The Vatican, formally the Vatican Museums, is a sprawling network of museums, secret rooms, galleries, and more.
These top rated guided Vatican tours will show you some of the most significant artifacts and works of art the Vatican museum has to offer.
A guided tour will help you learn more about the artwork and give you opportunities to see and experience more than you could on your own. So mark the Vatican off your bucket list with one of these tours!
Be sure to see our reviews of Amalfi Coast Day Trips, Colosseum Tours and Tuscany Day Trips.
Best Vatican Guided Tours
| Vatican City: Private Vatican Tour, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Vatican Basilica | Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums Small Group Tour | Full-Day: Colosseum, Vatican Museums & St Peter's Guided Tour | |
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| Departure: | Viale Vaticano, 100, 00192 Roma RM | Piazza della Città Leonina, 6, 00193 Roma RM | L.go Gaetana Agnesi, 00184 Roma RM |
| Start: | Between 8:30 AM & 3:00 PM | 7:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM | 8:45 AM |
| Duration: | 3 hours | 3 hours | 8 hours |
| Includes: | Skip the line tickets for Vatican Museums, Rooms of Rafael and Sistine Chapel Private Tour | Professional guided tour of Vatican Museums, entry fees, Sistine Chapel, head sets | Guide, skip-the-Line to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Raphael Rooms, Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Vatican Tours From Rome
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- Vatican City: Private Vatican Tour, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Vatican Basilica
- Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums Small Group Tour
- VFull-Day: Colosseum, Vatican Museums & St Peter’s Guided Tour
- Vatican and Vatacombs Tour: Treasures of the Sistine Chapel
- Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour
- Vatican: Early Entry to Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s
- Rome: Entire Vatican Museums Tour and St. Peter’s Dome Climb
Vatican Tour Reviews
1. Vatican City: Private Vatican Tour, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Vatican Basilica
- Departure Location: Viale Vaticano, 100, 00192 Roma RM
- Departure Time: Between 8:30 AM & 3:00 PM
- Estimated Duration: 3 hours
- Includes: Skip the line tickets for Vatican Museums, Rooms of Rafael and Sistine Chapel Private Tour
Vatican City has always been one of my top destinations on my bucket list, but it’s no secret that it’s also one of the most chaotic. There seems to be never-ending queues everywhere you turn, and if you’re looking to maximize your time, that’s not the way to do it.
Luckily, tours like the Vatican City Private Tour: Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel and Vatican Basilica exist! Sure, a skip-the-line ticket would do you a world of good in this situation, but this tour is so much more than that.
This is an in-depth dive into the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and (depending on the access), St. Peter’s Basilica or the Raphael Rooms. If that weren’t enough, you also benefit from expert narration, fine art highlights, and perfect pacing that neither speeds through sites, nor lags.
There’s no way you’d be able to see all that in the span of just 3 hours, but on this tour, you’ll be able to do all that and actually take your time. With masterpieces like Michelangelo’s famed Sistine ceiling and the Last Judgement (among so many others found here), being rushed is sacrilege.
Not to mention, St. Peter’s Basilica is the biggest church in the world, and is filled with all kinds of gems waiting for you to discover. You’ll learn so much more on this private Vatican City tour than you would on a group tour, as well.
After all, you’re not just another head in a massive group of people, and you’ll get to ask your guide any questions you may have with ease.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Other Rome Experiences You May Enjoy:
2. Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums Small Group Tour
- Departure Location: Piazza della Città Leonina, 6, 00193 Roma RM
- Departure Time: 7:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM
- Estimated Duration: 3 hours
- Includes: Professional guided tour of Vatican Museums, entry fees, Sistine Chapel, head sets
Next up, is the Sistine Chapel and Vatical Museums Small Group Tour, which is a must-do if you’re hitting Rome and would like to upgrade it to more of a VIP experience. With a ton of different start times available and the ability to skip the long queues, this should be one of your top choices if you’re on a time crunch.
With over 5 million visitors per year, just skipping the line with a proper tour guide is worth the money – you don’t want to underestimate the crowds here! I personally recommend doing the early morning option (typically starts around 7:00 am), so you have the rest of the day for other plans and you miss the majority of the crowds.
Our guide was a local to Rome, and new the area like the back of their hand. Beyond learning about the typical facts anyone could rattle off, you’ll hear insider knowledge and plenty of personal anecdotes to enrich the experience.
Even though this is a small-group experience, you’ll be provided with an earpiece just in case the amount of people gets quite noisy in public spaces. I felt like when I went, everything flowed perfectly and our guide led us with authority around everywhere, so we were never just wandering on our own.
We had plenty of time at the Vatican Museums to wander around, as well as 15-20 minutes in the Sistine Chapel to appreciate the legendary artwork with some peace and quiet.
