Sistine Chapel, St.Peter's and Crypts - skip the line

General information

Destination	Category
Rome, Italy	Attractions/Entertainment

Program details

Discover all the most impressive secrets of the Vatican on this comprehensive tour of the smallest country in the world. This is the ideal trip for those with limited time who don’t want to miss the beauty of the Sistine Chapel or St Peter’s Basilica; on this quality two hour escorted experience, not only will you set eyes upon the famous Basilica, you will be the first inside.

Meet up with your charming guide outside the Vatican Museums before official opening hours. Skip all the lines and walk straight into the Sistine Chapel. Absorb the timeless beauty of this awe-inspiring work of art. Within Michelangelo’s magnificent chapel, the serene atmosphere created by the absence of crowds will elate you like no other tour will.

Once you have had your fill of the splendid Creation of Adam and the infamous Last Judgement, it is time to move on to St Peter’s Basilica. Your escort will lead you through the side access to the Basilica directly from the exit of the Sistine Chapel, once again avoiding the tedious queuing. Inside, the staggering beauty of the architecture will blow you away. Here you can set eyes upon Michelangelo’s moving Pieta and Bernini’s towering masterpiece: a baroque baldachin with twirling columns.

Last but not least is an incursion into the Crypts of the Popes, housed in the space between the older fourth century Basilica and St Peter’s, built on top. Wrap up the visit by stepping out onto Bernini’s architectural masterpiece: St Peter’s Square.

Meeting/pick-up point: At the bottom of the wide steps across the street from the entrance of the Vatican Museums. The steps are located between Caffè Vaticano and Hotel Alimandi Vaticano, on the corner of Viale Vaticano and Via Tunisi.
Duration: Two hours.
Start/opening time: 7.30am.
Languages: English.
Others: We are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group tours. Entrance into the Vatican requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women.

Extra measures may be implemented at some venues due to heightened global security. As a result, we may experience delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues. Extra measures may also restrict the size of bags that can be brought inside. To avoid disruptions or possible denied entry, we strongly suggest that you avoid bringing large handbags, bags, or rucksacks on your tour.- The Vatican only permits very small bags, and specifically prohibits large bags, tripods, umbrellas, and backpacks. Any such items must be checked into the free luggage storage area which may result in your having to leave the tour early to retrieve them at the entrance. Others: On Wednesday mornings & afternoons St. Peter's Basilica may be closed to the public due to the Papal Audience taking place in Saint Peter’s Square. The Basilica is also subject to last minute closures for religious ceremonies. When this occurs, we are happy to offer customers a longer tour of the Vatican Museums in keeping with the advertised total length of the tour.