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- Colosseum
- Vatican Museums
- St. Peter's Basilica
- Castel Sant Angelo
- Rome Pantheon
- Roman Catacombs Tour
- Borghese Gallery
- Bioparco Rome
- Palazzo Barberini
- Musei Capitolini
- Leonardo da Vinci Museum
- Trevi Fountain Tours
- Altare della Patria
- Rome Underground Tours
- Mamertine Prison
- Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
- Leonardo Express Rome
- Rome: Ostia Antica
Sistine Chapel tickets
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Bypass the crowds and dive straight into the Vatican’s rich history with a local expert.
- Looking for the quintessential bucket-list experience? Opt for this guided tour giving you access to two tourist favourites with an expert guide.
- Without the fast-track access included in this tour, you may have to wait up to 2 hours in line. Explore more, wait less!
- Don't let the collection of over 70,000 artworks overwhelm you. Your expert guide will show you around and ensure you get to admire all the greatest masterpieces like the Raphael Rooms.
- If you want more interaction with your guide for art and history insights, upgrade your tour to a small group.
Bypass the crowds and dive straight into the Vatican’s rich history with a local expert.
- Looking for the quintessential bucket-list experience? Opt for this guided tour giving you access to two tourist favourites with an expert guide.
- Without the fast-track access included in this tour, you may have to wait up to 2 hours in line. Explore more, wait less!
- Don't let the collection of over 70,000 artworks overwhelm you. Your expert guide will show you around and ensure you get to admire all the greatest masterpieces like the Raphael Rooms.
- If you want more interaction with your guide for art and history insights, upgrade your tour to a small group.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
- Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
- Small group tour (as per option selected)
- Nighttime tour (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Entry to St. Peter's Basilica and/or guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
- Tip: Stop for a coffee in the Belvedere Courtyard, or extend you visit to the Carriage Pavillion at the end of the tour.
- Strict dress code: Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
- While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
- Inside the Sistine Chapel, it's all about the quiet vibes. No chatting, no phones, and no photos, just pure admiration. But don't worry, an expert guide will fill you in on all the cool details before you step inside.
- Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas of the Vatican Museums may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies. Additionally, entrance to St. Peter's Basilica may also experience unannounced closures.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
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4.1
17.4K ratings
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What our guests say
Nancy
Dec 2024Verified booking
We saw long lines and was happy that we did not have to stand in them. Our tour guide was able to take take us past all the lines and it was great. We also enjoyed our tour guide. She was very informative and did a great job at getting us through the crowd.
eros
Dec 2024Verified booking
We sincerely thank Dario,due to a problem on Frecciarossa we arrived three hours late,he immediately put us on another group making sure we were able to see the show of Vatican museums . we will definitely come back to use headout .see you next time
View original review in Italian
Larissa
Dec 2024Verified booking
Yesterday, December 4th, we took part in the tour with Alba in the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. It was a very informative tour. You could tell that ALBA was very knowledgeable and was able to explain the special aspects. For us, the special highlight was the visit to the Tapestry and the adjoining hall with the Italian landscapes from all over Italy. Personally, we would perhaps replace the animal sculptures room with an in-depth look at the modern part of the Vatican Museum. In other words, the 20th century. We would recommend Alba without reservation. The organization was also very good.
View original review in German
Maksym
Dec 2024Verified booking
Our guide Fabrizio was with historical education, local guy, who got his knowledge directly from Vatican when studying. Very interesting facts he told was not known by my friend who visited twice already Vatican. So I really appreciate his tour and him as funny interesting and intelligent guide. About the tour was everything in time, well organized, and within declared tour like on website. Highly recommend
Gladys
Nov 2024Verified booking
Other than the awesome things to see, Claudia, our guide is knowledgeable and speaks English well, making our tour of the Vatican museum and Sistine chapel a memorable and immersive experience.
Yawen
Nov 2024Verified booking
The guide Ferninando was excellent! Very nice and excellent explanations especially a good guide to interpret the Sistine Chapel.
View original review in Spanish
Christoph
Nov 2024Verified booking
Saw the highlights but the guide seemed more focused on not losing audio pieces that providing information. She wasn't very engaging
Malika
Nov 2024Verified booking
We'd like to thank our guide Jan for the excellent time we had with her. Thanks to his passion, this visit was most memorable and we will keep very good memories of it. Malika
View original review in French
LOCK
Nov 2024Verified booking
Our friendly guide was very knowledgeable and polite. She took time to explain the details and made the tour interesting. Great place to visit!
Jorge
Nov 2024Verified booking
An incredible experience, not only for what is the Vatican Museum as such but also for the guided tour with Paola Locci. If you have the opportunity to be guided by her you will learn a lot about the history of art, the Vatican, symbology.... Thank you very much for everything.
View original review in Spanish
Edmund
Nov 2024Verified booking
Claudia was pleasant and extremely, I mean extremely knowledgeable. It's much easier to have a guide explain all the academics and history rather than wandering through it, googling everything and missing all the other senses of the exhibits. Claudia has studied the exhibits and history and it definitely showed in her enthusiasm and quality of presentation. The only thing I would suggest is to have a break as the tour was busy and intense. The Sistine Chapel is massive and left us totally speechless, there there was no where to rest and immerse yourself it it’s beauty. All in all we are so glad we took this tour and highly recommend it. And bravo Claudia!
