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VIP Sistine Chapel Early Entrance and Vatican Small Group Tour

Visit the Sistine Chapel Before Opening Hours

Enter the Sistine Chapel before it opens to the general public and enjoy Michelangelo’s masterpieces in peace before embarking on a thorough guided tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. There is simply no better way to see the highlights of the Vatican without the crowds that can overrun the galleries later in the day.

The Sistine Chapel wasn’t meant to be seen standing shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of other people. Beat the crowds by entering 45 minutes before the Chapel opens to the public, and enjoy the incredible frescoes in relative peace. After spending quality time with Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Chapel, your guide will lead you on a full tour of the Vatican Museums, stopping to see all the most important works. Since you have started early, you’ll stay one step ahead of the crowds in most galleries as you enjoy fantastic art like the Raphael Rooms, the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoon and Sons, and more.

When you’ve covered the museums, you’ll enter the Sistine Chapel again, much more crowded now, and pass through a special corridor that lets you skip the lines into St. Peter’s Basilica. Here, you’ll enjoy an hour-long tour of the immense Basilica, including stops at Michelangelo’s heart-wrenching Pietá and Bernini’s enormous Baldachin altar. Afterwards, you’re free to explore St. Peter’s Basilica for as long as you want. You will visit the Sistine Chapel and Vatican in a small group with an expert local guide. With headsets for every guest, you’ll never have to worry about losing your group or missing some interesting piece of information, and there is plenty to learn to bring these world famous Vatican halls and rooms to life!

An early morning VIP access tour of the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Basilica is the best way to see some of the most important sites in Rome.

Tour Highlights

  • Early access inside the Sistine Chapel
  • Skip the Line entry into the Vatican Museums
  • Guided tour inside the Vatican Museums
  • Raphael Rooms
  • Skip the Line entry into St. Peter's Basilica
  • One-hour guided tour inside St. Peter's Basilica
  • View Calendar
    • Live Guide
    • Skip the line early-access tickets for Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel)
    • Skip the line access to St. Peter’s Basilica with guided tour

  • This tour meets just outside the green bar in the middle of Piazza del Risorgimento Square. This is the only bar/cafè located on the square. The bar is on the side of the square towards via Crescensio - close to Tram stop number 19. The closest Metro/Underground stop is Ottaviano.

  • English
    • The tour meeting time is at 6:45am. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals after tour departure.
    • The Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica are active places of worship, and attire must be appropriate for the visit. Both men and women are asked to wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees.
    • St.Peter's Basilica may be closed during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. If this occurs during your visit, we will spend more time inside the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. We are unable to provide refunds in this case.
    • While the Vatican Museums are equipped with elevators for wheelchair and stroller access, they are not located on the group tour route and only give access to specific sections of the Museums. Please contact Customer Service to make further arrangements.
    • Guests may only carry small handbags inside the Vatican Museums. Larger backpacks, bags, and big pointy umbrellas must be left at the cloakroom. It is the responsibility of the guest to return to the Vatican Museums entrance to collect these after the tour.
    • Please ensure that all members of your party have a valid ID on them on the day of the visit. This is particularly important for guests who have qualified for child reduction.

FAQ

  • Expand/Collapse What does Fat Tire Approved mean?

    We've been perfecting our tours since 1999, and we are always looking for new ways to improve our tour menu for our guests. We are committed to expanding the activities offered throughout Europe to make for an unforgettable experience. So for all of the experiences that we aren't able to deliver on our own, we've hand-selected the best local providers to offer a wide-range of unique and fun activities for our guests.

    With anything Fat Tire Approved, you still receive our spectacular customer service ready to assist you in any way we can, 24/7, as well as the guarantee that we have hand selected the best possible partners to supplement our tour menu.

  • Expand/Collapse Where is the meeting point?

    This tour meets just outside the green bar in the middle of Piazza del Risorgimento Square. This is the only bar/cafè located on the square. The bar is on the side of the square towards via Crescensio - close to Tram stop number 19. The closest Metro/Underground stop is Ottaviano.

    Please note the meeting time is 15 minutes prior to tour start time. Due to the timed and exclusive nature of our entries, we do not have the luxury of waiting for guests, or catching them up after the fact. No refunds or re‐bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no shows after tour commencement or departure.

  • Expand/Collapse Can I take photos during the tour?

    Yes and no. You are welcome to take photos in designated areas including many rooms of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica, but please note photography is strictly prohibited inside the Sistine Chapel.

  • Expand/Collapse How early do I need to arrive at the meeting point?

    The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. Therefore, since this tour begins at 7:00am, you must arrive by 6:45am. No refunds or re‐bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no shows after tour commencement or departure.

  • Expand/Collapse What is your cancellation policy?

    We're happy to offer free changes and 100% refund up to 24 hours before tour* Failure to cancel a reservation at least 24 hours prior to scheduled departure may result in forfeited travel funds. Fare difference may apply.

    *See restrictions here

  • Expand/Collapse What is your weather policy?

    Our tours run rain or shine. 

  • Expand/Collapse Is this tour appropriate for children?

    Absolutely! Please note that we are on our feet the duration of the tour when deciding if this tour is appropriate for your family.

    While the Vatican Museums are equipped with elevators for wheelchair and stroller access, they are not located on the group tour route and only give access to specific sections of the Museums. Please contact Customer Service to make further arrangements.

  • Expand/Collapse Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

    While the Vatican Museums are equipped with elevators for wheelchair and stroller access, they are not located on the group tour route and only give access to specific sections of the Museums. Please contact Customer Service to make further arrangements.

  • Expand/Collapse Are reservations required?

    Yes, reservations are required for this tour. 

  • Expand/Collapse How big will my group be?

    This tour operates in groups of 14 people maximum to ensure a personal experience.

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