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Private Sistine Chapel & Vatican Highlights Tour with Fast Access

7 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 7 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Rome, Italy
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from $148.10 per person

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St Peter Dome
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Private Sistine Chapel & Vatican Highlights Tour with Fast Access Image 3
Private Sistine Chapel & Vatican Highlights Tour with Fast Access Image 4
Private Sistine Chapel & Vatican Highlights Tour with Fast Access Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.
3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Italian

Overview

With skip-the-line entry and the services of a very knowledgeable guide this is an excellent half-day tour of the Vatican to see not only the highlights but much more besides.

It is a private tour you gain access to parts of the Vatican not on the usual tour itinerary.  You can go at your own pace and with skip-the-line access bypass the crowds and get to see so much more of this magnificent place.

Choose between our slots available in the morning and the afternoon

What's Included

  • Private tour
  • Guaranteed to skip the long lines
  • Professional art historian guide
  • Gratuities
  • Private transportation
See 1 moreSee 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Viale Vaticano
100, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Piazza San Pietro
00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability.
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Vatican Museums

In the company of a local and very knowledgeable guide you will visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Saint Peters Basilca. Your guide will share with you the history of the Vatican and tell you many interesting facts and anecdotes about the splendid artwork you will see.After meeting your guide your visit begins at the Belvedere Courtyard and then on to the Pio-Clementine museum with its unparalleled display of ancient Roman and Greek Statues. Some of the Vatican’s most precious treasures are on display in the Gallery of Tapestries and Gallery of Maps that has the largest collection of Renaissance Maps in the World.  The Sobeisky Rooms holds the largest canvas to be displayed in the Vatican Museums and the Immaculate Conception Rooms has some of the most wonderful frescoes.  Nothing can compare however with the wonderful works of art by Raphael displayed in the rooms he painted for Pope Julius II.  Here is the famous Parnassus ad School of Athens.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Sistine Chapel

Then it is on to the Sistine Chapel.  Before you enter your guide will explain the history of this famous chapel, still in use today to host the conclave for the election of a new Pope, and tell you about the famous frescoes by Michelangelo, Botticelli and their Renaissance contemporaries.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Included

St. Peter's Basilica

It is then time for a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica where you will explore the numerous side chapels with their hidden crypts. You will see Michelangelo’s Pietà and your guide will explain why this is the only work that he signed. You will gain an appreciation of the mastery that went into the creation of Bernini’s altarpiece and learn how Michelangelo triumphed over his contemporaries for the honour to paint St. Peter’s magnificent dome.There is still more to see though below ground level. You guide will lead you below ground to the papal crypt where, over the centuries, many of the Popes have been interred. This special place is a site of pilgrimage for many Catholics.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

St. Peter's Square

The tour end in Saint Peter’s Square; see the Pope’s Palace, gaze upon Bernini’s statues that surround this magnificent square and perhaps take a photo of the uniquely attired Vatican Swiss Guard.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Show 3 more stops

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
  • READ CAREFULLY: Because of the growing popularity of the current pope Francis and his intense activity in organising mass events in the Vatican some areas might get closed last minute without previous notice. This has already happened this year and can happen again during you Vatican tour. In case of such events our tour guide will provide you with a valuable alternative focusing the tour inside the Vatican museums.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Jubilee the Basilica might not be accessible as part of the tour. Unfortunately, we know that very last minute. In any case, you can go there after the tour, queuing.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Sistine Chapel & Vatican Highlights Tour with Fast Access?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-102294P3

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
7 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 7 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
7
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Sistine Chapel & Vatican Highlights Tour with Fast Access?
A:
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Private tour.
  • Guaranteed to skip the long lines.
  • Professional art historian guide.
  • Local guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
  • Private transportation.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Private Sistine Chapel & Vatican Highlights Tour with Fast Access is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Private Sistine Chapel & Vatican Highlights Tour with Fast Access will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Private tour
  • Guaranteed to skip the long lines
  • Professional art historian guide
  • Local guide
  • Gratuities
  • Private transportation

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
  • READ CAREFULLY: Because of the growing popularity of the current pope Francis and his intense activity in organising mass events in the Vatican some areas might get closed last minute without previous notice. This has already happened this year and can happen again during you Vatican tour. In case of such events our tour guide will provide you with a valuable alternative focusing the tour inside the Vatican museums.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Jubilee the Basilica might not be accessible as part of the tour. Unfortunately, we know that very last minute. In any case, you can go there after the tour, queuing.

Report Product Issue

Activity name