Enter the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Pope's Grottoes at an hour before the gates officially open. Walk along the gallery, which is full of artworks, and learn from your expert guide in a group of up to 12 people.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 2.5 hours
- Starting time 7:45 AM
- Skip the ticket line
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
Experience
Highlights
- Enjoy the Vatican before the crowds with skip-the-ticket-line access
- Visit the Sistine Chapel
- Explore St. Peter's Basilica
- Discover the Popes' Grottoes beneath St. Peter's Basilica
Full description
Begin your day early at 7:30 AM in order to visit the museums without the usual crowds, which can reach 25,000 people. You will enter the museums at 8:00 AM, which is one whole hour before the official opening time. For two hours, explore the Vatican Museums must-see galleries, focusing on the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. See the most beautiful artworks in the Vatican and learn from your an enthusiastic licensed Vatican guide, in a group of up to 12 people.
Listen to an explanation about the Sistine Chapel then be led through the main gallery to reach the Sistine Chapel. Spend free time enjoying the beauty of the artworks by Michelangelo. You will be led through a special entrance to the Basilica to avoid waiting in a line. You will be able to experience the beautiful Basilica before it becomes crowded.
Once inside the Basilica, you can see the Popes' Tombs and the Vatican Grottoes, which are located underground just below the central nave level. The Vatican Grottoes were part of the former St. Peter Basilica, built by order of Emperor Constantine. Among the most relevant tombs, you will see St. Peter Tomb, which is located under the altar of the Basilica and Pope John II Tomb.
Includes
- Skip-the-ticket-line access
- 2-hour tour
- Licensed guide
- Headsets for the tour
- Pick up or drop-off at your accommodation
- Food or drink
- Gratuities
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
COVID-19 precautions
Customers must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers must fill out a travel information form
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
The meeting point is outside the Cafe' Vaticano located in Vaticano opposite the entrance to the museums. The closest metro stop is Ottaviano on the red line.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Passport or ID card
- Comfortable shoes
Not allowed
- Shorts
- Short skirts
- Sleeveless shirts
- Backpacks
Know before you go
- This tour is not available on Wednesday, Sunday, or religious bank holidays
- All visitors must pass through airport-style security. During high season the wait at security may be up to 30 minutes.
- The St. Peter's Basilica can be unexpectedly closed due to religious functions and if this happens you will visit the Painting Gallery or Raphael Rooms, which was once Pope Julius’ II apartment
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible
- You must cover your knees and shoulders so you must not wear shorts or sleeveless tops and you may be refused entry if you do not follow the strict dress code
- You may be refused entry if you arrive late
- It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes
- This tour operates in all weather conditions so please dress appropriately
