Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel Tour and Basilica Access

Highlights

Itinerary

1. 1

   Vatican City

   The Vatican City State, also known simply as the Vatican, became independent from Italy with the Lateran Treaty (1929), and it is a distinct territory under "full ownership, exclusive dominion, and sovereign authority and jurisdiction" of the Holy See, itself a sovereign entity of international law, which maintains the city state's temporal, diplomatic, and spiritual independence.With an area of 49 hectares and a population of about 825,it is the smallest state in the world by both area and population.

   10 minutes•Admission free•See on map

2. 2

   Vatican Museums

   Vatican Galleries including the one of the Maps, Tapestries and Candelabra. Pine Court courtyard, Pio Clementine Museum, Apollo of Belvedere, Laocoon, Nero's bathtub, Room of Muses.

   2 hours•Admission included•See on map

3. 3

   The Pineyard Courtyard at the Vatican Museums

   The Pineyard Courtyard at the Vatican Museums is a peaceful spot where classic architecture meets greenery, with Bramante’s bronze Pigna statue at its center.

   10 minutes•Admission included

4. 4

   Vatican City

   Step into the Galleria dei Candelabri, where massive marble candelabras line a magnificent corridor of ancient sculpture and sarcophagi, beautifully framed by painted vaulted ceilings and classical columns.

   15 minutes•Admission included•See on map

5. 5

   The Gallery of Maps showcases stunning, hand-painted maps from across Italy, blending history and artistry in a breathtaking visual journey.

   15 minutes•Admission included

6. 6

   Sistine Chapel

   Frescoes of Michelangelo

   10 minutes•Admission included•See on map

Meeting point

The meeting point is at the local partner's office.By metro (Line A), get off at Ottaviano. The Ottaviano metro stop is only a 10-minute walk to the office. Please note that St. Peter's Square is not the meeting point.

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
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Please note that on Wednesday morning the basilica will be closed due to the papal audience. If you paid for access of the basilica, we will provide you a ticket for the first time available.
• All guests must bring a photo ID for the security check.
• Strict timed entry: The Vatican Museums enforce strict entry times. Late arrivals or no-shows may not be admitted, and no refunds will be provided.
• Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered. Sleeveless tops, shorts, miniskirts, or low-cut outfits are not allowed.
• Basilica closures: St. Peter’s Basilica is closed during certain religious holidays. Access may also be restricted without notice due to ceremonies or events.
• Special needs: Disabled visitors should note this at the time of booking to receive free entry and appropriate assistance.
• Contact info: Ensure your phone number is correct, including country code, so we can contact you if needed.
• Please note that by purchasing this tour, you accept our Terms and Conditions and are aware that no refund will be given in case you do not attend the tour or arrive late for the tour.
• In peak season, due to the high number of visitors, it might take extra time to go through the security check and to collect the Vatican headsets which are compulsory.
• Please note that the Sistine Chapel may close without prior notice on rare occasions. Should this occur, your guide will provide a tour of other sections of the Vatican Museums.
• Please note that the option "VATICAN TICKET (ONLY ENTRANCE)" does not include the access to the basilica
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking
• •Please note that on Wednesday morning the basilica will be closed due to the papal audience. If you paid for access to the basilica, we will provide you with a ticket for the first available time. •PLEASE NOTE: We are not responsable if St Peter's Basilica is closed for religious functions or for the decision of the Pope. •A dress code is required to enter. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. •A current valid passport or ID document is mandatory on the day of the tour • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended • No big bags or big back pack • No pointed umbrella • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative. • If you arrive late, you will lose the entrance at the Vatican •Please show up 15 minutes before the tour to do the check-in •This tour IS NOT wheelchair accessible. • Please note that, for disabled visitors with certified invalidity of more than 74%, the Vatican Museums offer free entry that is extended to a companion for visitors who are not self-sufficient. To benefit from this, make sure you mention it at the time of booking so that our staff may handle your request. •PLEASE NOTE: "Ticket with host (ONLY TICKET)" option includes only the skip-the-line entrance and not the guided tour. This option does not include entrance to the Basilica.

Cancellation and refunds

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