Are you visiting Rome shortly? You’re probably already thinking of adding a quick trip to its nearby country: Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world.
The Vatican is in the heart of Rome, surrounded by Italy’s capital, and while it’s mainly visited for its religious significance (it’s the seat of the Catholic Church and the Pope’s home, after all), it’s also an impressive center for art and culture.
The Vatican Museums house artistic treasures of artists like Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Botticelli, featuring world-class frescoes, paintings, sculptures, and striking architecture.
The Vatican has also been the protagonist of many conspiracies, best-selling novels, and historic events that make it all the more fascinating. Regardless of your reason to visit, the Vatican is very much worth including in your Rome itinerary.
To help you plan a truly memorable visit, I compiled the best Vatican tours in Rome in this post. They offer everything from museum access and Sistine Chapel early access to a Papal Audience, and even family-friendly tours. Read on!
Why trust my choices? I grew up in Bologna, a few hours away from Rome, and have visited the Vatican many, many times. With 10 years in the travel industry, I know which tours stand out. I carefully selected tours that give you a real feel for the Vatican’s history and beauty, making sure you get the best experience possible.
I usually use Viator, Get Your Guide, and Walks to book activities around the world. I especially recommend them for their fantastic cancellation policy, which allows you to cancel most tours up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Limited time? These are the top tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Pristine Sistine Early Entrance Small Group Vatican Tour |
| EXCLUSIVE TOUR | VIP Key Master’s Tour: Open The Sistine Chapel |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Private Early Bird Vatican Tour |
| COMBO TOUR | Rome in a Day with Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center |
| FAMILY-FRIENDLY TOUR | Kids Fun Sistine Chapel & Vatican Tour |
Table of Contents
OUR PICK: The BEST Vatican Tour in Rome
Enter the heart of the Vatican with the Pristine Sistine Early Entrance Small Group Vatican Tour. Step inside the Vatican Museums just as they open, well before the crowds, and tour the Sistine Chapel with a professional guide, getting up close to the artwork with ease.
You’ll join a small group of 15 people and explore the major Vatican’s highlights, which include the Belvedere Courtyard, the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of the Tapestries, and other ornate rooms in the museums, packed with history, culture, and art.
As you wander around the spaces, your guide will share the stories behind the masterpieces and their creations, bringing them to life.
After your visit to the museum, you’ll access St. Peter’s Basilica through a special passage that will allow you to skip the lines, and get inside the spectacular monument directly. Inside, marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s baldachin, two of the most iconic pieces of the Vatican.
The tour lasts four hours, so it’s easy to fit into your itinerary, even if you’re pressed for time.
Why this tour? You’ll bypass the crowds, which are often the major downside of visiting the Vatican, entirely as you access the museums right at opening time, and use secret passages to enter the Basilica. Besides, a professional guide, expert in the history and art of the Vatican, will lead the tour to ensure you pair the beautiful sights with interesting insights and facts about the artwork.
Read what the reviews say:
“The Pristine Sistine was an amazing experience for my family! We have done multiple guided tours at the most amazing sites in the world and our tour guide, Gigi was the best we’ve ever had. His knowledge, humor, and engaging style… He managed to entertain and capture all of our imaginations. If you’re in Rome, treat yourself to this experience, you won’t forget it.”
Mike – Read more reviews
This tour includes: A guide, a walking tour, and skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Great Options To Consider
▶️ The Original Entire Vatican City Tour & St. Peter’s Dome Climb allows you to experience the Vatican like never before. Kick off your day with a dome-climbing adventure up St. Peter’s Basilica, from where you’ll enjoy jaw-dropping views over Rome and Vatican City.
With an art historian guide, explore the Basilica, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel, delving into its significance and history. The best part? You’ll get to skip all the lines at the entrance, bypassing the crowds.
Unveil the wonders of the world’s most significant museum complex, showcasing ancient art and sculpture, in merely half a day.
This Vatican City tour includes: A guide, a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica with Dome climb, and skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Discover Rome’s treasures without the hassle on this Group Skip-the-Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica. Benefitting from your guide’s engaging commentary you’ll get to explore in-depth the Vatican Museum, and immerse yourself in the captivating Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpieces.
Stroll through the world’s smallest city, Vatican City, and snap pictures of the pontifical bodyguards dressed in Renaissance uniforms along the way.
Wrap up your adventure at St. Peter’s Basilica, skipping the lengthy queues and standing in awe at its magnificence. Plus, get insider tips and offbeat sightseeing suggestions from your leader.
