best vatican tours for families

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The Best Vatican Tours To Take in 2024 and Why + Maps

Sean Finelli Last Updated: February 21, 2024

You already know that a trip to Rome is not complete without a visit to the famous country within the city: Vatican City. But there are so many different tour options, so how do you choose? It all depends on your travel interests and schedule. In this guide, you’ll discover our best Vatican tours and which one’s right for you.

Pro Tip: It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Create a browser folder and bookmark this post in your browser along with our article on the best Colosseum tours . We also have a dedicated guide to all things Vatican City where you’ll find everything you need.

All Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica Tours

All of our Vatican tours include skip-the-line tickets, local English-speaking guides, a tour of the Vatican Museums, and a visit to the Sistine Chapel. The right Vatican tour for you will depend on your interests, whether you want to see the Sistine Chapel without the crowds, and how much time you have to soak up all this beauty.

To help you find your perfect Vatican experience, here is a link bank of all our tours, followed by more in-depth descriptions and maps below.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Vatican tour is worth it .

Express Vatican Tours (2 hours)

• Vatican Night Tour with Sistine Chapel
• Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb

Classic Vatican Tours (2.5 – 3.5 hours)

• Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
• Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica (start times throughout the day)
• Exclusive After Hours Sistine Chapel Tour with Aperitivo

Full Experience Vatican Tours and Combos (4 or more hours)

• St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour
• Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens & Castel Gandolfo Day Trip
• Rome in a Day Tour Including Colosseum and Vatican Museums
• Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican Highlights Combo Tour

Vatican Tickets

Skip-the-line tickets for a self-guided Vatican visit:

• Purchase skip-the-line Vatican tickets

1. Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Everyone knows the Vatican Museums are filled with crowds most of the day. That’s why this Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour is ideal if you want to avoid the crowds and heat. Why? It enters before the general public so you can enjoy a less-crowded time throughout your tour.

With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures inside the vast Vatican Museums, you can easily follow your guide through the Vatican’s galleries and museums. Explore the Pio-Clementino, the Gallery of Tapestries, and Raphael Rooms as your guide brings each location to life.

Of course, you’ll visit the Sistine Chapel where you’ll stand in awe under the centuries-old ceiling that has captivated travelers from around the world. Starting your day early in the Vatican is the best way to maximize your vacation.

2. Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican Highlights Combo Tour

Want to see both the Vatican and the Colosseum? This combo tour gets you more bang for your buck by combining them! You’ll enjoy skip-the-line entry at both the Colosseum and the Vatican. First, dive into ancient Roman history at the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill where you’ll walk in the steps of Gladiators and Emperors.

After lunch, rejoin the tour at the Vatican to hear stories of papal intrigue and see some of the world’s most celebrated artworks by masters like Raphael and Michelangelo, and, of course, the Sistine Chapel.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if Rome tours are worth it .

3. Private Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

If you don’t have time for an early morning tour or would prefer to visit in the afternoon, then our Private Skip the Line Vatican Tour is the one for you. With multiple start times throughout the day and skip-the-line tickets, you’ll find a time that’s just right for you and get straight to exploring.

4. Rome in a Day including Colosseum and Vatican Museums

Our Rome in a Day Tour is one of our most popular tours to date. You start your day with a comprehensive tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica with an English-speaking guide. Then you head to the city for a walking tour of the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain. End your day tour of Rome with a full Colosseum tour that includes the Roman Forum.

This is a great way to get the main highlights of Rome before you head out to discover it even better on your own. We provide transportation from the Vatican to the center of Rome, but this tour spends a lot of time on your feet. You’ll be ready for a delicious dinner when you’re done exploring one of the best tours of the Vatican and Rome!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Rome tours to take and why .

5. Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb

Looking for the best views in Rome? We know where to go. Our Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb  takes you to the top of the famous dome right as it opens and before there are any lines. Most of all, it’s before the heat of the day!

After you’ve climbed to the incredible lookout and soaked up those views, your guide will escort you into St. Peter’s Basilica for a guided tour that includes the Papal Crypts. For a quick tour of St. Peter’s and the dome, this is one of the best Vatican tours you can take.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Vatican Guide for more info.

6. Exclusive After Hours Sistine Chapel with Aperitivo

Looking for that truly exclusive opportunity to enjoy the Vatican and Sistine Chapel? This might just be what you need. With a late afternoon entry to the Vatican, you’ll be led with your small group through the highlights. Then you’ll step into the Sistine Chapel along with no more than 100 other people (usually at least 2,000 during the day)!

Your guide’s stories about this magnificent ceiling will come to life as you experience quiet time in the Sistine Chapel that few ever will. Afterwards, enjoy a drink on us during your aperitivo in the Pinecone Courtyard.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out how to visit the Sistine Chapel .

7. St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour

Want to get more bang for your buck? Book our St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour . No matter how many times you’ve been to Rome, this is a great way to start your trip.

Enjoy views from the most scenic viewpoint at St. Peter’s Basilica before the crowds and the heat. Then follow your guide to your skip-the-line entrance at the Vatican where you’ll see the top highlights before stepping into the Sistine Chapel.

8. Vatican Night Tour with Sistine Chapel

On this guided Vatican visit, enter the Vatican Museums after hours and experience the museums with very few other people. You’ll feel like a VIP on this after-hours night tour of the Vatican. It’s the best way to really enjoy the quiet solitude in the 9 miles of museums here.

