Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani) Tours
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The Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani) is an enormous complex of galleries holding some of Italy’s most important art, from paintings and sculptures to tapestries and classical antiquities. Adjoining St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums' miles of corridors connect buildings and courtyards housing the Pinacoteca, Egyptian Museum, Gallery of Tapestries, Pius-Clementine Museum, and Gallery of Maps. But the crown jewels are the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo's ceiling and The Last Judgment, and the 16th-century frescoes in the Raphael Rooms.
The Basics
The Vatican Museums is the most popular attraction in Rome, hosting millions of visitors each year. Booking a small-group guided tour or skip-the-line access in advance is highly recommended. A private tour offering early access in the morning, before the museums are open to the general public, is an excellent way to enjoy the Vatican’s treasures in relative peace. Many group tours include visits to the museums and Sistine Chapel along with St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Gardens. There is a tremendous amount to take in here, so if you are traveling as a family with young children who may get overwhelmed, consider a guided kid-friendly tour that focuses on the museums' highlights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry lines often stretch for blocks, and wait times can be two or three hours, especially in summer. Book in advance.
- Vatican Museums tickets include entrance to the Sistine Chapel, and the same opening hours apply.
- Appropriate behavior and attire (shoulders, knees, and abdomen covered) are required to enter the Sistine Chapel.
- Security for entering the museum complex includes a metal detector.
- There is a free cloakroom where you can check large bags, umbrellas, and luggage.
How to Get There
The Vatican Museums complex is adjacent to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The Ottaviano station, on metro Line A, is about a five-minute walk away.
When to Get There
The Vatican Museums sees crowds of travelers year-round. It is busiest in summer, when skip-the-line tickets or a private tour guide are essential; the museums are relatively less crowded during winter. At any time of year, the museums are most crowded at midday, so aim to visit in the early morning or late afternoon if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
Seeing the Pope at the Vatican
Each week, usually on Wednesday mornings, the pope and cardinals give a papal address in St. Peter’s Square. Throngs descend for the papal audience, so be sure to book official tickets in advance if you want to be assured a chance to see the pope deliver his weekly message.
Address: Viale Vaticano, Vatican City, Italy
Admission: Varies
Admission Tickets (10)
Attraction TicketsFast- track- entry ticket to the Vatican Museums & the Sistine Chapel
The Vatican Museums are among the largest museums in the world and with over 5 million annual visitors they can get incredibly crowded. This self-guided tour is ideal for those who want to take their time and not be restricted by a guided tour. Save time with fast-track skip-the-line entrance tickets, browse the galleries at your own pace, and visit the magnificent Sistine Chapel at a time that suits you.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$35.22
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Attraction TicketsFast- track- entry ticket to the Vatican Museums & the Sistine Chapel
The Vatican Museums are among the largest museums in the world and with over 5 million annual visitors they can get incredibly crowded. This self-guided tour is ideal for those who want to take their time and not be restricted by a guided tour. Save time with fast-track skip-the-line entrance tickets, browse the galleries at your own pace, and visit the magnificent Sistine Chapel at a time that suits you.
... More
- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$35.22
Museum Tickets & PassesSkip the Line: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Fast Track Admission Ticket
The Vatican Museums hold enough art—including some of Italy’s most celebrated masterpieces—to keep visitors busy for years. They attract more than five million people every year, and have the crowds and lines to match. Make your visit a little smoother with this fast-track admission to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, then see the miles of art on a self-guided tour.
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- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$35.22
Attraction TicketsSkip the Line: Ticket to the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
Breeze past notoriously long public entrance queues at the Vatican with skip–the–line admission tickets, available at a range of times to fit your itinerary. Once inside, explore the grounds at your own pace, from the tapestry gallery to the Sistine Chapel. Upgrade to include a tour guide, who provides little–known anecdotes and context about important works of art.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$36.33
Attraction TicketsSkip The Line "Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel"
Skip-the-line service for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine ChapelSkip the line service for Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
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- 1 hour
- Free Cancellation
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$38.53
Attraction TicketsFaster Than Skip The Line Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Tickets
Explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel at your leisure and avoid the long lines with this skip-the-line admission ticket. Spend more time admiring the world-famous art as you are escorted inside through a dedicated no-wait Vatican Partner entrance. Once inside, independently explore galleries like Raphael’s Rooms and, of course, the Sistine Chapel with its iconic frescoes by Michelangelo.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$39.63
Attraction TicketsSkip the Line: Last Minute Ticket Reservation for Vatican and Sistine Chapel
Don't worry if you forgot to book your tickets for the Vatican and Sistine Chapel in advance. This ticket guarantees your entry to these world-famous attractions and also includes skip-the-line entry so you don't waste time waiting in long lines.