Laiqa
Nov 2024Verified booking
The tour guide Jessica was incredible!! Super enthusiastic, such a nice person and you can tell she is so knowledgeable on the subject. She's excellent!
addolorata
Nov 2024Verified booking
Such a rich museum cannot be visited independently. A guided tour is a must if you want to know the richness of the heritage contained there. Our guide Valeria, a special person who was able to give us the right directions and enough information to enjoy the wonders we saw. No kind of problem at the entrances and very fast line.
View original review in Italian
Eber
Nov 2024Verified booking
The guide provided very important information. I could have had a bit more time to visit the Vatican Museum. The purchase was quick and without problems
View original review in Portuguese
Bianca
Nov 2024Verified booking
We went in November so the crowd was thinner than normal but still very crowded! So glad we booked the Sistine chapel + Vatican museum + St Peter's Basilica together! This made it so we could skip all of the lines with a guide! Booking with a tour is far more impactful than an audio guide even! The tour guides are so passionate and detailed!
Francisco
Nov 2024Verified booking
With professionals like Laura at the Coliseum and Franchesca at the Vatican, the experience was perfect. Friendly, kind and with a lot of information in a pleasant and dynamic way. Many thanks to both of them.
View original review in Spanish
William
Nov 2024Verified booking
The guide was very informative and her contacts with museum staff increased our appreciation for the behind the scenes tour.
Dejan
Nov 2024Verified booking
This tour is great choice! Marco the tour guide was knowledgable, enthusiastic, kind and considerate of everyone. He made Vatican tour trully remarkable experience! I really recomend. Skipping the long lines with thia tour is priceless
Mangalam
Nov 2024Verified booking
Clear instructions of meeting point. Easy to locate the guide. Excellent guided tour with good english speaking guide (Roberta). On time start and finish.
Luis
Nov 2024Verified booking
Incredible experience guided by Carmelo, the museums are huge and you only see the works on the way to the Sistine Chapel is a reality you can not visit more. But the guide explains it to you from the beginning and you enjoy it too much, as well as if you want to stay longer you can do them. However you miss the opportunity to access quickly to St. Peter's Basilica and enjoy it as you like. It is amazing and thanks to Carmelo for the explanation and history as well as the laughs.
View original review in Spanish
Sir
Nov 2024Verified booking
My wife wanted to come to Rome for her birthday and to practice her Italian . She had experienced a Papal public audience on a previous trip 40 years ago but had not visited the Vatican Museum or Sistine Chapel. They were simply breathtaking and a tremendous experience made all the more so by our wonderful guide Marko from Maya Tours. He was so knowledgeable and passionate about everything which made the whole visit that much more enjoyable. My wife had not been prepared to have an early start for an Englh speaking guide so the tour was in French , which she speaks fluently ! I was able to follow a lot of what he said but Marko also spoke English which he used on occasion for me . This helped enormously. We were only 9 in the group which was a perfect number.A simply marvellous afternoon ended in St Peter's Basilica
Amber
Nov 2024Verified booking
The added cost of the ticket was so that two guys who barely spoke to us escorted us into the building and then left us with one of the official vatican tour guides. We could have simply paid for that ourselves for a lot less money. This felt like a scam.
Nicolas
Nov 2024Verified booking
Thanks to Marc for this extraordinary visit! A truly captivating, gentle tour. This was our best visit during our stay in Rome 🙏🏼
View original review in French
Denis
Nov 2024Verified booking
Both guides were amazing! They were knowledgeable, friendly, patient and made all of the visits extraordinary with their insights and knowledge.
Birgit
Nov 2024Verified booking
Galina was great! She gave a very committed and passionate account. The tour was very interesting, despite the large number of visitors, she managed to enrich our group with a lot of knowledge.
View original review in German
Explore Vatican City's top 3 sites on a guided tour with optional access to St. Peter's Basilica.
- Get the complete Vatican City experience on a guided tour of its three iconic sites: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.
- Fast-track entry ensures you spend more time exploring and less time waiting at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
- Marvel at Renaissance masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, including Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment.
- Get the flexibility to choose either the guided tour or a self-paced exploration of St. Peter's Basilica.
- Head to St. Peter's Basilica via a secret door from the Sistine Chapel, saving you 20 minutes of walking and skipping a 2-hour queue.
Explore Vatican City's top 3 sites on a guided tour with optional access to St. Peter's Basilica.
- Get the complete Vatican City experience on a guided tour of its three iconic sites: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.
- Fast-track entry ensures you spend more time exploring and less time waiting at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
- Marvel at Renaissance masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, including Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment.
- Get the flexibility to choose either the guided tour or a self-paced exploration of St. Peter's Basilica.
- Head to St. Peter's Basilica via a secret door from the Sistine Chapel, saving you 20 minutes of walking and skipping a 2-hour queue.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
- Skip-the-line entry or guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
- Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
- Headphones
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Entry to St. Peter's Basilica Dome
- Strict dress code: Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
- Accessibility: While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
- Inside the Sistine Chapel, maintain silence—no chatter, phones, or photos allowed. Don’t worry, your guide will brief you beforehand.
- Expect a considerable wait at the security line, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour!
- Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas of the Vatican Museums may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies. Additionally, entrance to St. Peter's Basilica may also experience unannounced closures. These circumstances are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
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4.1
30.6K ratings
17.9K
6.4K
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1.8K
2.6K
What our guests say
Anastasia
Dec 2024Verified booking
Signora Marta was amazing! The information provided by her and the way she communicated them to us were more than superb!
