Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica

Meeting point

Where

The meeting point is located in Borgo Pio, near St. Peter's square. The exact address is Via Plauto 17/A. IMPORTANT: Please check your booking for the start time of the Vatican ENGLISH tour. Arrive 20 minutes before at the meeting point ( Via Plauto 17A ) for check-in. Thank you ! · Open in Google Maps

Departure

42 start times between 07:50 and 15:35 daily; scheduled through January 2030 (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)

Pickup

No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point

Operator

Vatican Tour; booking and payment are completed on Viator

1. 1
   Borgo

   Meet your tour guide at our office, located in the oldest neighbourhoods of the Vatican, Borgo Pio. Following a self introduction by your guide, you will walk through the charming shops of the Borgo, as he/she shares some local tips for eating and site seeing in Rome, including off the beaten track sites that you must visit during your holiday! Some background will also be provided on the history of the Sistine Chapel (we do it here as the chapel forbids noise and travellers are expected to observe silence once entering).

   40 min
2. Via Della Conciliazione

   Admire the flags and surrounding embassies as you walk through this street, which serve as the primary access point to St. Peter's Square, and by extension, to the Vatican City itself.

   Pass by, no stop
3. 3
   St. Peter's Square

   We arrive at St. Peter's Square, which is marked by a towering Egyptian obelisk and enveloped by columns and statues of saints. Hear about the history of the square and the legendary artist Bernini who designed it. Fun fact- the Pope addresses crowds from his apartment window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, during the Papal audience held every Wednesday and Sunday morning.

   20 min
4. 4
   Citta del Vaticano

   En route to the museum, you will get to see and hear about how residents of the smallest city in the word go about their day to day life (including getting their mail!) Snap a pic of the Swiss guards- the pontifical bodyguards in their distinctly Renaissance uniforms. Our Tip: send yourself a post card after the tour. The post office sells a variety of memorabilia, including stamps with Pope Francis's face! Then, slowly head towards the museum's entrance, where you will be led to a special area reserved for skip-the-line groups.

   15 min
5. 5
   Vatican Museums

   Be prepared to hear about stories as your guide walk you through an astonishing collection of Roman and Greek statues, the gallery of tapestries, and a gallery of maps depicting 16th century Italy.

   45 min · Admission included
6. 6
   Sistine Chapel

   Admire Michelangelo's famous works, including the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgement. This spectacular fresco evokes lifelike images within the mind, vividly portraying stories of mankind in the biblical era. Note that the museum requires visitors to observe silence and a dress code (knees and shoulders covered).

   15 min · Admission included
7. 7
   St. Peter's Basilica

   You will be brought in front of St. Peter's Church, where a special entrance will allow you to enter directly from the museum and bypass the long queue out in the square. Got questions? Ask you guide before parting ways!

   15 min

About this tour, from the operator