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The 7 Best Vatican Tours ⛪ [2024 Reviews]

Taking a guided tour of the vatican museums is the best way to appreciate the magnificent artwork and galleries.

The Vatican, formally the Vatican Museums, is a sprawling network of museums, secret rooms, galleries, and more.

These top rated guided Vatican tours will show you some of the most significant artifacts and works of art the Vatican museum has to offer.

A guided tour will help you learn more about the artwork and give you opportunities to see and experience more than you could on your own. So mark the Vatican off your bucket list with one of these tours!

Be sure to see our reviews of Amalfi Coast Day Trips , Colosseum Tours and Tuscany Day Trips .

Best Vatican Guided Tours

Quick answer: the 7 best rated vatican tours from rome.

• Vatican City: Private Vatican Tour, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Vatican Basilica
• Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica: Early Morning Tour
• Vatican and Colosseum Combo Tour: Don’t Wait in Line to See the Best of Rome
• Entire Vatican Tour: Treasures of the Sistine Chapel
• Private Vatican Tour Museum and Sistine Chapel
• Vatican: Early Entry to Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s
• Rome: Entire Vatican Museums Tour and St. Peter’s Dome Climb

Vatican Tour Reviews

1. vatican city: private vatican tour, vatican museums, sistine chapel and vatican basilica.

• Departure Location : Viale Vaticano, 100, 00192 Roma RM
• Return Location : Saint Peter’s Square
• Departure Time : Various
• Estimated Duration : 3 hours
• Includes : Vatican Museums, Rooms of Rafael and Sistine Chapel Private Tour, skip-the-line tickets

The crowds at the Vatican, as well as the Sistine Chapel, can be a bit overwhelming. This private Vatican tour will take you on a guided and informational walk through many of the most popular attraction stops at the Vatican.

Not only will you be able to see the Sistine Chapel, but also Rafael’s Rooms and the Chiaramonti Gallery, as well as several other famous sites.

Because your tour guide is taking you and your group on a private skip-the-line tour of the Museums and the Sistine Chapel, there may be some flexibility in what you see and when.

You’ll also be able to ask questions of your guide. Your ticket to this private tour also includes the ability to skip the long lines commonly seen at the Vatican.

This tour will bring you through the Pinecone Courtyard where you will see the bust of Augustus, dating back to the 1 st -century A.D. Other Roman sculptures and historical artifacts are also on display.

Both the Gallery of the Maps and the Gallery of the Tapestries offer beauty as well as the overwhelming sense of history located here.

Being able to take in the breathtaking details of both the Sistine Chapel and the Basilica of St. Peter is truly once-in-a-lifetime.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other rome experiences you may enjoy:, 2. sistine chapel and st. peter’s basilica: early morning tour.

• Departure Location : Piazza della Città Leonina
• Return Location : Piazza della Città Leonina
• Departure Time : 7:30am
• Includes : Guided tour of Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica , head sets

Before the crowds start to form for the day, you’ll be able to enjoy a walking tour through the Vatican Museums. With the VIP option, you will be given exclusive access and a private guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Without the crowds elbowing you, you can take in the full majesty of the works of art and truly appreciate them. Your expert tour guide will tell you the background stories of the amazing sculptures and artwork of the Renaissance period.

Without the crowds, you’ll be guided through the various galleries, museums, and secret rooms of the Vatican. These are home to the vast collection of art and religious artifacts central to the culture of Italy and to the Catholic religion.

You will also see the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries and the Gallery of Maps. These areas are seldom seen by most people but you will be able to stroll through them at a leisurely pace while hearing the background of all these treasures.

Search For Other Top Rated Rome Experiences You May Enjoy:

3. vatican and colosseum combo tour: don’t wait in line to see the best of rome.

• Departure Location : Check with tour operator
• Return Location : Original departure point
• Departure Time : 9am
• Estimated Duration : 10 hours
• Includes : Professional guide, reserved Skip-the-Line Access to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Raphael Rooms, Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, Audio headset

Early in the morning, you’ll meet at across the street from the Vatican next to the Caffè Vaticano. You will then cross the street and skip the line into the museum.

However, this not just a typical skip the line tour, you get to enter through the “Private Partner Entrance” that saves even more time!

The small group you will be with will have a guide tour by a Vatican expert who will give you insights and information that will not be found anywhere else.

You will of course see the Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes in addition to all the other treasures.

After the tour you will then have time to enjoy some of the delicious Italian food that Rome is known for. You will then meet your guide at the coliseum. Here you will again skip the lines, saving hours of waiting.

Once inside your guide will give you all the details of the Coliseum including it’s construction and use over the years.

After the coliseum you will then proceed to Palatine Hill and then finish up at The Forum. This full day tour takes you to some of the best that Rome has to offer!

Tour Information & Booking

4. entire vatican tour: treasures of the sistine chapel.

• Departure Location : Via Sebastiano Veniero, 19, 00192 Roma
• Return Location : Vatican Museums, 00120, Vatican City
• Estimated Duration : 2.5 hours
• Includes : Tour guide, Skip-the-Line Access to Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and Rooms of Raphael

During this relatively short tour of the Vatican, your guide will take you through some of the most popular and historically significant rooms in the Museums.

You’ll also hear about the history and the many legends surrounding the Sistine Chapel as you explore its interior.

However, most of those visiting Vatican don’t have access to the Vatacombs located under the Sistine Chapel. These Catacombs are home to many former popes and other historically significant figures.

Just a few of the things you will see on your tour through the Vatican Museums are Rafael’s Rooms as well as many ancient Roman and Greek artifacts housed in the Belvedere Courtyard.

You’ll learn the history of these important buildings, from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica. Your guide will also give you a lesson on the Vatican State and the Swiss Guard.

This Vatican day tour from Rome is designed to focus on the art located here and the history of that art. You’ll also learn about how the art of ancient Rome influenced Western art as well as architecture.

Your tour guide is an expert art historian and will also be able to answer questions you may have along the way.

5. Private Vatican Tour Museum and Sistine Chapel

• Departure Location : Vatican Museums
• Return Location : Vatican Museums
• Departure Time : 3:15pm
• Estimated Duration : 2-3 hours
• Includes : Expert tour guide, private tour of the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel and Gallery of Maps

For most, a vacation to Rome is something that only happens once in a lifetime. Because of this, you may want to experience the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, and other popular locations like no one else can.