Aubrey
Dec 2024Verified booking
Our tour of the Vatican Muesem and Sistine Chapel was amazing. Our tour guide, Chiara, was so informative and kind. I did not realize going into this tour, that we would not have a guide in St Peter's Basilica. It was nice that we had time to explore the basilica, however there were so many areas in the basilica which would have been nice to have a guide. Overall, a great experience!
Clarisse
Dec 2024Verified booking
Everything was amazing! The guide was very funny and incredibly knowledgeable, making our experience in the Vatican truly enjoyable. We will definitely book more tours with this company in the future.
Zak
Dec 2024Verified booking
Such a great tour of the Vatican. A wonderful tour guide, Cosimo, very knowledgable and also keeping the information fun as well. He added a lot to the experience and I would thoroughly recommend him.
fabienne
Dec 2024Verified booking
Marco, our French-speaking guide, gave us a wonderful tour with well researched commentaries and was always ready to listen to his group's questions.
View original review in French
Mayra
Dec 2024Verified booking
The tour was full of history and very good. The only thing was that for the Basilica we did not get a tour. Definitely the Basilica is a wonderful place.
View original review in Spanish
STEFO
Dec 2024Verified booking
Everything. Everything about the guided tour was first class. Laura from City Wonders EUR was the best tour guide. Explained everything so well and her english is fantastic. Her knowledge of the the Vatican and all it has to offer is amazing. Very very happy we made the decision to book this guided tour.
Crouzet
Dec 2024Verified booking
The guide we had was remarkable, very interesting, knowledgeable and patient in answering all our questions.
View original review in French
Jessica
Dec 2024Verified booking
best decision to go with a guided tour for vatican. our guide Maurizio (if i heard it right), explain everything well and always remember not to leave every single person in our group behind. definitely recomended! we go on early december and the crowd are still okay, our guide said that this time are the low season and not to crowded
eros
Dec 2024Verified booking
We sincerely thank Dario,due to a problem on Frecciarossa we arrived three hours late,he immediately put us on another group making sure we were able to see the show of Vatican museums . we will definitely come back to use headout .see you next time
View original review in Italian
Sabrina
Dec 2024Verified booking
It was the best choice we made for our trip, the guided tour was perfect! The guide was wonderful and we even got to see a mass in the basilica!
View original review in Portuguese
NOELIO
Dec 2024Verified booking
We had an incredibly knowledgeable and art-loving guide. I had a good experience and increased my knowledge a lot. Buying the ticket was easy.
View original review in Portuguese
Larissa
Dec 2024Verified booking
Yesterday, December 4th, we took part in the tour with Alba in the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. It was a very informative tour. You could tell that ALBA was very knowledgeable and was able to explain the special aspects. For us, the special highlight was the visit to the Tapestry and the adjoining hall with the Italian landscapes from all over Italy. Personally, we would perhaps replace the animal sculptures room with an in-depth look at the modern part of the Vatican Museum. In other words, the 20th century. We would recommend Alba without reservation. The organization was also very good.
View original review in German
Karl
Dec 2024Verified booking
Really loved our guide Natliana (I think that's the spelling). The place is fascinating, but she really added to the epxerience.
Carlos
Dec 2024Verified booking
The women that gave us the tour Elena was great at informing us in the many historical features during the tour. She allowed many opportunities to look around and explore the room we were in which was amazing as my family wanted to take as many photos as possible. All in all the tour was great.
Maksym
Dec 2024Verified booking
Our guide Fabrizio was with historical education, local guy, who got his knowledge directly from Vatican when studying. Very interesting facts he told was not known by my friend who visited twice already Vatican. So I really appreciate his tour and him as funny interesting and intelligent guide. About the tour was everything in time, well organized, and within declared tour like on website. Highly recommend
Carlen
Dec 2024Verified booking
Our tour guide, Rita took us around the long lines and straight into the entrance. She was very knowledgeable and showed us more than we would've seen on our own.
Ruth
Dec 2024Verified booking
Four of us "first timers" in Rome booked this tour through the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica 2 weeks ago. Our tour guide was amazing! I cannot remember her name (because I am terrible with names) but she was born in America and had lived in Italy for 18 years or so. She was EXTREMELY knowledgeable....she knew so much about the art and little nuances about each artist. She has long dark hair and carried a yellow feather! She was brilliant! We honestly picked the perfect season to visit Rome...the crowds were not too much, the weather was perfect, and even though they are preparing for the Jubilee I didnt feel like we missed anything! I would definitely book with Headout again! They were extremely easy to find, friendly and knowledgeable! Prices were great as well! Ciao until next visit!!
Davin
Dec 2024Verified booking
OUr tourguide was incredible. She clicked well with each of the people in our group and was very patient with us. She was incredible at being informative while also catching our attention and making us laugh! It was overall very fun and joyful!
Karen
Dec 2024Verified booking
The guide was well prepared with a lot of information, but it is really too expensive for what it is..... in the end you can do the tour alone, it's easy.
View original review in Spanish
cristina
Dec 2024Verified booking
It was a 'very interesting experience, the very professional guide immersed us in the history of the Vatican and its wonderful works .
View original review in Italian
Gladys
Nov 2024Verified booking
Other than the awesome things to see, Claudia, our guide is knowledgeable and speaks English well, making our tour of the Vatican museum and Sistine chapel a memorable and immersive experience.
Evangelina
Nov 2024Verified booking
The history behind the artworks were explained in detail and it gave us a deeper understanding of the artists and their works.
Yawen
Nov 2024Verified booking
The guide Ferninando was excellent! Very nice and excellent explanations especially a good guide to interpret the Sistine Chapel.
