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CultureHistoricalCity tours

Best of the Vatican Tour: Fast Track Highlights

4.7(459 reviews)Rome, Italy
2h30DurationEnglishOffered inMobile ticketTicketNot includedPickupEasyLevel

About this experience

Join an expert guide at the entrance of the Vatican Museum for a skip-the-line experience. The tour focuses on the extensive collection of art within the museum, covering over 1,200 galleries. A significant portion of the visit centers on the Sistine Chapel, including insights into its commission and the contributions of Michelangelo Buonarroti. Participants will learn about Michelangelo's life, his view of himself as a sculptor rather than a painter, and the challenges he faced while creating the frescoes on the chapel's ceiling. After the guided portion, you will have the opportunity to explore the remaining galleries of the museum at your leisure.

Itinerary

1

Vatican Museums

Your guide knows every nook and cranny of the museums and will navigate seamlessly through the more than 1,200 galleries while emphasizing the Rooms of Raphael, the Ancient Roman and Greek pieces in the Belvedere Courtyard and the Gallery of Maps while ensuring that you stay on track with an eye on the ultimate prize: the Sistine Chapel.

2

Sistine Chapel

Much of this tour will be dedicated to the majestic Sistine Chapel, from its commissioning to the finishing touches applied by none other than Michaelangelo Buonarroti. You will hear the true life story of this fascinating yet tormented artist who considered himself a sculptor and not a painter yet dedicated countless years of his life painting frescoes on a ceiling 44 feet high. Learn of the physical and psychological damage inflicted on the artist as your guide helps you to discern between myth, fact, and popular Hollywood fiction regarding this epic work of art.

3

St. Peter's Basilica

Enjoy Fast track entry to St. Peter's without having to exit and wait on the security line. Explore the Papal Basilica on your own.

What's included / not included

Full-immersion guided Vatican Museums experience with an expert Vatican tour guideSkip the Line at the Vatican & get ahead of everyone elsePriority access to St. Peter’s BasilicaRooms of Raphael & Sistine ChapelBelvedere Courtyard, Greek and Roman Sculptures
Hotel pick-up and drop-offGratuities

Additional information

Accessibility and comfort

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Good to know

  • A dress code is required. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.
  • Due to the route covered and/or transportation used, it is not possible to participate in this tour using a wheelchair, scooter, or other aid. Please contact us to inquire about customized tour options for guests with mobility challenges.
  • Please note: This description is provided as a general example. Actual experiences may vary slightly depending on the season, local conditions, and other factors beyond our control
  • On days immediately surrounding religious holidays at the Vatican, alterations to tours may become necessary due to partial closings of areas normally included in this tour
  • Access to St. Peter's Basilica is not possible on Wednesday morning during the weekly papal audience.
  • Please note that essential travel documents and final itinerary details might be delivered electronically closer to the activity date.

Traveller reviews

4.7459 reviews

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