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- Early Entry Vatican Museums: The Best of the Sistine Chapel
Early Entry Vatican Museums: The Best of the Sistine Chapel
Rome, Italy
3 hours 45 minutes (Approx.)
Offered in: English
Overview
See the Sistine Chapel without the crowds on this small-group tour of the Vatican Museum’s highlights and St. Peter’s Basilica (except Wednesdays, when the Basilica is closed due to papal audiences.) Tour the Sistine Chapel, get skip-the-line access to St. Peter’s Basilica, and learn about the Vatican’s fascinating art, history, and architecture, with a personal headset so you can hear every word of the guide's stories.
- Early admission to the Vatican Museums
- Get skip-the-Line access to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica
- Guided tour with personal headsets
- All entrance fees included
- Instant Confirmation
- Small group tour
What's Included
Skip the line access to St Peter’s Basilica
Headsets
Expert English-speaking guide
Small group of 14 or less
Skip the line tickets for Vatican Museums
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Departure & Return
What To Expect
Make your way to the Vatican Museums for an early morning start time, then walk straight into the Vatican Museums with your guide and small group, skipping the site’s long admission lines. The first stop of the day is the Sistine Chapel, where you have plenty of space and time to enjoy unobstructed views of Michelangelo’s frescoes.
After visiting the Sistine Chapel, continue through the Vatican Museums’ remaining galleries, staying one step ahead of the crowds throughout the morning. See the masterpiece artwork in the Raphael Rooms, the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoön and Sons, and other museum highlights.
Follow your guide back through the Sistine Chapel, then get skip-the-line admission to St. Peter’s Basilica, walking a special corridor into the remarkable building. See Michelangelo’s moving 'Pietá' sculpture and Bernini’s grandiose altar on a guided tour of the basilica. This tour concludes after the tour of St. Peter's Basilica, but you’re free to keep exploring St. Peter’s Basilica for as long as you want on your own.
Please note: On Wednesdays, the basilica is used for the Papal Audience, so tours feature an extended time in the museum spaces.
After visiting the Sistine Chapel, continue through the Vatican Museums’ remaining galleries, staying one step ahead of the crowds throughout the morning. See the masterpiece artwork in the Raphael Rooms, the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoön and Sons, and other museum highlights.
Follow your guide back through the Sistine Chapel, then get skip-the-line admission to St. Peter’s Basilica, walking a special corridor into the remarkable building. See Michelangelo’s moving 'Pietá' sculpture and Bernini’s grandiose altar on a guided tour of the basilica. This tour concludes after the tour of St. Peter's Basilica, but you’re free to keep exploring St. Peter’s Basilica for as long as you want on your own.
Please note: On Wednesdays, the basilica is used for the Papal Audience, so tours feature an extended time in the museum spaces.
Itinerary
The Sistine Chapel wasn’t meant to be seen standing shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of other people. Beat the crowds by entering 45 minutes before the Chapel opens to the public and enjoy the incredible frescoes in relative peace.
Duration: 1 hour
Admission Ticket Included
After spending quality time with Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Chapel, your guide will lead you on a full tour of the Vatican Museums, stopping to see all the most important works. Since you have started early, you’ll stay one step ahead of the crowds in most galleries as you enjoy fantastic art like the Raphael Rooms, the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoon and Sons, and more.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Traveling in a small group with an expert local guide and with headsets for every guest, you’ll never have to worry about losing your group or missing some interesting piece of information - and there is a lot of interesting information. The Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica have never been more accessible.
Admission Ticket Free
you’ll enjoy an hour-long tour of the immense Basilica, including stops at Michelangelo’s heart-wrenching Pietá and Bernini’s enormous Baldachin altar. Afterwards you’re free to explore the St. Peter’s for as long as you want.
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
You’ll enjoy an hour-long tour of the immense Basilica, including stops at Michelangelo’s heart-wrenching Pietá and Bernini’s enormous Baldachin altar. Afterwards you’re free to explore the St. Peter’s for as long as you want.
Duration: 1 hour
Admission Ticket Included
Walks of Italy
Admission Ticket Free
After spending quality time with Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Chapel, your guide will lead you on a full tour of the Vatican Museums, stopping to see all the most important works. Since you have started early, you’ll stay one step ahead of the crowds in most galleries as you enjoy fantastic art like the Raphael Rooms, the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoon and Sons, and more.
Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Please ensure that all members of your party have a valid ID on them on the day of the visit. This is particularly important for guests who have qualified for child reduction.
- Please note that guests may only carry small handbags inside the Vatican Museums. Larger backpacks and big pointy umbrellas etc must be left at the cloakroom. It is the responsibility of the guest to return to the Vatican Museums entrance to collect these after the tour.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- While the Vatican Museums are equipped with elevators for wheelchair and stroller access, they are not conveniently located on the group tour route and only give access to specific sections of the Museums. We advise clients to contact Walks Customer Service Team to make further arrangements.
- Please remember that the Sistine Chapel is a holy place, and attire must be appropriate for the visit. Both men and women are asked to wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees.
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 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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