Skip the Line Vatican City Complete Tour: Sistine Chapel & St.Peter’s
Rome, Italy
5 hours (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English and 5 more
Overview
Did you know the Vatican Museums contain over nine miles of galleries? It is understandable that much of this magnificent artwork is overlooked. But, our expert English-speaking tour guide will make sure that you see it all on this extended tour of the Vatican Art Gallery, plus the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica, and St. Peter’s Square. The tour itinerary has been planned to ensure that you don’t miss the most famous sights, and also to show you some things you never knew existed.
What's Included
Hotel pickup (selected hotels only)
Guaranteed to skip the long lines
Local taxes
Private tour
Professional art historian guide
Local guide
Gratuities
Drop-off
Departure & Return
What To Expect
Itinerary
First, you will head through the Gallery of Maps, Gallery of Tapestries, Gallery of the Candelabra, which leads to the renowned sculpture of Lacoon and his sons. Then, you’ll visit a real highlight of the Vatican Museums - the beautiful Raphael Rooms.
The Borgia Apartments are a standout on this tour. In the 15th century, these rooms were home to the infamous former cardinal Rodrigo Borgia (then Pope Alexander VI). As you study the family portraits, your guide will spill some of the secrets of one of the most renowned and most controversial papal families. There is a lot of history hidden within the paintings’ religious content that only an expert tour guide and point out. You will also peek into the scandalous lives of the Pope’s beautiful daughter Lucretia, and his son Cesare.
Duration: 3 hours
Admission Ticket Included
he famous Fountain of the Pine is located in the Courtyard of the Pine. Designed by genius architect Bramante, it is one of the few Ancient Roman fountains that survives to this day.
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
You will next head into Michelangelo’s world-famous Sistine Chapel. Before you enter, your guide will explain a bit about the frescoes, their meaning, and their significance. Michelangelo spent eight years of his life painting these wonderful frescoes – an incredible undertaking!
Duration: 1 hour
Admission Ticket Included
Next, the tour moves to St. Peter’s Basilica, which is one of the most important sites of the Christian world. Built over the tomb of St. Peter, it is the world’s largest Basilica. The sheer scale and architectural beauty will leave you in awe. It took over 120 years to complete, and many of the most skilled and respected craftsmen and artists from the Renaissance Period contribured to it. Michelangelo’s “La Pietà,” Bernini’s famous altar, and the chair of St. Peter, amongst many other spectacular treasures are housed here.
Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
The tour concludes at St. Peter’s Square, surrounded by Bernini’s magnificent statues that line this wonderful square.
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- 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
- READ CAREFULLY: Because of the growing popularity of the current pope Francis and his intense activity in organising mass events in the Vatican some areas might get closed last minute without previous notice. This has already happened this year and can happen again during you Vatican tour: the Sistine chapel and/or the Basilica of Saint Peter might not be accessible. In case of such events our tour guide will provide you with a valuable alternative focusing the tour inside the Vatican museums.
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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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