Rome: Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St Peter Small Group

Highlights

Itinerary

1. 1

   Vatican Museums

   Discover some of the most famous paintings and sculptures from western civilization and listen to amusing anecdotes about the former popes and artists represented in the museums. With a small-group tour of maximum of 6 people, or in your very own private tour, easily manoeuvre through the crowded museums at a comfortable pace. After a view of the terrace over the Vatican gardens, make your way across the beautiful early Renaissance courtyard to admire Hadrian's Pinecone, and then to the modern art piece of Arnaldo Pomodoro. You will then head to the magnificent Octagonal Courtyard which is one of the most remarkable collections of Roman and Greek artefacts. Admire the famous Belvedere Torso, learn about the mystery of the Laocoön Priest of Troy, and visit the Muses Room. Walk through the beautiful galleries to admire an abundance of candelabra, tapestries, and maps. Then head to the Julius II apartments and see the grandeur and the magnificent details of the Raphael Rooms.

   1h 50m•Admission included•See on map

2. 2

   Raphael's Rooms

   Admire the the famous frescoes, painted by Raphael and his workshop. Please note that the visit to the Raphael Rooms may not always be feasible.

   10 minutes•Admission included•See on map

3. 3

   St. Peter's Basilica

   Your comprehensive Vatican tour concludes with VIP entrance directly into St. Peter’s Basilica without standing in the long lines. Walking through the Basilica, you will learn all about the secrets of the magnificent and ornate decorations, sculptures, altars and chapels. Visit Michelangelo’s Pieta and walk down the main nave to admire the dome he designed that sits on top of the largest Catholic church in the world.

   1 hour•Admission included•See on map

4. 4

   Sistine Chapel

   Next, learn of Michelangelo's masterpiece from your guide before you enter through a tiny door to admire the majestic Sistine Chapel. Take in its grandeur in contemplative silence as you admire this 8,000 square foot wonder. From January 12 through March 31, the Vatican Museums will be carrying out special conservation work on Michelangelo’s Last Judgment inside the Sistine Chapel. During this time, a scaffolding structure will cover the entire Last Judgment wall. The Sistine Chapel will remain open and fully accessible, but this specific artwork will not be visible during the restoration period. Thank you for your understanding as this masterpiece receives important care.

   15 minutes•Admission included•See on map

Meeting point

In front of Caffé Vaticano, just across the street from the Museum entrance. Your guide will be holding a LIvTours sign. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time.

The map shows Rome. The exact meeting point is the address above.Open larger map

Pickup

• Everyone meets at the start point

Know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• *St. Peter’s Basilica is an active church and can be closed unexpectedly for liturgical ceremonies. If closed, your guide will provide a revised itinerary including more of the Vatican Museums. No compensation is granted in these circumstances.
• *Saint Peter’s Basilica is closed on most Wednesdays mornings due to the weekly Papal Audience. If you book this tour for a Wednesday the time inside the Vatican Museums will be extended.
• Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
• There is no photography allowed inside the Sistine Chapel.
• Please be aware that the Sistine Chapel is a Holy Place and talking during your visit inside is strictly forbidden, therefore your guide will give you an explanation of the Sistine Chapel beforehand during your tour, in order to give you a comprehensive explanation before entering the chapel.
• Guests with wheelchair accessibility needs will find difficulty with this small group tour. In order to ensure a barrier-free tour with alternative routes, please book the private version of this tour.
• Everyone in your group, regardless of age, needs a government issued ID to enter the Vatican Museums.
• IMPORTANT: Please advise our team if you believe that a disability qualifies you for complimentary access to the Vatican
• *Access to the Raphael Rooms is contingent upon crowd conditions, timing constraints, and guard-regulated routes. Including them may not always be feasible. In these cases, your tour guide will exercise discretion to adjust the itinerary, ensuring a high-quality experience
• Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking
• From January 12 through March 31, the Vatican Museums will be carrying out special conservation work on Michelangelo’s Last Judgment inside the Sistine Chapel. During this time, a scaffolding structure will cover the entire Last Judgment wall. The Sistine Chapel will remain open and fully accessible, but this specific artwork will not be visible during the restoration period. Thank you for your understanding as this masterpiece receives important care. • Each traveler must present a valid passport or photo ID document that matches the name provided at the time of booking • Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to commencement of the tour • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for men and women. You may be refused entry if you fail to comply with dress requirements • Not wheelchair accessible • Occasionally the Basilica may be closed due to last minute private events outside of the tour operators control and often without notice. In these uncommon circumstances the tour will operate as usual and the time spent inside the basilica will be made up elsewhere on the tour. No refunds will be granted in the event the Basilica is closed. • Please note that tours selected on Wednesday mornings can be periodically effected by the closure of St Peter's Basilica due to last minute decisions by the Vatican.

Cancellation and refunds

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.