On this VIP tour, you’ll have access to rooms in the Vatican Museums that aren’t usually available to the public.

While you’ll be able to see things inside the Vatican usually off-limits, such as the Niccoline Chapel or the Bramante Staircase, you’ll also have skip-the-line access to publicly available galleries such as Rafael’s Rooms.

However, you’ll also be able to visit the Sistine Chapel after it closes to the general public. On this private tour, you’ll be able to hear commentary from your experienced tour guide about the history and construction of the Chapel.

Commentary usually isn’t allowed in the Chapel which makes this a unique experience.

This VIP private guided Vatican tour is limited to just 15 people. This means you’ll have a personalized experience as you take in the beauty and wonders of one of the most historically significant places in the world.

After all, not very many visitors to the Vatican are able to experience the secret rooms and learn of the often-forgot history that resides in them.

6. Vatican: Early Entry to Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Tour

• Duration : 3.5 hours
• Departure : Via Santamaura 14B (Office What a Life Tours)
• Departure Time :  8:00 AM
• Includes : Skip-the-ticket-line ticket to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, early entrance an hour before crowds, tour guide, admission and reservation fees

If I’d give any one tip to tourists going to the Vatican, it would be to book a tour that gives you skip-the-line access. The Vatican can get insanely busy, and the lines can take hours off of your day – oftentimes in the hot, humid Mediterranean heat.

The Vatican: Early Entry to Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Tour helps avoid all that, giving you premium access even before the crowds think of forming! This tour lasts 3.5 hours, but all of it is exploring and learning rather than waiting around in hopes of entering these amazing museums and structures.

Start out by meeting your guide at the tour offices, which are right next to the Vatican, itself. I immediately noticed that our guide was super friendly and more than happy to answer any questions we had, along with plenty of recommendations along the way.

Not to mention, this is a completely personalized experience rather than a boring, cookie-cutter tour that you could frankly get anywhere. The guide asked us about our specific interests and tailored our tour around them, so that everyone was happy and didn’t miss anything we wanted to see.

As the groups max out at just 12 participants, it’s easy to move through the hallways and see everything without fighting through a big crowd. This VIP experience took us through all the hidden gems and biggest tourist sites inside the Vatican, with the early morning tour. This consisted of the museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Sistine Chapel was even more breathtaking in person, and we learned everything from the history of the artwork to the structure, itself.

7. Rome: Entire Vatican Museums Tour and St. Peter’s Dome Climb

• Duration : 5 hours
• Departure : Either the Tiare Fountain and the Sebastiano Veniero 19
• Departure Time : 8:00 AM
• Includes : St. Peter’s Dome entry tickets, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel skip-the-line entry tickets, guided tour

If the last tour caught your attention but you’re looking for something even more comprehensive, I have the perfect excursion for you. Lasting 5 hours, the Entire Vatican Museums Tour and St. Peter’s Dome Climb is what I’d recommend if it’s your first time in Rome and want to see a good portion of the most popular sites in the capital.

It’s so much more than the average Vatican tour – this time, you’re getting the VIP treatment. Right across from St. Peter’s Square, we met up with your expert guide who was very friendly and seemed to know just about everything there was to know about the area.

After a quick intro, he lead us into Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica before it even opens to the public! This itself was worth the money, considering I saw the queues later in the day and they were there for hours!

Once inside, we got to choose to go up the elevator or walk up to the terrace level of St. Peter’s (I recommend the latter, if you can!). Here, there are countless little mosaics, which our guide also told us fascinating stories about to further enrich the experience. Next, it’s to the summit for simply the best, most beautiful views of Rome I’ve ever seen.

Next, we head down deep into the Vatacombs, where the former popes lie, and where you’ll learn some rather dramatic and interesting stories behind what’s happened here. Next, is an educational tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, covering some of the most unbelievable Renaissance masterpieces in the world.

After a short break for some food, you’ll then skip the line to enter the Vatican Museums through 1,200 or so galleries. We did spend a good portion of the Chapel, and seeing the magic touch applied by Michelangelo in person definitely warranted the extra time here.

FAQs About Vatican Tours

What can i expect on a vatican tour.

A Vatican tour usually starts with a meeting point near the entrance of the Vatican Museums or at your hotel if you have arranged a pickup service. You will meet your guide who will give you your skip-the-line ticket and your headset if needed.

Then, you will enter the Vatican Museums and follow your guide through the vast collection of artworks that span from ancient times to modern times. You will see famous sculptures, paintings, tapestries, maps, and more.

The best part of any tour is the Sistine Chapel. Here you can take in the stunning frescoes by Michelangelo that depict scenes from the Bible. You will also learn about the secrets and stories behind this masterpiece.

Finally, you will visit St. Peter’s Basilica, where you will see the largest church in the world and its magnificent dome. You will also see the tomb of St. Peter, the Pietà by Michelangelo, and other artworks by Bernini and other artists.

How long do Vatican City tours last?

Vatican tours usually last two to four hours, depending on how much of the Vatican you want to see.

Why should I go on Vatican guided tour?

Going on a Vatican tour is one of the best ways to experience the vast museums of the Vatican. The Vatican is one the largest and most impressive collections of art in the world. A Vatican tour is more than just a sightseeing trip; it’s an enlightening journey!

Do I have to have a ticket to see the Vatican?

To visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel you do need a ticket. They are always crowded and must buy tickets in advance. We would recommend a guided tour with skip the line tickets. To see St. Peter’s Square or St. Peter’s Basilica you don’t need a ticket but you still have to go through a security check and follow a dress code.

How can I see the Pope?

The Pope holds a general mass on Wednesdays at 10 am in St. Peter’s Square or in the Paul VI Audience Hall. Where the mass is held depends on the weather and how many people are attending. You can request a free ticket from the Prefecture of the Papal Household or join a guided tour. The Pope also delivers an Angelus prayer on Sundays at noon from his window overlooking St. Peter’s Square. You don’t need a ticket for this.

What else can I do when visiting the Vatican?

Other than the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica there are some lesser-known but still interesting places in Vatican City. You can explore the Vatican Necropolis, this ancient cemetery lies below St. Peter’s Basilica and contains the tomb of St. Peter. You need to book this at least two months in advance. You can also climb up to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica and see pretty amazing views of the city and the square. You can either take an elevator or stairs to reach the dome. There is a fee for both options.

Tips to enjoy your Vatican tour

Tip #1: dress appropriately for your visit to the vatican.