Not to mention, you’ll get to stand under the Sistine Chapel with just a handful of people around you. It’s almost as exclusive as you can get without booking a private tour. This Vatican Night Tour only runs on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer, making it a very exclusive experience.

9. Skip the Line Vatican Tickets

Want to explore the Vatican Museums at your own pace but with the benefit of skip-the-line tickets? Then reserve your own tickets with our privileged access that lets you bypass the crowds.

You’ll meet our helpful attendant near the Vatican Museums entrance, where they’ll escort you past the general line and into the reserved group entry. There you’ll go through security and be free to explore the Vatican and Sistine Chapel as long as you like.

10. Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens & Castel Gandolfo Day Trip

Are you visiting Rome on a Saturday during the spring or summer months? Why not make a whole day of it with our Vatican Museums, Gardens, and Castel Gandolfo Day Trip ?

With this experience, you will take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens, and a day trip by train to the Pope’s summer residence. A return train ticket and delicious lunch fit for a pope are included!

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July 5, 2019

We are currently looking at all the various tour possibilities. Do you have tours which cover one or more of the restricted hidden areas of the Vatican Museums; namely the Bramante Staircase, the Niccoline Chapel and the Cabinet of Masks? Thank You.

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5 best vatican tours of 2024 (with skip-the-line access).

Guided Vatican tours can make the experience less overwhelming and more enjoyable.

The Best Vatican Tours

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One of the most famous landmarks in the world, Vatican City draws more than 5 million people each year, which means that no matter when you visit, you can expect massive crowds. Along with the throngs of tourists, the sheer size of this sovereign city-state in Rome can make a visit to Vatican City feel overwhelming.

If you're feeling intimidated by the experience, consider one of the following small-group Vatican tours, guided by local experts who can both explain the history of the Eternal City and help you navigate the crowds.

Best Overall: What a Life Tours – Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour

Best after hours: the roman guy – vatican after hours tour with sistine chapel.

• Best Small Group: Liv Tours – Vatican & Sistine Chapel Small Group Tour

Best Private: Private Tours of Rome – Vatican and Sistine Chapel Private Tour

• Best Full Day: Through Eternity Tours – Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Sistine Chapel: Essential Experience

To determine the best Vatican City tour in each category, we used our own experiences along with recent traveler reviews. All of the featured tours have at least 100 reviews and a minimum rating of 4 out of 5 stars across multiple websites.

Price: Adults from 99 euros (about $108); kids from 94 euros (around $102) Duration: 3 hours

Laura Itzkowitz

U.S. News independently paid to send Laura Itzkowitz , a freelance journalist based in Rome, on this tour to provide readers with an unbiased, first-hand perspective of what to expect. What a Life Tours – Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour was selected by our team as an Editor’s Pick thanks to its popularity and favorable user reviews.

While the Vatican Museums are one of the must-see attractions in Vatican City (the city-state surrounded by Rome), they can can be overwhelming to navigate. After all, the site contains 26 museums, various chapels and numerous galleries. The engaging guide leading this skip-the-line tour wasted no time bringing us to the highlights, starting with the Pinecone Courtyard and ending at St. Peter’s Basilica . At the basilica, we saw Michelangelo’s Pietà and the guide explained why it’s the only work the artist actually signed.

Along the tour, you’ll see masterpieces from the Vatican Museums’ collection. Highlights include the ancient statue of Laocoön and his sons; the Belvedere Torso, which inspired Michelangelo; Greek Cross Hall; and the Round Hall, which contains a monumental bronze statue of Hercules. The Gallery of Candelabra, the Gallery of Tapestries and the Gallery of Maps – where the guide shared interesting facts about Italy in the 1600s – are other focal points, as is the Sistine Chapel. Since talking isn’t allowed in the Sistine Chapel, the guide explained Michelangelo’s frescoes at the beginning of the tour. Our guide had a great sense of humor and a deep knowledge of the artworks, which was impressive. However, she didn’t bring us to the Raphael Rooms; you may want to book a different tour if this is a priority for you.

Tours depart from the What a Life Tours office ( Via Santamaura 14B ) Monday through Saturday; the first tour starts at 9:30 a.m. What a Life Tours also offers skip-the-line access that omits the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, as well as local food tours and tours of the Colosseum .

Good to know:

• No more than 12 people can join the tour at a time.
• To capture perfectly framed photos of St. Peter’s Basilica, stroll down Via della Conciliazione after the tour.
• If you’re hungry after the tour, head to Ristorante Arlù, a family-run eatery nearby that’s been open since 1959. Be sure to ask for a table outside on the charming cobblestone street if the weather is nice.
• Prati, the neighborhood surrounding the Vatican, is a great place to shop, especially along Via Cola di Rienzo. Stop by Castroni for espresso and other gourmet foods or il Sellaio di Serafini for a handmade leather bag.

– Laura Itzkowitz

Check prices & availability on:

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz Aug. 19, 2024

The Tour Guy

Price: Adults from $124; kids from $100 Duration: 2 hours

Instead of early entry, this tour offers after-hours access to the Eternal City on select weekends in the summer months. Tours depart at 5:30 p.m. from Caffé Vaticano . Guided by a local expert, you'll see the Vatican museums, galleries, Raphael Rooms and School of Athens before the tour concludes at the Sistine Chapel. Recent reviewers highly recommend this tour, pointing to the tour guides' breadth of knowledge and the ability to experience Vatican City with fewer crowds.

The Roman Guy offers a number of other local tours that include visits to the Colosseum and Catacombs of Rome as well as food tours (and tours that combine some or all of the above).

