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Planning a trip to the Vatican? You’re in the right place!
We’ve spent plenty of time exploring the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, and we’ve learned that the right tour makes all the difference. Without one, you’ll waste hours in line and struggle through packed galleries. But with expert guides, early access, or small-group options, visiting the Vatican becomes a seamless, immersive experience.
From skip-the-line entry to private and early morning tours, we’ve rounded up the best ways to explore this iconic site. Whether you want an in-depth history lesson, a stress-free visit, or VIP-level access, these top-rated tours ensure you see the Vatican at its best—without the hassle. Let’s get started!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE Vatican tour we did was this skip-the-line entry tour! Not only did we breeze past queues for the Vatican but also at the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. We learned so much from our expert guide, making this tour totally worthwhile!
Check out the 25,000+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Best Vatican Tours in Rome
- 1. 3-hour tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica with skip-the-line entry
- 2. Top-rated tour of Vatican City, Museums, Sistine Chapel
- 3. Early morning semi or private tour of the Vatican, Sistine, St. Peter's Basicilla
- 4. Full-day Rome tour, including entry to the Vatican, Colosseum, and Historic Center
- 5. Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Raphael's Rooms
- 6. Small group tour and skip the line – Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St Peter
- Other Activities to do While in Rome
- Where to Stay in Rome
- Thanks for reading!
- Stay safe in Europe & avoid scams!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
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Best Vatican Tours in Rome
1. 3-hour tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica with skip-the-line entry
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 8 am – 12:05 pm
- Highlights: Visit the Vatican Museums with skip-the-line access, hear informative commentary as you admire the art and architecture
- Inclusions: An expert tour guide with over 10 years of experience, guaranteed skip-the-line admission tickets to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 10,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
The first time we visited the Vatican Museums, we completely underestimated how long we’d be standing in line. Hours passed while guided groups strolled right in. That’s why this skip-the-line tour was the best decision for our second round—we walked straight inside, spending our time admiring masterpieces instead of waiting in the heat.
Our guide, Guido, was a walking encyclopedia with a talent for storytelling. He led us through the maze of galleries, bringing ancient sculptures, intricate tapestries, and Renaissance masterpieces to life.
Every room had a story, and he made sure we got the best photo angles without rushing us. We were worried we wouldn’t spend enough time inside, but he somehow managed to cover all the highlights while still giving us time to take it all in.
The Sistine Chapel was the obvious showstopper! Michelangelo’s ceiling defies description, and standing beneath The Last Judgment in total silence made the chaos outside feel worlds away. We could’ve stood there for hours, completely lost in the details!
Then, just when we thought we were done, we walked straight into St. Peter’s Basilica through a special entrance—no extra line, no hassle! The scale of the place is overwhelming, but having Guido explain its hidden details made it even more impressive.
If you want to experience the Vatican without wasting time, this is the way to do it. But don’t just take our word for it—read the thousands of 5-star reviews here and see why travelers say this tour is the best!
Secure this award-winning tour here and spend your time exploring, not waiting!
2. Top-rated tour of Vatican City, Museums, Sistine Chapel
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 8 am to 5:30 pm
- Highlights: Exploring the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica with an expert guide, skip-the-line entry, small group tours available
- Inclusions: Expert guide, entrance fees and priority access, audio headsets
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 35,800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Visiting Vatican City is a must in Rome—skipping it is like missing the Eiffel Tower in Paris. But although we were so excited to see the Vatican, we didn’t fancy queuing for hours, so we booked this tour with skip-the-line access to all of the top sights inside, like the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. This tour even let us bypass the “fast-track” lines, which saved us SO much time.
We were also glad that our knowledgeable guide, Cosimo, took us around the Vatican Museums and explained the history to us. He pointed out hidden details in Raphael’s Rooms that we would have totally missed, like the secret self-portrait Raphael included in “The School of Athens.” Having headsets made it so we could always hear what Cosimo was saying, and we learned a lot.