View original review in Spanish
Fabricio
Nov 2024Verified booking
It wasn't difficult to find the meeting point, there was a slight delay of 5 minutes (but it was super quiet), we were a relatively small group and it helped a lot to interact with the Guide, including the fact that the Guide was very kind, helpful and friendly and showed a good level of knowledge of the topics presented.
View original review in Portuguese
Small group tour with up to 15 guests that allows more interaction and attention.
- Say goodbye to long lines and escape the crowds with fast-track entry on this personalized tour.
- Experience the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel’s artistic wonders in a more intimate setting with a guide.
- Learn how the Renaissance shaped the Roman Catholic Church as you unveil Vatican City's best-kept secrets in your language of choice.
- Wrap up your tour in the Sistine Chapel. Experience the genius of Michelangelo's impressive frescos first-hand and get bragging rights for life.
Small group tour with up to 15 guests that allows more interaction and attention.
- Say goodbye to long lines and escape the crowds with fast-track entry on this personalized tour.
- Experience the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel’s artistic wonders in a more intimate setting with a guide.
- Learn how the Renaissance shaped the Roman Catholic Church as you unveil Vatican City's best-kept secrets in your language of choice.
- Wrap up your tour in the Sistine Chapel. Experience the genius of Michelangelo's impressive frescos first-hand and get bragging rights for life.
Inclusions
- Small group of up to 15 guests
- Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
- Entry to St. Peter's Basilica
- Expert English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, or German-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- Headsets
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Tip: The early bird gets the worm! Crowds at the Vatican start to build around around 10am. Book an earlier spot to beat the crowds.
- Strict dress code: Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
- Accessibility: While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
- Inside the Sistine Chapel, it's all about the quiet vibes: no chatting, no phones, no photos, just pure admiration. But don't worry, an expert guide will fill you in on all the cool details before you step inside.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
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4.3
2.3K ratings
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188
What our guests say
Nancy
Dec 2024Verified booking
We saw long lines and was happy that we did not have to stand in them. Our tour guide was able to take take us past all the lines and it was great. We also enjoyed our tour guide. She was very informative and did a great job at getting us through the crowd.
Dejan
Nov 2024Verified booking
This tour is great choice! Marco the tour guide was knowledgable, enthusiastic, kind and considerate of everyone. He made Vatican tour trully remarkable experience! I really recomend. Skipping the long lines with thia tour is priceless
Sir
Nov 2024Verified booking
My wife wanted to come to Rome for her birthday and to practice her Italian . She had experienced a Papal public audience on a previous trip 40 years ago but had not visited the Vatican Museum or Sistine Chapel. They were simply breathtaking and a tremendous experience made all the more so by our wonderful guide Marko from Maya Tours. He was so knowledgeable and passionate about everything which made the whole visit that much more enjoyable. My wife had not been prepared to have an early start for an Englh speaking guide so the tour was in French , which she speaks fluently ! I was able to follow a lot of what he said but Marko also spoke English which he used on occasion for me . This helped enormously. We were only 9 in the group which was a perfect number.A simply marvellous afternoon ended in St Peter's Basilica
Nicolas
Nov 2024Verified booking
Thanks to Marc for this extraordinary visit! A truly captivating, gentle tour. This was our best visit during our stay in Rome 🙏🏼
View original review in French
Briant
Oct 2024Verified booking
Extraordinary guide who turned a formal visit into a fascinating story. Marc's French was impeccable.
View original review in French
Janet
Oct 2024Verified booking
Our tour guide Olga was outstanding. We appreciated her enthusiasm, passion and knowledge of the Vatican Museums, The Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica. It was very crowded during parts of the visit but Olga managed to navigate and group us so we were able to enjoy each highlight and appreciate the beauty and history. Olga communicated with each of us throughout making it very personal too. Thank you!
Deepa
Oct 2024Verified booking
It was informative. Without a guide I would be lost. I loved the Vatican. Don't forget to post a letter from the Vatican Post Office when the guide is done.
Diana
Oct 2024Verified booking
The Vatican is a place to see. The guide was good, he shared some of his knowledge about the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel while giving us the tour. He spoke clearly in French telling us how much these tours in French meant to him.
Helen
Oct 2024Verified booking
Guide (Jaber) was an absolute joy, so knowledgeable, engaging, kind and well organised. He really bought the Vatican to life with so much care, passion and enthusiasm. He had countless stories and explanations to share and really understood, appreciated and respected his subject matter. We thoroughly enjoyed having him as our guide.
Peter
Oct 2024Verified booking
We were a small group of 8 people and we did not stand in the long lines. So this was very pleasant. Our guide Sylvia was in 1 word great. She took us back in time and told us about the most important things from the rich history. The tour was in English and very easy to follow through the earpiece.
View original review in Dutch
AHMED
Oct 2024Verified booking
The tour guide made the visit more enjoyable, the deep level of information along with her lively character, Elle ensured that we were engaged and entertained all the time which was a great experience.
Tsvetalina
Oct 2024Verified booking
In general it was good. Only thing that could be done better is that the tour should be longer in the museum in order to see all of the rooms.
Nancy
Oct 2024Verified booking
Very crowded but our guide and tickets kept us moving with little or no waiting....He was super informative, fun, wonderful to listen to and ask questions. We aren't Catholic, but we are believers and are so thrilled to have visited the Vatican. May God continue to bless the Vatican and all those who visit!
