Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
Skip the line and gain direct access to the Raphael Rooms and Creation of Man
Without the right access, visiting the Vatican means fighting crowds, long waits, and missing the most significant rooms and works of art. Our privileged entrance tour offers more than just entry—it’s an immersive experience led by a storytelling guide who brings the Vatican to life. Skip the line and explore the Vatican Museums, including the Raphael Rooms, the Sistine Chapel, and the best of the Vatican's galleries with engaging insights that make each moment memorable and meaningful.
- Meet your guide outside Caffé Vaticano
- Vatican Museums
- Pinecone Courtyard
- Pio-Clementino Museum
- Laocoön and His Sons
- Hall of Maps
- Gallery of Tapestries
- Raphael's Rooms
- Sistine Chapel
- The Last Judgement
You'll begin your tour by meeting your local guide at the top of the stairs outside of Caffé Vaticano, which is across from the Vatican Museums. With your skip-the-line access, you'll walk past the long line of tourists and enjoy faster entry through security, even if you've booked an afternoon tour. With a small group and an expert local guide to keep you informed and entertained, you'll see all the top highlights of the Vatican from the Gallery of Maps to Nero's Bath and the glorious Sistine Chapel.
Skip-the-Line Vatican Tour Description
Your 3-hour tour includes:
Skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums
Pio Clementino and the best of the Vatican's galleries
Raphael Rooms and Borgia Apartments
Silent tour of the Sistine Chapel
A passionate, English-speaking guide
A maximum group size of 20
Available entry times in the morning and afternoon
Pio-Clementino Museum and Nero's Bath
At the start of your tour, you'll follow your guide to the Bramante Courtyard, designed by Donato Bramante. This part of the Vatican Museums is home to the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoön and His Sons, and the Belvedere Torso. Learn about the myths and legends associated with these iconic sculptures before visiting the oldest and largest bathtub in existence. Nero's bathtub is an incredible 25 feet long and is made from a rare red marble that isn't even available nowadays!
Popular Vatican Galleries
Your guide will lead you on through the Vatican Museums, visiting the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps. Admire the ancient Roman and Greek statues, the Flemish tapestries created by Raphael's students, and the gorgeous topographical depictions of Italy.
At the height of the Roman Empire, pontiffs rarely left Rome. In order to understand the Italian peninsula without endangering his life, Pope Gregory XIII commissioned 40 giant meticulous maps to be created for his use. Most of these maps measure more than 15 by 16 feet, and the end result is nothing short of spectacular.
You'll hear the stories behind these treasures from your expert guide as the Vatican secrets are slowly unveiled to you.
Raphael Rooms and The School of Athens
Raphael, one of the traditional trinity of great masters, reigned during the Renaissance. After the turbulent Middle Ages, European civilization rebounded and experienced a prolific period in which the arts, literature, and thought flourished. As a true Renaissance man, Raphael embraced the ideals of the period and painted the walls of the Vatican Museums with his masterpieces. Among these, you can view his most famous work, The School of Athens, which is a testament to his vision and creativity.
Borgia Apartments
Downstairs from the Raphael Rooms and once occupied by Borgia Pope Alexander VI, these private chambers were frescoed by early Renaissance artist Pinturicchio. As a co-pupil of Raphael’s under master Perugino, Pinturicchio had a penchant for embedding fake jewels and other three-dimensional objects like metal saddle studs in his frescoes. The Borgia Apartments also contain another hidden gem: the first European depiction of Native Americans.
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel
One of the top things to do in Vatican City is visiting the Sistine Chapel. Only when you are inside, is it clear why the Sistine Chapel is one of the most celebrated works of art in Western civilization. Michelangelo painted more than 600 figures in all, and the sheer magnitude of his endeavor is mind-blowing. Since the Sistine Chapel is a place of worship, speaking inside is not allowed. Your guide cannot explain the frescoes while you are inside, so they'll provide you with a map/handout for reference before you enter.
To enter the Sistine Chapel, both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders, otherwise, the Vatican might refuse entry to religious sites and you’ll miss out on a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Rome can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
1879 total reviews
Leave a reviewWonderful Vatican museum and Sistine chapel tour
Ramona Rotella
We had the tour on Feb. 28 2025. Marina our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about everything and explained everything in an easy to understand way. She took care of the group and led us through every step of the way. This tour was well worth it and I'd recommend it to everyone who wants to see and understand these sites.
Exceptional Tour!
