Skip the Line: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica Half-Day Walking Tour

Get much more out of your visit to St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican by taking a guided walking tour. St Peter's and the Vatican Museums can be overwhelming, especially if this is your first visit, so allow your experienced guide to lead the way and share the history, architecture, and politics of the Vatican. As an added bonus, you'll skip the long ticket lines when you visit the Vatican Museums (entrance fees payable direct on the day of travel).

On your morning or afternoon guided walking tour of Christian Rome's most inspirational sites, you'll explore the world's smallest country, its largest church and an impressive collection of fine art. A highlight of the tour is the famous Sistine Chapel and its collection of frescoes begun in 1508 by Michelangelo. You'll see the master's best known fresco, the Last Judgment, covering one entire wall of the chapel.

However, the Vatican is not all gold, pomp and stateliness - it has a history full of dark tales of deceit and even lust! A world of discovery awaits you as your expert guide brings the Vatican and its stories alive.

Note that entrance fees to the Vatican Museums are NOT included. A supplement of approx. 20 euros (adult) is payable direct.

Schedule details

Departure Point:

Tour departs near the Vatican Museums. 

Return Details:

Concludes at Piazza San Pietro.

Pricing information

Click the link below for a price quote on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Tour options:

Additional information

Inclusions:

• Walking tour
• Small group tour (maximum 25 people)
• Professional guide
• Guaranteed to skip the long lines

Exclusions:

• Gratuities (optional)
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Entrance fee and headphones (approx. 20 euros per adult)
• Food and drinks, unless specified

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• By pre-booking this ticket it enables you to skip the long lines (which can take up to two hours!) to enter the Vatican Museums. Please note, all visitors must pass through metal detectors at the security check point. Please expect to wait 20-30 minutes to clear security.
• Tours departing Wednesday. There is the possibility that you will be unable to include St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square. This is due to the weekly Papal Audience during which access to St. Peter's Basilica could be closed. As an alternative you will be offered an extended itinerary within the Vatican Museums, which still includes the Sistine Chapel and Raphael's Rooms. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. If you would prefer a ticket with St. Peter's Basilica and Square guaranteed to be included, please DO NOT select Wednesday as your travel date.
• Please note that St. Peter's Basilica will be closed until 1pm on September 12, October 4, 11 and 25. The Basilica will reopen at 1pm and visitors can visit the Basilica independently until closing time.

Do you cater to wheelchair users? Do you or the Vatican provide wheelchairs?
This tour is NOT wheelchair accessible. For your information, Vatican Museums provide wheelchairs free of charge in the main lobby. You can easily pick one up after entrance, before starting your own independent visit. If you are looking for a guided tour with wheelchair access, we recommend booking our private tours so a guide can lead you through the alternate routes.

When our tour is over will we be able visit St. Peter's Basilica or the grottos or dome?
Absolutely. The tour end at the front of St. Peter's Basilica which is a very convenient location to leave for lunch, visit the Vatican bookstore, visit the Vatican post office, enter St. Peter's Basilica, continue to the grottos below St. Peter's, or climb to the dome. Your tour guide will be happy to point you in the right direction!

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.