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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

(20,436)

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.
Jörg Michaelis

Jörg

Oct 2025
Verified booking
4/5
The process at the meeting point was quick and uncomplicated. The tour itself was conducted very well by Angela. She spoke the local language on the way to coordinate special details with the security on site, which worked well. The description of the history and the organization of the places for explanation, where more detailed descriptions were possible, was highly professional. The explanations themselves came across very well because the technology also worked well and Angela herself was able to name all the dates and historical details in perfect German. Any questions were answered very well and she was happy to share her insider knowledge. Many thanks and greetings from Hamburg, Jörg.
Susana Arce

Susana

Oct 2025
Verified booking
4/5
We originally had a tour with another company and it was cancelled due to circumstances out of their control. I was able to rebook through head out. Our guide was very informative about all the areas we visited. The crowds were not too bad in the morning but they increased as the day went on. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars was because we were sent to St Peters Basillica on our own . ( I'm not sure if there was an option to go with a group) but the lines were so long and the staff around St Peters did not have much information. We waited an hour with a skip the line ticket with no advancing in the line and all these groups kept coming and just adding to the confusion.
    • 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
    20,436 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.

    13.4K
    3.8K
    1.2K
    707
    1.1K
    Guests from United States, United Kingdom, France and over 10 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Joanna Falkingham

    Joanna

    Dec 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Absolutely fabulous guide. She was passionate, intelligent, funny and full of deep knowledge. Thank you for making our experience so incredible, the best it could possibly be. If we did it again we would definitely want the same guide. She is a Star ! Fantastic !!!
    Svetlana Chekmeneva

    Svetlana

    Dec 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    01.12 2025. 15:00 Visit to the Vatican Museum and St. Peter's Basilica. Just a great guide! Excellent information, professionalism, it was very interesting and informative. I will recommend to all my friends!
    Julie Elsie Labocha

    Julie

    Dec 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    The whole visit was amazing great guide who was very knowledgable. Easy to locate where to meet guide. Whole experience very good.
    Manuel Perdigon Cacho

    Manuel

    Dec 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    It was great, the guide was wonderful, the small group was worth it. Travel as a couple.
    Andrew Deryck Sutton

    Andrew

    Dec 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Everything and guide was knowledgeable
  • 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 - 07:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Saturday08:00am - 07:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    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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