Mark Moncada
We were initially advised that our tour would have to be rescheduled due to not enough people, however, we were able to keep our originally scheduled tour time. The communication from the Tour Guy was great with reminders. Once on the tour, our guide, Jon, was excellent and very informative with a sense of humor. Didn't go too fast and kept a good pace with so many other people there. He didn't go too slow and kept our attention. Great value and great tour! Thank you.
Ramona Rotella
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
In addition to wearing or bringing clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes. You're also welcome to bring a water bottle as it can get hot inside the Vatican during the summer months.
Is there a way to see the Vatican without a guided tour?
Yes, it's possible, though the information and guidance you get with a tour is certainly worth considering. If you'd rather explore independently then you can click here for skip the line Vatican tickets.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
If you have any concerns about your mobility, we suggest taking a Vatican Private Tour so your needs can be better accommodated.
Does the Vatican ever experience unexpected closures?
During state visits or special religious events, parts of the Vatican may be closed unexpectedly and without much notice. If an area normally visited during a tour is suddenly closed, our guide will still provide explanations of the closed areas from outside. They will even show you another gallery to compensate for the lost time in the usual location.
Will the Vatican Museums be crowded during this tour?
The Vatican is often slow in the late afternoon, but there is a chance the museums may be crowded while we are inside.
Is there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour?
We ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise the Vatican might refuse entry to religious sites and you’ll miss out on a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Rome can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.
What to bring?
In addition to wearing or bringing clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes. You're also welcome to bring a water bottle as it can get hot inside the Vatican during the summer months.
Where does this tour end?
This Vatican tour will end in or just outside of St. Peter's Basilica. You're free to stay in the church and explore some more if you like.
If I am coming from a cruise ship can I book this tour?
This tour does not include transportation from port. If you are coming from a cruise ship, please ensure to arrange your transportation to allow for traffic and train delays.
How long is this tour?
This tour is 3 hours long.
Can I stay in the Vatican Museums after the tour ends?
Yes! You can choose to remain until you are ready to leave.
Does this tour include entrance to St. Peter's Basilica?
No, this tour does not include entrance to St. Peter's Basilica.
You may also like
Skip the Line
Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums
Explore the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!
Skip the Line
St. Peter's Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour
Begin your day early and see Rome from above, the Papal Crypts below, and the Vatican museums nearby
Skip the Line
Semi-Private Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
Enjoy a premium and exclusive tour of the Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps, and more!
Entry Ticket
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets
Skip the line and gain quicker access to the Vatican so you can explore at your leisure
Skip the Line
Private Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's Basilica Tour
Enjoy a tailored VIP Vatican experience with a dedicated private guide
Skip the Line
Private Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Vatican Museums
See the best of Rome your way with a private guide at the Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, and more!
Private Tour
Private Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Dome Climb Complete Tour
Climb St. Peter's Dome then tour the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Climb the Dome
Ultimate St. Peter's Basilica Dome Climb and Tour with Papal Crypts
See Michelangelo's La Pietà up close and climb the dome for stunning views of Rome and the Vatican
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour
See the wonders of the Vatican on a tailored private tour with expert guide and skip-the-line entry
Skip the Line
Vatican at Closing Time with Sistine Chapel
Book a unique experience that visits the Vatican in the early evening with fewer crowds
Transportation Included
Rome Shore Excursion from Civitavecchia
Book a private Rome tour and see the Colosseum, Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and more in just one day!
Skip the Line
Vatican Uncovered: A Private, Detailed Tour
Get an in-depth experience tailored to your interests of art, sculptures, and the Sistine Chapel
Free cancellation
Rome Golf Cart Food Tour: Explore the City's Iconic Sites and Cuisine
Journey Through Time and Taste on a Small-Group Adventure
Skip the Line
Private Family-Friendly Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour
Enjoy a boredom-free Vatican private tour that's perfect for kids, with treasure hunt and fun guide
Private Tour
Vatican at Closing Time Private Evening Tour with Sistine Chapel
Appreciate the Vatican masterpieces without less crowds on our tour with a private guide
Skip the Line
Alone at the Vatican: Private After Hours Tour
Experience the quiet of the Sistine Chapel without the crowds after your tailored tour
Skip the Line
The Quickest Direct Access Private Vatican Tour
Explore the Vatican on a shorter, tailored tour that includes the Sistine Chapel
Exclusive Access
Exclusive Sistine Chapel After Hours Small Group Tour
Step inside the Vatican Museums after they close to the public for a once-in-a-lifetime experience
