Vatican tour: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel
Rome, Italy
- 2 to 3 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Enrich your visit to the sprawling art collections of the Vatican Museum on this small-group tour with direct-access entry (admission tickets to be purchased separately). Get a peek at masterpieces from Raphael and Michelangelo, and learn about centuries of tumultuous papal history. Audio headsets are included for groups of over eleven people. For the complete Vatican experience, upgrade your package to include a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica.
- A small-group tour of the Vatican Museums, admission tickets excluded
- Listen to enriching context on the celebrated art collection of the Holy See
- Enjoy a personalized tour experience in a group capped at 15 participants
- Use complimentary audio headphones for groups of 11 people or more
What's Included
- authorized guide who speaks your language
- guided service
- free earphones if the group is greater than 11 people
- Option "BASILICA INCLUDED" adds 1 hour of tour in St. Peter's Basilica
- bookings made by November 2023 for 2024: tickets excluded (23 euros)
- reservations made from December 2023, on 2024: ticket included
- bookings made by November 2023 for 2024 the ticket is excluded (23 euros)
- all bookings for 2023: ticket excluded (23 euros)
- Entrance fee - Vatican tour€23.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Via Mocenigo, 2, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Enter the office and show your reservation to the desk staff
End point
- Sistine Chapel00120, Vatican City
Operating hours.12:30 pm
Itinerary
1
Vatican Museums
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Sistine Chapel
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
St. Peter's Basilica
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- clothes: it is necessary to wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
- Potentially dangerous metal objects such as knives are not allowed
- it is not possible to consume food and drinks in the Vatican museums
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
This experience 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.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
3.2
based on 38 reviews
Danielle_D, Jul 2024
Max was an incredible guide. Would love from him to take me all around Italy. His knowledge was immaculate.
Tricia_C, Jun 2024
It was super hard to find the place where we pick up the tickets. I texted the tour guide to ask where to go and they didn’t respond. We were 15 minutes late and missed our tour. They got us tickets into the Vatican, but instead of skip the line St Peters Basilica, we had to wait in line for 45 minutes. If you are going to take this expensive tour, make sure you get there at least 30 minutes before to locate that place. Ugh
Amy, Jun 2024
Pls dont take this the worse experience I ever had the guide in reaposible she left with out making sure all guest we in
Diana_M, May 2024
Ferdinando was our guide. He was EXCELLENT! My 3-star rating is not because of him. I would give him 5 stars. There are TOO many people. It was so crowded, you couldn't stop and look at anything. There is so much to see, I was disappointed i could not see much. It would be nice if they had less people during a certain time / day even at an extra cost.
Eric_M, May 2024
Very good tour with a motivated and knowledgeable guide.
She is a
professionally trained as an archeologist
Therefore the tour is close to her heart
and not a burden
Percy_D, Mar 2024
been able to see all the history. love culture, painting etc. Also to see how it is presented to us, would have been nice to see the pope but I guest there is a next time
Ismael_G, Oct 2023
Despite the confusing fact (and not very clear in the description) that this tour does not include the entry tickets and need to be paid at registration, the tour itself is very good. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and even with the massive crowds she kept the group together. She took the time to explain in detail what we were going to see and what to look for. Her passion was evident. I enjoyed the experience.
Denise_L, Sep 2023
Our guide was very nice and helpful as were the agents who checked us in. The problem we had was that Viator sold us a tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel that did not include tickets into the Vatican and Sistine Chapel! When I called, we were told too bad even though I tried to explain that we couldn’t possibly go on the tour they sold us unless the tour included tickets. The agent pretended she couldn’t hear me (after I explained) and hung up on me. I suggest you get your tickets from someone else who is not misleading and who will provide customer assistance!
Jeffrey_S, Aug 2023
Our guide called in last-minute saying he was in an accident.
The staff did not have a replacement guide, but did they did handle the tickets and express entry for us and arranged a refund for the missed tour.
Vishal_K, Aug 2023
Very good guide, well explained. Excellent tour of Vatican Museums. Could not find back our tour guide 7 group after coming out of Sisten Chapel and hence missed tour of St. Peter's Basilica :(
natalie_b, Jun 2023
The tour was too big- group was excitement large. Hard to keep up with the tour guide in the packed museum. Would book a private tour to avoid the giant group. Somewhat disorganized. Started late and then waited for tickets in a line. Then another line for headsets. Should be streamlined.
Robert_C, Jun 2023
Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable but the listening devices were failing half the time and I could not hear what she was saying. Also… how about a warning on the dress code for the Sistine Chapel?