John
Oct 2024Verified booking
We were in Italy for a wedding, and it was my wife’s first trip to Italy. For obvious reasons, I wanted her to see the Vatican. As an Architect for more than 3 decades, I was really looking forward to walking the Vatican with her. Our tour guide was Debora Diego, and she was amazing on so many levels. She knew her details, she choreographed the tour with precision. She knew every security guard, and was able to elevate our tour to a true VIP level. She advised us what to look for, what to take pictures of, and what to consider. Even after the tour was over, she advised us what to do and see, while we were on our own. Not only was she a highly trained tour guide, she held a level of professionalism that is hard to put into words. I have many favorite memories of the trip; however, spending time with Debora was a true highlight. Thank you for making our experience exceptional.
Glenn
Oct 2024Verified booking
Sarah was amazing. Very informative and easy to enjoy. My whole family thought she was amazing. Great English. Knew her stuff. Enjoys her work. Took us throughout the Vatican and showed us everything. Great excursion.
Brunie
Sep 2024Verified booking
Our guide Marco Tritto, who spoke French, gave clear and very explicit talks. Very pleasant, he captured our full attention on the splendor of Vatican art and its history. We would highly recommend Maya Tours to all our friends and acquaintances.
View original review in French
ann
Sep 2024Verified booking
Good guide who accompanied us with great enthusiasm . We found the tour a little too long . Maybe because it was too hot ... A lot of information and impressions and yet also a lot of people to quietly see everything .
View original review in Dutch
Samuel
Sep 2024Verified booking
Our experience was the best of our lives, especially the experience from our guide, she was polite clear whit her message, Thank you for your service Samuel Orrego
Deborah
Aug 2024Verified booking
Excellent professional tour Easily found meeting point skip the line small group was perfect for us Tour guy so knowledgeable ☺️
Melissa
Aug 2024Verified booking
Our guide, Stephan was fantastic. His knowledge of Art and Art History greatly enhanced our experience. Fantastic!! Thank you!
Frank
Aug 2024Verified booking
Our tour guide was fabulous! Easy to understand, well informed. He was able to answer questions and was very pleasant! He also was able to navigate us through the big crowds...all of this made the tour a very memorable one! Thank you!
Fanny
Aug 2024Verified booking
We had a wonderful visit with Marco, our guide. He captivated us and the organization was perfect.
View original review in French
ROUSSEAU
Aug 2024Verified booking
Marc is a pleasant guide, erudite and a good communicator. He showed us around the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, adapting to the composition of the group, and was kind and patient with our young children (aged 6, 7 and 10).
View original review in French
DEBBIE
Jul 2024Verified booking
The meeting point was easy to find an well organised. Our guides English was excellent and she was very attentive. The booking allowed us to skip the very very long queues.
Jan
Jul 2024Verified booking
We had amazing guide, who gave us a lot of information. It was my third visit in Vatican Museums and I still managed to learn something more.
Your fast-track access ticket to Rome's most popular museum.
- The Vatican draws over 5 million people annually, so crowds are a given. Save around 2-3 hours bypassing the ticketing queue with these tickets.
- Get direct entry tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel or choose to skip ticketing queues with a host.
- Admire The Last Judgement, the mighty composition by Michelangelo that has been one of the most influential (and controversial) masterpieces of all time.
Your fast-track access ticket to Rome's most popular museum.
- The Vatican draws over 5 million people annually, so crowds are a given. Save around 2-3 hours bypassing the ticketing queue with these tickets.
- Get direct entry tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel or choose to skip ticketing queues with a host.
- Admire The Last Judgement, the mighty composition by Michelangelo that has been one of the most influential (and controversial) masterpieces of all time.
Inclusions
- Entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Hosted entry to Vatican Museums with ticket redemption (as per option selected)
- Entry to Castel Sant'Angelo (as per option selected)
- Booking and service charges
Exclusions
- Live guide
- Entry to St. Peter's Basilica
- Gratuities
- Tip: Make the most of your visit and explore some of the collections off the main route, such as Braccio Nuovo.
- Names are mandatory for all the bookings. Double check the names at check out for a hassle-free entry and be sure to bring a valid Photo ID with you to gain entry.
- Strict dress code: knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
- Inside the Sistine Chapel, it's all about the quiet vibes. No chatter, no phones, and no photos, just pure awe. But don't worry, an expert guide will fill you in on all the details before you step inside.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- The Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required. Click here for the accessible route.
- Entrance to the Museums is timed. Be sure to select your activity starting time when booking. Once inside the Museums, you will be free to explore at your own pace.
- Please note that the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are separate sites from St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Please expect long waiting times during peak season for both, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
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Vanessa
Dec 2024Verified booking
The place was gorgeous, unbelievably beautiful. The Vatican Museum was quite huge but not so crowded, and the security allowed us to enter early. The Sistine Chapel was a bit noisy but incredibly nice. Even without a guide, we were able to find our way around. Great experience!
Kirsten
Dec 2024Verified booking
Worked fine with tickets on smartphone, and no queue at the entrance. A little crowded at security, but otherwise ok. In the museum there was fine space but in the Sistine Chapel there were really many people. Glad we were not here in high season.
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Martina
Dec 2024Verified booking
We spent over four hours in the museums, exploring everything from the Pinacoteca to the Sistine Chapel. However, we were most impressed by Raphael's School of Athens. We appreciated the smaller number of visitors.
Franchin
Dec 2024Verified booking
It has magnificent works of art. Buying tickets online is very convenient because it saved a lot of time to not have wait in line to enter the museum
Badier
Dec 2024Verified booking
Really beautiful with great architecture...... My only drawback was that it was very, very crowded.
