Rome: Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St Peter Small Group

About this experience

Enjoy a semi-private Vatican tour with a maximum of six guests. With your expert guide and skip-the-line tickets, explore the Vatican Museums, experience the wonders of the Pinecone and Octagonal Courtyard and the Belvedere Torso. Admire Constantine’s coffins and unique sculptures while learning about Church history, the Popes, and the artworks. After this, it’s time to head over to see one of the stars of the tour – Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Admire the 8,000 square feet of this masterpiece standing in its center surrounded by paintings. After the Chapel and all its glory, your tour guide will take you towards your final stop, St. Peter’s Basilica* where you will enjoy exclusive access to the most immense and ornate Catholic church in the world. Visit one of the most stunning pieces of art in the basilica, Michelangelo’s statue of the Pietà, depicting the Virgin Mary holding her dying child in her arms.

Itinerary

English information from the provider

1. Stop 1

   Duration: 110 min

   Discover some of the most famous paintings and sculptures from western civilization and listen to amusing anecdotes about the former popes and artists represented in the museums. With a small-group tour of maximum of 6 people, or in your very own private tour, easily manoeuvre through the crowded museums at a comfortable pace. After a view of the terrace over the Vatican gardens, make your way across the beautiful early Renaissance courtyard to admire Hadrian's Pinecone, and then to the modern art piece of Arnaldo Pomodoro. You will then head to the magnificent Octagonal Courtyard which is one of the most remarkable collections of Roman and Greek artefacts. Admire the famous Belvedere Torso, learn about the mystery of the Laocoön Priest of Troy, and visit the Muses Room. Walk through the beautiful galleries to admire an abundance of candelabra, tapestries, and maps. Then head to the Julius II apartments and see the grandeur and the magnificent details of the Raphael Rooms.

2. Stop 2

   Experience the wonders of the Pinecone and Octagonal Courtyard and the Belvedere Torso

3. Stop 3

   Duration: 10 min

   Admire the the famous frescoes, painted by Raphael and his workshop. Please note that the visit to the Raphael Rooms may not always be feasible.

4. Stop 4

   Duration: 15 min

   Next, learn of Michelangelo's masterpiece from your guide before you enter through a tiny door to admire the majestic Sistine Chapel. Take in its grandeur in contemplative silence as you admire this 8,000 square foot wonder. From January 12 through March 31, the Vatican Museums will be carrying out special conservation work on Michelangelo’s Last Judgment inside the Sistine Chapel. During this time, a scaffolding structure will cover the entire Last Judgment wall. The Sistine Chapel will remain open and fully accessible, but this specific artwork will not be visible during the restoration period. Thank you for your understanding as this masterpiece receives important care.

5. Stop 5

   Duration: 60 min

   Your comprehensive Vatican tour concludes with VIP entrance directly into St. Peter’s Basilica without standing in the long lines. Walking through the Basilica, you will learn all about the secrets of the magnificent and ornate decorations, sculptures, altars and chapels. Visit Michelangelo’s Pieta and walk down the main nave to admire the dome he designed that sits on top of the largest Catholic church in the world.

What's included

English information from the provider

• Pinecone and Octagonal Courtyard
• Private Option available!
• Private Family Experience | Vatican Tour for Kids OPTION
• St Peters square
• The School of Athens painting
• Raphael Rooms*
• Tour in a Safe and Semi Private group of 6 people
• Sistine Chapel
• Michelangelos ceiling & Last Judgement
• Berninis bronze alter canopy
• Gallery of Tapestries
• St Peters Basilica*
• Professional, Local, Expert Guide
• Belvedere Torso
• Gallery of Maps
• Reserved Vatican entrance tickets
• The round room
• Constantine coffins

What's not included

English information from the provider

• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Gratuities

Additional information

English information from the provider

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• *St. Peter’s Basilica is an active church and can be closed unexpectedly for liturgical ceremonies. If closed, your guide will provide a revised itinerary including more of the Vatican Museums. No compensation is granted in these circumstances.
• *Saint Peter’s Basilica is closed on most Wednesdays mornings due to the weekly Papal Audience. If you book this tour for a Wednesday the time inside the Vatican Museums will be extended.
• Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
• There is no photography allowed inside the Sistine Chapel.
• Please be aware that the Sistine Chapel is a Holy Place and talking during your visit inside is strictly forbidden, therefore your guide will give you an explanation of the Sistine Chapel beforehand during your tour, in order to give you a comprehensive explanation before entering the chapel.
• Guests with wheelchair accessibility needs will find difficulty with this small group tour. In order to ensure a barrier-free tour with alternative routes, please book the private version of this tour.
• Everyone in your group, regardless of age, needs a government issued ID to enter the Vatican Museums.
• IMPORTANT: Please advise our team if you believe that a disability qualifies you for complimentary access to the Vatican
• *Access to the Raphael Rooms is contingent upon crowd conditions, timing constraints, and guard-regulated routes. Including them may not always be feasible. In these cases, your tour guide will exercise discretion to adjust the itinerary, ensuring a high-quality experience
• Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues

Cancellation policy

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