Early Access Sistine Chapel Tour with St Peter's Basilica and Vatican Tombs
Coupon
Highlights
Perfect tour for those in Rome for a limited time
Early access Sistine Chapel tickets 1.5 hours before the public
Skip-the-line tickets for St Peter's Basilica
Rare Vatican Necropolis tour
Intimate tour of 20 participants or less
View details
Overview
Rome
2.5 hour(s)
English
Pick-up not available
Not Accessible
What to expect
Enjoy exclusive access on this VIP Vatican tour! Embark on a Sistine Chapel tour before it opens to the public. Then, see bronze statues with skip-the-line St. Peter's Basilica tickets. End the tour at the Vatican Crypts where popes are laid to rest.
Reviews
Good value
2015/06/29
Friends
Sandra
The early hour to meet our guide was a little intimidating for our group upon our first full day in Rome. We needed to negotiate the subway system very early and were a little unsure of how to proceed and how much time ...
moreActivity Provider City Wonders (Europe)
Activity Provider
FAQ
Q. I am taking a Vatican Tour that includes Saint Peter’s Basilica, will we go up the dome?
A. No, but it is possible to climb the Dome on your own if you wish, but you will need to purchase a ticket directly on site.
If you intend to climb the Dome after your tour ends, be sure to book a morning tour (not on a Wednesday) as the Dome access is already closed in the afternoon and the Basilica is often closed on Wednesday mornings.
If you intend to climb the Dome after your tour ends, be sure to book a morning tour (not on a Wednesday) as the Dome access is already closed in the afternoon and the Basilica is often closed on Wednesday mornings.
Q. Can I take photos during my Vatican visit?
A. Non-flash photography is permitted in most areas of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. But, photography of any kind is not allowed inside the Sistine Chapel.
Q. What should I wear on my Vatican visit?
A. Men, women, and children must have their shoulders and knees covered at all times. Low-cut clothing and hats are not allowed.
Q. Can I bring a backpack to the Vatican Museums?
A. Yes, guests can carry bags if they are smaller than 40cm length x 35cm width x 15cm depth. Anything bigger than this, or any umbrellas or camera tripods, must be checked into storage at the beginning of the tour.
Since the tour ends at the other side of the museum, guests who are forced to check bags must leave the tour early to collect them or complete a 20-minute walk back to the entrance after their tour. Those doing the afternoon tour may not be able to retrieve their belongings until the next day. It is recommended that visitors travel light and avoid bringing large baggage.
Since the tour ends at the other side of the museum, guests who are forced to check bags must leave the tour early to collect them or complete a 20-minute walk back to the entrance after their tour. Those doing the afternoon tour may not be able to retrieve their belongings until the next day. It is recommended that visitors travel light and avoid bringing large baggage.
Q. What is the difference between the Scavi and the Necropolis?
A. The Necropolis refers to the crypts beneath St Peter’s Basilica, where most of the late Popes have been buried. The tour visits this site.
The Scavi is where the tomb of St Peter is located. The only way to get in is to contact the Vatican directly through the Vatican Scavi office by emailing scavi@fsp.va to request access.
The Scavi is where the tomb of St Peter is located. The only way to get in is to contact the Vatican directly through the Vatican Scavi office by emailing scavi@fsp.va to request access.
Q. What is the best time to visit the Vatican?
A. If you want to avoid the crowds, go really early or really late. There are tours on VELTRA that provide access to the Sistine Chapel before it opens to the public and to the Vatican Museums after its operating hours.
Q. What is the best day of the week to visit the Vatican?
A. Visit on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday to avoid most of the crowds.
Most of the museums in Rome are closed on Mondays, the Papal Audience is staged every Wednesday, locals are part of the crowds on Saturdays and the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are closed on Sundays.
Most of the museums in Rome are closed on Mondays, the Papal Audience is staged every Wednesday, locals are part of the crowds on Saturdays and the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are closed on Sundays.
Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.
Payment / Cancellation Policy
Payment Methods
- Credit card payment
-
Cancellation Policy
- Any cancellations made after 07:20 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
Operation days
- Everyday
Editor's Picks for Rome
Restrictions
- This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
Required items to bring & attire
- Entrance to the Vatican requires a strict dress code for both men and women. Entry may be denied to improperly dressed participants.
- Walking shoes
- Strollers are not allowed
Other requirements
- Bags and equipment like tripods and umbrellas are not permitted in the Vatican. All baggage must be checked in at the cloakroom at least 15 minutes before the tour begins.
Additional notes
- The Sistine Chapel tour has no bathroom or water break. Please plan accordingly to maximize your time inside.
- Non-flash photography is permitted throughout the tour, except in the Sistine Chapel, where talking and photography are prohibited.
- Guided visits inside St. Peter’s Basilica are not permitted in the early morning due to the mass being held. Instead, the guide will deliver a full commentary at the Basilica porch.
- Saint Peter’s Basilica is subject to last-minute closures for religious ceremonies. When this occurs, there will be an extended tour of the Vatican Museums instead.
The Basilica Crypts are subject to last-minute closures for religious ceremonies. In this case, the guide will inform the tour group of when the crypts will be accessible. - It is not possible to re-enter the Vatican once you leave as the Vatican tickets are single entry only.
- Please note that due to increased security measures, some lines may form on tours with 'Skip-the-Line' access.
Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
- You can book a maximum of 20.
Early Access Sistine Chapel Tour with St Peter's Basilica and Vatican Tombs
Enjoy exclusive access on this VIP Vatican tour! Embark on a Sistine Chapel tour before it opens to the public. Then, see bronze statues with skip-the-line St. Peter's Basilica tickets. End the tour at the Vatican Crypts where popes are laid to rest.