View original review in French
Ester
Dec 2024Verified booking
The place is impressive, but a bit smaller than I imagine. There was not too much crowd. The skip ticket was unnecessary in my eyes. Some of the places without light is making hard to read the information but overall experience is really impressive and important to do once you come to Rome.
Martina
Dec 2024Verified booking
The main reason for the visit was the Sistine Chapel. Many "detours" were necessary to get there. With the ticket, however, everything worked out great.
View original review in German
Lidia
Dec 2024Verified booking
We did the activity on our own. We acquired an audio guide, who explained everything about the number exposed with the symbol of headphones.
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ARRUTI
Dec 2024Verified booking
Yes, but the Sistine Chapel was closed to the public even though our tickets gave us access to it. We could have been informed beforehand!
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Sofia
Dec 2024Verified booking
amazing museum, unique!!!! However, it is a pity that the museum does not have the recorded guided tours in Greek, even though Greeks visit the museum every day!!!!
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PATOULIDIS
Dec 2024Verified booking
Many exhibits was poorly translated in English or not at all, and failed to give the insight to us. Due to big number of people, there must be a more "free space" to move than just be a specific route. Many people wanted to skip some parts and they couldn't and so the were was more crowed in places. The explanations could be more historical discribed cause many people doesn't now artists details but want to learn about the history pictured!
Donald
Dec 2024Verified booking
We were amazed by all the ancient information in regards to the Aztecs and a mini interesting items from before Christ. All of the paintings tapestries and ceiling fresco's were amazing.
giuliana
Dec 2024Verified booking
Perfect time and day to not find an excessive queue the skip queue system worked everything went well
View original review in Italian
MARTI
Dec 2024Verified booking
Very good experience, many things to see and you can easily spend more than 3 hours contemplating things without a doubt a mandatory stop.
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Marinka
Dec 2024Verified booking
The visitwas ok, yet I had trouble getting the ticket! I was obliged to download an app! Then I do not understand why the price was 40 euros when the price for entering the Vatican Museums is 25 euros. Thank you
Maria
Dec 2024Verified booking
I reached the meeting point just in time, due to a flight delay, but I was lucky, the group had not yet left.I was escorted to the entrance of the Vatican Museums (just 5 minutes) by a very kind and friendly person and we entered immediately. My visit was without a guide, but I had all the necessary guidance on how to handle my entry. EXCELLENT experience
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Marjorie
Dec 2024Verified booking
Could not do the museum. Went to the meeting place and the restaurant kept saying the guide was coming. No one ever showed. Could only use the Sistine Chapel part of purchased combo ticket.
Corine
Nov 2024Verified booking
We didn't have to wait, we went straight in, which was great, we weren't bothered by the crowds and it's a wonderful site. We didn't get to see everything
View original review in French
Pentti
Nov 2024Verified booking
The entrance process was chaotic and the suppport team members gave conflicting advice. We found no guide for ourselves. Instead, we roamed around on our own, using audioguide, and that was memorable.
Mandy
Nov 2024Verified booking
By booking a ticket in advance, we did not have to stand in line at the museum! With 2 minutes we were inside. The museum and the Sistine Chapel were impressive. Enjoyed the whole experience!
View original review in Dutch
ADELE
Nov 2024Verified booking
We identified a time that was not "crowded." The route is well marked. Excellent surveillance to the artistic heritage. We immersed ourselves in works of eternity. We were also able to pause a little bit to meditate on them.
View original review in Italian
Ignacio
Nov 2024Verified booking
Our gide was extremely knowledgeable and very nice. We love that it wasn't as crowded as we heard it usually is. We wish that we didn't have to rush throughout the museum but totally understand that there is no enough time.
Bianca
Nov 2024Verified booking
Everything was awesome, the guards were very helpful, nice😁, they made my visit truly memorable, and I will want to come back.
Sarkis
Nov 2024Verified booking
We visited the Vatican without a guide, but it was still very satisfying. We were enchanted by all the richness of the collection, wonderful art and everything very well preserved.
View original review in Portuguese
Rocío
Nov 2024Verified booking
Avoid queues, about the guide I can't say anything because he left at the door, maybe it would be better if the guide stays during the visit.
View original review in Spanish
- Head to Rome's renowned spots Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on this expertly crafted tour.
- Admire masterpieces by Renaissance maestros at the Vatican Museums followed by a visit to the Sistine Chapel and time to explore St. Peter's Basilica.
- Head to the top of Palatine Hill for spectacular views of this ancient city.
- At the Colosseum, your tour guide will offer intuitive commentary on the ancient amphitheater and the larger-than-life shows hosted here in the past.
- Finish your full-day tour with a walk down the ancient path of the Roman Forum along the Via Sacra.
- Head to Rome's renowned spots Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on this expertly crafted tour.
- Admire masterpieces by Renaissance maestros at the Vatican Museums followed by a visit to the Sistine Chapel and time to explore St. Peter's Basilica.
- Head to the top of Palatine Hill for spectacular views of this ancient city.
- At the Colosseum, your tour guide will offer intuitive commentary on the ancient amphitheater and the larger-than-life shows hosted here in the past.
- Finish your full-day tour with a walk down the ancient path of the Roman Forum along the Via Sacra.
Inclusions
- Full-day guided tour of Rome
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Access to the Colosseum floors 1 & 2
- Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Access to Vatican Museums
- Access to Sistine Chapel
- Access to St. Peter’s Basilica
- Audio headsets
Exclusions
- Transport
- Tip: Don't miss checking out Pietà by Michelangelo in St. Peter's Basilica, one of the most famous sculptures to exist in the world.
