Discover the wonders of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica on a guided tour, ensuring you don’t miss the most famous masterpieces.

Explore iconic galleries, historic sculptures, and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel masterpiece with skip-the-line access.

Led by an expert guide, this guided tour provides insights into the Vatican’s rich history and art, making your visit both informative and unforgettable.

It’s best to book guided tour tickets online to secure your spot and avoid long queues. While tickets are available at the venue, queues can stretch 1-2 km (0.8 miles) long.

Highlights of Vatican Museums guided tour

Skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica (if selected)
Group tour with a maximum of 20 people for a better experience
Multiple time slots are available from 7.45 am to 4.30 pm, depending on the tour type you choose.
This tour lasts around 3 hours
Tour guide is available in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and German
Expert guide shares valuable insights into the art and architecture of the Vatican Museums

Ticket prices

Adult (18+ years): From €75
Child (6 to 17 years): From €60
Infant (up to 5 years): Free entry

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*St. Peter’s is closed during the following times: Wednesdays: 8 am – 12 pm, December 24th and 31st.

Key details

Children under six years can enter for free
Discount tickets are available for children (7-18 years) with a valid ID
This guided tour offers multiple options to suit your preferences. You can choose a guided group tour with or without St. Peter’s Basilica, a small group tour, or a private tour for a personalized visit
The price varies according to the option you select
You’ll be provided with headsets to hear the guide clearly during the tour
You will receive the confirmation once you book your tickets
Free cancellation up to 2 days in advance for a full refund
Bring your passport or ID card for verification
Food, drinks, and large bags are not permitted inside the Vatican Museums, except for water in a plastic bottle

If you’re planning a last-minute visit to the Vatican Museums, don’t worry! You can still find last-minute tickets online and enjoy skip-the-line access to avoid long queues.

Why you should buy a guided tour ticket

A guided tour of the Vatican Museums allows you to skip the long lines at the entrance and enjoy a well-organized experience with a guide leading the way.

Your expert guide will help you navigate the vast museum, ensuring you don’t miss any must-see exhibits. They’ll also share fascinating stories and historical insights, making your visit more memorable.

With over 6 million visitors annually, the Vatican Museums can get extremely crowded, so a guided tour is highly recommended.

You’ll also receive headsets that allow you to hear the guide clearly, even in large groups. Plus, you can ask questions and interact, making the tour more engaging.

A guided tour is ideal for families, art lovers, and first-time visitors who want a premium experience and deeper insights into the Vatican’s treasures.

Guided tour or self-guided ticket – which one to buy?

Guided Tour Ticket	Self-Guided Ticket
Organized experience	Explore at your own pace
Live guide	Audio guide
Best for history and art lovers	Best for independent travelers
Fixed timing (3 hours)	Flexible
Premium experience	Value for money

If you enjoy independent exploring, go for the self-guided ticket. If you prefer a well-structured and informative tour, the guided tour is the best choice!

For an exclusive experience, a private tour is perfect, where you get VIP treatment and a dedicated guide just for you (or your group).

FAQs on guided tours of the Vatican Museums

Here are some questions tourists ask before visiting the Vatican Museums on a guided tour

Is a guided tour of the Vatican Museums worth it?

Yes, a guided tour is worth it as it provides expert insights into the history of the Vatican and fascinating details about its famous artworks. A guide enhances your experience by offering in-depth explanations and answering your questions.

Do you go to the Vatican Museum first or the Sistine Chapel during the guided tour?

You must visit the Vatican Museums first because the Sistine Chapel is located at the end of the museum route. It is not possible to go directly to the Sistine Chapel from the entrance.

Is St. Peter’s Basilica Included in the Vatican Guided Tour?

Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, however you may have to wait in long queues. Some Vatican guided tours include St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing you to skip the lines and reserve a specific time slot when booking online. However, access to the St. Peter’s Basilica dome requires a separate ticket.

How long do guided tours of the Vatican last?

A guided tour of the Vatican lasts around three hours. Exploring Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel takes around 2.5 hours, and St. Peter’s Basilica takes around 30 minutes.

Do we have to tip the guides after the tour?

Tipping your Vatican Museum tour guide is not mandatory, but it is customary and appreciated, especially if they provide excellent service. A small tip is a polite way to show your appreciation.

Do guided tours include entry to Vatican Gardens?

No, standard guided tours of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel do not include the Vatican Gardens. Some combo tours include both the Gardens and the Museums, starting with a minibus tour of the gardens followed by a self-guided or guided tour of the Museums and Sistine Chapel.

How much walking does a Vatican Museum tour include?

A tour of the Vatican Museums involves walking over 7 km (4.3 miles) through 26 museums and galleries. It takes at least 2 hours to walk through the most important rooms, so wear comfortable shoes.

Mark Lancy Sebastian

Mark Lancy Sebastian is a traveler at heart with a strong passion for history—mostly Classical Greek and Roman, culture, food, and art. He thrives on poetry, baking, climbing hills, and befriending local cats (the 'pspspspspspsp' actually works!) and dogs.