Why choose this tour ?
Bypass the lines and enter the Vatican Museums with first access of the day. In a less congested setting, explore the timeless pieces that line these halls. With a knowledgeable Vatican tour guide and a small group of no more than 10 people, your visit will be even more memorable. This isn’t a typical Vatican tour; your itinerary is tailored to uncover the legends, histories, stories, and hidden meanings behind the museum's priceless artworks. Your English-speaking Vatican guide will show you the must-see masterpieces. Prepare to encounter Michelangelo's greatest work: the Sistine Chapel at the end of your visit. When available, and excluding Wednesdays, Skip the Line access to St. Peter's Basilica will be included at the end of your tour at no extra cost. No guided tour is provided inside the Basilica, which is free to enter. Short on time? Choose the 1.5-hour option to breeze through the Vatican Museums and be among the first to enter the Sistine Chapel for the day.
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What makes Exclusive First Access Vatican Tour with Skip the Line Basilica a unique experience ?
Visit the Vatican Museums with fast entry, in the first available access of the day.
This courtyard gets its name from the enormous bronze Pinecone sculpture that dominates it. Don't miss Alfredo Pomodoro's famous Sphere within Sphere while you are here. Ask your guide to give it a spin for you!
Don't miss Arnaldo Pomodoro's Sphere within a Sphere. Variations of this sculpture can be found in many settings around the world. Ask your guide to give it a spin for you!
The most famous wing of the Vatican Museums, the Pio Clementino museum contains much of the Museum's most important highlights. Your guide will take you through the Room of the Animals, where you can spot the life-like statues of fauna from around the world. Head to the Octagonal Courtyard where a small fountain trickles in the background of famous statues like the Laocoonte and Apollo Belvedere. Don't forget to look at the Candelabra Gallery - master painters decorated these ceilings to create the illusion of a 3D effect centuries ago!
Head with your guide to the Gallery of the Maps and get a perspective of the world how it was five centuries ago. These exquisitely detailed, hand-painted giant maps are a favorite of the Vatican Museums. See if you can find the Italian cities you have visited, or spot the nod to Christopher Columbus' journey to the Americas.
Raphael painted these rooms with incredible frescoes, originally meant for the private rooms of Pope Julius II.
No guides are able to speak inside the Sistine Chapel. However, your guide will prepare you in advance for your free time inside so you'll know what to look for.
Your visit ends close to where it began, after the spiral staircase at the entrance to the Vatican Museums.
Visit to Vatican Museums - Vatican City
When available, access is provided to St Peter's Basilica, skipping the lines. A tour is not provided inside the Basilica, only access. Your visit will end at the steps of St. Peter's Square with an introduction made by your guide after which you will be on your own to continue exploring.
When available, access to St. Peter's Basilica via a special exit from the Sistine Chapel will be included in your tour. This access will allow you to skip the long lines normally required for entry to the Basilica. No tour inside the Basilica will be provided, just access. Please note this is provided in an as available basis and access is not guaranteed. Note: The remaining time is spent between the attractions.
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Strollers are permitted as long as they can be folded up and carried up stairs.
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
- Sistine Chapel 1.5 hour Tour
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With first 8AM access, breeze through the Museums to be among the first to see the Sistine Chapel on this 1.5 hour tour. - First Access 2.5 hour tour
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First Access 2.5 hour tour: Guided tour of 10 or less participants. Skip the Line Basilica Access when available and excluding Wednesdays.
Exclusive First Access Vatican Tour with Skip the Line Basilica Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- Headsets
- Skip the Line Entrance Tickets to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
- English Speaking Vatican Guide
Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick up & Drop off
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Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by EcoArt Travel.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Rome.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 4.5 Stars based on 163 valid reviews on VIATOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 12 Travelers is accepted for booking.
Plan on arriving to our meeting point at least 15 minutes in advance of your selected departure time. Meet our representative on the steps at Via Tunisi, located at the corner with Via Sebastiano Veniero. They will be holding a sign with the green EcoArt logo.
