Skip the Line: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour + Basilica

Highlights

Itinerary

1. 1

   Vatican Museums

   Visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel on your own or with a guide (if option selected). Tickets provide skip the line access.

   5 minutes•Admission included•See on map

2. 2

   Roma Termini

   The Belvedere Courtyard offers one of the most breathtaking views in the Vatican, with a stunning panorama of St. Peter's Dome and the Vatican Gardens. It's the perfect spot to pause and take in the beauty of the Vatican from above.

   10 minutes•Admission included•See on map

3. 3

   Explore one of the Vatican's many open air courtyards. This one is decorated with a giant bronze pinecone sculpture, giving the courtyard its name.

   10 minutes•Admission included

4. 4

   Vatican Museums

   Access Vatican Museums and discover the famous "Sphere within a Sphere" sculpture.

   Pass by (no stop)•Admission free•See on map

5. 5

   The Vatican Museums

   The Vatican Museums are divided into many smaller, unique museums. Among them, the Museo Pio Clementino is likely the most important, and the many highlights it contains cannot be missed! Stop at the Octagonal Courtyard for the Laocoön and His Sons, and the Apollo Belvedere - or the Round Room for the giant marble bathtub patrolled by an enormous bronze statue of Heracles. Spot a sculpture of your favorite fauna at the Room of the Animals, or just marvel at the 3D painted vaults of the Gallery of the Candelabra.

   20 minutes•Admission included

6. 6

   Vatican City

   A striking corridor within the Vatican Museums, named for the pairs of elaborately carved marble candelabra lining its length. Alongside these ancient Roman sculptures, visitors can admire a rich collection of classical statues and vibrant frescoed ceilings, offering a glimpse into antiquity before continuing toward the Gallery of Tapestries and Maps.

   10 minutes•Admission included•See on map

7. 7

   Vatican City

   The Gallery of Tapestries

   The Gallery of Tapestries is one of the most fascinating halls within the Vatican Museums, showcasing a stunning collection of monumental tapestries woven from designs by Raphael's school in the 16th century. Depicting scenes from the life of Christ, the intricate details and vivid craftsmanship make this gallery a must-see stop on any Vatican Museums tour.

   10 minutes•Admission included•See on map

8. 8

   One of the most popular galleries of the Museums, make a stop here and try to spot the Italian cities you have travelled to, or your ancestor's hometown. These hand-painted maps, dating to the late 1500's, can also be admired for the exquisite attention to detail and embellishments. See if you can spot the nod to Christopher Columbus' voyage across the Atlantic...

   20 minutes•Admission included

9. 9

   Raphael's Rooms

   Admire Raphael's Rooms, painted by the master himself and his pupils around the same time as the Sistine Chapel, and inspired and challenged by Michelangelo's greatest masterpiece.

   20 minutes•Admission included•See on map

10. 10

    Sistine Chapel

    Michelangelo's masterpiece, take time to admire the vaults.

    20 minutes•Admission included•See on map

11. 11

    St. Peter's Basilica

    Only for tours where the option to access St. Peter's Basilica is selected in the booking process, access directly from the Sistine Chapel to the Basilica, skipping the outside security lines, will be provided. Your tour will end at the entrance to the Basilica and, after an introduction, you will be free to explore on your own inside.

    30 minutes•Admission included•See on map

12. 12

    St. Peter's Square

    An introduction to the Square of St. Peter's will be provided for tours where access to St. Peter's Basilica is included.

    Pass by (no stop)•Admission free•See on map

13. 13

    Vatican City

    Visit Vatican City

    Pass by (no stop)•Admission free•See on map

Meeting point

In front of 'Al San Michele Bar Caffetteria' - Borgo Santo Spirito n.17. Your guide will be waiting for you holding a flag with the "EcoArt" logo. The nearest metro stop is Line A ‘Ottaviano'.

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
• Children 6 and under are entitled to free access to the Vatican Museums (with proof of age)
• Children aged 7-18 are entitled to a reduced entry fee (see tour and ticket pricing) and must provide proof of age.
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• 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.
• At least 4 people are required for the guided tour options to take place.
• Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the booked start time. Tickets are time sensitive and we cannot accomodate late arrivals.
• Guests with a certified disability of over 75% are entitled to free entrance to the Vatican and do not require a ticket. For guests who are not self-sufficient, free entry is extended to a companion.
• Important: St. Peter's Basilica is not included in all tour options. If you wish to visit the Basilica as part of your experience, please ensure you select a tour where it is explicitly listed as included.
• Please include all names as they appear on your passports when booking. Tickets are non-transferable and if the names on your booking do not match your ID you may be denied access and will not be due a refund. Any name changes must be communicated at least 72 hours in advance.
• Please bring an ID or a photo/copy of ID.
• Important: The ‘Basilica Only’ option it does NOT include access to the Vatican Museums.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking
• *IMPORTANT* There is no need to come to our redemption point before the actual date and time of the service you booked. Plan on arriving to our meeting point on your selected tour date at least 15 minutes in advance of your selected departure time. Meet our representative on the steps in front of Via Tunisi 4, at the corner with Viale Vaticano. They will be holding a flag with the green EcoArt logo. Please note the redemption point is an outdoor location, not an office. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the Vatican.

Cancellation and refunds

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