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- 1 to 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$42.93
Attraction TicketsSkip the Line: Vatican Museum Ticket
The Vatican Museums hold Rome’s most famous works of art, and is crowded with visitors from across the globe much of the year. With this skip-the-line ticket, save hours off wait times by navigating the confusing museum entrance with an expert assistant. With the time you save, you can linger as long as you like in the galleries and Sistine Chapel to admire works by Raphael and Michelangelo.
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- 1 to 3 hours
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$46.23
Attraction TicketsExclusive First Entrance to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel
Skip the long lines at the Vatican, and see the Sistine Chapel before the crowds with early morning priority access to the Vatican Museums, well before they open to the general public. After your time in the Sistine Chapel, spend the day exploring the Vatican Museums at your own pace, with access until closing time.
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- 8 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$58.34
Cultural ToursSkip the Line:Before Opening Hours-Sistine Chapel Exclusive & Vatican Museums
Visit the Sistine Chapel before it opens to the general public with this early-access ticket to the Vatican Museums complex. Explore at your own pace, stopping to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling fresco and his other works in a tranquil, crowd-free atmosphere. See the Vatican museums, Vatican Crypts, and St. Peter's Basilica before your visit ends.
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- 1 to 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$61.64
Attraction TicketsSkip the Line: COMBO - Colosseum + Vatican Museums Entrance Tickets+Audioguide
The Colosseum and Vatican Museums are Rome’s crown jewels, but they are also the city’s two attractions with the longest lines to enter. Save hours with these fast-track tickets to both the ancient amphitheater and world-class art collection that let you skip the hassle of waiting in line. Learn about the history and significance of both with the engaging commentary of an audio guide while you visit at your own pace.
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- 7 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$88.06
Cultural ToursFaster Than Skip-the-Line: Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica Tour
Discover the Vatican on a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. Navigate the vast complex of rooms, artwork, and history with a guide, who brings the ancient collection to life. Skip all the entrance lines to explore halls such as the Gallery of the Maps and Raphael’s Rooms; step inside the Sistine Chapel to admire ‘The Creation of Adam’ by Michelangelo; and hear little-known tales about sacred St. Peter’s Basilica. Choose from several departures, or upgrade to an evening experience or small-group tour with 12 people.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$67.15
Cultural ToursEarly Morning Vatican Truly Small Group Tour
Admire Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel without the crowds and enjoy skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums on this small-group tour. Enter the Sistine Chapel before its opens to the public, and view the frescoes in a calm, crowd-free setting. Then, tour the Vatican Museums, seeing the highlights of the papal art collection, including the Raphael Rooms and Gallery of Maps, before checking out the treasures inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
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- 3 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
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$108.98
Private Sightseeing ToursPrivate Early Bird Vatican and St Peter's Basilica Tour: Hotel Pick-up Drop-off
Visit the Vatican without the crowds on a private early-bird tour and enter the Vatican Museums before the complex opens to the general public. Enjoy an exclusive exploration of world-renowned art by Renaissance masters, visit the Sistine Chapel, and enter St. Peter’s Basilica directly from the museums, without waiting in the main line. Upgrade for a prime version with even earlier priority access, including the Raphael Rooms.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$290.60
Historical & Heritage ToursSkip the Line Vatican Tour Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel and St. Peter Basilica
See the highlights of Vatican City with this skip-the-line tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Join a knowledgeable guide for a visit to the incomparable Vatican Museums—home to one of the most extensive and impressive art collections in the world. Peruse the Gallery of Tapestries, admire the incredible sculptures with the Museo Pio Clementino and take in the incomparable frescos of the Sistine Chapel. Afterward embark on a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica, a work of art in itself.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$64.95
Cultural ToursSkip-the-Line Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Group Tour
Discover the sacred and artistic treasures of the Vatican on an immersive tour led by an art historian guide. Skip the long lines with priority access, and see some of the most important masterpieces in the Vatican Museum’s immense collection. Stand in awe beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, and learn the stories behind the art through an audio headset so you don’t miss a word of your guide’s commentary. At the end of the tour, gain direct entrance to the magnificent interior of St Peter’s Basilica.
