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Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica

14,742 Reviews 4.75 out of 5 stars Based on 14,742 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 94% of reviewers
94% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Rome, Italy
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from $21.12 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
The Fresco of the Sistine
Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Image 2
Our guide in action
Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Image 4
Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 67 (47.4) days in advance.
3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

A holiday in Rome without visiting the Vatican is like a day at the beach without swimming in the sea. See the best of the Vatican museums and gain direct entrance with skip-the-line access to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, while our excellent guides entertain you with stories that go with each masterpiece.

This budget-friendly tour is the best value for money for travelers that are interested in 1) seeing the museum’s highlights 2) meeting a new friend or two through your group and 3) skipping the lines (trust us, with over 6 million tourist spilling into the museum every year, you'll want it!)

Disclaimer: you will be entering the Vatican museum during one of the busiest times of the day. While the tour provides skip-the-line access, the crowds in the museum vary from day to day and some delay with security can be expected (it would be misleading for other tour operators to not tell you this!)

What's Included

  • Admission tickets to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and/or St. Peter's Basilica
  • Entry/Admission-Vatican Museums (NOT included if you book the option: ONLY ST.PETER'S BASILICA TOUR)
  • Entry/Admission- Sistine Chapel (NOT included if you book the option: ONLY ST.PETER'S BASILICA TOUR)
  • If you book the “Museums & SISTINE CHAPEL Tour” option it does NOT include St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • If you book “ONLY ST.PETER'S BASILICA TOUR” option it does NOT include the Museums & Sistine Chapel.
  • Gratuities (Tips)
See 3 moreSee 4 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Via Plauto
17, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

Show on Google Maps

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

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Borgo

Meet your tour guide at our office, located in the oldest neighbourhoods of the Vatican, Borgo Pio. Following a self introduction by your guide, you will walk through the charming shops of the Borgo, as he/she shares some local tips for eating and site seeing in Rome, including off the beaten track sites that you must visit during your holiday!Some background will also be provided on the history of the Sistine Chapel (we do it here as the chapel forbids noise and travellers are expected to observe silence once entering).
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40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Via Della Conciliazione (pass by)

Admire the flags and surrounding embassies as you walk through this street, which serve as the primary access point to St. Peter's Square, and by extension, to the Vatican City itself.
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St. Peter's Square

We arrive at St. Peter's Square, which is marked by a towering Egyptian obelisk and enveloped by columns and statues of saints. Hear about the history of the square and the legendary artist Bernini who designed it.Fun fact- the Pope addresses crowds from his apartment window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, during the Papal audience held every Wednesday and Sunday morning.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Citta del Vaticano

En route to the museum, you will get to see and hear about how residents of the smallest city in the word go about their day to day life (including getting their mail!) Snap a pic of the Swiss guards- the pontifical bodyguards in their distinctly Renaissance uniforms.Our Tip: send yourself a post card after the tour. The post office sells a variety of memorabilia, including stamps with Pope Francis's face!Then, slowly head towards the museum's entrance, where you will be led to a special area reserved for skip-the-line groups.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Vatican Museums

Be prepared to hear about stories as your guide walk you through an astonishing collection of Roman and Greek statues, the gallery of tapestries, and a gallery of maps depicting 16th century Italy.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Sistine Chapel

Admire Michelangelo's famous works, including the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgement. This spectacular fresco evokes lifelike images within the mind, vividly portraying stories of mankind in the biblical era.Note that the museum requires visitors to observe silence and a dress code (knees and shoulders covered).
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Included

St. Peter's Basilica

You will be brought in front of St. Peter's Church, where a special entrance will allow you to enter directly from the museum and bypass the long queue out in the square. Got questions? Ask you guide before parting ways!
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 6 more stops

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
  • Most of our tours include the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. However, there are two specific options with different inclusions. You will find below:
  • Museums & SISTINE CHAPEL Tour – Includes the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel but does NOT include St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • ST.PETER'S BASILICA TOUR – Includes St. Peter’s Basilica but does NOT include the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-120123P3

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.75
14,742 reviews

Average 4.75 out of 5 stars based on 14,742 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
12,658
4 stars
1,195
3 stars
393
2 stars
255
1 star
241
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 67 (47.4) 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 Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Admission tickets to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and/or St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Entry/Admission-Vatican Museums (NOT included if you book the option: ONLY ST.PETER'S BASILICA TOUR).
  • Entry/Admission- Sistine Chapel (NOT included if you book the option: ONLY ST.PETER'S BASILICA TOUR).
  • Guaranteed skip-the-line access.
  • Entry/Admission - St. Peter's Basilica (check below to see which option does not include it).
  • An expert tour guide with over 10 years of experience. Excellent story teller.
The following is NOT included:
  • If you book the “Museums & SISTINE CHAPEL Tour” option it does NOT include St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • If you book “ONLY ST.PETER'S BASILICA TOUR” option it does NOT include the Museums & Sistine Chapel.
  • Gratuities (Tips).
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..

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 Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica 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 Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica 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

  • Admission tickets to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and/or St. Peter's Basilica
  • Entry/Admission-Vatican Museums (NOT included if you book the option: ONLY ST.PETER'S BASILICA TOUR)
  • Entry/Admission- Sistine Chapel (NOT included if you book the option: ONLY ST.PETER'S BASILICA TOUR)
  • Guaranteed skip-the-line access
  • Entry/Admission - St. Peter's Basilica (check below to see which option does not include it)
  • An expert tour guide with over 10 years of experience. Excellent story teller.
  • If you book the “Museums & SISTINE CHAPEL Tour” option it does NOT include St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • If you book “ONLY ST.PETER'S BASILICA TOUR” option it does NOT include the Museums & Sistine Chapel.
  • Gratuities (Tips)

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
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Unforeseen events= The Vatican is its own country and therefore the Pope can decide also last minute to close St. Peter’s Basilica for ad hoc events. It is a very rare event during the year but it is possibile and we will do our best to inform you. If it is too late to inform you, our guide will extend the tour in the Vatican. Not to worry that the incredibile collection of Vatican Museums and the masterpiece of Michelagelo in the Sistine Chapel will still be included.
  • Most of our tours include the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. However, there are two specific options with different inclusions. You will find below:
  • Museums & SISTINE CHAPEL Tour – Includes the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel but does NOT include St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • ST.PETER'S BASILICA TOUR – Includes St. Peter’s Basilica but does NOT include the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 travelers

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