Best Small Group: Liv Tours – Vatican & Sistine Chapel Small Group Tour

Price: Adults from $140; kids from $124 Duration: 3 hours

This intimate tour is limited to just six people, making the experience more personal and enjoyable. Your tour guide will take you through the famous galleries, the Julius II apartments, the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel. Recent tourgoers say they could see a difference in this tour versus the other Vatican tours. They also note how kind the tour guides are.

Tours, which are available during a wide variety of time slots each day, start and conclude at Caffé Vaticano , right across the street from the entrance to the museums.

Other experiences offered by Liv Tours include a Jewish Ghetto & Travestere Tour, cooking classes and tours designed for kids.

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Price: Adults from $364; kids from $87 Duration: 3 hours

Explore the Vatican with a professional historian on this private tour. Recent travelers say they're so glad they chose to visit the Vatican on a private tour, noting how much they enjoyed hearing the guides' personal stories about the museums and the pope.

Tours depart from Viale Vaticano at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

If you're looking for a private tour of other attractions, Private Tours of Rome offers a variety of options. It also offers shore excursions, with pick up and drop-off at your ship in Civitavecchia.

Best Full-Day: Through Eternity Tours – Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Sistine Chapel: Essential Experience

Price: From $1,345 Duration: 7 hours

If you're short on time and/or prefer to see several Rome attractions at once, this jam-packed tour is a great option. During the six-hour excursion, you'll see the Colosseum, the Roman Forum , Trevi Fountain , Piazza Novana and the Pantheon before visiting the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square (and then moving on to other sites). This tour includes optional headsets and skip-the-line access at all ticketed attractions. Recent travelers say the tour guides make this experience especially fun.

This full-day tour starts at 9 a.m. in front of the Angelino "ai Fori" dal 1947 restaurant and concludes in St. Peter's Square. It's typically offered Monday through Saturday. While babies and toddlers up to age 2 are permitted free of charge, this tour is not recommended for children.

Through Eternity Tours offers a number of other guided experiences in Rome, including an Angels and Demons tour based on the bestselling book. The company also offers shore excursions and day trips to Tivoli, Florence and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

In short, yes. Vatican City is considered an independent nation-state and is the world's smallest such entity.

All visitors must dress appropriately for a place of worship. Shorts, hats, miniskirts, sleeveless tops, low-cut tops and garments that show the knees are not permitted. Guests dressed inappropriately will not be allowed inside.

When choosing your outfit, remember to wear comfortable walking shoes . Any visit to Vatican City requires a lot of walking.

All visitors are required to go through a security check to enter the museums, and there are a variety of items that you may not take inside:

• Luggage: Bags, backpacks and the like must not exceed 40 x 35 x 15 centimeters (16 x 14 x 6 inches); if they're too big, they must be checked in the cloak room (free of charge).
• Umbrellas: If necessary, these can also be checked in the cloak room.
• Video cameras: Non-flash photography is permitted in all areas except the Sistine Chapel.
• Food and drink
• Weapons and firearms

The Vatican is easily accessible from different sections of Rome.

Metro: You can take the metro to either the Cipro or Ottaviano stop on Line A (orange line) to be dropped near the Vatican Museums.

Bus: If taking the bus, multiple routes drop off near St. Peter's Basilica.

Taxi: You can also opt for a taxi or walk into St. Peter's Square.

Additionally, there are parking garages outside of Vatican City if you want to drive there, though driving in Rome is generally not recommended, as there are many areas where driving is restricted and you could be fined. Traffic in Rome can also be brutal, especially during the summer. Plan to arrive at the tour departure point at least 10 to 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time.

The Vatican museums are open Monday through Saturday.

Current hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The museums are closed on Sundays, with the exception of the last Sunday of the month and certain holy days throughout the year, including Christmas. Final entry to the museum is approximately two hours before closing.

St. Peter's Basilica opens at 7 a.m. year-round, closing at 6:30 p.m. in the winter months and 7 p.m. from April through September.

Be sure to check the Vatican Museums website to see if there are any museum closures ahead of your visit.

Yes, and there are a variety of ticket options you can purchase on the Vatican's website. However, many travelers opt for a guided tour to see the highlights with the help of an expert. Plus, many Vatican City tours include stops at other attractions in Rome.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in Rome
• The Best Places to Visit in Italy
• The Best Small Group Tours of Italy (+ Day Trips)

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Vatican , Europe Vacations

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Visiting the Vatican with kids in 2024: practical, sanity-saving tips you need to know

All you need to know to plan a visit to the Vatican with kids – Updated March 2023

Anytime I get asked about visiting the Vatican with kids, I take a little pause and take my time to measure my words.

The reason for this is that I have mixed feelings about recommending a visit to the Vatican to families.

If I wear my ‘mom hat’, I find myself recommending people to stay well away from the museums and only tackle them with kids if this is the chance of your lifetime to see them.

If I wear any other hat, however, I cannot recommend not to visit: the Vatican museums are so beautiful, rich, culturally interesting and unique, I could not in all honestly tell anyone that they are not worth it.

They are simply spectacular.

And so we came to this post: an honest overview of what to expect at the Vatican museums and top tips for visiting the Vatican with kids.

Good to know: I am a Rome mama and I have been to the Vatican with my kids many times. You can see in the photos in this post we visited at different ages and in different seasons, sometimes alone and sometimes with friends! All the info and tips you find on this page are based on my personal, first hand experience of visiting the Vatican with children.

