Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
About Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
This guided tour covers the highlights of Vatican City: the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s ceiling and Last Judgment, and St. Peter’s Basilica. It has 42,014 reviews and a 4.5 rating.
The tour lasts about 3 hours, with prices from about $79 per person. Groups are capped at 20 guests, and you enter the museums with reserved priority access.
Itinerary
- Vatican City (5 minutes)
- Vatican Museums (1.3 hours)
- Cortile della Pigna (10 minutes)
- Sphere within a Sphere (10 minutes)
- Galleria Delle Carte Geografiche (15 minutes)
- Sistine Chapel (20 minutes)
- St. Peter's Basilica (30 minutes)
- St. Peter's Square (5 minutes)
What’s included
- Leaflet for Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica visits
- Audio headsets so you can always hear your guide clearly
- Access to Sistine Chapel (Michelangelo’s ceiling & Last Judgment)
- Guided visit of St. Peter’s Basilica (except Wednesday morning & if Express option selected)
- Exclusive Scala Regia passage to St Peter’s Basilica – bypass long queues (except Express option)
- Small group experience of 20 guests or fewer
- Reserved priority access to Vatican Museums
Meeting point
Meeting point: At the bottom of the steps across the street from the Entrance of the Vatican Museums. The steps are located right next to Caffè Vaticano on the corner of Viale Vaticano and Via Tunisi. The closest Metro stop is Line A (Ottaviano – Musei Vaticani).
What to expect on the day
Your guide leads you through the long galleries of the Vatican Museums, explaining the art and history as you go, then into the Sistine Chapel. From there, the group uses the Scala Regia passage to reach St. Peter’s Basilica without the long outside line, and the guide shows you around the basilica.
Prices and extra costs
- Included: Reserved priority entry to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, a guided visit of St. Peter’s Basilica (except Wednesday mornings and the Express option), the Scala Regia passage, audio headsets and a leaflet.
- Not included: Gratuities, hotel pickup and drop-off, and the ticket to climb the dome of St. Peter’s.
What to bring
- Clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, which are required in the Sistine Chapel and the basilica.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- A small bag only, as security checks apply at the entrance.
Tips for a better day
- Finding the meeting point: Meet at the bottom of the steps across the street from the Vatican Museums entrance, next to Caffè Vaticano on the corner of Viale Vaticano and Via Tunisi. The closest metro stop is Ottaviano on Line A.
- Avoid Wednesday mornings: The Papal Audience closes St. Peter’s Basilica to visitors on Wednesday mornings.
- Give all names: Entry to the basilica is only guaranteed if the names of everyone in your booking are provided in advance.
Who it’s best for
Best for: First-time visitors who want to see the Vatican’s main sights with a guide in one morning or afternoon.
Consider another option if: You are more interested in ancient Rome. The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill tour covers the city’s best-known ruins.
Restrictions
The tour cannot take wheelchair users, guests needing special assistance, or strollers. It is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. The Sistine Chapel and the basilica can close at short notice for religious ceremonies; the tour then spends extra time in the museums, and no refunds are given in these cases.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
FAQ about Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
How long is the Vatican tour?
About 3 hours.
How much does it cost?
From about $79 per person.
Does the tour include the Sistine Chapel?
Yes.
Does it include St. Peter's Basilica?
Yes, except on Wednesday mornings and with the Express option.
How big are the groups?
20 guests or fewer.
Where does the tour meet?
At the steps across from the Vatican Museums entrance, next to Caffè Vaticano on Viale Vaticano and Via Tunisi.
What is the nearest metro stop?
Ottaviano, on Line A.
Is the dome climb included?
No. The dome climb ticket is extra.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No. Wheelchairs and strollers cannot be accommodated.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Shoulders and knees must be covered in the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.
