Left Arrow
Right Arrow
Rating Star

5 (207)

Location Icon Rome

Vatican First Access Tour: Skip the Line + St. Peter's!

Clock

150

Overview

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

Overview

Quotes Logo Exclusive First Access Vatican Tour with Skip the Line Basilica offers a special way to see the Vatican. This walking tour lets people explore the Vatican Museums before the crowds arrive. It's perfect for art lovers and history buffs who want a more personal experience.

Imagine walking through the Vatican Museums with a small group and an expert guide. The guide will share interesting stories about the art and history. People will see amazing places like the Pinecone Courtyard, the Sphere Within a Sphere, and the Gallery of the Maps. A highlight is the Sistine Chapel, where visitors can marvel at Michelangelo's famous paintings. Plus, the tour includes skip-the-line access to St. Peter's Basilica, allowing people to explore this beautiful church at their own pace.

This tour includes headsets to clearly hear the guide, all entrance fees, and a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. It doesn't include tips or hotel transportation. With small group sizes (up to 10 or 20 people), everyone can easily see and hear everything. The tour provides a unique and memorable way to experience the Vatican's wonders. It is great to see St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Basilica (Special Access) and the Vatican Museums Exit (Spiral Staircase) after seeing the Vatican Museums, Pio Clementino Museum, Raphael Rooms, and Sistine Chapel. Quotes Logo

Highlights

Highlight Icon

Early Vatican Access: Enter the Vatican Museums before the general public.

Highlight Icon

Skip the Long Lines: Bypass the queues at the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica.

Highlight Icon

Expert English Guide: Learn from a knowledgeable, English-speaking Vatican guide.

Highlight Icon

Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more personal tour with a small group (10 or 20 people).

Highlight Icon

See Key Vatican Art: Experience the most beautiful Vatican Art and locations.

Highlight Icon

Explore St. Peter's Basilica: Visit St Peter's Basilica at your own pace.

Sentiment Analysis

Quotes Logo

People really enjoy this tour because they get to see the Vatican before the crowds. The guides are great and the skip-the-line access is super helpful. Just remember it might still be a bit busy! Quotes Logo

  • Positive Highlight Icon Customers love getting into the Vatican early before it gets busy.

    Positive Highlight Icon They say the guides are very knowledgeable and share interesting stories.

    Positive Highlight Icon Many reviewers mention the skip-the-line access is a big plus.

    Positive Highlight Icon Visitors really enjoy seeing the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.

  • Negative Highlight Icon Some people wished they had more time in certain areas.

    Negative Highlight Icon A few reviewers mentioned it can still feel crowded even with early access.

The Journey

1

Vatican Museums

Experience the Vatican Museums like never before with exclusive fast-track entry. Begin your day amidst a treasure trove of art and history, exploring one of the world's largest museum complexes before the crowds arrive. Home to masterpieces spanning millennia, from ancient Roman sculptures to Renaissance frescoes, the Vatican Museums offer an unparalleled journey through artistic evolution.

2

Pinecone Courtyard

Step into the Pinecone Courtyard, a tranquil oasis named for its monumental bronze Pinecone sculpture, a relic from ancient Rome. Marvel at Arnaldo Pomodoro's captivating 'Sphere within Sphere,' a symbol of the complex relationship between the inner and outer worlds. Ask your guide to set the sphere in motion, revealing the intricate mechanics within.

3

Sphere Within a Sphere

Discover Arnaldo Pomodoro's iconic 'Sphere Within a Sphere,' a striking bronze sculpture representing the Earth's fragility and the interconnectedness of all things. This captivating artwork, with variations found worldwide, invites contemplation and reflection. Engage with your guide to learn about the sculpture's deeper meaning and witness its mesmerizing spin.

4

Pio Clementino Museum

Explore the Pio Clementino Museum, the Vatican Museums' most celebrated wing, housing an extraordinary collection of classical sculptures. Journey through the Room of the Animals, encountering lifelike depictions of creatures from around the globe. In the Octagonal Courtyard, admire iconic statues such as the Laocoön and Apollo Belvedere amidst the gentle sound of a trickling fountain. Don't miss the Candelabra Gallery, where master painters created stunning 3D illusions on the ceilings centuries ago.

5

Gallery of the Maps

Journey through time in the Gallery of the Maps, where exquisitely detailed, hand-painted maps offer a glimpse into the world as it was five centuries ago. Admire the breathtaking artistry and historical accuracy of these giant maps, a highlight of the Vatican Museums. Discover familiar Italian cities or trace Christopher Columbus's voyage to the Americas, gaining a unique perspective on cartography and exploration.

6

Raphael Rooms

Immerse yourself in the artistic genius of Raphael in the Raphael Rooms, originally the private apartments of Pope Julius II. Be captivated by the incredible frescoes that adorn these walls, showcasing Raphael's mastery of perspective, composition, and color. Each room offers a unique visual narrative, revealing the artistic and intellectual spirit of the Renaissance.

7

Sistine Chapel

Prepare to be awestruck by Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, a testament to human creativity and devotion. While guides cannot speak inside, your guide will provide essential context and insights beforehand, ensuring you appreciate the chapel's profound significance. Spend your time marveling at the iconic ceiling frescoes, including the Creation of Adam, and the powerful Last Judgment adorning the altar wall.

8

Vatican Museums Exit (Spiral Staircase)

Conclude your Vatican Museums journey near the entrance, marked by the elegant spiral staircase. Reflect on the artistic and historical wonders you've encountered, carrying with you the inspiration and knowledge gained within these hallowed halls. The grand staircase itself is a work of art, offering a final glimpse of the Vatican's architectural splendor.

9

Vatican Museums

Immerse yourself in the heart of Vatican City with a visit to the Vatican Museums. Journey through centuries of art and history, from ancient sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces, in one of the world's most renowned museum complexes. Experience the artistic and spiritual legacy of the papacy in this extraordinary destination.

10

St. Peter's Basilica

Gain exclusive access to St. Peter's Basilica, bypassing the long queues and stepping into a realm of unparalleled grandeur. While a guided tour isn't included, the opportunity to explore this architectural marvel is not to be missed. Your visit concludes at the steps of St. Peter's Square, where your guide will provide an introduction before you continue your exploration independently.

11

St. Peter's Basilica (Special Access)

Enhance your Vatican experience with exclusive access to St. Peter's Basilica through a special exit from the Sistine Chapel, bypassing the usual long entry lines. While a guided tour inside the Basilica is not included, this expedited access allows you to maximize your time exploring this magnificent structure and St. Peter's Square.

Know Before You Go

This tour includes headsets, all entry fees, and an English-speaking Vatican guide. It does not include tips or hotel pickup and drop-off. Make sure to meet your guide at the designated meeting point. This tour gives you special access to St. Peter's Basilica after the Vatican Museums.

Hot Tip

Some customers say to wear comfortable shoes because you'll be doing a lot of walking. Also, be sure to dress respectfully when entering the Vatican. Even with skip-the-line access, it's good to arrive a little early to make sure you don't miss your tour. Be prepared for some crowds even with early access.

From €119 Price

Book Now

As a Viator affiliate partner, we may earn a commission on purchases made through our platform.

Book Now

As a Viator affiliate partner, we may earn a commission on purchases made through our platform.