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Sistine Chapel & Vatican Tour Premium - Skip the Line

35 Reviews 4.86 out of 5 stars Based on 35 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 97% of reviewers
97% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Rome, Italy
Book online or call us

from $176.90 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
The Sistine Chapel - The Creation of Adam
St. Peter's Basilica
The Pontifical Swiss Guard
The Pietà by Michelangelo
The Lacoon
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.
3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 5 more
French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian

Overview

Explore the wonders of the Vatican on this skip-the-line private tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica, guided by a licensed expert. With priority access and a guide dedicated solely to you, you'll move through one of the world's most visited sites at your own pace — relaxed, personal, and free from the constraints of a large group.
Admire the Gallery of Geographical Maps, a forty-meter Renaissance marvel where cartography becomes art beneath a gilded ceiling. Step into the Raphael Rooms — once the private apartments of Pope Julius II — and take in frescoes like the School of Athens, brought to life with your guide's commentary.
In the Sistine Chapel, discover the stories behind Michelangelo's ceiling and Last Judgment — the rivalries, the faith, and the ambition that produced them. Conclude within St. Peter's Basilica, the world's largest church, home to Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's soaring baldachin.

What's Included

  • Reserved Preferred Entrance Fee
  • Guaranteed Fast Track Entrance - Skip the Ticket Lines
  • Radio Headsets to hear to your guide well (when required)
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

viale
Viale Vaticano, 100, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

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

End point

Piazza San Pietro
00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

The tour will end in St. Peter's Basilica (except Wednesdays, or when the Basilica is closed).

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability.
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Vatican Museums

One of the largest museums in the world! Visit the Courtyard of the Pinecone, the Pio-Clementine Museums with Apollo of the Belvedere, Lacoon, Torso, Greek Cross Room, Gallery of Candlesticks, Gallery of Tapestries, Gallery of Geographical Maps, Raphael Rooms.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Included

Sistine Chapel

One of the wonders of Art, the private chapel of the Papal Palace fresco pained by Michelangelo!
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

St. Peter's Basilica

The largest church in the world! See Michelangelo's "Pietà", and Bernini's "Baldacchino". Climb to the top of Michelangelo's Dome!
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Citta del Vaticano

The City State of the Vatican is the smallest independent sovereign country in the world, though in a certain sense it is also the biggest, for it is indeed everywhere. The smallest State in the world houses the biggest art collection in the world! And the biggest church in the world, St. Peter's Basilica, an amazing creation of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The Basilica soars up 140 meters (420 ft) with its dome into the heavenly skies, and goes deep down into the earth, to the tomb of St. Peter, over which it was built.What is one able to see in one day, given the fact that some have calculated that those who attempted to see everything in the Vatican, would need to stay at least half a year?Well, surely we will see a great number of world renowned masterpieces and historical landmarks. At St. Peter's we will view Bernini's Colonnade; the Altar of Glory; magnificent mosaics; the most ancient bronze statue of St. Peter; the Holy Door; the Canopy which Bernini made with the bronze from the Pantheon; the Confession of St. Peter where his relics are kept; the greatest of Michelangelo's sculptures, the famous Pietà, the only work he ever signed.In the Papal Palaces that house the Vatican Museums, the biggest in the world, we will see paintings by Giotto, Beato Angelico, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and then the collection of classic Greek and Roman art that includes such artifacts of world-wide fame as the Apollo of Belvedere and Laocoon, and the tapestries designed by Raphael, the maps drawn by a cartographer of the 16th century that are so precise, they could be used even today. We shall walk through the apartments of the Popes, and the great Stanze di Raphael (rooms in the Papal apartments painted by Raphael). The journey through time and art will culminate with one of the world's wonders - the Sistine Chapel - the "Holy of Holies" of the Popes, covered with frescoes painted by the greatest artists of the 15th century, and completed with frescoes by perhaps the greatest of all artists, Michelangelo. After visiting the Sistine Chapel, Goethe wrote that only those who see it, can understand what one man alone is capable of doing.We will see all of this and much more. Our experts will share with you not only their knowledge in History, Art, and Architecture, but will also recount you the story of how a small and poor tomb of a fisherman became the center of Christianity, and for a very long period, the center of the world. We will tell you stories of secrets and intrigues of Pope-Kings, tales of saints and miracles, unusual and rarely known historical facts. We will guide you through an amazing journey of human frailty and wonder, one you will never forget!
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3 hours Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • A current valid passport or ID is required on the day of the tour.
  • Dress code: Shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless shirts, are NOT allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered
  • Note: St Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesday mornings and may be closed on any given day at the discretion of the Vatican Administration

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Sistine Chapel & Vatican Tour Premium – Skip the Line?

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-8343P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.86
35 reviews

Average 4.86 out of 5 stars based on 35 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
33
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (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 Sistine Chapel & Vatican Tour Premium – Skip the Line?
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:
  • Reserved Preferred Entrance Fee.
  • Guaranteed Fast Track Entrance - Skip the Ticket Lines.
  • Radio Headsets to hear to your guide well (when required).
  • Professional Vatican Licensed Tour Guide.
  • Private Tour - personal tour 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 Sistine Chapel & Vatican Tour Premium - Skip the Line is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • 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 Sistine Chapel & Vatican Tour Premium – Skip the Line 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

  • Reserved Preferred Entrance Fee
  • Guaranteed Fast Track Entrance - Skip the Ticket Lines
  • Radio Headsets to hear to your guide well (when required)
  • Professional Vatican Licensed Tour Guide
  • Private Tour - personal tour guide
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • A current valid passport or ID is required on the day of the tour.
  • Dress code: Shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless shirts, are NOT allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered
  • Note: St Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesday mornings and may be closed on any given day at the discretion of the Vatican Administration
  • We recommend you bring a small bottle of water during the hot summer months.
  • Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers' full names prior to crossing the border will result in denied entry into the State of the Vatican City.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult

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Activity name