Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel Tour and Opt Basilica Entry

At a glance

Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel Tour and Opt Basilica Entry is a 2h small-group experience in Rome, Italy, operated by Italy Wonders SRLS. Travellers rate it 4.2 out of 5 across 182 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $74.44 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: St. Peter's Basilica Access (if option selected), Free Wifi available at the meeting point, Staff available to assist you at the meeting point.

Quick facts

Duration

2h

Group

Small group, up to 20 travellers

Languages

German, Portuguese, Japanese, English, Chinese, Italian

Pickup

Meet at the start point

Confirmation

Confirmed within 48 hours

Ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Cancellation

Free cancellation (see policy)

Overview

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 · 1h

   Visit the Vatican Museums and Upper Galleries, including the one of the Maps, Tapestries and Candelabra.
   Explore the Stanze of Raffaello, part of the apartment of Pope Julius II, where the young Raphael spent many hours decorating the walls of the rooms with beautiful frescoes.

2. Stop 2 · 40m

   Visit the Borgia rooms, part of the papal apartments painted by Pinturicchio and his scholars.
   The Modern art and contemporary galleries were put together as an homage to Pope Paul VI who, during a homely in the Sistine Chapel underlined the importance of the link between the Church and Art.

3. Stop 3 · 10m

   Get lost admiring the unique frescoes that decorate the interiors of the Sistine Chapel. Painted by some of the greatest masters of the Renaissance period, the decorative frescoes depict Biblical episodes, such as the Creation of Adam and Eve, and many more.

4. Stop 4

   The Vatican City State, also known simply as the Vatican, became independent from Italy with the Lateran Treaty (1929), and it is a distinct territory under "full ownership, exclusive dominion, and sovereign authority and jurisdiction" of the Holy See, itself a sovereign entity of international law, which maintains the city state's temporal, diplomatic, and spiritual independence. With an area of 49 hectares and a population of about 825,it is the smallest state in the world by both area and population.

Meeting point

Good to know

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Please note that on Wednesday morning the basilica will be closed due to the papal audience. If you paid for access of the basilica, we will provide you a ticket for the first time available.
• A valid photo ID is required for the mandatory security screening
• Be aware that the Vatican Museums adhere strictly to scheduled entry times. Late arrivals may be denied entry, and no refunds will be issued for missed tours.
• A strict dress code is in place at the Vatican Museums: both shoulders and knees must be covered.
• Access to St. Peter’s Basilica may be limited at short notice due to religious events.
• Visitors with disabilities are entitled to complimentary entry to the Vatican Museums. To ensure proper arrangements, please inform us at the time of booking.
• Please provide an accurate phone number with the correct country code so we can reach you if necessary.
• Please note that by purchasing this tour, you accept our Terms and Conditions and are aware that no refund will be given in case you do not attend the tour or arrive late for the tour.
• In peak season, due to the high number of visitors, it might take extra time to go through the security check and to collect the Vatican headsets which are compulsory.
• Please note that the Sistine Chapel may close without prior notice on rare occasions. Should this occur, your guide will provide a tour of other sections of the Vatican Museums.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Frequently asked questions