Please note: this post contains affiliate links and, should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission.

Top tip! Visiting Rome with kids? Don’t forget to grab our ebook ‘Best of Rome with kids’ available on Amazon! It is packed with info and tips to help you plan your stay, it has the closest playgrounds and family friendly restaurants to the Vatican (and many other attractions) and scavenger hunts around the city. Also, it has the shortlist of our favourite tour provides for the Vatican, Colosseum and more.

Table of Contents

Reasons for visiting the Vatican with kids

There are infinite reasons to visit the Vatican with kids.

The whole of Vatican city is interesting and beautiful and it is of such historical, cultural and religious significance I believe a visit with children can be a hugely educational one.

Also, the Vatican has some fun elements that are special for children:

• It is a separate state form Italy, which means you are technically crossing an international border on foot
• It has a record breaking basilica and dome, something kids are usually keen to explore and report on their travel journals
• The square had a really impressive perspective trick, which kids will think is magic (if you stand in specific spots and look at the colonnade, many of their rows disappear!)
• Older kids are likely to have hear of the Sistine chapel at the very least, and a visit to it can be a bucket list item for them as well as for parents.

Reasons not to visit the Vatican with kids

The main reason not to visit the Vatican with children are the large crowds.

The whole of the Vatican city and the museums in particular are crazy busy.

Lines meander outside their door for hundreds of meters and even once inside the people are so many that you have to elbow your way to see most of the masterpieces – this is not a pleasant experience at any age but properly awful for small children.

The other reason not to visit is that the museums are very big and with little to grab kids’ attention.

I am a huge believer in bringing children to ‘grown up museums’ but among the many, this is not an easy one for them to enjoy ( you can find much more child friendly ones in Rome on this list ).

The Vatican museums are vast, nothing can be touched and the Sistine chapel even requires you to be silent, something that can be really hard for kids.

Our experience at the Vatican with kids

We visited the Vatican with the kids on a January morning when they were about 4 and 6.

We opted to go with a guided tour specifically for families ( this one ) and spent the whole morning between the museum, the Sistine Chapel and then, on our own, in St Peter’s square.

It was an experience that left us with mixed emotions (mostly awe and exhaustion) but that brought home two important points:

• When visiting the Vatican with kids you need to be prepared
• A private family tour of the museums is worth every cent and it is something I hugely recommend

These are my top tips for visiting the Vatican as a family.

Top tips for Visiting the Vatican with kids: before you go

Decide what to see.

The first thing to know about the Vatican is that it is made by not one attraction but several.

St Peter square, St Peter’s basilica, St Peter’s dome and the Vatican museums are all close to each other (they are attached to each other, even) but they have different entrances with different ticketing systems, and visiting one, another or all of them requires some planning.

So my first advice for visiting the Vatican with kids is: decide what to see!

St Peter’s square

The easiest part of the Vatican to visit with children in tow is by far the main square.

This is a large outdoor space, opening up in front of the stunning St Peter’s basilica and you don’t need any special preparation, ticket or precaution to enter.

You can read here >>> my guide to St Peter’s Square and how to enjoy it with kids .

The square is technically in a different state than Italy, which is something kids usually love to learn about, but doesn’t have a border crossing as such as can be visited like any other square in the city.

If you want to see the Vatican and you are happy with a beautiful view of it from the outside, you need nothing else than showing up: it is easy and stunning.

A visit to the Square is what I recommend to families who want to see the Vatican but not the museums .

St Peter’s basilica main floor

St Peter’s basilica dominates the square by the same name and is a sight to behold.

You can enjoy its impressive facade easily from the outside but you can also visit it inside with kids with reasonable ease.

The main floor of the basilica is free and while the queue can be tiring for kids, the inside is usually a hit with them.

The basilica is huge, record-breaking (the biggest in the world of its kids) and the decorations are so elaborate they will catch the children’s attention, making this an easy place to visit as a family.

No tickets are required to see the basilica but some are available specifically for those who want to skip the line .

These can be a good option but be aware that everyone has to pass through security so some queuing is always involved.

St Peter’s dome

St Peter’s dome is the crown at the top of St Peters’ basilica but I mention it separately because you need a separate ticket for visiting and so required slightly different planning.

The dome is really fun to climb and the view from the top amazing (you see Rome but also the very beautiful and manicured Vatican gardens), something kids will most likely enjoy.

However, it is not a good place if you suffer from fear of heights, something I am sure you had already guessed, and it is also not good if you have any problems with enclosed, small spaces – the staircase up gets pretty claustrophobic!

Climbing St peter’s dome with kids is an activity I would only tackle with slightly older kids and kids who will be able to to walk all the way up.

I personally would not recommend it with a toddler or to anyone who may find the peculiarity of that space challenging.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

When inquiring about visiting the Vatican with kids most people are looking at the Vatican museums,the large, beautiful and famous art gallery of the Vatican state.

The museums are just beside the basilica but operate with a different ticketing system and have a separate entrance: while you can get from the museums to the basilica, you cannot do the opposite, so this is important to know when getting your bearings in the area.

Visiting the Vatican museums with kids is quite and undertaking and the largest part of this article ill be devoted to tops for visiting them wit kids, rather than the other areas.

The Sistine Chapel is part of the Vatican museum and we will share specific tips for visiting later in this post.

As I mentioned above, my favorite way to visit the Vatican with kids is with a family tour .

This private family tour of the Vatican , for instance is brilliant as it manages to transform a potentially boring museum in a treasure trove of wonders, thanks to a game approach.

