Vatican highlights tour: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tickets

This Vatican highlights tour is designed to show you the very best of the Vatican Museums and give you a deep appreciation for the art, power, and politics of the Vatican City — in just 2.5 hours.

You start by skipping the (always long) lines to get into the museums, diving right into the galleries holding some of the most famous works of art in the world. Your expert tour guide will offer eye-opening insight and context (along with some great stories) as you explore the Raphael Rooms, the Belvedere Courtyard with ‘Apollo Belvedere’ and ‘Laocoön and Sons’, the Pinecone Courtyard, the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of the Maps, and the Gallery of the Tapestries.

Then head to the Sistine Chapel just before closing time. Before entering, your guide will explain the stories behind the creation of these iconic frescoes as well as what they mean. Spend about 20 minutes admiring the chapel independently, after which time your guide will lead you through a special door out of the chapel and directly into St. Peter’s Basilica for an independent visit.

We’re passionate about the Vatican and want to share that passion with you in intimate groups led by the most engaging, and knowledgeable guides in the Vatican. This is why we’ll never put you with a group of more than 20.

Sites visited

• Sistine Chapel
• Raphael Rooms
• Blevedere Courtyard with Apollo Belvedere & Laocoön & His Sons
• Pinecone Courtyard
• Gallery of the Candelabra
• Gallery of the Maps
• Gallery of the Tapestries
• St. Peter’s Basilica