Because the Vatican Museums , as well as the Sistine Chapel, are religious places, you’ll need to dress appropriately.

Your shoulders, knees, and abdomen should be completely covered. Your clothes should not have inappropriate graphics or sayings. If security personnel believe you are dressed inappropriately, you won’t be allowed in. This is true even if you are on a private tour.

Tip #2: Plan Everything in Advance

There are millions of visitors to Rome and the Vatican every year. This means that some of the attractions you are looking forward to may be sold out or closed by the time you arrive.

The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are a great example of this. If you are traveling to Rome around the time of religious holidays, these attractions may be closed to the public as well as to guided tours.

While many guided tours have backup plans in the event a scheduled location is closed unexpectedly, you should research your trip to make sure the places you wish to visit should be open.

Tip #3: Choose a Tour of the Vatican

If you plan on visiting the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and other popular places within Vatican City, purchasing a guided tour is a good idea.

The lines for general admission to many of these places can stretch for blocks and getting in may not be guaranteed. With a guided tour, like the ones we’ve reviewed above, you are guaranteed access so long as it isn’t closed for religious reasons. Plus, you will be able to skip the long lines.

Tip #4: Only Carry What You Need

While this is true wherever you are visiting within the city of Rome, it is especially true when visiting the Vatican. Large bags, umbrellas, camera tripods, and other cumbersome items aren’t allowed within the Vatican Museums and related locations.

You can store them in the cloakroom provided for free, but you may end up having to leave your tour early to retrieve them before closing time. It’s best to carry only what you need when touring the Vatican.

Tip #5: Visit on a Wednesday

If you’re looking forward to seeing the Pope and to the papal audience, you’ll want to plan your visit for a Wednesday. While there are occasional deviations from the Wednesday schedule, you’ll most likely be able to see the weekly message on that day. In fact, the Papal Audience and Vatican Museums tour we reviewed above guarantees you will see the Pope as part of the papal audience as long as he delivers his message on schedule.

What Can I See in One Day at the Vatican (A Sample Itinerary)

Of course you can’t see everything in the Vatican in a day but you can certainly hit the highlights. Lets take a look at what you can see in one day.

St. Peter’s Basilica: This stunning church is the largest in the world and is home to some amazing works of art. Check out Michelangelo’s “Pieta” and the altar before taking the elevator up to the top of the dome. Here you can get a bird’s eye view of the city. Trust me when I tell you, the view is absolutely it!

Vatican Museums : This gigantic collection of art galleries is the home to the most famous art in the world. Starting with the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms. You need to spend a few hours here as there is so much to see. Some of this time is going to be spent waiting, so factor that in.

Pro tip : Buy your tickets online well in advance so you can skip the long lines!

Lunch : By the time you are done with the Basilica and Sistine Chapel it will be time take a break from the crowds and have lunch at one of the local cafes or restaurant. Enjoy some Italian cuisine while admiring the architecture around you.

Papal Audience :  This weekly event is every Wednesday and gives you a chance to see the Pope and receive his blessing. This is something you won’t forget!

Pro tip : Be sure to arrive early to secure a spot, it’s one of the most popular things to do at the Vatican.

Further explore : After seeing the Pope, take time to explore some of the lesser known areas of the Vatican. Some of these areas are the Vatican Gardens or the Necropolis. These hidden gems will give you a glimpse of the history and culture of the city.

Tour Guides

The Private Tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is our Editors Choice with its combination of sites seen, tours guides and value.

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], 🍷 the 5 best florence wine tours [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews], the 7 best paris walking tours [2024 reviews].

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Italy Travel Experts Tours and Vacations

The Best Vatican Tours To Take in 2024 and Why + Maps

Sean Finelli Last Updated: February 21, 2024

You already know that a trip to Rome is not complete without a visit to the famous country within the city: Vatican City. But there are so many different tour options, so how do you choose? It all depends on your travel interests and schedule. In this guide, you’ll discover our best Vatican tours and which one’s right for you.

Pro Tip: It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Create a browser folder and bookmark this post in your browser along with our article on the best Colosseum tours . We also have a dedicated guide to all things Vatican City where you’ll find everything you need.

All Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica Tours

All of our Vatican tours include skip-the-line tickets, local English-speaking guides, a tour of the Vatican Museums, and a visit to the Sistine Chapel. The right Vatican tour for you will depend on your interests, whether you want to see the Sistine Chapel without the crowds, and how much time you have to soak up all this beauty.

To help you find your perfect Vatican experience, here is a link bank of all our tours, followed by more in-depth descriptions and maps below.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Vatican tour is worth it .

Express Vatican Tours (2 hours)

• Vatican Night Tour with Sistine Chapel
• Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb

Classic Vatican Tours (2.5 – 3.5 hours)

• Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
• Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica (start times throughout the day)
• Exclusive After Hours Sistine Chapel Tour with Aperitivo

Full Experience Vatican Tours and Combos (4 or more hours)

• St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour
• Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens & Castel Gandolfo Day Trip
• Rome in a Day Tour Including Colosseum and Vatican Museums
• Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican Highlights Combo Tour

Vatican Tickets

Skip-the-line tickets for a self-guided Vatican visit:

• Purchase skip-the-line Vatican tickets

1. Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Everyone knows the Vatican Museums are filled with crowds most of the day. That’s why this Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour is ideal if you want to avoid the crowds and heat. Why? It enters before the general public so you can enjoy a less-crowded time throughout your tour.

With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures inside the vast Vatican Museums, you can easily follow your guide through the Vatican’s galleries and museums. Explore the Pio-Clementino, the Gallery of Tapestries, and Raphael Rooms as your guide brings each location to life.

Of course, you’ll visit the Sistine Chapel where you’ll stand in awe under the centuries-old ceiling that has captivated travelers from around the world. Starting your day early in the Vatican is the best way to maximize your vacation.

2. Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican Highlights Combo Tour

Want to see both the Vatican and the Colosseum? This combo tour gets you more bang for your buck by combining them! You’ll enjoy skip-the-line entry at both the Colosseum and the Vatican. First, dive into ancient Roman history at the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill where you’ll walk in the steps of Gladiators and Emperors.

After lunch, rejoin the tour at the Vatican to hear stories of papal intrigue and see some of the world’s most celebrated artworks by masters like Raphael and Michelangelo, and, of course, the Sistine Chapel.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if Rome tours are worth it .