However, should it out of budget, you can also opt for an entry ticket and tour on your own.

In that case, I highly recommend you select in advance what to see.

Children often love the Carriage Pavilion (with the many incarnations of Pope Mobiles over the years), the Maps Room and the Greek and Roman Gallery. The Sistine Chapel is at the end of the museum so you will not miss it no matter what.

Plan at least a half-day

A visit to the Vatican with kids, but also without, requires some time so my second tip is to had to the Vatican on a day when you can spend there at the very least one morning.

If you are only visiting the square, you are likely not to need more than about half an hour there, plus transport time, but anything else considering how much there is to see and the inevitable lines even just at the metal detector) will delay you.

This is very much not a place to tackle in a hurry.

If you are visiting the Vatican museums with kids, factor in easily at least 4 hours.

Book skip the line, reserved entrance tickets

When planning a visit to the Vatican with kids but even without, I cannot stress enough how important it is to book your tickets in advance.

The tickets I recommend to visit the Vatican Museums with kids are:

Standard entry from the Vatican Museum Website Direct Booking – best value option: the cheapest way to get entrance tickets is to buy them directly from the official Vatican Museum website.

These are timed entrance (so you don’t have to stand in line) and come in several forms, including entrance only, early entrance, guided tours. The simple entrance tickets are the best value you can find.

Vatican Tour for Families by LIvTours – TOP PICK. This is a fantastic, private family tour for families with kids organised by one of my favorite provider of family tours in Italy, LivTours. This tour has a scavenger hunt approach and it is a lot of fun: the guides are fantastic with kids yet still able to deliver a tour that is also great for adults and they make this difficult museum a pleasure to visit, even with children in tow!

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour for kids with scavenger hunt – this is a great tour organised by Rome4Kids, perfect for children who enjoy a scavenger hunt/ game approach.

Vatican Museum Early Entrance Small Group Tour – this is a tour only few companies can offer and that allows you to enter the Museums early in the morning, before the official opening, so that you see them without the crowds.

While not specifically for kids, the tour is in a small group so it feel personal and the presence of the guide for few participants mean as parent, you can be sure your needs are taken into account.

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica Family friendly Tour

Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour for families with kids , another good tour by a reliable company designed with kids in mind.

Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel entry ticket – not a tour but an entry ticket, for families who prefer to explore in their own time

Dress appropriately

You may have heard that the Vatican has a strict dress code and the importance of abiding by it cannot be highlighted enough.

People get regularly refused entrance to the Vatican if dressed inappropriately and yes, this applies also to valid ticket holders and the museums (mostly because of the Sistine Chapel)

You don’t need to worry too much though: once you know that the dress code is (see below), all you need to do is come prepared – they don’t require you to wear anything extravagant so you should have no problems finding something suitable, even if traveling light.

At the Vatican, the following items are not allowed:

• Above the knee shorts (this applies to men and women), even if you cover yourself with wrap
• Mini skirts (same as above)
• Strapless / sleeveless tops such as spaghetti straps camisoles and tank tops (for men too)
• Tops that leave exposed the belly / cleavage / bare back
• Anything see through or so tight-fitting to be revealing
• Hats (not strict in the museums but strict in the basilica and chapel)
• Bulky rucksacks (for security reasons)

Items of clothing that you may not be sure about but are allowed in the Vatican are:

• T-shirt that covers the shoulder (aka: normal t-shirts and polo shorts)
• Capri pants (ankle length)
• Normal bags such as cross-body bags for women

When it comes to kids, the dress code is a little more relaxed but it still applies.

If you have pre-teens and teenagers, they must follow the very same rules as grown ups while younger kids don’t get usually stopped, as long as they have somewhat church appropriate clothing (they definitely don’t need their Sunday, best just avoid swimsuit tops and similar, just dress them for the city and they will be ok).

Please note: the dress code is strict for St Peter basilica but also for the Sistine chapel so even if only seeing the museums (of which the chapel is part of ) you need to be prepared.

You can find here >>> my full guide to dressing for the Vatican and Vatican dress code

Visiting the Vatican with kids: stroller rules

If you have very young children you will be happy to hear that the Vatican Museums allow strollers and are stroller friendly.

Part of the museums is accessible via an accessible path and parts have lift. However, if you follow the standard route you will have to occasionally lift the stroller as, occasionally, there are step.

If this is not an option, ask the members of staff in each room to direct you towards the nearest accessible area.

The downside it having a pushchair is that the crowds are so intense you may find yourself repeatedly driving into other people’s ankles; just be aware of this an plan a little extra time as it will take you longer than expected to maneuver a stroller there.

Unlike the Museums, St Peter’s Basilica does not allow strollers: they can however be left at the basilica cloakroom.

Good to know : not all tours allow strollers. If visiting with a tour operator, make sure you make clear arrangements beforehand.

Visiting the Vatican with kids: tips for your visit

For the day of your visit, these are the things that worked for us:

Decide what rooms to see

Study the layout of the museum before you start your visit and decide which parts will be of most interest.

The museums are vast and you will not be able to see them in their entirety with a small child.

Make sure you get a map with the layout so can decide what areas are your priority and what can be left for last (or skipped)

Head to the carriage pavilion first

Very close to the entrance sits the carriage pavilion, for many young kids the best part of the museum.

In this pavilion you have all the papal carriages used over the centuries, ranging from horse-drawn ones to the modern papa mobile. This is a fun area for them, usually not too crowded and, most of the times, a great way to set the mood right.