One of the highlights for me was the breathtaking Gallery of the Tapestries, which is sure to intrigue you, whether you’re religious or not. After taking your time at the Gallery of Maps, check out St. Peter’s Basilica to venture around at your own leisure!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Search For Other Top Rated Rome Experiences You May Enjoy:
3. Full-Day: Colosseum, Vatican Museums & St Peter’s Guided Tour
- Departure Location: L.go Gaetana Agnesi, 00184 Roma RM
- Departure Time: 8:45 AM
- Estimated Duration: 8 hours
- Includes: Professional guide, reserved Skip-the-Line Access to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Raphael Rooms, Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, Audio headset
If you’re in a city like Rome, there’s no way you should be losing precious time in winding queues when you could be out there discovering world-class art and history. That’s where the Full-Day Colosseum, Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Guided Tour come in.
With around 8 hours locked in, you’re heading straight into the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, the Roman Forum, and more, all with an expert guide to lead you.
Take this tour as an all-access pass to the biggest attractions in the city, leaving the lines and decision fatigue behind. I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’s nearly impossible to experience these sites like this in 8 hours without a professional and a seamless itinerary.
Start out by meeting your guide at Largo Gaetana Agnesi and head to the Colosseum, learning all about the ancient arena’s out-of-this-world legends.
Any history or government aficionado will love learning about the Foro Romano and how it’s influenced all of us today, before heading to Palatine Hill to hear of its myths and history. Next, it’s time for a proper Vatican City introduction, where you’ll have a meal at your own expense for a taste of the local flavors before diving into the Vatican Museums.
The exclusive partner access we took advantage of is priceless, taking us right into the center of all the masterpieces over the past centuries. You’ll see the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and much more. No rushing, no lingering past your point of interest – it’s all up to you!
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
4. Vatican and Vatacombs Tour: Treasures of the Sistine Chapel
- Departure Location: Via Sebastiano Veniero, 19, 00192 Roma
- Departure Time: 8:00 AM, 2:00 PM
- Estimated Duration: 3.5 hours
- Includes: Tour guide, priority entrance to the Vatican Museums, fast-track entry and guided visit of St. Peter’s Basilica
While the most well-known catacombs are certainly those under Paris, did you know that Rome has its own? I admittedly did not until booking this tour, and was very curious to uncover the possible differences between each one. If you’re interested in not only seeing the Vatican but the vatacombs, as well, this tour can’t be beat.
The Vatican and Vatacombs Tour: Treasures of the Sistine Chapel comes with a few different start times available and lasts a bit over 3 hours, making it one of the easier ones to fit into an already-busy schedule.
You’ll start out by meeting your guide and the rest of your small group right inside Vatican City, wasting no time before heading inside. Explore the Sistine Chapel and soak in the legendary ceiling – I wish my neck hadn’t been hurting after a few minutes, because it is simply incredible.
Next is St. Peter’s Basilica, where we learned all kinds of crazy history, like how it’s literally built over St. Peter’s tomb! Then, it’s time to explore the catacombs, or “Vatican Necropolis”.
Allowing for only a limited amount of visitors per day, we were lucky to get to visit the ancient pagan and Christian tombs. Not to be confused with those elsewhere in Rome, these actually let you see the burial place of St. Peter and other important figures (91 popes, various royals, etc.!).
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
5. Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour
- Departure Location: Via Mocenigo, 15, 00192 Roma RM
- Departure Time: Between 9:00 AM & 3:00 PM
- Estimated Duration: 2.5 hours
- Includes: Skip-the-ticket-line entry to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica, professional licensed tour guide, headsets
The Vatican Museums can feel like a little maze sometimes, and when you combine that with the massive crowds in the complex, it can be intimidating. That’s one of the reasons why I loved the Rome: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour – it’s a game-changer that takes you right past the ticket chaos.
Focus your time and mental energy instead on jaw-dropping art and culture, with a local guide who brings history to life. If you’ve only got a morning or afternoon in Rome and want the full Vatican VIP experience OR are on a tight budget but don’t want to compromise quality, this should be one of your first choices.
Nicely packaged into a smooth, immersive journey, it’s ideal if it’s your first time in the city. Oh, and if you’re someone always looking for the best photo ops like me, you’ll appreciate all the photo spot tips that your guide lets you in on.
Skip past the line and into the Vatican Museums, where you’ll learn all about the Gallery of Maps and Gallery of Tapestries and see the amazing creations there. I never thought I’d be so impressed with maps, but it turns out that 500-year-old, intricate paintings like that were one of my highlights.
The Rotunda Room’s ancient statues are incredible, and the domed ceiling that frames them make them that much more breathtaking.