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- 2 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
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$55.04
Cultural ToursSPECIAL OFFER
Vatican and Colosseum Combo Tour: Don’t Wait in Line to See the Best of Rome
Combine a trip to two of Rome’s greatest sites in one day. Take advantage of special no-wait entry at the Vatican and skip-the-line access to the Colosseum during this full-day tour. While others wait in line, you experience the majesty of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by the ancient glory of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum, all with an expert guide.
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- 9 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$115.91
$12.88 savings
Historical & Heritage ToursEarly Access Vatican Museums Tour with Sistine & St. Peter’s - Group of 12 max
Tens of thousands of people visit the Vatican Museums each day to see St. Peter’s Basilica, masterpieces by the likes of Michelangelo and Raphael, and the Sistine Chapel. Get inside the UNESCO-listed complex before it opens to the general public on this early-access tour that’s limited to just 12 participants. Enter through a reserved doorway to skip the lines, and stay a step ahead of the large crowds on this carefully planned route that ensures you make the most of your time.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$101.82
Cultural ToursSkip-the-Line Small-Group Tour: Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica
See the best of Vatican City on this small-group tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. Skip the long lines at the Vatican and go straight to the remarkable art and architecture, including galleries, the Julius II apartments, the Raphael Rooms, and Sistine Chapel. This intimate Vatican tour is limited to six people for a personal experience and individual service from the guide, and includes all entrance fees.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$97.97
Historical & Heritage ToursRome in a Day: Vatican and Colosseum with Skip the Line
Bypass the crowds with skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Then, visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (seasonal). You'll get to see all the Roman essential attractions in a single day and traveling with a tour guide means you get to skip the long entry lines at each attraction. Your experience includes pick up and lunch at a local restaurant.
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- 7 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$190.43
Viator VIP ToursVatican VIP Experience: Exclusive Breakfast at the Vatican with Early Access to Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
Enjoy a VIP experience at the Vatican with this morning tour that includes breakfast on site. You’ll explore the Vatican Museums before they open to the general public so you can admire famous sights like the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms in a more intimate atmosphere before finishing with skip-the-line access to St Peter’s Basilica through a reserved entrance. When booking, select from two options: breakfast in the Pinecone Courtyard with a Vatican tour limited to 16 people or breakfast in the Vatican cafeteria with a Vatican tour plus a coach tour of surrounding Vatican City and the Vatican gardens, limited to 25 people.
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- 3 hours 45 minutes
- Free Cancellation
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$119.98
Luxury ToursVatican City Tour: Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel and Vatican Basilica
Revel in the Renaissance relics of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica on this comprehensive 2.5-hour tour. Explore the highlights of the famous museums as you stroll through the vast galleries and marvel at the Sistine Chapel, adorned with Michelangelo's magnificent frescos. Next, head to St Peter's Basilica, where your guide will point out priceless monuments like Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin.
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- 2 hours 30 minutes
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$60.54
Cultural ToursPrivileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
Begin your exploration of the Vatican Museums before the general public on this tour. With your small group and tour guide, head straight for the Sistine Chapel to marvel at its art and architecture as one of its first daily visitors. Continue to St. Peter's Basilica, listening to informative commentary on the history of the church and Vatican City as you walk. Entrance fees, guaranteed skip-the-line entry, and use of individual headsets are included.
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- 3 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
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$86.19
Cultural ToursSPECIAL OFFER
Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Make the most of your valuable vacation time by skipping the line at the Vatican Museums. You'll potentially save hours waiting by booking a group tour, and get engaging commentary from your guide as you explore. Admission is included to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica; follow your guide on a carefully-crafted itinerary to ensure you don't miss a thing.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$48.54
$5.40 savings
Literary, Art & Music ToursSPECIAL OFFER
Family Friendly Semi-Private Vatican Tour including Sistine Chapel & Saint Peter
Families with young children will appreciate this family-focused tour of the Vatican Museums. Skip-the-line access is included, which is essential for fidgety young children. Walk through the galleries with a small group of just 10 people or fewer, led by an art historian guide who will keep the little ones occupied with games and puzzles. Access to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica are included.