3. Private Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

If you don’t have time for an early morning tour or would prefer to visit in the afternoon, then our Private Skip the Line Vatican Tour is the one for you. With multiple start times throughout the day and skip-the-line tickets, you’ll find a time that’s just right for you and get straight to exploring.

4. Rome in a Day including Colosseum and Vatican Museums

Our Rome in a Day Tour is one of our most popular tours to date. You start your day with a comprehensive tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica with an English-speaking guide. Then you head to the city for a walking tour of the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain. End your day tour of Rome with a full Colosseum tour that includes the Roman Forum.

This is a great way to get the main highlights of Rome before you head out to discover it even better on your own. We provide transportation from the Vatican to the center of Rome, but this tour spends a lot of time on your feet. You’ll be ready for a delicious dinner when you’re done exploring one of the best tours of the Vatican and Rome!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Rome tours to take and why .

5. Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb

Looking for the best views in Rome? We know where to go. Our Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb  takes you to the top of the famous dome right as it opens and before there are any lines. Most of all, it’s before the heat of the day!

After you’ve climbed to the incredible lookout and soaked up those views, your guide will escort you into St. Peter’s Basilica for a guided tour that includes the Papal Crypts. For a quick tour of St. Peter’s and the dome, this is one of the best Vatican tours you can take.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Vatican Guide for more info.

6. Exclusive After Hours Sistine Chapel with Aperitivo

Looking for that truly exclusive opportunity to enjoy the Vatican and Sistine Chapel? This might just be what you need. With a late afternoon entry to the Vatican, you’ll be led with your small group through the highlights. Then you’ll step into the Sistine Chapel along with no more than 100 other people (usually at least 2,000 during the day)!

Your guide’s stories about this magnificent ceiling will come to life as you experience quiet time in the Sistine Chapel that few ever will. Afterwards, enjoy a drink on us during your aperitivo in the Pinecone Courtyard.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out how to visit the Sistine Chapel .

7. St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour

Want to get more bang for your buck? Book our St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour . No matter how many times you’ve been to Rome, this is a great way to start your trip.

Enjoy views from the most scenic viewpoint at St. Peter’s Basilica before the crowds and the heat. Then follow your guide to your skip-the-line entrance at the Vatican where you’ll see the top highlights before stepping into the Sistine Chapel.

8. Vatican Night Tour with Sistine Chapel

On this guided Vatican visit, enter the Vatican Museums after hours and experience the museums with very few other people. You’ll feel like a VIP on this after-hours night tour of the Vatican. It’s the best way to really enjoy the quiet solitude in the 9 miles of museums here.

Not to mention, you’ll get to stand under the Sistine Chapel with just a handful of people around you. It’s almost as exclusive as you can get without booking a private tour. This Vatican Night Tour only runs on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer, making it a very exclusive experience.

9. Skip the Line Vatican Tickets

Want to explore the Vatican Museums at your own pace but with the benefit of skip-the-line tickets? Then reserve your own tickets with our privileged access that lets you bypass the crowds.

You’ll meet our helpful attendant near the Vatican Museums entrance, where they’ll escort you past the general line and into the reserved group entry. There you’ll go through security and be free to explore the Vatican and Sistine Chapel as long as you like.

10. Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens & Castel Gandolfo Day Trip

Are you visiting Rome on a Saturday during the spring or summer months? Why not make a whole day of it with our Vatican Museums, Gardens, and Castel Gandolfo Day Trip ?

With this experience, you will take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens, and a day trip by train to the Pope’s summer residence. A return train ticket and delicious lunch fit for a pope are included!

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July 5, 2019

We are currently looking at all the various tour possibilities. Do you have tours which cover one or more of the restricted hidden areas of the Vatican Museums; namely the Bramante Staircase, the Niccoline Chapel and the Cabinet of Masks? Thank You.

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Home » Travel Guides » Vatican City » 15 Best Vatican Tours

15 Best Vatican Tours

Full of incredible art, outstanding architecture, and dripping in history, the Vatican is simply mesmerizing to visit. You’ll be astounded at the sheer beauty of everything you see. Exploring the extensive Papal collections in the Vatican Museums is an awe-inspiring experience, as centuries worth of frescoes, sculptures, and paintings gaze down at you. The Sistine Chapel ceiling is certainly one of mankind’s most amazing accomplishments.

With the Papal Villas and Gardens for you to enjoy, as well as the imposing Saint Peter’s Basilica and Square, you’ll have your work cut out trying to fit everything in.

To give you an idea of what is available to you, here are some of the best tours that will take you to everything that you need to see when visiting the Vatican.

1. Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & Saint Peter’s Guided Tour

A wildly popular tour, this is one of the top-rated ones out there; people invariably come away raving about all they’ve seen and done.

One of the most incredible places in the world, Vatican City is jam-packed with awe-inspiring monuments, buildings, artworks and more, and this tour will certainly take you to the best of them.

With an expert guide accompanying you, the delights of the Vatican Museums will come to life before your eyes, while the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s Basilica are equally breathtaking.

2. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Fast-Track Entry

As they are such a popular tourist attraction, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are unfortunately often beset by long lines and many people end up queuing for hours.

This ticket is a great option; it will help you make the most of your time in the Vatican and avoid the crowds.

With the stunning and extensive Papal collections for you to enjoy, this fast-track entry is well worth investing in; in no time at all, you’ll be marveling at some of Michelangelo’s masterpieces.

View Prices & Reviews

3. Official Vatican Partner Tour with Sistine & St. Peter’s

A very popular tour that comes highly recommended, this trip is as entertaining as it is informative and educational. You’ll come away having learned a lot about the history, culture, art, and architecture of the Vatican.

Wandering around the museums is mesmerizing, as incredible statues, frescoes and paintings cover every surface. The highlight at the end is, of course, the stunning Sistine Chapel ceiling.

With a professional guide to tell you about all of the amazing sights, you certainly won’t come away disappointed.

4. Rome in One Day: Low Cost Vatican & Colosseum Tours

If you’re only in the capital for a short period of time, this is the tour for you. It’ll take you to many of the main sights, with visits to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill included.

The Colosseum is absolutely stupendous; the sheer size and scale of it is incredible, while the ruins of the Roman Forum nearby are lovely to explore.

Just one of the many highlights on the tour is the visit to the Vatican, with its amazing museums, chapel, and towering basilica.

5. Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour

Taking you to all of the must-see sights in the Vatican, this tour is definitely worth checking out. You’ll love all that you see and do over the course of the excursion.

With an expert guide to explain the significance of what it is you’re gazing at, you’ll come away with a greater appreciation for all the amazing artworks on display.

Passing by such incredible creations as ‘La Pieta’, Raphaels Rooms and the Gallery of the Maps is an amazing experience and the sheer quantity of beautiful pieces on display is jaw-dropping.

6. Angels and Demons Official Tour – The Path to Illumination

A wonderful tour that is both fun and friendly, this one takes you to many of the filming locations that appear in the film and book by Dan Brown of the same name.

Exploring Rome’s piazzas is a delightful way to spend the day. One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to the distinctive Castel Sant’Angelo, which lies right next to the Vatican.

With a great guide on hand to show you the secret world of Dan Browns’ thriller, you’ll also get to see off the beaten path places such as ‘Il Pasetto’ – a tiny secret passage that links the castle to the Vatican.

7. The Last Judgement: A Musical and Visual Spectacle

A spell-binding spectacle, this tour will certainly astound and awe you with all that it has to offer. It truly is a magical experience seeing Michelangelo’s work come to life before your eyes.

Based on the stunning masterpiece that resides in the Sistine Chapel, theatre, music, and technology combine to create a show that you won’t forget – the visuals are breathtaking.

A unique way to explore and appreciate the famous artwork, this visual extravaganza will leave you raving.

8. Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & Saint Peter’s Guided Tour

Taking you on a whirlwind journey around the main sights in the Vatican, this tour sees you skip the queues. As such, you’ll get a lot more time to bathe in the artistic wonders all around you.

With a trained guide to take you around, you’ll learn all there is to know about the masterpieces on show, the grand buildings all around you and, of course, Michelangelo’s famous frescoes.

As there is so much to see and do in the Vatican, it is well worth checking this tour out – it will help you to see a lot in a time efficient way.

9. Vatican Gardens, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Exploring the extensive Papal collections in the Vatican Museums is a bucket list experience. You’ll also get to enjoy the Sistine Chapel.

In addition to this, the ticket also includes visits to the Papal Gardens and Villas, which are a delight to wander around. The complimentary audio guide will teach you all there is to know about them.

Great value for what it includes, the ticket is valid for a day and you’ll be amazed at all the sights you can fit into your day of sightseeing.

10. Exclusive Early Morning Vatican Tour

This tour is a fantastic option if you want to explore the Vatican Museums in peace and quiet; it gains you access to the collections a full hour before the museums actually open.

Wandering around the extensive galleries is enchanting and the statues, paintings, and frescoes truly are spectacular.

With a visit to the Sistine Chapel also included, this guided tour will certainly not disappoint.

11. Vatican City: Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibition Ticket

An amazing way to get to know some of Leonardo Da Vinci’s greatest creations, this exhibition will astound you and you’ll come away with a newfound appreciation of his work.

A man of many talents, he was an artist, architect, scientist, sculptor and more, and the exhibition highlights many of his most important contributions to our world.

With fifty inventions on show, as well as a reproduction of the fantastic ‘The Last Supper’ painting for you to enjoy, this exhibition is not to be missed.

12. Audience with Pope Francis and Tour Guide

Attending Pope Francis’ weekly audience is a memorable affair and one that you’re not likely to forget any time soon, as he prays alongside all the pilgrims who have congregated from around the world.

Headsets are given to you so you can better hear his speech and your expert guide will tell you all there is to know about the Papal audiences and the history of the church.

A great way to start the day’s sightseeing, this tour will get you up close and personal to the Pope as he delivers his speech.

13. Vatican & Rome City Pass with Free Transportation

Well worth investing in, this three-day pass not only will save you loads of cash, but also gets you fast-track entry to many of the main attractions.

Having saved so much time that would have been spent queuing, you can see much more of the Vatican and Rome. The pass will get you lots of discounts to many of the museums, monuments and more.

With free transport also included, you’ll be whizzing around the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and the Castel Sant’Angelo with a spring in your step, loving every minute of this amazing experience.

14. Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Square Tour

This combo deal takes you to two of the main sights in the city, which conveniently lie right next to each other, so you won’t waste any time getting from one to the other.

The cylindrical Castel Sant’Angelo is a very distinctive edifice in design and is marvelous to visit – your guide will tell you all about it.

After that, it’s time to take the historic Il Passetto di Borgo and follow past popes to St. Peter’s, where you’ll get to marvel at the majestic colonnades that line the impressive square.

15. Vatican Gardens, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Tour

This fabulous tour takes you around many of the Vatican’s most famous sights. The beauty and luxurious wealth is mind-blowing.

With visits to the Papal Gardens and the Vatican Museums included on the guided tour, you’ll get to see some absolutely incredible paintings, sculptures, and artworks, with the Sistine Chapel ceiling being the undoubted highlight.

Culminating at St. Peter’s Basilica – which is colossal – this tour will leave you with long lasting memories of a brilliant day and comes highly recommended.

15 Best Vatican Tours:

• Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & Saint Peter's Guided Tour
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Fast-Track Entry
• Official Vatican Partner Tour with Sistine & St. Peter's
• Rome in One Day: Low Cost Vatican & Colosseum Tours
• Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Tour
• Angels and Demons Official Tour – The Path to Illumination
• The Last Judgement: A Musical and Visual Spectacle
• Vatican Gardens, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Exclusive Early Morning Vatican Tour
• Vatican City: Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibition Ticket
• Audience with Pope Francis and Tour Guide
• Vatican & Rome City Pass with Free Transportation
• Castel Sant'Angelo and St. Peter's Square Tour
• Vatican Gardens, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Tour

The 5 Best Vatican Tour Companies

Visiting the Vatican, especially for the first time can be quite overwhelming. Often taking a tour can ensure that you see the most important parts of the museums while avoiding the major lines entering into the Vatican. After working as a tour guide at the Vatican and then founding (and later selling) my own tour company, I have been able to lead and listen to tours of the Vatican for nearly 15 years. Trust me when I say that I have seen both amazing and disappointing tour guides.

There are so many choices out there for semi-private and group visits, but here are six of the best Vatican tour companies to use.