Brent_B, Jun 2023
Too rushed, too many people in group, often out of distance from ear piece transmission, more was discussed about staying together and logistics than what we were actually seeing. Would have loved more time to listen to the history and appreciate what we were seeing. Instead was fire hose of info in a Chinese fire drill. Better a recording at your own pace
Vicki_Y, May 2023
Informative and entertaining. Our guide made sure we all stayed together and explained the history to the various art pieces.
ashley_c, May 2023
This was a complete scam. This tour charged $55/per person and does not Include the 22 euro charge for the entrance to the Vatican!!! Every other tour online charges $55 and includes the entry fee. You have to go out of your way to meet at their office, wait around for 30 minutes to then walk back to the Vatican. Then stand out front to wait for the tour guide. It took over an hour from our reservation time before we even got into the Vatican. Complete disappointment and will not book with them again. Do your research!!
Fredrick_H, Apr 2023
Poorly structured experience. Multiple tour operators all jockeying for position. Tour groups mix together in a mess. Horrible audio equipment. Disappointed once reached Creation art piece. Lost guide at end and left to find exit on own.
Judy_G, Sep 2022
The Sistine Chapel was stunning as was the Vatican museums. The tour was not very organized and was very rushed, so we actually got lost from our tour guide on 2 occasions.
Paresh_R, Apr 2022
Our guide Marta was very pleasant, knowledgeable and knew exactly how to split the time among all the exhibits. The company was accommodating of us being there a bit late and switched us to the next tour starting a half hour later.
Kathleen_B, Oct 2021
Roman Sculptures and tapestries. Unable to be guided through St. Peter’s Basilica due to Covid. Should have been noted.
Response from Host, Oct 2021
Dear customer,
thank you for your review. We are happy to see that you loved our tour and the guide!
THe information about St. Peter's Basilica is shown online from May 2020 in the section "covid-19 new measures ". I am sorry if you didn't see it.
Before the pandemic our guide could let enter all our customers inside the Basilica directly from a special passage in the Sistine Chapel (without exit from the Museum). This special passage unfortunately is now closed due to the pandemic. This is a temporary closure and we don't know when the Vatican will open it again. We hope soon...
See you soon in future!
Natasja_H, Jul 2021
We arrived in time 10:30 , but there was no tourguide arranged. We were transferred to a group at 12:00. In between we visited Sint - Pieters basilisk by ourselves for the agency didn’t gives tours there because of covid-19. Strange we saw a lot of guided groups in the st pieter?! At 12:00 we had a guided tour into the vatican museum and Sistine chapel. Our guides english was difficult to understand and chaotic. Considering we 55 euro en 40 euro additional in Rome a person, it didn’t live up to our expectations.
Response from Host, Jul 2021
Dear Mrs. Heezen,
thank you for taking time on revew your experience with us even if some informations has been misunderstood.
The guide scheduled for your tour at 10:30 had fever and following scrupulouse safety measures, we have considered it appropriate not to put you in contact with our customers. That's why we arranged another guide who unfortunately was available only at 12. We take the health and safety of our customers seriously and we are sorry to understand that you did not appreciate it. When you were informed of what happened we also let you choose whether to participate at 12 or have a refund and you chose to participate. Very strange that you now complain about your choice.
As everyone can read both in the description of our product and on the website of the Vatican museums, the passage from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter's Basilica is currently forbidden due to the pandemic until further notice. We're sorry you didn't notice.The guided tours you have seen in St. Peter's Basilica are dedicated only to the Basilica without including the Vatican museums or the Sistine chapel.If you had expressed your concerns we would have explained everything to you without resorting to a negative review written for no reason.Hopefully everything has been cleared up now. We hope you will appreciate who cares about the safety of their customers in this troubled time of a pandemic. We hope to see you again soon
Anna_B, Feb 2020
First of all you should read carefully what is excluded from the tour, here price of the ticket €40 was excluded.
The second thing I was disappointed is that while the group waited for the entrance tickets our guide suggested using of bathroom because otherwise there wasn’t another option before tour ended. There was a huge line and my group before I came back. Nobody even called me to inform that they wouldn’t wait me.
Another 30 minutes I spent waiting when agency’s employee found me another group.
And the last but not least the guide of the group that I joined was below expectations: he joked but told few general things about collections. I had same guided tour 3 years ago and then I was really impressed by guide’s knowledges.
In conclusion I would say that this time tour didn’t worth €65 euro I spent.
Response from Host, Feb 2020
Dear Mr. Balster,
thanks for your review even if you didn't took part of my tour at the end. In any case, we believe that the price paid is more than fair considering that it covers the costs for an authorized guide, all skip-the-line tickets (Vatican Museums, Sitine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica), 2 hours of guided tour, the assistance of our staff and the guarantee of a big company like Viator.
