How do you skip the line at the Vatican Museums?

All our Vatican tours include skip-the-line access for the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Basilica. We use the dedicated group entrance with pre-reserved timed-entry tickets, saving up to 2 hours of waiting in the general access line.

Can you take pictures of the Sistine Chapel?

No, non, ne, nee, absolutely not. And the Sistine Chapel guards are stern, so we don’t recommend trying it. You can take photos (without a flash) elsewhere in the Vatican, but no selfie sticks are allowed inside the Museums.

Can I bring a bag or backpack into the Vatican Museums?

Yes, as long as it’s no larger than 40cm x 35cm x 25cm. You can check larger items into the cloakroom, free of charge. It’s worth bearing in mind that the cloakroom closes at 5pm and is a 20-minute walk from St Peter’s Basilica, where most of our tours end. For afternoon tours, you may need to leave early to get there in time. If it’s closed, you’ll need to come back the next day. What items can I NOT take into the Vatican Museums? You’ll need to check large items into the cloakroom, along with anything that could be used to harm the artwork. That includes: - Knives, scissors, cutting tools, and hammers. (Yes, hammers. Someone once used one to smash Michelangelo's Pietá.) - Medium to large umbrellas, and umbrellas with spiked tips - Signage, unless you’re a certified guide - Walking sticks, unless you need one to get around - Selfie sticks.

Can this tour accommodate wheelchairs?

Unfortunately, this tour isn’t accessible to guests with mobility impairments or using a wheelchair. The Vatican Museums do have elevators, but they’re not along the tour route and only give access to certain parts of the museums. Please talk to our Guest Experience team who’ll be happy to work out alternative options: Email: info@takewalks.com Call: +39 068-596-0143 (Italy) or 888-683-8670 (US) You can take a stroller into the Vatican Museums, but will need to park it outside the Sistine Chapel or St Peter’s Basilica.

Pristine Sistine

Early morning Vatican tour

From $192 $124per person

Destination

Vatican, Italy

Duration

4 hours

Tour size

Max 18

Language

English

Overview

Unlock the rich stories of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Basilica—before the daytime crowds.

•Enter the Vatican Museums in a small group, right as the museum opens to the general public
•Get close to the works and worlds of Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Caravaggio, Van Gogh and more
•Appreciate the masterpieces through the eyes of an art historian and master storyteller
•Take the Pope’s passageway to St Peter’s Basilica and save hours of queueing (closed on Wednesdays)

What's included

Skip-the-line ticket for Vatican Museums
Skip-the-line access to St. Peter’s Basilica*
Full handout for the Sistine Chapel
Headset

You will visit

Vatican Museum
Sistine Chapel
Raphael Rooms (Stanze di Raffaello)
Belvedere Courtyard
Pinecone Courtyard
Octagonal Courtyard

Gallery of the Maps
Gallery of the Tapestries
Gallery of the Candelabra
St Peter's Basilica
St Peter's Square

Get a taste of Pristine Sistine

From $192

$124

per person

Likely to sell out

July 2026

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What to expect

The Vatican Museums: immerse yourself in the masters

Enter the Vatican Museums as they open to the general public. Explore the almost empty museums with an art historian who’s brimming with stories, legends, and fun facts. They’ll bring the art and artists to life as you savor the treasures of the Gallery of Maps, Belvedere Courtyard, and the four Raphael rooms.

The Sistine Chapel: as it meets the new day

First, your guide will illuminate the Chapel’s history, share insights of what to look out for, and give you a detailed handout. And then it’s over to you. Step inside the silent chapel, open your senses, and be captivated by Michelangelo’s ceiling and altarpiece.

“I like to see who can spot where Raphael hid the faces of Da Vinci and Michelangelo, in his frescoes.”

Christina,

WalksDevour art historian

“The tunnel was an emergency escape for popes, but now it’s a shortcut only available to small groups like ours.”

Antonio,

WalksDevour archaeologist

Postcards from Vatican

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Pristine Sistine

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Pristine Sistine

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Pristine Sistine

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Pristine Sistine

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Pristine Sistine

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Pristine Sistine

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Pristine Sistine

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Frequently asked questions

Our guides love answering your questions. Here are some things they’d like you to know before you arrive.

Seize every moment in Rome

$78$59

Overview

Unlock the rich stories of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Basilica—before the daytime crowds.

•Enter the Vatican Museums in a small group, right as the museum opens to the general public

•Get close to the works and worlds of Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Caravaggio, Van Gogh and more

•Appreciate the masterpieces through the eyes of an art historian and master storyteller

•Take the Pope’s passageway to St Peter’s Basilica and save hours of queueing (closed on Wednesdays)

What's included

Skip-the-line ticket for Vatican Museums

Skip-the-line access to St. Peter’s Basilica*

Full handout for the Sistine Chapel

Headset