The Tour Guy

The Tour Guy started in Rome and has since expanded to multiple European cities because they offer really fun and educational tours for great value. Whether you want to spend the entire day in the Vatican, just see the highlights, or visit the Vatican with kids, they have a range of customizable tours available . I really like the Tour Guy because they also include the Vatican in their epic one-day tour of Rome, so you can see everything even with a limited amount of time. With an average of 5 stars for all their Vatican tours and great customer service, you really can’t go wrong.

City Wonders

City Wonders is a tour company that has been running for over 15 years. They provide skip-the-line tours and also have a special agreement allowing you to enter the Vatican an hour and a half earlier than the general public allowing you to see the museums and the Sistine Chapel while avoiding the large crowds. Over 1.5 million people have experienced a tour with City Wonders. Their prices range from $58.29 to as much as $320+ depending on what you would like to experience on your Vatican trip. To see all of their options for your Vatican visit click here . City Wonders is ranked 191 of 1,666 on Tripadvisor for Rome tours with a total of over 27,000 reviews overall.

Through Eternity

Through Eternity was founded by Rob Allyn in 1999 making his mission to offer visitors to Italy a richer experience than anything else out there. They have been recommended by Rick Steves and Forbes Magazine. Through Eternity offer a number of different Vatican tours from virtual tours to group tours and private tours. Their prices range from as little as €20 to €129 euro a person and they also offer student prices. You can see the options for their Vatican tours here . They can be contacted at  [email protected]  or you can phone them at  +39067009336 . Their office hours are Mon-Sat 7:00 am – 6:30 pm (CET). They are ranked 34 of 1,666 for Rome tours on Tripadvisor.

LivItaly is a family-run operation and offers tours in over 25 different cities around Italy. They started in 2009 and have been recommended by The Guardian, Forbes, and Fodor’s Travel among others. LivItaly never has more than 6 people in a group. They offer Vatican tours from €79 to as much as €1,029 that range from a skip-the-line tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel to private Vatican after-hours tours and VIP breakfast and Museums Tours. To see their vast range of Vatican tours click here . You can also phone them at  +393313076529  or email them at  [email protected] . On Tripadvisor they are ranked number 2 of 287 for tours of Vatican City so any tour you select is sure to be exceptional.

Walks of Italy

Walks of Italy was originally started by two young men with a passion to give tours of the Colosseum in Rome. They soon realized their passion for all things Roman including the Vatican despite that it is technically a separate country. The tour company has now expanded around the globe. Their prices for the Vatican are quite reasonable ranging from 55 to 160 dollars depending on what you would like to see and if you would prefer larger or smaller group tours. To see their Vatican tour options click here  https://www.walksofitaly.com/vatican-tours/ .  They can be emailed at  [email protected] . You can also view their website here  www.walksofitaly.com

Fully Private Guide Experience: Eyes Of Rome Eyes of Rome concentrate mostly on giving private tours setting the pace of the tour to their clients preference. The company was founded by three friends back in 2005 and today offers many tours around Rome including Vatican City. Because they only provide private tours their price range is usually over €350. The tour avoids all lines and minimum crowds throughout the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. You can phone Eyes of Rome Tours at +390645503948 or you can email them at  [email protected] . To see what they offer for Vatican tours click here.

• Post author: Jimmy Kennedy
• Post published: August 3, 2021
• Post category: Insider Tips

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The Absolute 10 Best Vatican Private Tours to Book in Rome

Hands down, the Vatican is one of the most crowded places to visit in Rome. More so in the high season, but truly all year long. So how do you visit and enjoy the Sistine Chapel in silence and at your own pace? With one of the best Vatican private tours.

There are a few companies running semi-private and private tours to the Vatican in Rome and my favorite are LivTours, Walks, and Context Travel because they are reliable and their guides are local, expert, and knowledgeable.

The best private tours to the Vatican ensure fast-track entrance and an experience that is as seamless as possible. There are different types of private Vatican tours. Some are early morning, some are after hours or at closing time, others are private with only your group but during the day, and some guarantee exclusive experience and being alone in the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

Obviously, the price will also change depending on the exclusivity of your tour, the time of entry, and whether you will access areas usually closed to the general public.

Table of Contents

“Alone in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums” one of the best Vatican private tours

We took this exclusive tour last March and it was truly a one-of-a-kind experience. We met at the entrance of the Vatican Museums at 6.30 am with our guide and entered before anyone else and any other tour, even the VIP ones that enter before opening hours.

This is because this tour ensures its guests to be alone in the Sistine Chapel, so before any other company takes theirs. For the whole duration of the tour, it will be you, your guide and the guards of the Vatican Museums.

The Sistine Chapel will be one of the last landmarks of the tour after visiting famous monuments like Raphael’s Rooms and the Gallery of the Maps. Being able to enjoy the Vatican Museums without the crowds and actually hear what your guide is telling you makes this private Vatican tour worth it.

The experience ends in the Vatican cafè where you will enjoy breakfast with the backdrop of the Pinecone Courtyard.

Click here to book the semi-private tour

Click here to book the private tour

Check out our video about this tour!

“VIP Key Master’s Tour: Open the Sistine Chapel” semi-private tour with Walks

This is actually a semi-private tour of the Vatican Museums because due to its very exclusive nature, it would have to be much more expensive to run it privately. The maximum of the participants is set to 20 max but it will only be your tour and your guide before anyone else, any other tour and any crowd.

In fact, starting at 6 am, this tour is the earliest tour of the Vatican Museums at the moment and it starts even before the actual opening. This means that you will open the Sistine Chapel with the Key Master ( clavigero in Italian), making it one of the best private Vatican tours early morning.

Click here to book

“Deluxe Private Vatican Tour with Secret Rooms” with LivTours

This is a great private Vatican tour if you are looking for a comprehensive overview of one of the greatest and largest museums in the world that highlights its most significant collections such as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, plus other stunning artworks and collections.

Part of the experience is access to two hidden rooms usually closed to the general public. Seeing these rooms – the Niccoline Chapel, and Bramante Staircase – praised by scholars for centuries, firsthand is a truly unforgettable experience. On the way to the two secret rooms, you will get the chance to see the Hall of Busts and the Hall of Animals.

“Interactive Private Early Morning Vatican Family Tour” with LivTours

The tour is designed with fun activities and quizzes created for the whole family to keep your kids engaged and entertained while learning everything about the highlights of the Vatican Museums .

