Vatican Tours are guided tours of the Vatican City, a tiny city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy. The Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, with an area of just over 44 hectares (110 acres) and a population of around 800 people.
The Vatican is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks and art treasures, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums, and the Raphael Rooms. Vatican tours typically include visits to these landmarks, as well as other significant sites within the city, such as the Vatican Gardens, the Vatican Library, and the Apostolic Palace.
Vatican tours are led by professional tour guides who are knowledgeable about the history, art, and architecture of the Vatican City. They provide insights into the significance of the artworks and buildings, as well as the history of the Vatican itself, including the role of the papacy and its influence on Western civilization.
Visitors to the Vatican City are advised to book their tours in advance to avoid long lines and ensure they get the most out of their visit. Some popular tours include early access or skip-the-line options, which allow visitors to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more personalized experience. Additionally, there are various tour options available, including group tours, private tours, and audio-guided tours, depending on the preference of the visitor.
Best Vatican Tours
| Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket | Rome: Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter's Dome Climb | Rome: Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Tour | |
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| Duration | 1 day | 5 hours | 2 - 3 hours |
| Starting Time | 2:30 PM | 8:00 AM | 8:25 AM - 10:55 AM |
| Meeting Point | 00120, Vatican City | Largo del Colonnato, 00120 Roma RM | Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy |
| Includes | The Vatican Museums , The Sistine Chapel Access to Vatican Gardens , 45-minute bus tour | Skip-the-line entry to St. Peter's Basilica Dome Elevator ride part way to the summit Sistine Chapel entry Tour around the St. Peter's Basilica | Reserved access to the Vatican Museums Access to the Sistine Chapel Guided tour of Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter's Basilica |
| More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Vatican Tours For [2025]
- Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket
- Rome: Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter’s Dome Climb
- Rome: Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour
- Vatican: Early Entry to Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s
- Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica & Dome Entry Ticket & Audio Tour
- Rome: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour with St. Peter’s
- From Civitavecchia: Private Rome Highlights Tour w/ Tickets
Best Vatican Tours Reviews
#1. Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket
The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket allows visitors to access one of the world’s most famous art collections at their own pace. The Vatican Museums are a vast complex of galleries and halls that house over 70,000 works of art, ranging from ancient Roman sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces.
The Sistine Chapel, located within the Vatican Museums, is renowned for its ceiling frescoes painted by Michelangelo, including the iconic Creation of Adam. It is considered one of the most significant artworks in the world.
The entrance ticket provides visitors with access to both the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, allowing them to explore the collections on their own schedule. Visitors can spend as much time as they want admiring the artworks and learning about the history of the Vatican and its collections.
The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket is a popular option for visitors who prefer to explore independently without a guide. However, visitors should note that the Vatican Museums can be crowded, particularly during peak season, so it is advisable to book tickets in advance and arrive early to avoid long lines. Additionally, visitors should be mindful of the dress code requirements, as modest attire is required inside the Vatican City, including covering shoulders and knees.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#2. Rome: Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter’s Dome Climb
The Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter’s Dome Climb is a guided tour of the Vatican City that includes a visit to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, as well as a climb up to the top of St. Peter’s Dome for panoramic views of the city.
The tour typically begins with a visit to the Vatican Museums, where visitors can admire the vast collection of art and artifacts housed within the complex. The tour guide will provide insights into the history of the Vatican City and the significance of the artworks on display.
Next, the tour moves to the Sistine Chapel, where visitors can marvel at the famous frescoes painted by Michelangelo, including the iconic Creation of Adam. Visitors are typically given some time to explore the chapel on their own before the tour continues to St. Peter’s Basilica.
St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and the most famous landmark of the Vatican City. Visitors can admire the ornate architecture, including the famous dome designed by Michelangelo, and see some of the most important works of art in Christianity.
The highlight of the tour is the climb up to the top of St. Peter’s Dome, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city. The climb is optional, and visitors should be prepared for a steep ascent of over 500 steps.
The Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter’s Dome Climb is a popular option for visitors who want to see the highlights of the Vatican City in one comprehensive tour. It is led by knowledgeable guides who can provide insights into the history, art, and architecture of the Vatican City.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#3. Rome: Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour
The Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour is a guided tour of the Vatican City that includes a visit to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
The tour typically begins with a visit to the Vatican Museums, where visitors can admire the vast collection of art and artifacts housed within the complex. The tour guide will provide insights into the history of the Vatican City and the significance of the artworks on display.
Next, the tour moves to the Sistine Chapel, where visitors can marvel at the famous frescoes painted by Michelangelo, including the iconic Creation of Adam. Visitors are typically given some time to explore the chapel on their own before the tour continues to St. Peter’s Basilica.
St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and the most famous landmark of the Vatican City. Visitors can admire the ornate architecture, including the famous dome designed by Michelangelo, and see some of the most important works of art in Christianity.
Throughout the tour, the guide will provide insights into the history, art, and architecture of the Vatican City, as well as answer any questions visitors may have.
The Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour is a popular option for visitors who want to see the highlights of the Vatican City in one comprehensive tour. It is led by knowledgeable guides who can provide insights into the history, art, and architecture of the Vatican City. Visitors should note that the Vatican Museums can be crowded, particularly during peak season, so it is advisable to book tickets in advance and arrive early to avoid long lines. Additionally, visitors should be mindful of the dress code requirements, as modest attire is required inside the Vatican City, including covering shoulders and knees.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#4. Vatican: Early Entry to Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s
The Early Entry to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica tour is a popular option for visitors who want to explore the Vatican City before the crowds arrive. The tour typically begins with early access to the Vatican Museums, allowing visitors to explore the vast collection of art and artifacts before the crowds arrive.
During the tour, visitors can admire the beautiful art and architecture of the Vatican Museums, including works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Michelangelo. The tour guide will provide insights into the history and significance of the art and artifacts on display.
Next, the tour moves to the Sistine Chapel, where visitors can marvel at the famous frescoes painted by Michelangelo, including the iconic Creation of Adam. Visitors are typically given some time to explore the chapel on their own before the tour continues to St. Peter’s Basilica.
St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and the most famous landmark of the Vatican City. Visitors can admire the ornate architecture, including the famous dome designed by Michelangelo, and see some of the most important works of art in Christianity.
Throughout the tour, the guide will provide insights into the history, art, and architecture of the Vatican City, as well as answer any questions visitors may have. As this is an early access tour, visitors can enjoy a more peaceful and less crowded experience of the Vatican City.
Visitors should note that the Early Entry to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica tour requires an early start, as it typically begins before the Vatican City opens to the general public. Additionally, visitors should be mindful of the dress code requirements, as modest attire is required inside the Vatican City, including covering shoulders and knees.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#5. Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica & Dome Entry Ticket & Audio Tour
The St. Peter’s Basilica & Dome Entry Ticket & Audio Tour is a popular option for visitors to Rome who want to explore the stunning St. Peter’s Basilica and climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the city.
The ticket includes access to St. Peter’s Basilica, which is one of the most important and impressive churches in the world. The Basilica is the final resting place of many popes, including St. Peter himself, and is home to countless works of art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà.
The audio tour provides visitors with a guided experience of the Basilica, offering insights into the history, art, and architecture of the building. Visitors can explore the vast interior, including the famous Baldachin designed by Bernini and the impressive dome, which was designed by Michelangelo.
The ticket also includes access to climb to the top of the dome, which offers breathtaking views of Rome. Visitors can climb the 551 steps to the top of the dome and enjoy panoramic views of the city and Vatican City.
The audio tour is available in multiple languages and provides visitors with a detailed and informative experience of St. Peter’s Basilica and the dome. Visitors can explore at their own pace and take in the beauty of this iconic landmark.
It’s important to note that visitors should dress appropriately for their visit to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican City, as there is a strict dress code in place. Visitors should cover their shoulders and knees and avoid wearing hats inside the Basilica. Additionally, visitors should be prepared for a significant amount of walking and climbing stairs when visiting the dome.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#6. Rome: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour with St. Peter’s
The Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour with St. Peter’s is a popular option for visitors to Rome who want to explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
The tour includes skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, which can often have long lines. Visitors can admire the vast collection of art and artifacts on display in the museums, including works by some of the most famous artists in history such as Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci. The highlight of the tour is the Sistine Chapel, where visitors can marvel at the iconic ceiling frescoes painted by Michelangelo.
After visiting the Sistine Chapel, visitors can then make their way to St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most important and impressive churches in the world. The Basilica is the final resting place of many popes, including St. Peter himself, and is home to countless works of art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà.
The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who can provide insights into the history, art, and architecture of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Visitors can learn about the fascinating history of the Vatican City and the papacy, as well as the significance of the many works of art on display.
It’s important to note that visitors should dress appropriately for their visit to the Vatican City, as there is a strict dress code in place. Visitors should cover their shoulders and knees and avoid wearing hats inside the Basilica. Additionally, visitors should be prepared for a significant amount of walking when visiting the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#7. From Civitavecchia: Private Rome Highlights Tour w/ Tickets
The Private Rome Highlights Tour with tickets is a popular option for visitors arriving at the port of Civitavecchia, who want to explore the highlights of Rome with a private guide.
The tour includes transportation from the port of Civitavecchia to Rome and back, as well as skip-the-line access to some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums. Visitors can admire the ancient ruins of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, where they can learn about the fascinating history of the Roman Empire.
After visiting the Colosseum, visitors can make their way to the Vatican City, where they can explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Visitors can admire the vast collection of art and artifacts on display in the museums, including works by some of the most famous artists in history such as Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci. The highlight of the tour is the Sistine Chapel, where visitors can marvel at the iconic ceiling frescoes painted by Michelangelo.
After visiting the Vatican, visitors can then explore some of the other famous landmarks in Rome, such as the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. The tour is led by a knowledgeable private guide who can provide insights into the history, art, and architecture of Rome. Visitors can learn about the fascinating history of the Roman Empire, as well as the significance of the many works of art on display in Rome.
It’s important to note that visitors should dress appropriately for their visit to the Vatican City, as there is a strict dress code in place. Visitors should cover their shoulders and knees and avoid wearing hats inside the Basilica. Additionally, visitors should be prepared for a significant amount of walking when visiting the various landmarks in Rome.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
Francis Porter is a seasoned traveler and tour guide with over 15 years of experience in the industry. I have explored countless destinations around the world and have a deep passion for helping others discover new places and cultures.