Get them hunting

We visited the museum with a treasure hunt style tour and it worked wonders.

Even without a tour, you can easily make a scavenger hunt for your kids: Get hold of some postcards of masterpieces you know are in the museums and get them searching – with our two, it works every time!

Pre-book lunch

The Vatican museums have a cafe and child friendly restaurant inside (they even have a kids’ menu) but unless you book in advance you may find yourself waiting in line for an inordinate amount of time.

This is easily solved with some clever planning and booking in advance for your family from the Vatican website here (in Italian, but the contact details on the website and ticket options are in several languages).

Please note that the museums’ cafe and restaurant is accessible to ticket holders only.

Head outside

Every time you are in proximity of outside space, make the most of it! Even in January we found that being able to go outside and get some fresh air went along way to make the kids and ourselves recover from the crowded rooms. It also makes for great photos: the Vatican is stunning everywhere

Visiting the Sistine Chapel with kids

You visit the Sistine chapel at the end of your museum visit but I treat is separately because it is very different form the rest and follows different rules.

The main thing to know is that the visit operates in shifts and you can only stay an allocated amount of time. You go in with a group of people and then you all come out.

Also, the Sistine chapel requires silence and it has a no photo policy.

To visit the chapel with kid, I recommend the following:

Show them the details before

Show them photos of the ceiling before and identify some elements for the to spot once in the chapel.

I recommend you choose reasonably easy to find ones: the ceiling is vast and fa away so tiny details won’t be easily spotted and may cause frustration.

Prepare them about the silence and no photo requirement

The visit to the chapel doesn’t last long but the rules about silence and photos are strict for kids too.

Head to the partition wall

As soon as you get into the Sistine chapel, walk towards the partition wall (you will spot it straigh away).

Here you find very few seats and step kids can use to sit and rest: I highly recommend you make a beeline for them as they get taken fast!

Tours of the Vatican museums for families with kids

Several companies offer specialized family tours of the Vatican.

Vatican Tour for Families by LivTours – TOP PICK. This is a fantastic, private family tour for families with kids organised by one of my favorite provider of family tours in Italy, LivTours. This tour has a scavenger hunt approach and it is a lot of fun: the guides are fantastic with kids yet still able to deliver a tour that is also great for adults and they make this difficult museum a pleasure to visit, even with children in tow!

Vatican Museum Early Entrance Small Group Tour by LivTours – this is a tour only few companies can offer and that allows you to enter the Museums early in the morning, before the official opening, so that you see them without the crowds.

While not specifically for kids, the tour is in a small group so it feels personal and the presence of the guide for few participants mean as parent, you can be sure your needs are taken into account.

While you will not be alone in the museum, the crowds will be significantly lower.

Since the high number of visitors is the biggest problem when visiting the Vatican with kids (or without) this is a great option that will repay the early start with a wonderful experience.

I hope you found this post useful and it helped to answer the questions: what are the best tips for visiting the Vatican with kids?

My name is Marta, I am a travel-loving mama born and bred in that messy, wonderful, infuriating, awe-inspiring unbelievably beautiful city that is Rome. A classics graduate and professional travel blogger, on this site I share my insider tips to help you plan your dream trip to Rome, Italy.

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The best 6 Vatican City tours

Home / Blog / The best 6 Vatican City tours

As you pass the tall, looming walls in Rome that hold the Vatican City on the other side, you can practically feel the effects of stepping into another city.

The buildings and monuments shine with a pearly sheen, glittering under the sun.

The gaze is met with the most sacred of art and Catholic architecture, with St. Peter’s basilica standing in all it grandeur on St. Peter’s square designed by Bernini, and with the nearby Vatican Museums with which is attached the sublime Sistine Chapel.

This article gives you suggestions for  the best guided tours of Vatican City. Read ahead to determine which ones seem to be the best fit for you, or that capture your imagination the most.

Early morning Vatican tour

The symphony of the chirping birds has just started as you step into Vatican City after the dawn breaks. The expansive collections held within the famed museums are for you to enjoy alone, without masses of crowds bustling all around you, dampening your experience. The crisp morning air welcomes you as you stand before St Peter’s Basilica on an incredibly designed square by Bernini. You enter the basilica to marvel at all its splendour; all of this is done during the early rays of the day.

This tour is for you if: You would prefer to visit Vatican City  in total tranquility.

Early Morning Vatican Tour | Private

Sistine chapel and vatican museum express tour.

You have reached one of your dream destinations, and you can hardly believe it! Here in Rome there is so much to see. With the few days you have available, you want to make sure you can extract the most potential out of your trip. Visiting Vatican City is a non-negotiable, but you want to determine that you can visit the other wonders of Rome as well.

Our guides are aware of such desires and can tailor your Vatican tour to expertly guide you through the museums and the glorious Sistine Chapel . They would omit entrance into St. Peter’s Basilica to shave some time off your tour, but will end on the square so you still have a chance to marvel at the exterior of the basilica.

This tour is for you if: You would like to optimize your time in Rome.

Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums Express Tour | Private

Vatican gardens tour

Although much less opted for, the combination of  visiting the Vatican gardens as well as the museums is an electrifying experience! Imagine wandering around winding paths to discover English, French and Italian-style gardens , accentuated with the soundscapes of murmuring fountains and breezes swifting through leaves.

There are a myriad of focal points in the Vatican gardens such as Lourde’s Grotto , Tower of St. John , Casino Pio IV , the Vatican heliport and the Rose Garden . After your guide has fully immersed you in the histories of the landscape design of these grounds, you will then have entrance into the Vatican Museums .

