Vatican: Skip the Line + Optional Basilica Access
150
Overview
Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel + Optional Basilica, located in Vatican City, offers an amazing journey through art and history! This experience lets visitors bypass the long entrance lines and dive straight into the heart of the Vatican's treasures. See the beautiful Pinecone Courtyard, the Sphere Within a Sphere, and explore the amazing Pio Clementino Museum.
What to Expect: Explore the Vatican Museums, wander through the Gallery of the Maps, and stand in awe in Raphael's Rooms. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must-see, with its world-famous art. Some tours even let guests go to St. Peter's Basilica with a guide. After the tour, visitors can explore the Basilica on their own.
This experience includes skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. If selected during booking, it also includes skip-the-line access to St. Peter's Basilica. Headsets are provided on guided tours to clearly hear the guide. An insider guide is also provided if the guided option is selected. Food, drinks, and tips are not included. With group sizes limited to 20, guests enjoy an intimate experience, while small-group tours offer an even more personalized visit with a maximum of 10 participants. Some tours also grant First Access, ensuring visitors are among the first to enter.




Highlights
Skip the Long Lines: Walk right in and don't waste time waiting.
See the Sistine Chapel: Marvel at Michelangelo's famous paintings.
Expert Guides: Learn about art and history from friendly experts.
Optional Basilica Visit: Add a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica.
Sentiment Analysis
Most customers loved the tour because they got to see amazing art and history without waiting in long lines. The guides were good, but some tours felt crowded.

Customers say the skip-the-line access is a big plus, saving lots of time.
Many loved seeing the art and history with a guide who knew a lot.
Visitors really enjoyed the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.
The tour guides were very knowledgeable and engaging.
Some people felt the tour was too crowded.
A few found it hard to keep up with the guide.
The Journey
Vatican City
Step into Vatican City, the world's smallest independent state and the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church. Experience the unique sensation of crossing its borders and immerse yourself in its unparalleled historical and religious significance.
Pinecone Courtyard
Discover the Pinecone Courtyard (Cortile della Pigna), a serene outdoor space within the Vatican Museums. Admire the monumental bronze pinecone, a remnant of ancient Rome, and marvel at Arnaldo Pomodoro's 'Sphere Within a Sphere,' a striking modern sculpture juxtaposed against the courtyard's classical setting. This courtyard offers a tranquil moment amidst the grandeur of the Vatican.
Sphere Within a Sphere
Encounter the 'Sphere Within a Sphere' (Sfera con Sfera) sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, a captivating bronze artwork located in the Pinecone Courtyard. This thought-provoking sculpture symbolizes the complexity of the world and the fragility of life, providing a modern artistic contrast to the Vatican's historical treasures.
Pio Clementino Museum
Explore the Pio Clementino Museum, a highlight within the Vatican Museums, renowned for its collection of classical sculptures. Wander through the Octagonal Courtyard, home to masterpieces like the Laocoön and Apollo Belvedere, and be captivated by the realistic animal sculptures in the Room of the Animals. Don't miss the Gallery of the Candelabra, famed for its illusionistic 3D vault paintings.
Gallery of the Maps
Journey through the Gallery of Maps (Galleria delle Carte Geografiche), a stunning corridor adorned with meticulously hand-painted maps of Italy dating back to the 16th century. Admire the detailed depictions of Italian regions, offering a fascinating glimpse into the geographical knowledge and artistic skill of the Renaissance era.
Raphael's Rooms
Immerse yourself in the artistic genius of Raphael in the Raphael Rooms (Stanze di Raffaello), a suite of rooms within the Vatican Museums adorned with breathtaking frescoes. Marvel at masterpieces like 'The School of Athens' and 'The Disputation of the Holy Sacrament,' reflecting the High Renaissance ideals of humanism and artistic excellence.
Sistine Chapel
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Sistine Chapel, a sacred space adorned with Michelangelo's unparalleled frescoes. Prepare to be mesmerized by the iconic ceiling depicting scenes from the Book of Genesis and the powerful 'Last Judgment' on the altar wall, testaments to the artist's genius and the chapel's spiritual significance.
Vatican Museums Entrance
Conclude your guided tour at the entrance of the Vatican Museums, where you're free to continue exploring its vast collection at your own pace. Revisit your favorite masterpieces, discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself further in the art and history within these hallowed halls.
St. Peter's Basilica
Venture into St. Peter's Basilica, one of the holiest sites in Christendom and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Marvel at its colossal scale, intricate details, and artistic treasures, including Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Baldachin. Experience the spiritual heart of the Vatican and the grandeur of its artistic heritage.
St. Peter's Basilica
Gain exclusive access to St. Peter's Basilica via a special exit from the Sistine Chapel when selecting specific tour options, skipping the long lines and entering directly into the church. You are then free to explore this monumental basilica on your own, taking in the impressive architecture, history, and spiritual significance at your own pace.
Vatican City, Lazio
Explore Vatican City, an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. As the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, it's home to iconic art and architecture. Experience the unique culture and immense historical impact concentrated within its small area in the Lazio region.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes skip-the-line access and entrance tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. If the option is selected during booking, skip-the-line access to St. Peter's Basilica is included. Headsets are provided to hear your guide clearly if a guided option is chosen. An insider guide is also provided if the guided option is selected. Food, beverages, and gratuities are not included in the tour.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved. Also, St. Peter's Basilica has a dress code, so make sure to dress appropriately if your tour includes it.