This Vatican guided tour includes: A guide, and skip-the-line access at the Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s Basilica. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Get ready for an extraordinary journey through the Vatican’s artistic treasures on an Exclusive Early Access Vatican Semi Private Tour | with Private Option. Skip the lines with early entrance to the Vatican Museums, and explore its highlights, including the Gallery of Candelabras, the Gallery of Tapestries, Pinecone Courtyard, and the Raphael Rooms without the crowds.
Then, you’ll head to the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s awe-striking frescoes, The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment, await. You’ll finish the tour with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, where some of the most remarkable pieces of art can be found. This trip is for a small group of up to six people, and can be upgraded into a private Vatican tour in the early morning.
This Vatican early access tour includes: A guide, early entry to the Vatican Museums, skip-the-line tickets to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, and a private option. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The Most Exclusive Vatican Tours
▶️ This VIP Key Master’s Tour: Open The Sistine Chapel offers a truly unique experience, allowing you to access the Sistine Chapel before anyone else because…you’ll actually be opening it!
You’ll join the Key Master early in the morning and witness their daily routine, unlocking the various galleries of the Vatican. Wander around the rooms, admiring the priceless artwork without any crowds and with a professional, knowledgeable guide.
This tour, due to its exclusiveness, caters to small groups and sells out quickly, so be sure to book it well in advance.
This tour includes: A guide, a Key Master’s ceremony, and exclusive access to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ A good alternative is Alone in the Sistine Chapel: VIP Entry at the Vatican’s Most Exclusive Hours. This tour also grants you access to the Vatican when it’s mostly empty, either early in the morning or in the evening, after more tourists have gone home.
A professional guide will take you around the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, introducing you to the symbolism and history of each artwork, and allowing you time to appreciate some of the world’s most exclusive pieces.
The tour lasts two hours, and it’s available only on a few dates every year, so you should book in advance.
This tour includes: Exclusive access to the Vatican and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
St. Peter’s Basilica Tour & Dome Climb
Unveil the secrets of the Vatican’s most religious building with the St. Peter’s Basilica with Dome Climb and Crypt Tour. On this extraordinary excursion, you’ll beat the crowds as you step into the hallowed St. Peter’s Square at the break of dawn.
Ascend 231 steps to the majestic dome, where Rome’s stunning vistas will leave you breathless, and delve deep into the basilica’s wonders with an expert guide. From Bernini’s magnificent Baldachin to Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring Pietá, every masterpiece is worthy of your undivided attention as you explore the Basilica’s interiors. Cap off the trip with a visit to the papal crypt.
It’s not quite a Vatican necropolis (catacombs) tour, which would take you yet one more level below the Basilica, but you’ll get to see the tombs of the Popes.
This tour includes: St. Peter’s Basilica and Dome Climb access, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Vatican Private Tours
▶️ Unravel the Vatican’s artistic wonders like a true VIP on this Private Early Bird Vatican Tour. Gain exclusive access to the world-renowned Vatican Museums, filled with stunning Renaissance masterpieces, and explore the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica with your own guide.
You’ll also get to access the Belvedere Courtyard and marvel at the intricate Tapestries Gallery, and the Gallery of Maps, two of the major draws of the Vatican Museums. Upgrade to include priority entry into the Raphael Rooms for the ultimate experience. A divine journey awaits in the world’s smallest state!
This Vatican private tour includes: A guide, tickets to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, and hotel pick-up and drop-off if you select the Luxury Option. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Unlock the secrets of the Vatican on an exclusive Private Vatican Museums Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica. Your guide will whisk you past the crowds, straight into the heart of art and history as you explore the awe-inspiring Vatican Museums.
You’ll find artwork by Renaissance legends like Michelangelo and Raphael, and stand in awe under the Sistine Chapel’s heavenly frescoes. Admire Michelangelo’s divine La Pietà at St. Peter’s Basilica, and witness the optical illusions of Bernini’s colonnades in the square. With insider commentary and priority access, this is one of the best private Vatican tours for art lovers!
This Vatican and Sistine Chapel tour includes: A private tour, a guide, and reserved access to the attractions. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Join this Private Vatican Hidden Gems Tour to adventure through the Vatican Museums with your own group of people. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, marvel at Raphael and Caravaggio’s masterpieces, and uncover hidden gems the crowds usually miss.
