Explore the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel with a local expert guide who will share fascinating stories, legends, and historical insights along the way. The tour covers the iconic galleries, including Raphael’s Rooms, the Belvedere Courtyard, and the Pinecone Courtyard, with excellent photo opportunities throughout.

Guests also gain access to St. Peter’s Basilica via the impressive Scala Regia, offering a unique perspective of one of the world’s most famous churches. During the tour, you will learn about the secrets of the Sistine Chapel, the artistic rivalry and friendship between Raphael and Michelangelo, and the traditions of the Papal ceremonies, including the special chimney used for the black and white smoke.

Please note that certain areas may occasionally be closed without notice, and on Wednesday mornings, access via the Scala Regia is restricted due to the Papal Audience. The tour is designed to give a rich historical and artistic experience, providing insight into one of the world’s most visited heritage sites.

Why you’ll love this…

Tour the sites with an official local guide that will share with you all the secrets of these places
More than a tour - your guide will share their love of art history with you
Save time and see more with skip-the-line access
See beyond the art with an experienced art historian as your guide
Avoid the ticket line and walk right in to spend more time with the art

Important to know

This tour runs with a maximum of 20 people
You'll need to present a valid ID or an image of your passport, for travelers under 18 years old, a government-issued ID/passport will be required when entering the monument. Failure to bring an ID with you can result in the security staff refusing you entrance to the monument
Please note that on the day of your visit, certain areas of the attraction can be closed due to either religious events and national holiday
Please notice that only small bags are allowed
Refunds will not be provided for no-shows or late arrivals
Tours will run rain or shine (unless the monument is closed by the official administration for safety reasons)
Wheelchairs and strollers are not permitted in the shared group tour due to space limitations, better a backpack carrier if bringing an infant (strollers not recommended)
Comfortable walking shoes, essential for stairs and long corridors
Weather-appropriate clothing, light layers in summer, warmer clothes in cooler months

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 72 hours before the experience begins., Receive a 50% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

What’s included

Guided walking tour
Headsets (to hear the guide)
Skip-the-line tickets
Entrance ticket
Tour guide
Small group experience

What’s not included

Food and drinks
Hotel pick-up/drop-off

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Location

Viale Vaticano, 100, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

Meeting point:

The guide will be waiting at the corner between the Caffè Vaticano and the stairs of Via Tunisi, and they'll have an orange umbrella. Please arrive 15 minutes before the starting time.