We especially loved the guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, and of course, seeing the world-famous frescoes in the Sistine Chapel was just incredible. Standing beneath Michelangelo’s masterpiece, trying to take it all in, was a surreal moment we’ll never forget.
The Vatican is a once-in-a-lifetime destination, so we say do it right! This tour has 25,000+ 5-star reviews that you can read here, which is pretty staggering and tells you we aren’t the only ones who loved it. Prices start from €79 and booking in advance can help you snag a better deal.
Book this 5-star tour of the Vatican here to skip the lines and get FREE cancellation!
3. Early morning semi or private tour of the Vatican, Sistine, St. Peter’s Basicilla
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 7:30 am (dates vary)
- Highlights: Early skip-the-line entrance to the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums tour, admire Michelangelo’s work without the daytime crowds, upgrade to a private tour for a more personalized experience
- Inclusions: Local expert guide, early morning entrance to the Vatican Museums, skip-the-line tickets, small-group or private tour (depending on the option selected)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 3,200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Visiting the Vatican Museums during regular hours made it feel like half of Rome was inside with us. Shoulder to shoulder with strangers, struggling to catch a glimpse of the Sistine Chapel—it was overwhelming. That’s why this early access tour was a game-changer. Arriving before the crowds meant we could actually see the art, hear our guide, and take our time reflecting.
Our guide, Laura, was incredible! Her passion for art, architecture, and history made every gallery come alive. She navigated us effortlessly through the Vatican Museums, pointing out hidden details in the Raphael Rooms and unraveling the stories behind the intricate tapestries.
With just six people in our group, we could ask all the questions we wanted, making it feel like a private tour without the hefty price tag.
Then came the Sistine Chapel—without the chaos! Standing beneath The Creation of Adam in near silence was surreal, a stark contrast to the usual packed crowds. And thanks to the VIP access, we walked straight into St. Peter’s Basilica without waiting in yet another line.
If you’re an early bird who wants to explore the Vatican without the stress of crowds, this is the best way to do it. This award-winning early-access tour is a quieter, more intimate experience of one of the world’s greatest treasures. If you still need convincing—just check out the glowing 5-star reviews here!
Reserve this popular early-access tour here for a less crowded Vatican experience!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Full-day Rome tour, including entry to the Vatican, Colosseum, and Historic Center
- Duration: 7.5 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 8:30 am – 10:15 am
- Highlights: Full-day tour of ancient Rome’s Vatican and Colosseum, see Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona, learn about the city’s history, culture, art, and architecture
- Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, transportation to Vatican Museums from downtown Rome, Palatino entrance ticket, Colosseum entrance ticket and reservation fee, small-group or private tour (depending on option selected)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Trying to see Rome’s biggest sights in a single day can feel impossible—long lines, scattered locations, and way too much walking. That’s why this full-day tour was the best decision. With skip-the-line access and expert guidance, we covered the Colosseum, the Vatican, and even Rome’s famous piazzas without feeling overwhelmed.
Our guide, Fabio, was hands-down one of the best we had in Rome! As we stood inside the Colosseum, he brought ancient history to life, painting a vivid picture of the brutal gladiator battles. Then, instead of fighting the crowds inside the Roman Forum, he led us to a panoramic overlook where we could take it all in without the chaos.
After a lunch break at our own expense, we jumped back into exploring. The Vatican Museums were packed with highlights, from the Raphael Rooms to the Gallery of Tapestries, and thanks to our expert guide, we knew exactly how to navigate the maze of artwork.
By the time we reached the Sistine Chapel, Fabio had set the scene perfectly, giving us a whole new level of appreciation for Michelangelo’s masterpiece. With fewer crowds, we could stand beneath it and truly take in every incredible detail.
If you want to experience Rome’s most famous sites in one seamless day, this is the tour for you. Skip the lines, skip the stress, and make the most of your time in the Eternal City!
This full-day tour will likely sell out—book early to save your spot here!
Related Read: If you’re interested in visiting the Colosseum, check out our 5 favorite tours here!
5. Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Raphael’s Rooms
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 8 am – 3:30 pm
- Highlights: Exploring the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms, learn about history, art, and architecture as you make your way through the galleries
- Inclusions: Guaranteed skip-the-line access and entrance tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, guide, direct access to St. Peter’s Basilica, first access, small-group or private tour (depending on options selected)
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 5,400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Even with skip-the-line tickets, some Vatican tours pack in hundreds of people, making it feel like you’re herded through the galleries with barely a moment to look around. That’s why this Vatican tour stood out. With a timed entry and no more than 20 people in our group, not only did we skip the long waits, but we could actually move through the Vatican Museums comfortably—without elbowing our way to see the artwork.
Our guide, Oscar, was brilliant! He packed our two-hour tour with fascinating insights, making sense of the maze of galleries without overwhelming us.
The Gallery of Maps was my personal favorite—seeing Italy’s regions meticulously painted centuries ago was incredible! In the Raphael Rooms, Oscar pointed out the rivalry between Raphael and Michelangelo, making the artwork even more fascinating.
By the time we reached the Sistine Chapel, we felt like we truly understood its significance. The silence inside made it all the more powerful. And if you select the option to include St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ll skip yet another line and walk straight inside. Since you’re already here, you might as well see one of the most important churches in the world!
This tour made visiting the Vatican feel effortless—no overwhelming crowds, no wasted time, just a smooth and enriching experience. Opting for a smaller group with an expert guide (which we highly recommend) made this an unforgettable way to explore one of the most iconic and historically rich sites in the world!
Check availability for your dates here and secure this tour!
Related Read: Looking for some other great activities to do in Rome? Don’t miss our blog about 10 awesome things to do in Rome, Italy—from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, it’s your ultimate guide to experiencing Rome like a pro.
6. Small group tour and skip the line – Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St Peter
- Duration: 3 hours and 15 minutes
- Time: Multiple departure times from 8:30 am – 3 pm
- Highlights: Explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica with skip-the-line entry, see galleries, courtyards, and papal apartments,
- Inclusions: Local, expert guide, semi-private group of six people, skip-the-line access, Pinacoteca, private tour (if option selected)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 3,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
With just six people in our group and skip-the-line entry, this small-group tour felt more like a private VIP experience! No straining to hear, no jostling for space—just a seamless and personal way to explore the Vatican’s treasures.
Our guide, Alessia, was a Vatican history expert! She didn’t just recite facts—she brought the city’s history to life, weaving together the art, architecture, and the fascinating lives of the popes who shaped it. And thanks to her insider knowledge, we took shortcuts that most visitors never get to use, breezing past the usual bottlenecks.
Beyond the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, this tour also took us through the Vatican’s stunning galleries, courtyards, and papal apartments. From the Gallery of Maps to the Raphael Rooms, every stop added layers to our understanding of the Vatican’s history and artistry.
The best part? When we reached the Sistine Chapel, Alessia gave us the full backstory before leading us through a secret door to admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece. Stepping inside, the outside world faded away, leaving only the grandeur of Michelangelo’s masterpiece towering above us.
With such a small group, we had the time and space to appreciate every detail. We could ask all the questions we wanted, and it felt less like a tour and more like exploring with a friend who just happens to be a Vatican expert. For an in-depth experience without the crowds or the cost of a private tour, this is the perfect choice!
Check out the itinerary and reserve this top-rated tour here!
Related Read: For a step-by-step guide to seeing the best of Rome, check out our 3-day Rome itinerary!
Other Activities to do While in Rome
Visiting the Vatican is obviously high on Rome’s bucket list, but there’s so much more to do in this historic city! Here are a few more of our favorite activities we did while in Rome so you can have a full itinerary of epic adventures.
- Visit the Colosseum – The Colosseum is a can’t-miss in Rome! We took this top-rated tour, which gave us special access to the Colosseum via the Gladiators Gate. We also visited Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum – it was an awesome experience!
- Take a food tour – Explore Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood with a local guide and eat your way through the city on this food tour! We had so much fun trying ancient Roman recipes and classic Italian dishes and learning all about this unique part of Rome!
