Art and History Tours

Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour

Visit the Center of the Catholic World with our professional guides!

Tour features

Local Guide Certified Official Guide

Tour languages Italian, English, French

Duration 3 hours

Tour size Private

Accessibility Accessible to wheelchairs

Itinerary

1st Stop
Your guide will lead you to the Belvedere Courtyard and the Pio-Clementino Museums, home to a vast collection of ancient Roman and Greek statues. As you explore, your guide will provide insights into the history and fascinating anecdotes about the treasures on display. Discover the intricate tapestries in the Gallery of Tapestries and the world's largest collection of Renaissance Maps in the Gallery of Maps. Marvel at the Vatican's largest canvas in the Sobiesky Room and learn about the stunning frescoes in the Immaculate Conception Rooms.
2nd Stop
Your guide will provide insights about the exquisite frescoes by renowned artists like Michelangelo and Botticelli in the noise-free Sistine Chapel. Learn about its historical significance as the venue for papal elections and discover fascinating facts and anecdotes during your visit.
3rd Stop
Michelangelo's renowned Pieta can be admired at the impressive Saint Peter's Basilica, along with Bernini's Baldacchino and a variety of statues depicting Saints and Popes, making this church a treasure trove of magnificent artwork.
4th Stop
Conclude your 3-hour tour with a visit to Saint Peter’s Square to admire the Pope’s Palace and witness the iconic Vatican’s Swiss Guard, making it a perfect ending to a memorable experience.

Tour details

Full description

Book a tour for the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica in the morning or afternoon to skip the line. Get a top-notch guided tour, see Michelangelo’s awesome Sistine Chapel art, and save time from queuing up.

Upon arrival at the gates of the Museums, your guide will lead you into the oldest section of the Museums where you will visit the collection of Classical Roman and Greek Art, the world’s richest. In the Belvedere Courtyard, the guide will show you the beautiful statues of Apollo, Laocoon, and the Apoxiomenos by Lysippus.

Next stop on the tour is the Room of the Animals, Hall of Muses with the famous Torso, Greek Cross Room, Gallery of Candelabra, and Tapestries Gallery. Then, through the Hall of Geographic Maps, you'll get to Raphael’s Rooms. Take your time to admire Parnassus, School of Athens, and other Renaissance masterpieces. A small path leads to the Borgia Apartments and the stunning Sistine Chapel with frescoes by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Ghirlandaio.

The tour will continue to the Basilica of St. Peter, with the famous statue of the Pietà and the Holy Grottoes, where the Popes are buried. The visit ends in St. Peter’s Square, the impressive work by Gianlorenzo Bernini where you will be able to see the Pope's Residence and the chimney where the smoke comes out when the Popes are elected.

What is included

Guaranteed to skip the long lines
Local guide
Private tour

Important information

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.