- All visitors must carry a photo ID for security checks.
- Please note that in case of unexpected closures of some of the areas inside the Museums, the guide may have to modify the itinerary slightly.
- Please note that you will be able to visit St. Peter’s Basilica on your own. Your guide will not take you inside, since direct access from Vatican Museum is not possible.
- St Peter’s Basilica is an active place of worship and may be closed without prior notice for religious events: in this case, the visit will be substituted by a visit to the Vatican Library.
- Due to heightened security measures, you may experience delays in clearing security checks when entering venues. Guests with a pacemaker will need to show a certificate to bypass security screening
- Facilities: Cloakroom at Vatican Museums
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, people with mobility issues.
- Strict Dress Code: In order to enter St.Peter's Basilica and Vatican Museums, one must abide by a dress code. Sleeveless blouses, miniskirts, shorts, and hats are not permitted. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.
- Note that the following are not allowed inside Colosseum: large backpacks or pieces of luggage.
- Note that the following are not allowed inside Vatican Museums: suitcases, backpacks, containers, umbrellas, walking sticks (except those required by disabled visitors), tripods for cameras and video cameras, signage of any kind.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
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What our guests say
Janie
Dec 2024Verified booking
It was amazing. Learned so much. Monica was simply fantastic, so knowledgeable, friendly and funny, made the experience wonderful. Highly recommend. Thank you for an unforgettable experience
Lars
Dec 2024Verified booking
Roberta our guide had really good knowledge of the subjects. Sometimes little hard to hear the information due to traffic, poor technical quality of mic and headset
Shehrazaan
Oct 2024Verified booking
Our guide Maria was fantastic. She gave us a great overview. We got to see everything in time. There were clear signs at the meeting point .
Taylor
Oct 2024Verified booking
The tours were very efficient and the guides were extremely knowledgeable! All places we visited were extremely busy with long lines and both guides did a good job of navigating the crowds all while still pointing out important/interesting pieces of art. Doing the all day tour does make for a long day but it was nice getting it all done. Obviously both locations are at different parts of the city but they did give us time to have lunch and get to the other end of the city for the other half of our tour.
Fiona
Sep 2024Verified booking
We had an incredible experience on the Rome in a Day: Vatican Museums & Colosseum Guided Tour! The guides for both the Vatican and the Colosseum were extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and approachable, making the tours informative and enjoyable. They shared fascinating details and historical insights that added so much depth to the visit, and they were more than happy to answer all our questions. It was a perfect way to explore two of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, and we truly had a great time. I highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to make the most of their time in Rome!
Anna
Jun 2024Verified booking
Everything about our "Rome in a day" experience was fantastic! If you only have one day to see as much as possible, you've gotta use a guide to navigate through all the main attractions and the crowds/massive lines. Thank goodness we booked this tour and didn't try to do it all ourselves in one day. Our guide Erturk was absolutely phenomenal, vastly knowledgeable and thorough. I don't know how he could remember everything he told us at each location- he was like an encyclopedia that you were able to ask questions! Can't say enough positive things about Erturk and the way the tour was structured! Thank you so much for this incredible experience!
Fabrice
May 2024Verified booking
It was a great experience and Kate our guide was so knowledgeable and helpful. She answered all of our questions and gave us good tips. We learned a lot from her, the history of the city, it was simply tremendous.
John
Nov 2024Verified booking
Our guide, Cristiana, was very knowledgeable and she did a great job bringing Rome alive.
Christopher
Dec 2024Verified booking
Natallia
Nov 2024Verified booking
John
Oct 2024Verified booking
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Aug 2024Verified booking
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Sistine Chapel Sistine Chapel
Top things to do in Rome
Sistine Chapel in a nutshell
Highlights: Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment and The Creation of Adam, Botticelli's frescoes depicting the story of Christ and Moses, the chapel's architectural design.
Current use: The Sistine Chapel serves as the Pope's personal chapel and the site of the papal conclave.
Entrance: No separate entrance; accessible through the Vatican Museums.
Unique facts:
- Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes, a globally famous artwork, covers about 12,000 sqft.
- In the 1560s, Pope Pius IV ordered fig leaves and loincloths to cover the nudes in Michelangelo’s paintings
- The chapel, initially for worship, had thick walls for Vatican defense
Your Sistine Chapel tickets explained
Skip-the-line tickets
Guided tours
After hours access
Combo deals
Is Sistine Chapel access included?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Why go for it?
Save time. Hosted entry ensures a relaxed experience. Explore the chapel's beautiful and symbolic frescoes without feeling rushed.
Includes skip-the-line entry for an efficient visit. Active engagement with complimentary audio equipment.
Crowd-free setting for a deeper connection with art. Enjoy 30-minute breakfast in the Vatican's Courtyard.
One package for complete experience, no separate tickets or multiple bookings. Great for those with time constraints or tourists wanting essential highlights.
Starting price
€42
€68
€94
€178
Recommended tickets
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Tickets
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour
• Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel Premium Small Group Guided Tour
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Early Morning or After-Hours Skip-the-Line Tour
• Rome in a Day: Vatican Museums & Colosseum Guided Tour
What's inside the Sistine Chapel?