You can’t miss the Sistine Chapel if you’re there, and see Michelangelo’s most famous fresco – it’s hard looking at it for that long – can you imagine actually being the one to paint it?! You also have the option of opting in to see St. Peter’s Basilica, which I can’t recommend enough!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
6. Vatican: Early Entry to Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Tour
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Departure: Via Santamaura 14B (Office What a Life Tours)
- Departure Time: 8:00 AM
- Includes: Skip-the-ticket-line ticket to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, early entrance an hour before crowds, tour guide, admission and reservation fees
If I’d give any one tip to tourists going to the Vatican, it would be to book a tour that gives you skip-the-line access. The Vatican can get insanely busy, and the lines can take hours off of your day – oftentimes in the hot, humid Mediterranean heat.
The Vatican: Early Entry to Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Tour helps avoid all that, giving you premium access even before the crowds think of forming! This tour lasts 3.5 hours, but all of it is exploring and learning rather than waiting around in hopes of entering these amazing museums and structures.
Start out by meeting your guide at the tour offices, which are right next to the Vatican, itself. I immediately noticed that our guide was super friendly and more than happy to answer any questions we had, along with plenty of recommendations along the way.
Not to mention, this is a completely personalized experience rather than a boring, cookie-cutter tour that you could frankly get anywhere. The guide asked us about our specific interests and tailored our tour around them, so that everyone was happy and didn’t miss anything we wanted to see.
As the groups max out at just 12 participants, it’s easy to move through the hallways and see everything without fighting through a big crowd. This VIP experience took us through all the hidden gems and biggest tourist sites inside the Vatican, with the early morning tour. This consisted of the museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Sistine Chapel was even more breathtaking in person, and we learned everything from the history of the artwork to the structure, itself.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
7. Rome: Entire Vatican Museums Tour and St. Peter’s Dome Climb
- Duration: 5 hours
- Departure: Either the Tiare Fountain and the Sebastiano Veniero 19
- Departure Time: 8:00 AM
- Includes: St. Peter’s Dome entry tickets, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel skip-the-line entry tickets, guided tour
If the last tour caught your attention but you’re looking for something even more comprehensive, I have the perfect excursion for you. Lasting 5 hours, the Entire Vatican Museums Tour and St. Peter’s Dome Climb is what I’d recommend if it’s your first time in Rome and want to see a good portion of the most popular sites in the capital.
It’s so much more than the average Vatican tour – this time, you’re getting the VIP treatment. Right across from St. Peter’s Square, we met up with your expert guide who was very friendly and seemed to know just about everything there was to know about the area.
After a quick intro, he lead us into Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica before it even opens to the public! This itself was worth the money, considering I saw the queues later in the day and they were there for hours!
Once inside, we got to choose to go up the elevator or walk up to the terrace level of St. Peter’s (I recommend the latter, if you can!). Here, there are countless little mosaics, which our guide also told us fascinating stories about to further enrich the experience. Next, it’s to the summit for simply the best, most beautiful views of Rome I’ve ever seen.
Next, we head down deep into the Vatacombs, where the former popes lie, and where you’ll learn some rather dramatic and interesting stories behind what’s happened here. Next, is an educational tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, covering some of the most unbelievable Renaissance masterpieces in the world.
After a short break for some food, you’ll then skip the line to enter the Vatican Museums through 1,200 or so galleries. We did spend a good portion of the Chapel, and seeing the magic touch applied by Michelangelo in person definitely warranted the extra time here.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
FAQs About Vatican Tours
What can I expect on a Vatican tour?
A Vatican tour usually starts with a meeting point near the entrance of the Vatican Museums or at your hotel if you have arranged a pickup service. You will meet your guide who will give you your skip-the-line ticket and your headset if needed.
Then, you will enter the Vatican Museums and follow your guide through the vast collection of artworks that span from ancient times to modern times. You will see famous sculptures, paintings, tapestries, maps, and more.
The best part of any tour is the Sistine Chapel. Here you can take in the stunning frescoes by Michelangelo that depict scenes from the Bible. You will also learn about the secrets and stories behind this masterpiece.
Finally, you will visit St. Peter’s Basilica, where you will see the largest church in the world and its magnificent dome. You will also see the tomb of St. Peter, the Pietà by Michelangelo, and other artworks by Bernini and other artists.
How long do Vatican City tours last?
Vatican tours usually last two to four hours, depending on how much of the Vatican you want to see.
Why should I go on Vatican guided tour?
Going on a Vatican tour is one of the best ways to experience the vast museums of the Vatican. The Vatican is one the largest and most impressive collections of art in the world. A Vatican tour is more than just a sightseeing trip; it’s an enlightening journey!
