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Vatican City: Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter's Basilica Tour

7 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 7 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Vatican City, Italy
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This is usually booked 35 days in advance.

3 hours (Approx.)
Mobile Ticket

Overview

Escape the large tour groups and discover the Vatican's treasures in a more intimate setting. Our semi-private tours, capped at 6 participants, offer a more relaxed and engaging atmosphere, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art and history.

* Reserved Timed Entrance: Bypass the long queues and enter the Vatican Museums with reserved timed entrance, maximizing your valuable time.

* Vatican Museums Exploration: Discover the vast and impressive collections of the Vatican Museums, including masterpieces from various periods and cultures. Your guide will highlight key works and provide context and historical background.

* The Raphael Rooms – Marvel at the frescoed apartments of Pope Julius II, adorned by Raphael and his workshop. Highlights include The School of Athens, celebrating classical philosophy.

* Sistine Chapel Masterpiece: Marvel at Michelangelo's breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, including the iconic "Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgment,".

What's Included

  • Timed entrance reservations at the Vatican Museums

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    Vatican Museums, 00120, Vatican City

    Open in Google Maps

    Location: Meet your guide outside the exit arch of the Vatican Museums, on Viale Vaticano.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Start Time • 1:30 PM

    What To Expect

    Vatican Museums

    Your tour begins with the Vatican Museums, an expansive collection of art and history that spans millennia. As you walk through the museums’ gilded halls, your expert guide will provide fascinating insights into the masterpieces housed here. Highlights include:* The Gallery of Maps, a corridor lined with intricately painted maps of Italy’s regions, offering a glimpse into 16th-century cartography.* The Raphael Rooms, where frescoes by the Renaissance master Raphael, including the famed School of Athens, showcase his unparalleled artistic vision.* The Pinecone Courtyard, a serene outdoor space featuring the monumental Fontana della Pigna (Pinecone Fountain).* Classical Antiquities, such as the Laocoön and His Sons, a dramatic marble sculpture that has inspired countless artists.* Each room is a masterpiece, with every turn revealing stunning frescoes, sculptures, and tapestries that celebrate human creativity and devotion.
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    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    Stanze di Raffaello

    Discover the Raphael Rooms, four stunning frescoed chambers in the Vatican Museums, painted by Raphael and his workshop in the early 16th century. Originally Pope Julius II’s private apartments, these rooms blend theology, philosophy, history, and politics through breathtaking Renaissance artistry.Highlights include:* The Hall of Constantine: Dramatic scenes like The Battle of the Milvian Bridge.* The Room of Heliodorus: Divine interventions such as The Expulsion of Heliodorus.* The Room of the Signatura: Home to The School of Athens, a masterpiece celebrating classical philosophy.* The Room of the Fire in the Borgo: Papal history, including The Fire in the Borgo.A visit here offers an unforgettable glimpse into Raphael’s genius and the High Renaissance.
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    45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    Sistine Chapel

    Prepare to be awestruck by the Sistine Chapel, a pinnacle of Renaissance art and spirituality. Before entering this sacred space (where silence is required), your expert guide will provide a detailed overview of what to look for, enriching your experience and allowing you to fully appreciate Michelangelo's masterpiece.Learn about the chapel's history, the symbolism woven into every brushstroke, and the immense challenges Michelangelo overcame to create these unparalleled frescoes.Marvel at the iconic "Creation of Adam," the breathtaking ceiling panels depicting biblical stories, and the powerful "Last Judgment."With your guide's insights, you'll be able to admire this world-famous art with a deeper understanding of its profound meaning.
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    45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    Show 1 more stop

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Photocopies or digital versions are NOT accepted. If you forget your ID or if your names do not match, the Vatican staff will unfortunately not allow you to enter.
    • Prohibited items: Of course, no dangerous items are allowed. Think of airport security – anything prohibited there is also prohibited at the Vatican.
    • Dress Code: Shoulders and knees must be covered for entry. The Vatican enforces a strict modest dress code.

    Cancellation Policy

    This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

    Still have questions?

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    Activity code: C-41846P2

    Reviews

    5.00
    7 reviews

    Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 7 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    7
    4 stars
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    3 stars
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    Loading Options
    Don't miss out!
    This is usually booked 35 days in advance.

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