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- 2 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$69.57
$17.39 savings
Private Sightseeing ToursPrivate Vatican Museums Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Discover the renowned art and architecture of the Vatican on this skip-the-line private tour of the Vatican Museums. As you explore rooms like the Gallery of Maps and the Sistine Chapel, learn about the Renaissance artwork of masters like Michelangelo with in-depth commentary from a knowledgeable private guide. You’ll also visit St Peter’s Basilica and hear insider details about the Vatican, plus skip past all the entrance lines, even the priority ones.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$178.87
Historical & Heritage ToursFast Track - Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica Tour
Discover Vatican City including the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel. Home to the world’s largest private portfolio of artwork, the Vatican is a must-see for visitors to Rome, and the best way to explore it is with a guide. Learn about Raphael’s Rooms, the Michelangelo frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, the ‘La Pietà' sculpture in St. Peter’s Basilica and more. Choose from several start times or upgrade to a small-group tour with just 12 people.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$62.74
Skip-the-Line ToursFast Track Access Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel & St Peters Basilica Tour
Save time, and head straight to the Vatican’s most popular sights and attractions, on this seamless and speedy tour. Pick from morning or afternoon departure times, and meet your guide. With skip-the-line tickets, you’ll beat the crowds and head straight into the Vatican Museums. Discover the Sistine Chapel at your own pace, and follow your guide directly to the museums’ other highlights. Your final stop is at the neighboring St. Peter’s Basilica.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$64.95
Cultural ToursSPECIAL OFFER
Early Access Vatican Tour
Get an early start to your sightseeing at the Vatican Museums with admission before opening hours. Follow an expert guide through the complex before the general public and avoid the crowds during your 3-hour tour. Marvel at Michelangelo's world-renowned works at the Sistine Chapel and enjoy privileged, skip-the-line access to the awe-inspiring St Peter's Basilica.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$63.40
$7.05 savings
Cultural ToursVatican Museums Tour with Bramante Staircase, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's
Skip the long lines and enjoy no-wait access to the Vatican Museums on this half-day tour. Visit the Vatican Paintings gallery, St. Peter's Basilica, and the spiral Bramante Staircase. Also, see Raphael’s Rooms, with frescoes painted by renowned Renaissance artist Raphael and the Gallery of Tapestries. Step inside the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s famous 'Creation of Adam' and 'Last Judgement' paintings.
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- 4 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
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$101.27
Private Sightseeing ToursPrivate Skip the Line Vatican Hidden Gems Tour with Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
Skip-the-line at the Vatican Museums on this tour of one of the world’s most renowned collections of art. With a private guide, go straight inside the complex to admire the Vatican’s architecture, marvel at works by masters like Raphael and Caravaggio, and see some of the ‘hidden,’ off-the-beaten-path sites that many visitors miss. Of course, you visit the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s famous frescoes, and enter St. Peter’s Basilica from the museums, avoiding the main entrance line.
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- 3 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$250.98
Cultural ToursVatican City Private Tour: Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel and Vatican Basilica
See the top attractions of Vatican City with a private skip-the-line tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica. Explore the vast collection in the Vatican Museums with your knowledgeable guide. Finish your museum visit with some time in the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel to see the frescoes by Michelangelo. Continue to St Peter's Basilica next door to admire the art in the biggest church in the world.
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- 3 hours
From
$165.12
Cultural ToursSPECIAL OFFER
Vatican Museums No-Wait Access Tour with Raphael Rooms, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peters Basilica
Avoid wasting time during your Vatican visit on this Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica tour at the no-wait access entrance. Join a knowledgeable guide to pass right by the long entrance queues and start touring the massive museums. See the incomparable Raphael's Rooms, Michelangelo's stunning Sistine Chapel, as well as other museum highlights like the Maps Gallery and Tapestries Gallery. Then visit the impressive St. Peter's Basilica next door.
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- 3 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
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$56.36
$14.09 savings
Cultural ToursSPECIAL OFFER
Skip-the-line Vatican Tour — Small-Group of Max 10!
Explore the treasures of one of the world’s greatest art collections with this expertly guided small-group tour through the Vatican museums. Skip the long lines to head straight inside the labyrinth of galleries, where your knowledgeable guide leads you to ancient and Renaissance highlights including the Raphael Rooms, Belvedere Courtyard, Laocoön sculpture and, of course, the magnificent Sistine Chapel. Learn the stories behind the masterpieces, and then get direct entry into the stunning interior of St. Peter’s Basilica.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
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$65.17
$16.29 savings
Attraction TicketsSemi Private Vatican Tour up to 10 people with optional colosseum tour
Discover the masterpieces of the Vatican Museums with this semi-private morning tour. Follow a guide to see the Sistine Chapel and the apartment of Pope Julius II during this small-group tour. Learn about the artworks by renowned artists such as Raphael and Michelangelo. Finish the tour with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica.
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- 3 to 6 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$86.96
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