This tour is for you if: You would like to immerse yourself in both the art and the nature of the sacred Vatican City.

Vatican Gardens Tour | Private

Treasure hunt at the vatican (for kids).

The reality of exploring Rome is underway, and behind ancient walls lies the Vatican City which is another dream within a dream. However, you are worried about whether the entire family will be able to enjoy the sacredness of the city-state. Will the children get bored during the extensive stretch that exploring the Vatican is?

We have devised an approach to the Vatican for the kids. Our expert guides will accompany them through a treasure hunt with enthralling gamified activities ! With clues and riddles to follow and solve, your younger ones will gallop toward discovering art and artifacts, hence getting familiarized with some of the most iconic symbols of Vatican history.

This tour includes making a stop at the Sistine Chapel as well as putting a fun, educational spin on St. Peter’s Basilica .

This tour is for you if: You are traveling as a family and would like to have a different experience while also involving your children in an active way.

Treasure Hunt at the Vatican for Kids Tour | Private

Vatican tour for kids with mummies and popemobile

This tour is an alternative to the treasure hunt, yet it holds a lot of the same qualites: Gripping and fast-paced through the use of gamified activities to make the Vatican all the more memorable!

Your guide will sprinkle in fun facts throughout as they lead your children in and out of the doors of the world’s most famous Catholic site. There will be special emphasis on the mummies in the Egyptian Museum , as they always seem to capture the imagination. Other important stops will consist of the Gallery of the Candelabra , Gallery of the Maps and of course, the magnificent Sistine Chapel .

The most unique aspect of this tour however is showing the children the popemobile , which is a motor vehicle that is specifically designed to be used by the pope for special public appearances! With the popemobile being likened to the Batmobile, your little ones will be enthralled by its unique look and uses.

This tour is for you if: You are looking for a family-friendly option for journeying Vatican City.

Vatican Tour for Kids with Mummies & Popemobile | Private

Vatican tour by night.

The Vatican at night creates an atmosphere that is undeniably steeped in serenity. The torchlit ambiance lends even more allure to the experience of drifting from hall to hall in the museums to see the Catholic Church’s  extraordinary art collection. With St. Peter’s Basilica being closed in the evenings, your tour guide will indulge you in extensively answering all your curiosities about the galleries. You will also get to spend more undisturbed time to gaze at Michelangeloe’s wondrous frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.

If you wish to do so, an aperitivo can be arranged in the museum’s Courtyard of the Pine . You can enjoy some drinks under a dark, inky sky and all the while be surrounded by the architecture of the Vatican.

This tour is for you if: You would like to discover the Vatican and its architecture under a new perspective.

Vatican Tour by Night | Private

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21 BEST Vatican Tours in Rome (selected by an Italian)

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: October 5, 2023

Categories Europe , Italy

Looking for Vatican Tours in Rome? The Vatican is one of the key places to visit in the city, and in this article, you’ll find the most memorable visits to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Check them out!

Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world and it can be found in the heart of Rome, surrounded by it. One of the major draws of the Vatican is its religious significance, being home to the  Pope, the head of the Catholic Church. However, Vatican City is also a center for art and culture. 

The Vatican Museums house artistic treasures of the likes of Michelangelo , Da Vinci , Raphael , Caravaggio , and Botticelli . The world-class frescos, paintings, and sculptures are the second most important reason why the Vatican is visited, along with its architecture. 

The Vatican has a rich history that goes back hundreds of years and has been the protagonist of many conspiracies, best-selling novels, and historic events. All of which you’ll get to learn during a Vatican guided tour! 

In this article, you’ll find the best Vatican tours in Rome , offering everything from museums and Sistine Chapel visits to a Papal Audience, early entry tickets, and 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. 

Table of Contents

OUR PICKS: The BEST Vatican Tours in Rome 

▶️ 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

▶️ Beat the crowds and dive straight into the marvels of Vatican City with this Complete Early Morning Vatican Tour: Small Group with Breakfast . Explore the Gallery of Maps, where history and geography entwine in captivating frescoes, visit the awe-striking Sistine Chapel, and marvel at the world-renowned tapestries in the Gallery of Tapestries. 

You’ll also get a chance to be blown away by the sheer grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, and stand in front of Michelangelo’s Pietà , and Bernini’s Baldachin . Enjoy exclusive access, savor breakfast, and relish a personalized experience with this small group tour. 

📝 This tour includes : A guide, Vatican entrance before the general public, skip-the-line tickets for St. Peter’s Basilica, and breakfast. ➥ 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

The Most Exclusive Vatican Tour: The Experience of a Lifetime

Step into the extraordinary with the most exclusive tour in town: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Key Master’s Tour in Rome . Join the Vatican’s revered Key Master on an unforgettable journey through the 500-year-old Vatican Museums. 

Experience the magic of dawn as you unlock the doors to stunning galleries and chapels before the crowds show up. You will marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, and wander through the Vatican’s treasures with the sole company of your small group and the head clavigero . 

Be enthralled by the fascinating 20,000 exhibited pieces as they flicker to life for the day, and get up close to the most coveted art pieces without having to fight the masses. 

📝 This Vatican key master tour includes : Vatican Museums entry ticket, and an official Vatican guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

The BEST Early Entry Vatican Tours

▶️ Delight in a tranquil escape into the heart of the Vatican with the Pristine Sistine Early Entrance Small Group Vatican Tour . You’ll be one of the first visitors of the day, getting to witness Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel without pushing through crowds. 

