Essential Vatican Tour (with Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s): what you should se and take in

History does not warn us when it changes course. Discover in our tour of the Vatican the figures painted on the vault of the Sistine Chapel and learn with our guide about why they are the climax of Renaissance culture. Delve into the dramatic stories of the frescoes of the Last Judgement, painted by Michelangelo 20 years later: Michelangelo’s anguish is evident. With the Vatican palaces looted by enemy troops and the Inquisition around the corner, the Renaissance is at an end.

Visit the Raphael Rooms to understand the splendour of the School of Athens, painted by Raphael in the same years that Michelangelo worked at the Sistine Chapel. Immerse yourself in the life of the papal court he attended and superbly represented. With surprising details, including fabrics, jewelry, vices and unexpected secrets (such as the graffiti left by foreign troops raiding the papal palaces).

Reach the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms after discovering and falling in love with the most beautiful classical works kept in the Vatican Museums, from the Laocoön to the Apollo Belvedere, and having got acquainted with classical art.

Finally reach directly - without any queues - St. Peter's Basilica and visit the most significant work of art. Feel the warm embrace of Michelangelo's Pietà, the most intimate of the Italian Renaissance; and lose yourself between the vertiginous columns of the Canapy by Bernini, placed above the high altar of the church. 

After exploring the Vatican’s treasures, dive deeper into Rome’s history with our Colosseum Private Tour.

You can complete your experience going from sacred art to stunning fountains with our Squares and Fountains Tour.

DISCLAIMER: Large umbrellas and luggage are not recommended, as they must be stored at the entrance of the Vatican Museums, which can take time. Plus, since your Vatican tour ends at St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ll need to walk back to the museums to retrieve them.

NOTE: Under new rules, Colosseum skip the line tickets must have the full name of every visitor.