Availability: Monday through Saturday*
Duration: 3 hours, 9:15am - 12:15pm
*This tour operates Mon-Sat from April to November and from December 22 to December 31 2025.
This tour operates only Mon, Thu, Fri & Sat from January to March and from Dec 1 to Dec 21 2025.
A great introduction to the artistic treasures of the Vatican in an enjoyable and hassle-free manner.
From the enormous Vatican Museums to Michelangelo's ground-breaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, you will see how the Popes used art and culture to spread their message. Discover the history, the mystery and the masterpieces of Vatican City, a powerful town-state set in the center of Rome and be ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the Vatican Museums and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, where the brilliance of human creativity and devotion converge. As there is no talking allowed in the Sistine Chapel your guide will prepare you here for the many fascinating details you otherwise might miss on your own. To reach the Chapel, your guide will lead you along the Hall of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, the Gallery of Candelabra and through the Raphael Rooms. These works of art will come to life as you follow your guide’s commentary on your dedicated headsets. At the Sistine Chapel, take some time to pick out the rich details on the walls and ceilings – from Michelangelo’s boneless self-portrait to the shields representing violent bible stories. Then, your guide will provide an overview of St. Peter's Basilica before entering this magnificent church on your own. Here, you will see Michelangelo’s ‘Pietá’ which portrayed Mary as being as an eternal young mother. Spend some quiet time in this vast place of worship beneath the tallest dome in the world. When you finish, you are free to remain inside St. Peter’s Basilica to experience more of this amazing church at your leisure or return outside to St. Peter’s Square to admire Bernini’s clever optical illusion and the basilica’s heavenly façade.
On Wednesdays, access to St. Peter’s Basilica & Square may be closed at the time of the morning tour due to the Papal Audience.
Meeting point will be at a central location. Details will be provided in final documents.
- English-speaking guide
- Entrance ticket and reservation fee to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
- Access to St. Peter’s Basilica
- Headsets
- Gratuities (optional)
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- This tour involves a fair amount of walking, comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Entrance into the Vatican requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. ItalyVacations cannot be held responsible for refused entry due to improper dress.
- Please note that large bags/tripods/umbrellas/backpacks are not permitted in the Vatican and must be checked into the free luggage storage area. Please do not bring these items as you may need to leave the tour early to retrieve them at the entrance. Only very small bags are allowed.
- Non-flash photography is permitted throughout the tour, except in the Sistine Chapel where talking and photography are prohibited.
- Group of 20 people or less.