Vatican City Treasures Tour by ItaliaTours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels as it involves walking at a moderate pace with some standing.
Overview
Skip the lines and dive deep into Vatican City’s masterpieces on a focused 3.5-hour journey with ItaliaTours. Uncover Michelangelo’s frescos, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the papal crypts with expert commentary and fast track entry.
Entire Vatican & Vatacombs: Treasures of the Sistine Chapel
3.5 Hours • All ages!
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 3.5-hour journey through Vatican City, featuring fast-track access to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Led by an expert guide, explore over 70,000 masterpieces, including Michelangelo's iconic frescos, while uncovering the rich history and artistry of this unparalleled cultural treasure.
Duration
3.5 Hrs.
About
Our flagship Vatican City experience, the original comprehensive Vatican journey including fast-track entry to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica and the papal crypts. Book well in advance to guarantee availability!
Highlights
- Skip the line access to both the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica
- Local expert tour guide makes this tour a winner for best value
- Experience Michelangelo's remarkable frescos in the Sistine Chapel
- Priority entrance to the Vatican Museums
Itinerary
Enjoy skip-the-line entry to what is arguably the most important and largest art collection in the world. For over five hundred years, popes commissioned works of art from the most talented painters and sculptors to enjoy at the Vatican amongst an elite circle of clerics, nobles, and scholars. Each new pope sought to leave a legacy greater than the last, commissioning chapels, frescoes, and sculptures until the collection grew to more than 70,000 works of art.
Walk in the footsteps of popes and Renaissance masters as you take in the Rooms of Raphael and the Sistine Chapel, from its commissioning to the finishing touches by none other than Michelangelo Buonarroti. With an expert guide, learn to discern between myth, fact, and popular Hollywood fiction regarding this epic work of art.
Gain fast-track access to St. Peter's Basilica to view masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini, among others, before descending to the papal crypts below. We conclude on the portico with an overview of Bernini’s magnificent piazza (St. Peter’s Square), the central obelisk, and the renowned Swiss Guard.
Includes
- Priority entrance to the Vatican Museums
- Immersive experience inside Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel
- The remarkable frescoed Rooms of Raphael
- Expert licensed English-speaking tour guide
- Fast-track entry and guided visit of St. Peter's Basilica
Excludes
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Gratuities
Know before you book
- Max group size: 20
- 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.
Know before you go
- Dress comfortably, shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.
- Due to the special events associated with the 2025 Jubilee, access to St. Peter's Basilica might be restricted. Such closures are beyond control.
Adventure Tips
Dress Code Matters
Ensure shoulders and knees are covered to meet Vatican dress requirements.
Book Early
This popular tour books out quickly—secure your spot well in advance to guarantee entry.
Arrive Prepared
Bring a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes; the tour involves several hours of standing and walking.
Respect the Space
Photography is restricted inside the Sistine Chapel—enjoy the art with your eyes, not your camera.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Occasional peregrine falcons nesting on ancient Vatican rooftops
- Sparrows and urban foxes seen in quiet courtyards
History
Vatican City emerged as an independent state in 1929, but the artistic and religious heritage cultivated here spans millennia, central to Christianity and Renaissance art history.
Conservation
Vatican Museums actively engage in preservation efforts for their priceless artworks and maintain strict visitor guidelines to mitigate the impact of mass tourism.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Designed for steady walking across museum floors and stone pathways.
Lightweight layers
Allows adjustment to changing indoor and outdoor temperatures.
spring specific
Refillable water bottle
Stay hydrated during the warm summer months while touring.
summer specific
Small backpack or bag
Useful for carrying daily essentials and any souvenirs.