Best of the Vatican Tour: Fast Track Highlights

About this experience

Meet your expert guide by the Vatican Museum entrance and enjoy skip-the-line entry to what is arguably the most important collection of art in the world. Your guide knows every nook and cranny of the museums and will navigate seamlessly through the more than 1,200 galleries. Much of this tour will be dedicated to the majestic Sistine Chapel, from its commissioning to the finishing touches applied by none other than Michaelangelo Buonarroti. You will hear the true life story of this fascinating yet tormented artist, who considered himself a sculptor and not a painter yet dedicated countless years of his life painting frescoes on a ceiling 44 feet high. Learn of the physical and psychological damage inflicted on the artist as your guide helps you to discern between myth, fact, and popular Hollywood fiction regarding this epic work of art. At the end you can explore some of the remaining 1,400 galleries of art at your own pace.

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 1h 45min

   Your guide knows every nook and cranny of the museums and will navigate seamlessly through the more than 1,200 galleries while emphasizing the Rooms of Raphael, the Ancient Roman and Greek pieces in the Belvedere Courtyard and the Gallery of Maps while ensuring that you stay on track with an eye on the ultimate prize: the Sistine Chapel.

2. Stop 2 · 30min

   Much of this tour will be dedicated to the majestic Sistine Chapel, from its commissioning to the finishing touches applied by none other than Michaelangelo Buonarroti. You will hear the true life story of this fascinating yet tormented artist who considered himself a sculptor and not a painter yet dedicated countless years of his life painting frescoes on a ceiling 44 feet high. Learn of the physical and psychological damage inflicted on the artist as your guide helps you to discern between myth, fact, and popular Hollywood fiction regarding this epic work of art.

3. Stop 3 · 15min

   Enjoy Fast track entry to St. Peter's without having to exit and wait on the security line. Explore the Papal Basilica on your own.

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Meeting & pickup

• Via Sebastiano Veniero 19, nearest metro station is called Ottaviano / San Pietro / Musei Vaticani on Linea A which on any Rome metro map is coloured orange.

End point

• Enjoy fast track access to St. Peter's and explore the Papal Basilica on your own.
• Exit the Vatican Museums or remain inside to explore on your own.

Please arrive 15 minutes before tour departure time in Via Sebastiano Veniero 19, just a few steps away from the Vatican Museums entrance. The meeting point is inside our lounge (ItaliaPass-ItaliaTours). Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/ZtNY3GCYFy8zbCN29 NB: Priority access to St. Peter's Basilica is not possible on the 8:00 AM tour on Wednesdays during the weekly Papal Audience while the Basilica is closed. Need Help? Call/Text/WhatsApp: +1 833-482-5421 Email: info@italiatours.com

Before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• A dress code is required. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.
• 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.
• Please note: This description is provided as a general example. Actual experiences may vary slightly depending on the season, local conditions, and other factors beyond our control
• On days immediately surrounding religious holidays at the Vatican, alterations to tours may become necessary due to partial closings of areas normally included in this tour
• Access to St. Peter's Basilica is not possible on Wednesday morning during the weekly papal audience.
• Please note that essential travel documents and final itinerary details might be delivered electronically closer to the activity date.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.