Throughout the tour, you will have the chance to stare at Michelangelo’s frescoes on the Ceiling and the Last Judgement in the Sistine Chapel together with only a few people, making the experience even more enjoyable. Your guide will unveil fascinating anecdotes and hidden messages painted by Michelangelo.

You will also see the famous Raphael Rooms and stroll through the beautiful galleries lined with dazzling treasures such as the Gallery of the Maps with its accurate paintings of maps of Italy, always a favorite with children (and adults!) and the magical Tapestries with moving eyes.

From the Vatican Museums, you will take the special exit that leads you down an old marble staircase directly to Saint Peter’s Basilica where you will see Bernini’s bronze canopy and Michelangelo’s La Pietà sculpture among the other masterpieces.

At the end of the tour, your guide will check on the quizzes and answers and award prizes to the kids!

“Private Family Experience: Vatican Tour for Kids” with LivTours

This is also a private family tour of the Vatican run by LivTours including plenty of interactive activities for kids but with a few differences. In this tour, in fact, you will also visit the Egyptian gallery inside the Vatican Museums that kids usually love.

Moreover, you will have the option to add a VIP visit to a secret room (which will vary depending on the time you book the tour) and a mosaic-making workshop in a lab in central Rome where your guide will take you after the tour.

“St. Peter’s Basilica Tour” with Context Travel

The wonderful Renaissance Basilica of Saint Peter is a church but also a museum given the huge amount of artwork. The tours of Context Travel are always led by scholars and your guide in this private tour of the Vatican Basilica will either be a theologian, an architect, or an art historian.

Your tour will start in Via della Conciliazione, the majestic entrance to the Vatican built by Mussolini in the 1930s and will proceed across St. Peter’s Square. This way, you can understand the effect Bernini wanted to create when entering the Vatican Basilica, even though back then, there was the quarter known as Spina di Borgo where is now Via della Conciliazione.

Once inside, you will explore the masterpieces of the Basilica as well as learn about the tales and facts behind them and the history that brought about this magnificent church. You will also visit the Vatican Grottoes where are the tombs of the popes and the Treasure Museum.

“Vatican Tour for Kids with the Sistine Chapel and Skip-the-Line Tickets” with Context Travel

Context Travel, too, runs a private Vatican tour specifically designed to keep kids entertained and interested for the whole duration of the experience. A local scholar or art historian leads the tour and they will reveal the most fascinating anecdotes behind the creation of the masterpieces you will see, the history of the galleries, and the lives of the popes and the artists who worked there.

Like explorers, kids will experience this tour like a real adventure and adults will have a great chance to join them and learn everything along the way.

“Alone In The Vatican: Exclusive VIP Access Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour” with Walks

You can book this exclusive semi-private tour of the Vatican either early morning before the Museums open to the public or after they’ve closed. In one way or another, the galleries, the corridors, the Sistine Chapel, and the most famous landmarks will be empty.

This way, you will be able to enjoy your tour with a small group and your expert guide and have an in-depth experience of such great museums and collections.

“Pristine Sistine at Closing Time: Late Entry Vatican Tour” with Walks

This is one of the best private Vatican tours after hours because it starts near closing time. The tour takes place in the last three hours of the day so if the Vatican Museums close at 7 pm, the tour will start at 4 pm.

This will leave you with much fewer crowds inside the Sistine Chapel and in general in all the galleries. Of course, in the high season, there will still be several visitors, even though fewer than during the day. In the low season, however, the late entry will ensure a very quiet visit.

“Private Vatican Breakfast Tour | VIP Experience” with LivTours

This great private Vatican tour operated by LivTours kicks off with a scrumptious breakfast surrounded by art and history in the amazing backdrop of the Pinecone Courtyard. Once you are filled with energy to start your day, the tour will carry on to see the famous landmarks of the Vatican Museums from the Belvedere Torso to the statue of Laocoön, and the famous galleries of the Candelabra, of Tapestries, and the much admired Gallery of Maps.

Needless to say, no tour of the Vatican Museums can be complete without a visit to the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms. The whole experience, won’t end here but in St. Peter’s Basilica to admire yet more artwork and delve even deeper into the history of the Vatican City.

Don’t miss my full guide to beating the crowds in Rome!

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5 best vatican tours of 2024 (with skip-the-line access).

Guided Vatican tours can make the experience less overwhelming and more enjoyable.

The Best Vatican Tours

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One of the most famous landmarks in the world, Vatican City draws more than 5 million people each year, which means that no matter when you visit, you can expect massive crowds. Along with the throngs of tourists, the sheer size of this sovereign city-state in Rome can make a visit to Vatican City feel overwhelming.

If you're feeling intimidated by the experience, consider one of the following small-group Vatican tours, guided by local experts who can both explain the history of the Eternal City and help you navigate the crowds.

Best Overall: What a Life Tours – Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour

Best after hours: the roman guy – vatican after hours tour with sistine chapel.

• Best Small Group: Liv Tours – Vatican & Sistine Chapel Small Group Tour

Best Private: Private Tours of Rome – Vatican and Sistine Chapel Private Tour

• Best Full Day: Through Eternity Tours – Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Sistine Chapel: Essential Experience

To determine the best Vatican City tour in each category, we used our own experiences along with recent traveler reviews. All of the featured tours have at least 100 reviews and a minimum rating of 4 out of 5 stars across multiple websites.

Price: Adults from 99 euros (about $108); kids from 94 euros (around $102) Duration: 3 hours

Laura Itzkowitz

U.S. News independently paid to send Laura Itzkowitz , a freelance journalist based in Rome, on this tour to provide readers with an unbiased, first-hand perspective of what to expect. What a Life Tours – Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour was selected by our team as an Editor’s Pick thanks to its popularity and favorable user reviews.

While the Vatican Museums are one of the must-see attractions in Vatican City (the city-state surrounded by Rome), they can can be overwhelming to navigate. After all, the site contains 26 museums, various chapels and numerous galleries. The engaging guide leading this skip-the-line tour wasted no time bringing us to the highlights, starting with the Pinecone Courtyard and ending at St. Peter’s Basilica . At the basilica, we saw Michelangelo’s Pietà and the guide explained why it’s the only work the artist actually signed.

