HikingHistoricalCulture

Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums & St Peter's Small Group Tour

4.7(314 reviews)Rome, Italy
3hDurationEnglishOffered inMobile ticketTicketNot includedPickupEasyLevel

About this experience

This 3-hour tour allows travelers to examine Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, focusing on the figures, techniques, and meanings behind them. Participants will learn about the commissioning of these works by Pope Julius II and explore Raphael's rooms with a knowledgeable guide, delving into the stories of the characters depicted. The tour also includes insights into the Vatican Museums' extensive collection, which was restored after a period of neglect. This experience is suitable for small groups. However, it may not be ideal for those who specifically want to visit the Raphael Rooms, as access may be limited due to crowding and timing. For those who wish to ensure a visit to the Raphael Rooms, longer tours such as the Early Vatican Tour or the VIP Vatican Tour are recommended. Travelers should be aware that reservations made less than 72 hours before the tour cannot guarantee skip-the-line access to St. Peter's Basilica, as the tour will conclude in the Vatican Museums.

Itinerary

1

Vatican Museums

With more than five miles of corridors, this vast complex of museums chronicles the history and accomplishments of mankind over the last 2000 years, featuring classic masterpieces such as Rodin's "Thinker" and the Sistine Chapel.

2

Cortile della Pigna

The Vatican bronze pinecone is a colossal and ancient bronze sculpture also known as the Pinion and is located in one of the courtyards at the Vatican, in the Cortile della Pigna. It was found in the Middle Ages at the Baths of Agrippa where it originates, until late in the antiquity, today you can find it in the complex of the Vatican Museums now for many centuries.

3

Sphere within a Sphere

Also known as “Sfera con Sfera,” is a series of sculptures created by sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro. The sculpture depicts an enormous metal sphere with a cracked surface, revealing an intricate interior with another cracked sphere inside.

4

Stanze di Raffaello

The four rooms known as the Stanze of Raphael formed part of the apartment situated on the second floor of the Pontifical Palace that was chosen by Julius II della Rovere (pontiff from 1503 to 1513) as his own residence and used also by his successors. The pictorial decoration was executed by Raphael and his school between 1508 and 1524.

5

Sistine Chapel

Probably the most famous chapel in the world because of its incredible artwork, notably "The Last Judgment," Michelangelo's stunning fresco covering 10,000 square feet of the ceiling and wall.

6

St. Peter's Square

Enjoy the outstanding view of the Basilica from St. Peter's Square

7

The Vatican Obelisk

The Vatican Obelisk is the only ancient Egyptian obelisk in Rome to have remained standing since Roman times

8

Fontane di Piazza San Pietro

The two fountains in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, created by Carlo Maderno (1612–1614) and Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1667–1677) to ornament the square in front of St. Peter's Basilica. The older fountain, by Maderno, is on the north side of the square.

What's included / not included

Headsets (for groups of 6 or more)All Fees and TaxesVatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Skip-The-Line TicketsSmall Group SizeExpert English-Speaking GuideEscorted entrance to St. Peter's Basilica
Gratuities (optional)Transportation to and from the meeting and end points

Additional information

Accessibility and comfort

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Good to know

  • Please note that the Vatican Museums provide free entrance for visitors who are (according to the requirements stated by the Vatican City) at least 74% disabled by presenting the appropriate certification and, if one needs assistance by another person, that person also receives a free entrance. Please inform us when you are booking if you fit into these requirements and we will remove the pricing of the entry tickets from the price of the tour.
  • As this is a walking tour with steps and staircases, comfortable walking shoes and a bottle of water are strongly recommended.
  • Please advise during the booking process if any clients have mobility concerns so that we can best accommodate you.
  • At the end of your tour, you are required to return the headset provided to you to your guide. In the event that you do not return the headset, you will be subject to a fine of €100 for lost property.
  • Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.
  • Disclaimer: For reservations made less than 72 hours in advance, access to the Basilica cannot be guaranteed due to ticketing restrictions.
  • The Basilica of St. Peter's may be subject to unscheduled closings and late openings for religious ceremonies. We do not provide refunds for last-minute closures of St. Peter's Basilica. Your guide will still give you an introduction to the Basilica should you wish to return on your own time during your visit to Rome.
  • Please note that the Raphael Rooms are part of this 3-hour itinerary but on days due to crowding, timing and direction flows of crowd traffic dictated by the Vatican Museum staff on the day, we may not be able to make this stop within the designated time frame.

Traveller reviews

4.7314 reviews

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