I am disappointed to see your low rating especially after the great effort we made only for you. The guide suggested using the bathroom, and this is a kindness, but he also said that those who leave the group must inform our staff and you didn't. All the participants came back from the bathroom and we waited for you 10 minutes. Tickets have an expiration time, your group has had to enter and you lost our tour which was the last of the day. Orlando from our staff stayed looking for you (loosing his time) for another 10 minutes because he wanted to help you. He was absolutely not obligated and I'm sorry you didn't appreciate it at all. Fortunately for you, we find a similar tour organized by another agency for you. I am unable to comment on the guide you had because, as already said, he/she does not work with me. If you participated in our tour everything would have been much better.
I really hope to let you try one of my tours with a guide working for me.
Regards
bt312018, Dec 2019
historic, beautiful, impressive - Once of the truly wonders of the world. Go during an off season so you can truly enjoy it. Otherwise, you'll be sandwiched in like sardines. First Week in December has no crowds
Response from Host, Jan 2020
Dear customer,
Thank you for choosing our company for your visit at the Vatican museum and sistine chapel.
We work hard to provide wonderful experiences and we are happy to understand that we succeeded with you.
We hope to see you soon!
Regards
mrsrraw1, Nov 2019
Overall, the tour was nice. Be aware, if you purchase this tour on Viator make sure you read the What’s included. I didn5 realize I had a balance to pay for this tour.
Response from Host, Nov 2019
Dear guest, thank you for taking your time on let us know your point of view. We too highly recommend all future customers to check inclusions and exclusions. We are glad to know that you enjoyed your Vatican museums tour with us and we hope to welcome you again in future!
Cristina_M, Jul 2024
El tour nos canceló a última hora y nos dieron hora para otro momento más tarde, pero cuando llegamos no fueron ellos quiénes nos hicieron la guía sinó que nos mandaron con otra compañía.
Alessandro_B, May 2023
Guida preparata e coinvolgente, soprattutto con i bambini del gruppo. Tempi di entrata e controllo minimi. Tour molto bello e unico. Cappella Sistina sempre emozionante.
Marcel_O, Apr 2023
De prijs was zonder entree, dit was onduidelijk bij het aanbieden van de tour. Dit moet anders Viator, is niet duidelijk gecommuniceerd en ik vind dit zelfs misleidend
Stephanie_S, Apr 2023
Excursion musée du Vatican et chapelle sixitine réservé sur viator avec comme fournisseur once upon a time tours au via mocenigo 2 Rome. Heureusement que nous nous sommes rendu la veille sur place sinon nous n'aurions jamais su que la visite du lendemain n'était plus à midi mais retardé à 15h. La visite commence à 15h40, notre mariage nous dit de faire vite sinon on ne pourra pas accéder à la chapelle sixitine, le musée du vatican est survolé avec très peu d'explications car nous n'avons pas le temps, pour au bout du compte passer 4 minutes dans la chapelle sixitine et ne même pas pouvoir apprécier. Nous contactons le fournisseur et viator qui ne souhaite faire aucun geste commercial. De plus tarif exorbitant 149 euros pour 3 et on nous demande arriver au tour opérateur de payer à nouveau 22 euros par adultes donc 2 et 16 euros pour un enfant 16 ans. Petit conseil à fuire, prenez vos entrées et faite votre visite seul. Ah oui leur excuse c'est qu'on a pu accéder à la basilique St Pierre qui ceci dit en passant et totalement gratuite, la guide est partie et nous a simplement dit qu'on pouvait y accéder, mais aucun intérêt pour nous, nous l'avions déjà fait la veille puisque en passant voir le fournisseur nous étions à côté. A fuire d'urgence, personnel incompétent et de mauvaise foi comme vous ne pourrait jamais voir!!!
Denis_R, Apr 2023
Rien à dire sur la Visite en elle-même, mais quelle ambiguïté sur le tarif. Alors oui on peut me reprocher de n’avoir pas tout lu en détail mais franchement tout est fait pour nous induire en erreur. Comment est-ce possible de réserver uniquement le guide mais de ne pas avoir de billet d’entrée ? Quel est l’interêt ? Si ce n’est de présenter un tarif plus bas mais qui n’est pas le Tarif final.
CristinaMara_G, Apr 2023
La guía fue amena, clara y muy buena comunicadora. Quedamos encantadas con ella. Nos ha encantado la experiencia y nos llevamos muy bien sabor de Roma y el Vaticano.
Heidi_v, Oct 2021
Sehr gute Führung durch die Museen und die Sixtinische Kapelle mit vielen interessanten und beeindruckenden Details, die uns ohne Führung nie aufgefallen wäre.
Aber: die Tour enthielt nicht die Besichtigung des Petersdoms. Den haben wir nur von außen gezeigt bekommen und mußten uns anschließend selbst um den Besuch kümmern.
Wir hatten dabei Glück, das die Sicherheitskontrolle recht schnell ging.
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