Rome Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica Early Morning Express Tour
Rome, Italy
2 hours 30 minutes (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Overview
The Vatican Museums are among the most visited museums in the world and they often have lines to match. This small-group express tour offers early access to the Vatican before the crowds arrive, so you can take in highlights such as the Hall of Tapestries and the Gallery of Maps; marvel at the Sistine Chapel; and enjoy skip-the-line entrance to St. Peter's Basilica (except Wednesdays, when the Basilica is closed to the public.)
- Small-group tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica
- Skip the line and enter early, before the general public
- All entrance fees included
- Professional guide ensures you understand the significance of the museums
What's Included
Professional and passionate local guide
Small-group tour size to guarantee a great experience
Headsets for groups of 6 or more
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesdays
Departure & Return
What To Expect
Itinerary
Before the Tour -
The Early Entrance Vatican Highlights tour meets at 7:30 am for access to the Vatican Museums at 8 am when doors open for "privileged entrance" groups. Before you skip the long general admission line to enter the Vatican Museums your professional, English-speaking guide will explain the history of the Sistine Chapel. Since there is no speaking inside the chapel, you'll get all the info ahead of time to ensure you are ready and well versed when you enter this spectacular space.
Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
The Best Vatican Galleries
Explore one of our favorite collections, the Gallery of the Maps, as well as the Gallery of the Tapestries and Gallery of the Candelabra. Based on topographical maps of Italy painted by Dominican Italian friar Ignazio Danti, the Gallery of Maps is a beautiful and informative experience. Predating a unified Italy by about 300 years, the Gallery of Maps portrays the estimated length and breadth of the peninsula during the late 1500s.
Duration: 40 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
The Sistine Chapel’s Ceiling
The sheer scale of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and awe-inspiring quality of the artistic work is a jaw-dropping combination. As you stand beneath the frescoes, it’s impossible not to appreciate how difficult it must have been for Michelangelo to spend years painting this masterpiece while standing upright on wooden scaffolds. As the chapel is inside of the Vatican Museums, entrance is included in your Vatican tour. Since the Sistine Chapel is a place of worship, visitors are not allowed to speak once inside. Our guide cannot explain the frescoes to the group once inside the Sistine Chapel. We will provide you with a map/handout for reference prior to entering.
The Sistine Chapel is a sacred place, so both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders. Otherwise, you may be refused entry to a portion of your Vatican tour. We understand the summers in Rome are hot - a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way, you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.
Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
St. Peter's Basilica and the Papal Tombs - (Except on Wednesdays!)
Skip the long lines to enter the jaw-dropping St. Peter's Basilica directly through the Sistine Chapel. Once inside, you’ll admire masterpieces that include the Baldacchino, La Pieta, the statue of St. Peter and more.
Important: If you wish to stay in the Vatican Museums toward the end of your tour, you must forgo the guided visit of St. Peter’s Basilica. If you choose to do this, you’ll lose the chance to skip the line to St Peter’s with our guide, who takes you through a special door in the Sistine Chapel. If you decide to leave the tour early, remember to return your headset to the tour guide. Instead, if you follow our guide to St Peter’s and would like to stay in the basilica longer, or would like to climb St. Peter's Dome on your own, do not leave with your guide to take photos in the piazza once the tour is over. The regular security line is long and re-entry on your own is not recommended.
Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
This tour will also take you underneath the basilica to visit the burial place of many special popes, as well as Queen Christina, a Swedish Queen with a peculiar history.
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- Please note: large bags, backpacks, luggage, and tripods cannot be brought into the Vatican Museums. There is a coat-check at the museum entrance; however, the end point of the tour is far from the museum entrance and it will take about 20 minutes to walk back to pick up your belongings. Leaving large items at your hotel is highly recommended
- Please note: in the event there are unexpected closings or an area usually covered on the tour is unavailable, your guide will still provide explanations of that area from the outside. You will also be shown an extra site or gallery to compensate the closed area
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Please contact The Tour Guy to book a wheelchair accessible tour
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Learn more about cancellations.
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