Entrance wall
The entrance wall of the Chapel is decorated with the following frescoes that depict the final episodes in the lives of Christ and Moses:
• Resurrection of Christ
• Discussion over the body of Moses
The original frescos created by Ghirlandaio and Signorelli respectively were destroyed in 1522 when the architrave of the door collapsed. They were replaced in 1522 by the works of Hendrik van den Broeck and Matteo da Lecce.
Chapel’s ceiling
The frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, include:
• Nine scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the iconic The Creation of Adam
• Ancestors of Jesus
• Twelve Prophets
• Sibyls
• Four corner paintings representing the salvation of the Jewish people
Michelangelo painted over 300 figures on the curved ceiling, initially commissioned for the 12 Apostles. His innovative scaffolding system facilitated the work, inspiring artists.
The northern wall
The northern wall of the Sistine Chapel is decorated with the Stories of Jesus, painted in 1481-1482:
• Baptism of Christ
• Temptation of Christ
• Cleansing of the Leper
• Vocation of the Apostles
• The Sermon on the Mount
• The Delivery of the Keys
• The Last Supper
Beyond the windows, you will also find three episodes of the Passion: the Agony in the garden, the Arrest of Jesus, and the Crucifixion. The cycle ends with the Resurrection of Christ on the entrance wall.
The southern wall
The southern wall of the Sistine Chapel is decorated with the Stories of Moses. Painted in 1481-1482, some of the famous frescoes on the southern wall are:
• Moses Leaving to Egypt
• The Trials of Moses
• The Crossing of the Red Sea
• Handing over the Tablets of Law
• Descent from Mount Sinai
• Punishment of the Rebels
• Testament and Death of Moses
The cycle ends on the entrance wall with the Dispute over the body of Moses.
The altar wall
The entire altar wall of the Sistine Chapel features Michelangelo's masterpiece, The Last Judgment, painted between 1534 and 1541. This monumental fresco depicts the Second Coming of Christ and the final judgment of humanity, based on the 20th chapter of the Revelation of John. Highlights are:
• Heroic central image of Jesus Christ surrounded by saints and prophets.
• Figures of the blessed ascending to heaven on Christ's right, pulled by angels.
• Figures of the damned being dragged to hell on Christ's left by demons.
• Michelangelo's self-portrait as St. Bartholomew holding his flayed skin.
• Intentionally distorted and exaggerated human proportions.
It's a climactic conclusion to the biblical narrative depicted in the chapel's ceiling and walls.
Architectural highlights of Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel, built 1473-1481 under the Florentine architect Baccio Pontelli, epitomizes Renaissance design, where form and function come together to set a stunning stage for the renowned art it houses. The rectangular plan, a Renaissance hallmark, maximizes the visibility of the works, while the barrel-vaulted ceiling, a nod to Roman engineering, creates a unified space.
The six arched windows allow natural light to enter illuminating the famous frescoes by Michelangelo that accessorize the vaulted ceiling. The intricate geometric floor complements the artwork on the walls and ceiling. The marble chancel screen by Mino da Fiesole acts as a decorative barrier separating the altar area from the rest of the chapel.
Notable figures of Sistine Chapel
Frequently asked questions about Sistine Chapel tickets
Do I need to purchase separate tickets for the Sistine Chapel?
No, a ticket to the Vatican Museums includes entry to the Sistine Chapel. The chapel is located within the Vatican Museums complex. You can buy these tickets online. You can also join a guided tour with priority access.
Is skip-the-line access needed for Sistine Chapel tickets?
The Sistine Chapel can be very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Skip-the-line access is highly recommended to avoid long wait times and make the most of your visit to one of the world’s most significant chapels. You can buy these tickets online. You can also join a guided tour with priority access.
Does the Vatican guided tour cover Sistine Chapel as well?
Yes, Vatican guided tours do include the Sistine Chapel. In fact, it's one of the key highlights. You can explore and admire the iconic frescoes by Michelangelo and other Renaissance artists with a professional guide, enriching your experience with exciting stories and lesser-known facts.
What is the ideal time frame to explore Sistine Chapel?
Most visitors spend 30-45 minutes inside the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo's frescoes. Of course, this can vary depending on the crowds and your personal pace. However, it is recommended to allocate a couple of hours for your visit, as you will start your journey at the Vatican Museums and explore several rooms before reaching the chapel. The Sistine Chapel is a place where you don't want to rush, so taking the time to appreciate each detail in the frescoes is essential for a fulfilling experience.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, or can I purchase them on the day of my visit?
You can book the tickets on-site, but both the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are famous landmarks and availability might run out, especially in the peak season. Therefore, to secure better deals and ensure access, it is recommended to book Sistine Chapel tickets in advance rather than waiting to purchase them on the day of your visit.
Can I take photos inside the Sistine Chapel?
No, photography and filming are strictly prohibited inside the Sistine Chapel. This is to protect the delicate frescoes from the damage caused by camera flashes.
Is there any dress code for visiting the Sistine Chapel?
The Sistine Chapel has a strict dress code that requires visitors to have their shoulders and knees covered. Sleeveless tops, shorts, and miniskirts are not allowed. Proper attire is required for entry.
Is the Sistine Chapel accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, the Sistine Chapel is accessible for visitors with disabilities. Wheelchairs and strollers are permitted, and there are elevators available to reach the chapel. Visitors should inform their tour operator or the Vatican staff of any special needs.
Is the Sistine Chapel suitable for children?
The Sistine Chapel is generally considered appropriate for children, as it is a significant cultural and religious site. However, the long lines, strict dress code, and need for quiet contemplation may make it challenging for very young children. Parents should use their discretion based on their child's age and attention span.
