Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
See the bucket-list Vatican attractions with start times throughout the day
Want to join a skip-the-line Vatican tour but can't find a start time that works for you? This is one of our most popular Vatican tours since it has several start times throughout the day at a great price! It's ideal for travelers who prefer tours later in the day but still want to learn everything about the Vatican thanks to their knowledgeable guide. This tour covers all the must-see attractions such as the Pio-Clementino Museum, Sistine Chapel, and Raphael Rooms.
Tour Details
- Skip the line Vatican tickets
- View of St. Peters
- Pinecone Courtyard
- Pio-Clementino
- Laocoön and His Sons
- Nero’s Bath
- Gallery of Candelabra
- Galley of Tapestries
- Gallery of Maps
- Raphael Rooms
- Borgia Apartments
- Sistine chapel
- St Peter’s Basilica On Your Own
- La Pietá
- Baldacchino By Bernini
Start 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. Your helpful guide keep you entertained as you see all the top highlights of the Vatican from the Gallery of Maps to Nero's Bath and the Sistine Chapel. Your 3-hour tour includes:
Skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican
Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
Available entry times in the morning and afternoon
A passionate, English-speaking guide
A maximum group size of 20
Pio-Clementino Museum and Nero's Bath
Visit the Pio-Clementino Museum, home to sculptures like the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoön and His Sons, and the Belvedere Torso. Learn about the myths and legends associated with these iconic statues, before visiting a 25-foot red marble bathtub. Believed to have belonged to Emperor Nero, the massive tub is made from a red marble so rare and precious that it's impossible to build another.
Popular Vatican Galleries
Explore the Gallery of the Candelabra, Gallery of the Tapestries, and the Gallery of the Maps. Based on topographical Italian maps painted by Dominican friar Ignazio Danti, the Gallery of Maps is both beautiful and informative. The painted frescoes reveal how Renaissance Italians saw their country geographically circa 1580. See if you can spot the sea monster on one of the maps!
Raphael Rooms: The School of Athens
Raphael is the epitome of a Renaissance artist. In the period of European civilization immediately following the Middle Ages, a great period of revival in art, literature, and thought occurred. Raphael encompassed the ideals of a Renaissance man and frescoed multiple rooms inside of the Vatican Museums. Among other masterpieces, see one of Raphael’s most famous works of art, The School of Athens.
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 - we provide you with a map/handout for reference before you enter.
Please note that 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.
St. Peter's Basilica
After you've enjoyed your time at the Sistine Chapel, you'll follow your guide through the passage to St. Peter's Basilica and bypass the re-entry line. This famous church attracts millions of visitors each year whether they are faithful devotees, members of a wedding party, or just interested in touring the incredible interior. You'll see famous pieces of art by Bernini and Michelangelo and stand under the massive dome as you listen to your guide share stories about its history.
Please note that St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays for the Papal Audience and can occasionally experience other unexpected closures. If this happens, your guide will make up the time at other areas within the Vatican.
What you get with this tour

See what people are saying
339 total reviews
Leave a reviewVery informative!
Jennifer Malberg
Our tour guy was very knowledgeable about the Vatican museum and history of the art and artifacts displayed. She gave us valuable context for the tour of the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's basilica as well. The only downside was how crowded the Vatican was which is a factor completely beyond the tour company's control.
Kelly Cruz
Fantastic
Lawrence Stockton
Julieta is, bar none, the best guide on the planet. She is nice, she is hilarious and she is passionate and she is extremely knowledgeable about her Vatican. It was the best day of our 3 week trip! Thank you Julieta from Larry, Geraldina & Alexandra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to meet?
Meet your guide in front of Caffé Vaticano on Viale Vaticano, 100. This is across the street from the Vatican Museum entrance. Our friendly welcome staff will be there holding The Tour Guy signs.
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 you may find the experience lacking. But 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 to meet?
Meet your guide in front of Caffé Vaticano on Viale Vaticano, 100. This is across the street from the Vatican Museum entrance. Our friendly welcome staff will be there holding The Tour Guy signs.
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.