Basilica is too crowded at Monday's so we can visit it on the other day or get a refund for this part. The good thing is that they still offer the option to visit the Basilica at the other day or get a refund, and since we were still at Rome for the next day, we decided to visit the St. Peter's Basilica, but if someone has plans to travel at the next day for example, it will mean that they has to skip the visit.
Karren Sabog

Karren

Nov 2025
Verified booking
5/5
This guided tour is a great experience. We were able to see the amazing landmarks of the Vatican along with the beautiful paintings and sculptures . With skip the line entry , we have entered the museum, chapel and basilica . Our tour guide (frederico) guided us well with the place and we love how he shares histories and stories behind every masterpieces. After it , we were able to access and take our time in the basilica. We were glad to have book the tour. It was such a memorable day. We would highly recommend it.
    • Explore three top Vatican landmarks in one go — the Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

    • Skip long entry lines at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with priority access.

    • Walk the Gallery of Maps as your expert guide shares stories behind every masterpiece.

    • Enter St. Peter’s Basilica via a special passageway from the Chapel—no need to queue again outside.

    • Opt for a small-group tour (max 10) for a deeper Vatican experience, or beat the crowds with early access and reach the Dome’s summit for stunning views.

    • Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry

    • St. Peter'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

    • Gratuities

    • Entry to St. Peter's Basilica Dome

  • You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • 4.4
    20,696 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.

    13.6K
    3.8K
    1.2K
    716
    1.1K
    Guests from United States, United Kingdom, France and over 10 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Julio Alberto Perea Sandoval

    Julio

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    5/5
    The Vatican museum is splendid, the best works of art (sculptures, paintings) are there. The facilities are impressive and magnificent. The organization is impeccable, and that is good for the large number of people who visit it.
    Matthias Gradinger

    Matthias

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    5/5
    The guide presented art history and historical knowledge in a very engaging and entertaining way. And it was not easy for her to keep the very different people in the group together. Perhaps it would be helpful to point out that you need to be a good walker to take part in this tour.
    MASSIMO NARDO

    Massimo

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    5/5
    apart from the myriad of people who were there (December 30)the visit was very pleasant thanks to the patience and competence of Veronica who explained everything to us with competence and sympathy,good also the logistics for the appointment sin only that the priority access became a line of 1h and a half recommended
    Alba Rocio Velásquez Aranguren

    Alba

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Excellent experience. Touring the Vatican museums is best with a guide, and Yianina was the best. She explained and told us many amazing details. She gave us all the recommendations to understand the paintings in the Sistine Chapel and the passage to St. Peter's Basilica with her saved us hours of lines. Highly recommended.
    RENATO SILVANO SECCHI

    Renato

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Beautiful experience with the guide Antonella Panichelli who was able to keep the group's interest throughout the visit with her passion and culture. What beautiful things we saw, she made even more beautiful. Too bad about the queue of more than an hour in the cold to get in.
  • Discover the best of Vatican City in one seamless tour—with skip-the-line access and exclusive entry to St. Peter’s Basilica.

    Getting started

    Meet your guide at the designated meeting point near the Vatican Museums. Skip the general lines and breeze through a security check with group access. Your guide will help validate your tickets and get you started right away.

    What to expect

    Vatican Museums

    One of the world’s most visited museums, home to centuries of art and papal treasures.

    • Wander through iconic galleries like the Gallery of Maps and Tapestries.

    • Your guide shares the stories and symbols hidden behind the art.

    Sistine Chapel

    Michelangelo’s ceiling and Last Judgment fresco are the highlight of this sacred space.

    • Experience the Chapel in reflective silence as your guide preps you beforehand.

    • Marvel at the grandeur and detail of one of the world’s most famous ceilings.

    St. Peter’s Basilica

    Enter directly from the Chapel through a priority passage used only on guided tours.

    • Avoid the 2-hour queue and walk straight into the heart of Catholicism.

    • See masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin.

    Wrapping up

    Choose to upgrade your experience with a guided tour inside the Basilica for deeper insights and stories you’d likely miss on your own.

  • Vatican Museums

    Monday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Tuesday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Wednesday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Thursday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Friday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Saturday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    SundayClosed

    St Peter's Basilica

    Monday07:00am - 07:10pm
    Tuesday07:00am - 07:10pm
    Wednesday07:00am - 07:10pm
    Thursday07:00am - 07:10pm
    Friday07:00am - 07:10pm
    Saturday07:00am - 07:10pm
    Sunday07:00am - 07:10pm

    Sistine Chapel

    Monday08:00am - 07:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Tuesday08:00am - 07:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Wednesday08:00am - 07:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Thursday08:00am - 07:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Friday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    Saturday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 06:00pm
    SundayClosed

    Public Museums of Vatican City

    Monday07:00am - 06:30pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Tuesday07:00am - 06:30pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Wednesday07:00am - 06:30pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Thursday07:00am - 06:30pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Friday07:00am - 06:30pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Saturday07:00am - 06:30pmlast entry 06:30pm
    Sunday07:00am - 06:30pmlast entry 06:30pm
  • What to bring

    • Compulsory Vatican dress code: Visitors must wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.

    • Please wear comfortable shoes as this experience involves a lot of walking.

    Accessibility

    • The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, or baby carriages.

    • The Vatican Museums offer free tickets for visitors with mobility impairments (with certified invalidity exceeding 74%). In the case of visitors lacking in self-sufficiency, free entry is extended to their companions.

    Additional information

    • Purchasing this tour implies an agreement to stick with the assigned guide, without whom you cannot access the Vatican Museums. Opting out or missing the tour means losing ticket rights, without refunds.

    • St. Peter’s Basilica may be closed on Wednesday mornings and afternoons as the Papal Audience takes place in St. Peter’s Square. If you’re considering visiting St. Peter's Basilica, please make plans for another day.

    • Please note: All guests must pass through airport-style security. During high season and peak hours, the wait time at the security check may be up to 30-45 minutes.

    • Your ticket has a designated entry time—please arrive at least 30 minutes in advance.

    • Sometimes guides are not allowed to give tours inside the St. Peter's Basilica. On such rare occasions, they will share a brief introduction outside and you'll be free to explore the basilica by yourself.

    • Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica are active places of worship, some areas may be subject to sudden closures without prior notice.

    • Expect a long wait at security, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour!

    • Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies or unforeseen circumstances. St. Peter's Basilica may also experience unannounced closures. The closure of any museum section does not entitle visitors to any refund.

    • St. Peter’s Basilica may be closed on Wednesday mornings and afternoons due to the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square. If you’d like to attend, book an exclusive invitation with guaranteed seating.

    • Since the Jubilee is underway, access to St. Peter's Basilica is now restricted at all entrances. To ensure entry, reservations must be completed at least 5 days in advance.

    • Please note the special closures of the Sistine Chapel in January 2026:

      • 3 January (Saturday) & 9 January (Friday): Closed from 2pm, with last admission at 1pm.

      • 10 January (Saturday): Closed from 1pm, with last admission at 12pm.

      • The Vatican Museums will remain open as usual on these dates.

    • 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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