Along the tour, you’ll see masterpieces from the Vatican Museums’ collection. Highlights include the ancient statue of Laocoön and his sons; the Belvedere Torso, which inspired Michelangelo; Greek Cross Hall; and the Round Hall, which contains a monumental bronze statue of Hercules. The Gallery of Candelabra, the Gallery of Tapestries and the Gallery of Maps – where the guide shared interesting facts about Italy in the 1600s – are other focal points, as is the Sistine Chapel. Since talking isn’t allowed in the Sistine Chapel, the guide explained Michelangelo’s frescoes at the beginning of the tour. Our guide had a great sense of humor and a deep knowledge of the artworks, which was impressive. However, she didn’t bring us to the Raphael Rooms; you may want to book a different tour if this is a priority for you.

Tours depart from the What a Life Tours office ( Via Santamaura 14B ) Monday through Saturday; the first tour starts at 9:30 a.m. What a Life Tours also offers skip-the-line access that omits the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, as well as local food tours and tours of the Colosseum .

Good to know:

• No more than 12 people can join the tour at a time.
• To capture perfectly framed photos of St. Peter’s Basilica, stroll down Via della Conciliazione after the tour.
• If you’re hungry after the tour, head to Ristorante Arlù, a family-run eatery nearby that’s been open since 1959. Be sure to ask for a table outside on the charming cobblestone street if the weather is nice.
• Prati, the neighborhood surrounding the Vatican, is a great place to shop, especially along Via Cola di Rienzo. Stop by Castroni for espresso and other gourmet foods or il Sellaio di Serafini for a handmade leather bag.

– Laura Itzkowitz

Check prices & availability on:

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz Aug. 19, 2024

The Tour Guy

Price: Adults from $124; kids from $100 Duration: 2 hours

Instead of early entry, this tour offers after-hours access to the Eternal City on select weekends in the summer months. Tours depart at 5:30 p.m. from Caffé Vaticano . Guided by a local expert, you'll see the Vatican museums, galleries, Raphael Rooms and School of Athens before the tour concludes at the Sistine Chapel. Recent reviewers highly recommend this tour, pointing to the tour guides' breadth of knowledge and the ability to experience Vatican City with fewer crowds.

The Roman Guy offers a number of other local tours that include visits to the Colosseum and Catacombs of Rome as well as food tours (and tours that combine some or all of the above).

Best Small Group: Liv Tours – Vatican & Sistine Chapel Small Group Tour

Price: Adults from $140; kids from $124 Duration: 3 hours

This intimate tour is limited to just six people, making the experience more personal and enjoyable. Your tour guide will take you through the famous galleries, the Julius II apartments, the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel. Recent tourgoers say they could see a difference in this tour versus the other Vatican tours. They also note how kind the tour guides are.

Tours, which are available during a wide variety of time slots each day, start and conclude at Caffé Vaticano , right across the street from the entrance to the museums.

Other experiences offered by Liv Tours include a Jewish Ghetto & Travestere Tour, cooking classes and tours designed for kids.

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Price: Adults from $364; kids from $87 Duration: 3 hours

Explore the Vatican with a professional historian on this private tour. Recent travelers say they're so glad they chose to visit the Vatican on a private tour, noting how much they enjoyed hearing the guides' personal stories about the museums and the pope.

Tours depart from Viale Vaticano at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

If you're looking for a private tour of other attractions, Private Tours of Rome offers a variety of options. It also offers shore excursions, with pick up and drop-off at your ship in Civitavecchia.

Best Full-Day: Through Eternity Tours – Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Sistine Chapel: Essential Experience

Price: From $1,345 Duration: 7 hours

If you're short on time and/or prefer to see several Rome attractions at once, this jam-packed tour is a great option. During the six-hour excursion, you'll see the Colosseum, the Roman Forum , Trevi Fountain , Piazza Novana and the Pantheon before visiting the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square (and then moving on to other sites). This tour includes optional headsets and skip-the-line access at all ticketed attractions. Recent travelers say the tour guides make this experience especially fun.

This full-day tour starts at 9 a.m. in front of the Angelino "ai Fori" dal 1947 restaurant and concludes in St. Peter's Square. It's typically offered Monday through Saturday. While babies and toddlers up to age 2 are permitted free of charge, this tour is not recommended for children.

Through Eternity Tours offers a number of other guided experiences in Rome, including an Angels and Demons tour based on the bestselling book. The company also offers shore excursions and day trips to Tivoli, Florence and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

In short, yes. Vatican City is considered an independent nation-state and is the world's smallest such entity.

All visitors must dress appropriately for a place of worship. Shorts, hats, miniskirts, sleeveless tops, low-cut tops and garments that show the knees are not permitted. Guests dressed inappropriately will not be allowed inside.

When choosing your outfit, remember to wear comfortable walking shoes . Any visit to Vatican City requires a lot of walking.

All visitors are required to go through a security check to enter the museums, and there are a variety of items that you may not take inside:

• Luggage: Bags, backpacks and the like must not exceed 40 x 35 x 15 centimeters (16 x 14 x 6 inches); if they're too big, they must be checked in the cloak room (free of charge).
• Umbrellas: If necessary, these can also be checked in the cloak room.
• Video cameras: Non-flash photography is permitted in all areas except the Sistine Chapel.
• Food and drink
• Weapons and firearms

The Vatican is easily accessible from different sections of Rome.

Metro: You can take the metro to either the Cipro or Ottaviano stop on Line A (orange line) to be dropped near the Vatican Museums.

Bus: If taking the bus, multiple routes drop off near St. Peter's Basilica.

Taxi: You can also opt for a taxi or walk into St. Peter's Square.

Additionally, there are parking garages outside of Vatican City if you want to drive there, though driving in Rome is generally not recommended, as there are many areas where driving is restricted and you could be fined. Traffic in Rome can also be brutal, especially during the summer. Plan to arrive at the tour departure point at least 10 to 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time.

The Vatican museums are open Monday through Saturday.

Current hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The museums are closed on Sundays, with the exception of the last Sunday of the month and certain holy days throughout the year, including Christmas. Final entry to the museum is approximately two hours before closing.

St. Peter's Basilica opens at 7 a.m. year-round, closing at 6:30 p.m. in the winter months and 7 p.m. from April through September.

Be sure to check the Vatican Museums website to see if there are any museum closures ahead of your visit.

Yes, and there are a variety of ticket options you can purchase on the Vatican's website. However, many travelers opt for a guided tour to see the highlights with the help of an expert. Plus, many Vatican City tours include stops at other attractions in Rome.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in Rome
• The Best Places to Visit in Italy
• The Best Small Group Tours of Italy (+ Day Trips)

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