With exclusive access, explore the Raphael Rooms and the Vatican Museums with up to 15 other people, ensuring a personalized excursion. An expert guide will lead the way and reveal fascinating secrets hidden within the artwork of Italy’s greats. 

Cap off the experience with a special passage to St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the major landmarks of the Vatican. 

📝 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

▶️ 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

▶️ Indulge in a Breakfast: Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Tour to beat the rush hour with an early start. This exclusive morning visit includes an Italian-American breakfast buffet at the Vatican Museums, and exclusive access to the major attractions. 

You’ll get to explore the Museums before the public arrives, and marvel at the renowned Sistine Chapel in a more intimate setting. With skip-the-line access, you’ll breeze into St. Peter’s Basilica through a reserved entrance, getting to discover art masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s baldacchino canopy. 

This unique tour guarantees an intimate adventure and a heavenly start to your day in the heart of Rome.

📝 This tour includes : A guide, a breakfast buffet, a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica with entrance tickets, and headsets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Vatican Night Tours

▶️ With this Exclusive After Hours Sist i ne Chapel Tour with Aperitivo , enjoy an unforgettable journey to Vatican City. Discover the Vatican Museums’ hidden treasures, including the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps. 

Learn fascinating stories from your guide as you roam around the rooms, and then head to the Sistine Chapel long before the crowds have departed. You’ll stand in awe at its attractions with just 100 other people around you…instead of the usual 2 thousand! 

To top it off, indulge in a delightful Italian aperitivo in Pinecone Courtyard after the visit. 

📝 This Vatican after hours tour includes : Skip-the-line access to the Vatican, after-hours entrance to the Sistine Chapel, a tour guide, and an aperitivo. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Join this Vatican Museums Night Tour with Sistine Chapel to benefit from the after-hours access that will allow you to explore the attractions without the daytime masses. 

You’ll be accompanied by a small group and an expert guide who will lead the way around the Vatican Museums and its rooms. Marvel at ancient sculptures like Apollo Belvedere, soak in the mesmerizing frescoes, and unravel captivating stories behind the artworks. 

Finally, bask in the celestial beauty of the Sistine Chapel as your guide unveils its secrets. With skip-the-line tickets and insider knowledge, this Vatican at-night tour is an art lover’s dream come true!

📝 This Vatican evening tour includes : A guide, after-hours access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, and a headset. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

St. Peter’s Basilica Tours & 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

▶️ Unravel the rich history and divine beauty of the Vatican on this St. Peter’s Basilica & Cupola Guided tour with Breakfast . Marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpieces, including the dome and La Pietà sculpture, and delve into 2000 years of history as you explore the holiest of Roman Catholic sites with an expert. 

Marvel at Bernini’s striking Baldacchino , visit the tomb of Pope John Paul II, and soak in the grandeur of St. Peter’s Square, home to the iconic Egyptian Obelisk. You’ll also enjoy a tasty Italian breakfast with your guide and fellow visitors!

📝 This Vatican breakfast tour includes : A guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Cupola with entry tickets, headsets, and breakfast at Al San Michele. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

The Best 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 Tours with Vatican Visit

▶️ Embark on a lightning-fast, action-packed full-day trip of the Eternal City with this Rome in a Day: Colosseum, Vatican Museums & Historic Rome Small-Group Skip-the-Line Tour . 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. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Enjoy a top-notch Roman adventure with this Colosseum and Vatican Museum Guided Tour w/Lunch & Luxury Car . Your expert guide will bring history to life as you wander around the ancient Colosseum and marvel at the ruins of the Empire at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. 

Enjoy a tour of the city’s historic center, passing by Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon, and stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Then, get ready for a Vatican City guided tour as you make your way in a fancy vehicle. 

As with most Vatican tours with skip-the-line, you’ll breeze past the queues to explore the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, and enjoy your guide’s interesting stories about the art pieces displayed. This private tour, which starts and ends at your hotel, accommodates up to 15 people. 

📝 This tour includes : Roundtrip transportation, a private guide, a luxury car throughout the tour, lunch, skip-the-line access to all sites, and a guided tour of the Vatican, the Colosseum, and the city of Rome. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

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

▶️ This Papal Audience in Rome Private Tour grants you exclusive access to the weekly Papal Audience that takes place in the Vatican on Wednesdays. 

You’ll enjoy a prime spot to witness Pope Francis deliver greetings, blessings, and homilies, as your private guide shows you the ropes and ensures you fully understand the ceremony and make the most of it. Plus, door-to-door transfers make sure you arrive in style and on time. 

📝 This tour includes : A private guide, and hotel pick-up. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

A Vatican Tour with Castel Gandolfo (Pope’s Summer Residence)

With this Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens & Castel Gandolfo Day Tour , skip the long lines and dive into the Vatican Museums before the crowds hit. With a witty art historian, stroll through the Tapestries, Candelabra, and Maps galleries while learning about the pieces of art you’ll walk past. 

Then make your way to the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s genius will leave you in awe, and enjoy the serenity of the Vatican Gardens, an authentic hidden gem.

Finally, hop on a train to visit Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer retreat, and wander around the Barberini Gardens, relishing the history amidst lush greenery. Cap the tour off with a delectable feast of local delights. 

📝 This tour includes : A guide, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel visit with early access, roundtrip train tickets to Castel Gandolfo, and entrance to the site. ➥ 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. 

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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