Rome: Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour with Basilica Entry

With its rich history, stunning art and impressive architecture, Rome is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and the Vatican and Sistine Chapel are some of its most celebrated sites. A visit to this area is a must-do for anyone visiting the Eternal City, as you will get not just to see two of the world’s most iconic monuments but also learn about their histories and explore some of the most important works of art in the world. This article will explore what to expect on a Vatican and Sistine Chapel tour with Basilica entry and provide useful information for planning your visit to these amazing sites.

What You Can Expect on a Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour with Basilica Entry

When you book a Vatican and Sistine Chapel tour with basilica entry, you can expect a full itinerary of experiences and attractions. The tour typically starts off with a guided tour of St Peter’s basilica, one of the world’s largest churches and home to many renowned works of art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà. After the basilica, you will move on to a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, where you can explore an incredible collection of works from the world’s greatest artists.

After exploring the Vatican Museums, you will get to explore the iconic Sistine Chapel, home to one of the world’s most iconic works of art, Michelangelo’s Last Judgment. Here, you will get to admire the incredible frescoes that cover virtually every inch of its walls and ceilings, many of which were painted by some of the world’s most influential artists over three decades. The most famous fresco here is undoubtedly Michelangelo’s Last Judgment, but there are many other works here by other renowned figures such as Botticelli and Ghirlandaio that are certainly worth admiring as well.

As the Sistine Chapel is part of the Vatican, you usually get to choose whether or not you would like to enter it as part of the tour. However, if you opt for a tour that includes entry to the Sistine Chapel, you can expect an even more comprehensive experience. Before entering the chapel, you will get to explore some other famous works in the Vatican Museums, including the famous Hall of Maps and some Renaissance galleries. You will then enter the Sistine Chapel, where a guide will provide an informative and comprehensive overview of its history and artworks so that you can fully appreciate its importance.

What Attractions Are Included In A Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour?

On a typical Vatican and Sistine Chapel tour with basilica entry, you can expect to visit some of Rome’s most iconic sites and explore some of the world’s greatest works of art. The tour typically starts off with a visit to St Peter’s basilica, home to many renowned artworks from Renaissance masterpieces to Baroque sculptures. After this, you will explore the vast collection of works in the Vatican Museums, including not just masterpieces from Italian artists such as Raphael and Michelangelo but also pieces from other great European masters such as Caravaggio and his pupils as well as from the Netherlands and Spain.

After this, you will get to enter the Sistine Chapel and admire its world-famous frescoes. Here, you will get to admire some of the most important works of art in history, including Michelangelo’s renowned Last Judgment. While in here, you can also explore other works such as Botticelli’s Temptations of Christ and Ghirlandaio’s frescoes depicting various scenes from the life of Saint Peter.

What Else Can You Do on a Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour?

Besides exploring the basilica and Sistine Chapel, a Vatican & Sistine Chapel tour typically offers a variety of other activities related to these sites. Many tours include an explanatory introduction to Rome’s ancient pagan religion before entering St Peter’s basilica. Here, your guide will talk about how Christianity was born in Ancient Rome as well as touch on other aspects related to its history. Additionally, many tours provide an opportunity for exploring other areas of Vatican City such as the beautiful gardens, where you can admire not just its architecture but also its flora.

How Long Does A Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour Last?

Most Vatican & Sistine Chapel tours last around 3-4 hours. While on your tour, you will get to enjoy some exclusive access to certain areas and experience an informative guide throughout your visit. The tour can be customized depending on your personal interests; for example, some sites may be excluded if there is not enough time or if you’re interested in exploring other areas more extensively.

What Should I Bring To a Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour?

If you are planning on booking a Vatican & Sistine Chapel tour with basilica entry, then here are some tips on what you should bring with you:

• Comfortable shoes – Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking through large buildings, sometimes over cobblestones.
• Bottles of water – Bring water bottles for yourself and your group for convenience.
• Umbrella – Always bring an umbrella in case it rains.
• Hat – Wear a sun hat during hot days to keep your face protected from direct sunlight.
• Sunscreen – Unlike other monuments in Rome that are more open air, some sites in the Vatican are not open air. Sunscreen is still recommended.
• Camera – Make sure to bring your camera with you so that you can capture the breathtaking beauty of these places.

Which Tour Is Best For Seeing The Vatican & The Sistine Chapel?

For those looking for an immersive experience filled with historical facts as well as incomparable artwork at the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, we highly recommend this VIP guided tour. It lasts 4 hours and provides access to the entire state of the Vatican—including historical sites like St Peter’s basilica and Raphael rooms—and exclusive areas like the tombs underneath them. Going to places not accessible during regular public hours allows participants to learn even more about these places from your certified guide. Furthermore, this exclusive access means you will have more space and time than other crowds tourists. To top it off, upon completion you will receive a certificate of attendance.

At GetYourGuide, we strive to provide travelers with access to unforgettable experiences no matter where they are in the world. With this VIP guided tour, we believe that visitors to Rome have an opportunity to fully explore two of its most impressive sites as they will get access they wouldn’t have otherwise. We hope that this immersive experience will leave visitors with wonderful memories from their time in Rome.

If you’d like to book your own adventure at the Vatican & the Sistine chapel with access to exclusive areas and skip-the-line entry then click here for more information!