Viator
4.5
388 reviews
Semi-Private Vatican Museums Highlights and Sistine Chapel Tour
★ 4.5 (632 reviews, Viator and Tripadvisor) · Operator: Maximus Tours
- 3 h on the listing; the time can vary by option
- Up to 10 people, up to 10 per booking
- Live guide: English
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Editor's take
Maximus finishes with a Basilica introduction outside St Peter's. You spend 3 hours with an English-speaking guide in a group capped at 10. The main visit covers the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
Raphael's Rooms and the Gallery of Maps are part of your route. Headsets help you follow the guide. You go inside St Peter's on your own afterwards. Pick another tour if guiding inside the Basilica matters more to you.
What does the Maximus Vatican tour include?
1 option. Prices are per adult for a party of two, the usual lowest price of each option. The booking page shows the price for your date.
| Option | When | Guide | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel Tour - Skip The Line! | Daily 08:00, 08:30, 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 11:00 and more | English | €150 |
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Entrance fees
- All Fees and Taxes
- Radio headsets (hear the guide clearly at all times)
- Guaranteed to skip the long lines
- Small group of 10 people
Not included
- Gratuities (optional)
- Food & Beverage
Tour or official ticket?
Maximus starts from €150 against €25 for official Museums entry, which also includes the Sistine Chapel. You pay the extra for a guide and headsets, with an introduction to St Peter's from outside. For an independent visit, the official ticket and free Basilica entry cost less.
Meeting point
You will find your Vatican tour guide 'at the very bottom of the Stairs' of Via Tunisi, holding signs that say MAXIMUS TOURS. These stairs are directly opposite the entrance of the Vatican Museum. (We DO NOT meet on the steps of the Vatican Museums entrance you must cross the street).
Itinerary
From the operator: Maximus Tours's own description of the route.
Vatican Museums
We tour the highlights of the Vatican Museums; the largest collection in the world.
Stop 2
Greek and Roman Statues come to life in the Gallery of the Candelabra.
Stop 3
Explore the extent of the Papal kingdom meticulously mapped hundreds of years ago.
Stop 4
See the works and optical illusions woven into huge tapestries.
Raphael Rooms
Enjoy the masterful works of Raphael
Sistine Chapel
Here we enjoy Michelangelo's amazing fresco's including the 'Creation of Man' on the ceiling and 'Last Judgment' on the alter wall.
St Peter's Square
The tour will finish in St. Peter's Square, directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica where the guide will give you an introduction to the basilica from the outside.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Know before you go
From the operator: Maximus Tours's own notes for this tour.
Tickets and ID
- All youth under 18 years must present a valid ID and document with date of birth.
What to wear
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No bare knees, no bare shoulders no bare stomachs. You are allowed to wear shorts, dress and skirts however the cloth must fall long enough to cover the ball of the knees and shoulders for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
Access and children
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A moderate amount of walking is involved.
Good to know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Reviews
4.5 out of 5 from 632 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor together. 87% gave 4 or 5 stars.
Tripadvisor
4.6
244 reviews
As shown on Viator, read . The rating is for the whole listing, not for one option, and we do not have the review texts.
Photos
From the Maximus Tours listing, 15 photos in all.
From the operator
From the operator: Maximus Tours's own description of the tour.
Explore the crown jewels of Rome with an expert licensed guide on an intimate semi-private Vatican tour (max 10 guests). Fast-track your entry past general public lines to maximize time inside the world's most renowned art collection. Navigate the Vatican Museums, including the Pinecone Courtyard, Gallery of Maps, Gallery of Tapestries, and Candelabra Gallery. Admire Raphael’s Rooms before entering the breathtaking Sistine Chapel to behold Michelangelo’s legendary ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment.
Read more
This tour will finish directly in front of St. Peter’s Basilica where you are free to explore on your own after the tour. Key Highlights: • Semi private and small group of 10 people for a personalized, unhurried experience • Skip-the-line ticket reservation saves hours of waiting • Engaging commentary from an expert art historian guide • Headsets provided for crystal-clear audio
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