Duration
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Guided tour
Meals included
Skip the crowds and experience some of the greatest Renaissance art at the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel with an early morning tour with an expert guide.
4.5/5
(2,334)
Susan
Peter
Matthias
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Enter before opening hours and experience the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in rare peace and quiet.
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Skip ticket lines and follow your expert guide through iconic galleries like the Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms.
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Admire Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel without the usual crowds.
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Continue into St. Peter’s Basilica, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and one of the most sacred sites in Christendom.
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Upgrade to include a dome climb for panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome from the top.
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Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
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Entry to St Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)
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Semi-private group of 6 (as per option selected)
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Entry to St Peter's Dome (as per option selected)
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Breakfast at Vatican Courtyard (as per option selected)
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Headsets
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- Gratuities
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- 2,334 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.
1.7K346986297Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Australia and over 10 countries have loved this experienceWhat our guests say
Peter
Feb 2026Verified booking
Alison
Feb 2026Verified bookingPavel
Feb 2026Verified booking
Markus
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Tobias
Feb 2026Verified booking
Enjoy the Vatican’s masterpieces before the crowds with this early morning guided tour.
Getting started
Meet your guide at the designated meeting point near the Vatican Museums entrance by 7:45am. Skip the ticketing lines and enter with your group before the doors open to the public. Be prepared for a quick security check—ID may be required.
What to expect
Vatican Museums
Step into one of the world’s most visited museums, home to centuries of art collected by the popes.
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Explore the Gallery of Maps, Tapestries, and Candelabra in a quiet, crowd-free setting.
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See the celebrated Raphael Rooms, adorned with frescoes by Raphael and his students.
Sistine Chapel
Admire Michelangelo’s Last Judgment and Creation of Adam in near silence—a rare privilege.
St. Peter’s Basilica
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Gaze up at Michelangelo’s dome and Bernini’s towering Baldachin.
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Pause before the Pietà, one of Michelangelo’s most moving sculptures.
Wrapping up
Want to go higher? Choose the upgrade for a dome climb after your basilica visit and take in Rome from above.
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What to bring
- Wear comfortable shoes as the experience requires a fair amount of walking.
What's not allowed
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Strict dress code: knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
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Inside the Sistine Chapel, it's all about the quiet vibes. No chatting, no phones, and no photos, just pure admiration.
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Luggage and/or large bags are not allowed inside the venue. You may drop off your bags with the free cloakroom service.
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Pets and other small animals are not allowed in the venue.
Accessibility
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This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
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The Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required. Click here for the accessible route.
Additional information
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The entrance to the Museums is timed. Be sure to select your activity starting time when booking. Once inside the Museums, you will be free to explore at your own pace.
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Although not included in these tickets, access to St. Peter's Basilica is free but there could be a waiting line during peak season.
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Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas of the Vatican Museums may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies. Additionally, entrance to St. Peter's Basilica may also experience unannounced closures. These circumstances are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
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Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Meeting point
- Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.
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