You’ll wander around the Sistine Chapel, checking out its impressive frescoes, and fast-track enter St. Peter’s Basilica in this Vatican VIP tour. Delight in the expertise of your private guide as they lead you through rooms rarely seen by the public, telling you the secrets of the Vatican’s vast art collection.
Admire the revered Lacoon and Belvedere Torso sculptures – among a vast number of art pieces – and enjoy fast-track entry and ample time to wander around the rooms.
This tour includes: A private walking tour, a guide, hotel pick-up, and skip-the-line tickets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Comprehensive Rome Tour with Vatican Visit
Embark on a lightning-fast, action-packed full-day trip of the Eternal City with this Rome in a Day with Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center.
Skip the lines at the Colosseum and listen to your guide’s thrilling stories about gladiators and martyrs. Zoom into the Roman Forum’s overlook and envision ancient Rome’s vibrant heart, and marvel at the Pantheon’s epic dome.
Then, stroll through iconic film locations like Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona with gelato in hand. After a break for lunch (own expense), fast-track to an art-filled Vatican tour, culminating in the Sistine Chapel. All this with a fun small group of 18 people, ensuring an epic adventure!
This Vatican and Colosseum combo tour includes: Skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, transportation to the Vatican, entrance to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, a guide, and a city walking tour.
➤ If you prefer, you can book this tour through Viator.
Family-Friendly Tours of the Vatican
▶️ Looking for family-friendly tours that combine entertainment and exploration? Look no further than this Skip-the-Ticket-Line Kids Fun Sistine Chapel & Vatican Tour. This exciting adventure is specially designed for families with children and includes skip-the-line access for a hassle-free visit to the sites.
You’ll visit the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter’s Basilica, marveling at ancient Greek and Roman sculptures and the sarcophagi of Empress Helena and Constantina led by a friendly guide.
Then move on to the enchanting Gallery of the Candelabra and the mesmerizing Gallery of the Tapestries as your kids are provided with engaging games, quizzes, and cool prizes while exploring the art-filled rooms. History, art, and endless fun – all in one tour!
This tour includes: Skip-the-line tickets, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Join this Rome: 2.5-Hour Family Vatican Highlight Scavenger Hunt to enjoy a tour where history and excitement collide! With a fun guide by your side, dive into centuries of art, architecture, and artifacts while your little ones are captivated by games and tales.
Engage in a thrilling scavenger hunt throughout the Vatican Museum, and explore hidden gems like Vatican Gardens, Carriages Gallery, and Maps Gallery. Your adventure culminates in St. Peter’s Square with a surprise for the children!
This tour includes: A guide, a scavenger hunt, and headsets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Papal Audience Tours
Rome: Audience Pope Francis with Tour Guide is the dream of many visitors to the Vatican. Attend the Pope’s Wednesday audience with an expert guide who will provide fascinating insights about the weekly event and the rich history of the Vatican, while ensuring a prime spot to see the audience.
You’ll get to marvel at St. Peter’s Square and its Basilica, and enjoy a divine tour that is bound to leave you spiritually enlightened and culturally enriched.
This tour includes: Papal audience access, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Vatican Tours in Rome FAQs
Visiting Vatican City is free. However, if you want to access its renowned attractions, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, or the Sistine Chapel, you’ll need to pay a fee. Currently, the tickets cost around $30 for a combined visit to the Museums and the Sistine Chapel, or a little over $40 for the three landmarks.
In my opinion, the best tours of the Vatican are these:
• The Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter’s Dome Climb
• Complete Early Morning Vatican Tour with Breakfast & Small Group
• Skip-the-Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica
Yes, you can easily walk into Vatican City. There are no requirements, entry fees, or passport checking. To visit its attractions, though, you’ll need tickets.
I highly recommend joining a tour of the Vatican to fully comprehend its importance, the role it plays in the Catholic Church, and admire the impressive artwork with an expert. While you can visit on your own, I’d say a tour is worth it, especially if it’s your first time.
A tour of the Vatican can take anywhere between 2 to 4 hours, depending on how many attractions you’ll be visiting, and how comprehensive the experience is. If you join a private tour of Vatican and Sistine Chapel, you’ll be mostly in charge of the pace.
When visiting the Vatican, you’re not allowed to be wearing hats, clothing with offensive language or images, or an outfit that reveals your shoulders and knees. Food and beverages, weapons, large bags, and selfie sticks are also prohibited.
With a Vatican underground tour, you’ll get to visit the Necropolis, located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, where the remains of St. Peter rest.