Do I have to have a ticket to see the Vatican?
To visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel you do need a ticket. They are always crowded and must buy tickets in advance. We would recommend a guided tour with skip the line tickets. To see St. Peter’s Square or St. Peter’s Basilica you don’t need a ticket but you still have to go through a security check and follow a dress code.
How can I see the Pope?
The Pope holds a general mass on Wednesdays at 10 am in St. Peter’s Square or in the Paul VI Audience Hall. Where the mass is held depends on the weather and how many people are attending. You can request a free ticket from the Prefecture of the Papal Household or join a guided tour. The Pope also delivers an Angelus prayer on Sundays at noon from his window overlooking St. Peter’s Square. You don’t need a ticket for this.
What else can I do when visiting the Vatican?
Other than the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica there are some lesser-known but still interesting places in Vatican City. You can explore the Vatican Necropolis, this ancient cemetery lies below St. Peter’s Basilica and contains the tomb of St. Peter. You need to book this at least two months in advance. You can also climb up to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica and see pretty amazing views of the city and the square. You can either take an elevator or stairs to reach the dome. There is a fee for both options.
Tips to enjoy your Vatican tour
Tip #1: Dress Appropriately for your Visit to the Vatican
Because the Vatican Museums, as well as the Sistine Chapel, are religious places, you’ll need to dress appropriately.
Your shoulders, knees, and abdomen should be completely covered. Your clothes should not have inappropriate graphics or sayings. If security personnel believe you are dressed inappropriately, you won’t be allowed in. This is true even if you are on a private tour.
Tip #2: Plan Everything in Advance
There are millions of visitors to Rome and the Vatican every year. This means that some of the attractions you are looking forward to may be sold out or closed by the time you arrive.
The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are a great example of this. If you are traveling to Rome around the time of religious holidays, these attractions may be closed to the public as well as to guided tours.
While many guided tours have backup plans in the event a scheduled location is closed unexpectedly, you should research your trip to make sure the places you wish to visit should be open.
Tip #3: Choose a Tour of the Vatican
If you plan on visiting the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and other popular places within Vatican City, purchasing a guided tour is a good idea.
The lines for general admission to many of these places can stretch for blocks and getting in may not be guaranteed. With a guided tour, like the ones we’ve reviewed above, you are guaranteed access so long as it isn’t closed for religious reasons. Plus, you will be able to skip the long lines.
Tip #4: Only Carry What You Need
While this is true wherever you are visiting within the city of Rome, it is especially true when visiting the Vatican. Large bags, umbrellas, camera tripods, and other cumbersome items aren’t allowed within the Vatican Museums and related locations.
You can store them in the cloakroom provided for free, but you may end up having to leave your tour early to retrieve them before closing time. It’s best to carry only what you need when touring the Vatican.
Tip #5: Visit on a Wednesday
If you’re looking forward to seeing the Pope and to the papal audience, you’ll want to plan your visit for a Wednesday. While there are occasional deviations from the Wednesday schedule, you’ll most likely be able to see the weekly message on that day. In fact, the Papal Audience and Vatican Museums tour we reviewed above guarantees you will see the Pope as part of the papal audience as long as he delivers his message on schedule.
What Can I See in One Day at the Vatican (A Sample Itinerary)
Of course you can’t see everything in the Vatican in a day but you can certainly hit the highlights. Lets take a look at what you can see in one day.
St. Peter’s Basilica: This stunning church is the largest in the world and is home to some amazing works of art. Check out Michelangelo’s “Pieta” and the altar before taking the elevator up to the top of the dome. Here you can get a bird’s eye view of the city. Trust me when I tell you, the view is absolutely it!
Vatican Museums: This gigantic collection of art galleries is the home to the most famous art in the world. Starting with the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms. You need to spend a few hours here as there is so much to see. Some of this time is going to be spent waiting, so factor that in.
Pro tip: Buy your tickets online well in advance so you can skip the long lines!
Lunch: By the time you are done with the Basilica and Sistine Chapel it will be time take a break from the crowds and have lunch at one of the local cafes or restaurant. Enjoy some Italian cuisine while admiring the architecture around you.
Papal Audience: This weekly event is every Wednesday and gives you a chance to see the Pope and receive his blessing. This is something you won’t forget!
Pro tip: Be sure to arrive early to secure a spot, it’s one of the most popular things to do at the Vatican.
Further explore: After seeing the Pope, take time to explore some of the lesser known areas of the Vatican. Some of these areas are the Vatican Gardens or the Necropolis. These hidden gems will give you a glimpse of the history and culture of the city.
Sites Seen
Tour Guides
Value
The Private Tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is our Editors Choice with its combination of sites seen, tours guides and value.
