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Off-the-beaten-Path Skip the line Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour

2 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 2 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Rome, Italy
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from $147.22 per person

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Off-the-beaten-Path Skip the line Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour Image 1
The Sistine Chapel
Off-the-beaten Path in the Vatican
Off-the-beaten-Path Skip the line Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour Image 4
Off-the-beaten-Path Skip the line Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.
3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Italian
Instant confirmation

Overview

Do you want to enjoy the Vatican away from the usual throng of tourists? If so, this “Off-the-beaten Path Vatican Tour is the perfect tour for you!

You will have the services of a vey knowledgeable guide who has a wealth of information on the history of this wonderful place. You will be taken to see some of the lesser-known parts of the museums – places not on the usual tourist itinerary. Visit the Gallery of Paintings (Pinacoteca), the New Wing with marvelous collections of Ancient Greek and Roman statues and the Carriage Pavilion with its wonderful exhibition of antique vehicles, including  Popemobiles!

What's Included

  • Private tour
  • Hotel pickup
  • Guaranteed to skip the long lines
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Viale Vaticano
Roma RM, Italy

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Vatican Museums

This tour is an opportunity to learn about the Vatican, its history and that of the Roman Catholic Church and its many Popes.  It offers an alternative view of the Vatican Museums, away from the usual tourist trail. Reach the Vatican Museums and skip the queues, you will explore parts of the Vatican not included in the usual tourist itineraries.  In the Gallery of Paintings you will see masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, Tiziano and much more!  You will then have the opportunity to explore the wonderful Carriage Pavilion.  Here there are numerous vehicles used by the Popes over the centuries.  You will see a Grand Gala Berlin made in Rome for Pope Leo XII in 1826.  There is the Fiat Compagnola where in 1981 in St Peters Square Pope John Paul was standing when an attempt was made on his life.  In addition there are three Popemobiles (Land Rover, Toyota and Mercedes 230 GE) as well as the Renault 4 donated by Pope Francis in 2013.  There is then a visit to the Courtyard of the Pine Cone (cortile della Pigna) followed by a visit to the New Wing.  This has recently been re-opened and has on display a wonderful statue of The Emperor Augustus of Primaporta and a mysterious statue of the River Nile.  Originally inaugurated in 1822, the Gallery displays works that were confiscated by Napoleon and retuned to the Vatican following his defeat. Your guide will then take to admire the amazing Sistine Chapel, which is Italy's most visited site. You'll learn about Michelangelo's frescoes especially the Last Judgment, the Creation of Adam and the Genesis. You will also see in details the Stories of Moses and Jesus painted by Botticelli, Perugino and other famous Renaissance masters. The Chapel also the venue of the popes election. The guide will tell you anecdotes and secrets behind the scene. As the tour ends here, you can spend as much time you wish admiring it.Join us on this stress-free visit to the marvelous Vatican City.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Included

Sistine Chapel

Your guide will then take to admire the amazing Sistine Chapel, which is Italy's most visited site. You'll learn about Michelangelo's frescoes especially the Last Judgment, the Creation of Adam and the Genesis. You will also see in details the Stories of Moses and Jesus painted by Botticelli, Perugino and other famous Renaissance masters. The Chapel also the venue of the popes election. The guide will tell you anecdotes and secrets behind the scene. As the tour ends here, you can spend as much time you wish admiring it.Join us on this stress-free visit to the marvelous Vatican City.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Included

St. Peter's Basilica

It is then time for a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica where you will explore the numerous side chapels with their hidden crypts. You will see Michelangelo’s Pietà and your guide will explain why this is the only work that he signed. You will gain an appreciation of the mastery that went into the creation of Bernini’s altarpiece and learn how Michelangelo triumphed over his contemporaries for the honour to paint St. Peter’s magnificent dome.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

St. Peter's Square

The tour will end in the Magnificent Saint Peter's Square
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
  • READ CAREFULLY: Because of the growing popularity of the current pope and his intense activity in organising mass events in the Vatican some areas might get closed last minute without previous notice. This has already happened this year and can happen again during you Vatican tour: the Sistine chapel and/or the Basilica of Saint Peter might not be accessible. In case of such events our tour guide will provide you with a valuable alternative focusing the tour inside the Vatican museums.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Off-the-beaten-Path Skip the line Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-71452P15

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Reviews

5.00
2 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
2
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Off-the-beaten-Path Skip the line Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour?
A:
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Private tour.
  • Hotel pickup.
  • Guaranteed to skip the long lines.
  • Local taxes.
  • Professional art historian guide.
  • Local guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Off-the-beaten-Path Skip the line Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Off-the-beaten-Path Skip the line Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Private tour
  • Hotel pickup
  • Guaranteed to skip the long lines
  • Local taxes
  • Professional art historian guide
  • Local guide
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
  • READ CAREFULLY: Because of the growing popularity of the current pope and his intense activity in organising mass events in the Vatican some areas might get closed last minute without previous notice. This has already happened this year and can happen again during you Vatican tour: the Sistine chapel and/or the Basilica of Saint Peter might not be accessible. In case of such events our tour guide will provide you with a valuable alternative focusing the tour inside the Vatican museums.

Report Product Issue

Activity name