- Spend a day in Tuscany – Escape the city and head to the rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany. We fell in love with this area, all thanks to this amazing full-day tour from Rome. We visited quaint towns, explored farms, and tasted local wine with our 3-course lunch.
- Explore the Catacombs – If you’re a history buff, you must visit Rome’s catacombs and crypts! Since there’s so much to learn here, we joined this guided tour, which also includes skip-the-line entry. This was the best way to visit, it was totally immersive!
- Take a cooking class – The best souvenir to take home is learning how to cook authentic Italian food! We joined this fantastic pasta-making class and had so much fun making ravioli, fettuccine, and even tiramisu!
Related Read: For even more of our top activities, check out our full guide of the best tours and day trips in Rome!
Where to Stay in Rome
Now that you know some of the best activities in Rome, it’s time to find a great hotel! We won’t lie, Rome is an expensive city … but there are still some good deals on hotels if you know where to look.
Here are our top picks across different budgets, each offering a great location, comfort, and that special Roman charm.
Luxury – $$$
If you’re ready to splurge on a truly unforgettable stay, the FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino hits the mark with five-star luxury and an unbeatable location. Set in Rome’s stylish Monti neighborhood, it’s just a 5-minute stroll to the Colosseum and a 15–20 minute walk to the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.
The rooms feel brand new, with plush bedding, fluffy pillows, and some of the most comfortable beds we’ve ever slept in. The hotel’s in-house restaurant serves authentic Roman dishes by Chef Giuseppe Mulargia, while the Palatino American Bar offers some of the best Spritzes in a cozy, upscale setting.
As a bonus, you’ll be steps from Monti’s best local spots, like artisan gelato shops and cozy wine bars most tourists never find. Rooms usually start around €250–€300, with spacious suites also available.
Reserve this luxury Roman getaway at FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino here!
Mid-range – $$ (where we always stay when we visit Rome)
If you want charm, comfort, and a true Roman neighborhood feel, Domus Maggiore is a hidden gem. Set right on the beautiful Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk to Rome’s top sights—close enough to everything, but tucked away from the tourist crowds.
Our room was simple but elegant, with a comfy bed, soaring ceilings, and a balcony overlooking the square. Highly recommended for sipping morning espresso! Each day started with breakfast at the cozy café downstairs, where the great coffee, fresh pastries, and friendly staff made us feel like true locals.
As a bonus, Termini Station is just a 5-minute walk away, and you’ll be steps from the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the most stunning churches in the city. Rooms typically start around €140, offering fantastic value for this prime location.
Book your stay at Domus Maggiore here and experience Rome like a local!
Budget – $
Hotel Giardino d’Europa is a fantastic find for budget travelers who don’t want to sacrifice comfort. Set in a quieter area, it’s still super convenient thanks to the free shuttle to the Anagnina Metro. Plus, being away from the crowds means better local restaurants at half the downtown prices.
Our room was simple but spotless, with a comfy bed, strong AC (a lifesaver in the Roman heat), and free Wi-Fi. The outdoor pool was a surprising bonus, and the daily buffet breakfast had plenty of options to fuel up before sightseeing.
With rates starting around €78 per night, not only is it an amazing value, but it’s the perfect place to unwind after a busy sightseeing day, without sacrificing easy access to the major attractions.
Secure this affordable Roman escape at Hotel Giardino d’Europa here!
Related Read: For a more in-depth description of different areas to stay in Rome and the best hotels, read our blog about Where to Stay in Rome!
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Thanks for reading!
The Vatican is a must-visit while in Rome! After visiting with and without an organized tour, we can confidently say that taking a tour makes the experience much better. We loved our organized tour as we learned a ton and enjoyed extra perks, like skip-the-line entry or early access. No matter which tour you go with, I know it will be a fantastic time!
Before you take off, check out our other Europe travel guides! Whether you’re continuing to travel through Italy or exploring other countries, we have resources to help you plan an epic adventure. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your travels!
3 Days in Rome – The Best Rome Itinerary